City Council

110 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION December 18, 2017 2:00p.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, December 18, 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 Vice- Mayor Anita J. Price, 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 David B. Trinkle, William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra, John A. Garland, and Vice-Mayor Anita J. Price-5. ABSENT: Council Member Raphael E. Ferris and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-2. (2:00 p.m. Session only) The Vice-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 Jesse L. Bass, Pastor, New Covenant Assembly of God. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Vice-Mayor Price. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: BLACK VETERANS SOCIETY OF VIRGINIA: Recognition of the United Black Veterans Society of Virginia (UBVS of VA) for their meritorious and honorable military service. Following comments by Members of Council, Vice-Mayor Price presented letters from the Office of the Mayor to James Clinton Hurt, Sr., and Maurice Elliott Bingham, along with City gifts. (See copy of letters on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  111 SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS FROM VIRGINIA ENERGY EFFICIENCY COUNCIL: Recognition of the Department of General Services on receiving two sustainability awards from the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council and the United States Department of Energy SunShot Initiative. Vice-Mayor Price presented the sustainability awards to Michael Shockley, Director of General Services and Sustainability; and Nell Boyle, Sustainability Outreach Coordinator. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATIERS: The Vice-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. HOUSING: Martin D. Jeffrey, 421 Fairfax Street, N. W., appeared before the Council to request an investigation of the status of an alleged agreement regarding properties behind the Wometco Bottling Company being reserved for lower-income single-family housing. MISCELLANEOUS: Robert Gravely, 3360 Hershberger Road, N. W., appeared before the Council to remind all that the Government is required to support its citizens. Mr. Gravely was advised that the Administration has responded to previous remarks regarding activities and programs supported by the City of Roanoke in an effort to address poverty. The Administration was instructed to ensure that Mr. Gravely received a copy of the communication. DOWNTOWN ROANOKE: Dr. M. Rupert Cutler, 204 South Jefferson Street, Suite 4, S. W., appeared before the Council to comment on the Downtown Roanoke 2017 Plan. (See copy of remarks on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 112 CONSENT AGENDA The Vice-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. She called attention to a request of the City Manager that Council convene in Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of publicly-owned property located at 13 Church Avenue, S. E., where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Monday, December 4, 2017, was before the body. (For full text, see Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Dykstra 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 Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice-Mayor Price-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.) DISPOSITION OF PUBLICLY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 13 CHURCH AVENUE, S. E.: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of publicly-owned property located at 13 Church Avenue, S. E., where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  113 Council Member Dykstra moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES : Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice-Mayor Price-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.) CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR BUDGET DEVELOPMENT: A communication from the City Manager recommending adoption of the Calendar of Events for Budget Development Activities for Fiscal Year 2018 - 2019, was before the Council. (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 Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: A YES : Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice-Mayor Price-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.) ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS SUPPORTED BY THE CITY OF ROANOKE IN AN EFFORT TO ADDRESS POVERTY: A communication from the Assistant City Manager for Operations in response to a request from a citizen with regard to the activities and programs supported by the City of Roanoke in an effort to address poverty, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 114 Council Member Dykstra moved that the communication be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice-Mayor Price-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.) AUDIT COMMITTEE MINUTES: Minutes of the Audit Committee held on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, was before the Council. (See minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Dykstra moved that the Minutes be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice-Mayor Price-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.) OATHS OF OFFICE-ROANOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD: Report of qualification of Jeanne Bollendorf as a member of the Roanoke Public Library Board for a three-year term of office ending June 30, 2018, was before the Council. (See Oath or Affirmation of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Dykstra moved that the report of qualification be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice-Mayor Price-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.)  115 REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NAMING OF THE TENNIS COURT AT RIVER'S EDGE: John P. Fishwick appeared before the Council to request that the tennis court at River's Edge be renamed to honor local tennis great Carnis Poindexter. (See presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) He shared information about the local tennis player, advising that Mr. Poindexter was a tennis trail blazer in the City of Roanoke and the first African American to enter and win the Roanoke City County tennis tournament in 1964; and presented a vast amount of information on Mr. Poindexter and his contributions to the City of Roanoke. In closing, Mr. Fishwick urged the Council to authorize a meeting with the City Manager to strategize a proposal to present to Council in the near future; and he suggested that the City host a public ceremony to dedicate the tennis court to Mr. Poindexter. Following remarks by the Council, the matter was referred to the City Manager for review, response and report back to the Council. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: ROANOKE CENTRE FOR INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending Appropriation of funds for construction of sign addition at the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 116 Council Member Trinkle offered the following budget ordinance: (#41017-121817) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding for the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology sign addition 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 410.) Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41017- 121817. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice-Mayor Price-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.) HUD'S OFFICE OF LEAD HAZARD CONTROL AND HEALTHY HOME'S FY 2017 GRANT AWARD: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of HUD's Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Home's FY 2017 grant award. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Dykstra offered the following resolution: (#41018-121817) A RESOLUTION accepting a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to the City, and authorizing execution of any required documents on behalf of the City in connection with such grant, under certain conditions. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 411.)  117 Council Member Dykstra moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41018-121817. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES : Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice-Mayor Price-S. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded .) Council Member Dykstra offered the following budget ordinance: (#41019-121817) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Lead Hazard Control Grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 Capital Projects 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 412.) Council Member Dykstra moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41019-121817. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice-Mayor Price-S. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.) COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY FUND PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT: The City Manager submitted an additional communication recommending execution of a Commonwealth of Virginia Development Opportunity Fund Performance Agreement among the City of Roanoke, Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, Virginia, and PowerSchool Group, LLC, for improvement and equipping of offices located at 110 Franklin Road, S. E. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 118 Council Member Trinkle offered the following ordinance: (#41020-121817) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the proper City officials to execute a Commonwealth's Development Opportunity Fund Performance Agreement (the "Performance Agreement") among the City of Roanoke, Virginia (the "City"), the Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, Virginia (the "EDA''), and PowerSchool Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, authorized to transact business in the Commonwealth of Virginia ("PowerSchool"), that provides for a grant in the amount of $250,000 subject to certain undertakings and obligations by the parties in connection with making capital investments consisting of building up-fit and tenant improvements to existing offices located at 110 Franklin Road, S. E., Roanoke, Virginia (the "Facility"); authorizing the City Manager to accept the COF Grant, defined below, and to take such actions and execute such documents as may be necessary to provide for the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the Performance Agreement; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 413.) Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41020-121817. The motion was seconded by Council Member Garland. Council Member Bestpitch elaborated on the significance of this investment to the City of Roanoke, especially in light of the fact that PowerSchool Group, LLC, is a local company based in Roanoke who choose to continue enjoying Roanoke's quality of life and is among three other companies who have made economic development announcements to invest nearly $23.5 million in our city and approximately 250 additional jobs with wages above the median income for the city. He commended Wayne Bowers, Director of Economic Development, and staff for the great work done to attract businesses to the city and their work with Beth Doughty, Executive Director, Roanoke Regional Partnership and team for bringing these opportunities to the city. Council Member Bestpitch stated it was important for the city's young adults to recognize the employment opportunities that will become available in the near future and for them to pursue the correct training and education to acquire these specific jobs. He thanked Wayne Bowers for all he had done during his tenure with the City of Roanoke and expressed well wishes on his upcoming retirement.  119 Following sentiments by Council Member Dykstra, Ordinance No. 41020-121817 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice-Mayor Price-5 . NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.) Council Member Trinkle offered the following budget ordinance: (#41021-121817) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority for a Development Opportunity Fund Grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 Capital Projects 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 415.) Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41021-121817. The motion was seconded by Council Member Garland and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice-Mayor Price-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.) COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER. The City Manager shared the following comments: City Notifies Property Owners about Solid Waste Collection Fee • This weekend, those who own property in the City of Roanoke received information in the mail explaining the new Solid Waste Collection Fee. • The information included a sample bill and a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the fee. • It also explained that the first billing will be in January for half of the yearly fee. It will be mailed to property owners on a separate bill and will have a due date of February 15, 2018. 120 • Thereafter, the Solid Waste Collection fee will be included as a separate item on the real estate tax bills property owners receive in the fall and spring of each year, or - for property owners whose real estate taxes are paid through their mortgage escrow - they will likely see a subsequent adjustment in their escrow payments to offset the Solid Waste Collection fee. • The city has already received a few citizen inquiries regarding eligibility requirements for the elderly and disabled tax free. This information is available through the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue, at 853-2523 or online at www.roanokeva.gov/revenue, on the left side of the page click on Real Estate. 220 Off-Ramp to Downtown at Franklin Road Will Re-Open • Work to construct new bridge foundations for the Franklin Road Bridge Replacement project is near completion . • As a result, the northbound 220 off-ramp to downtown at Franklin Road is scheduled to re-open for the Friday morning commute on December 22. • The construction project began in January 2017 and remains scheduled for completion in late 2018. City Closings for the Upcoming Holidays • Offices will be closed on Monday, December 25 for the Christmas Holiday, and on Monday, January 1 for the New Year's holiday. • As a result of these closings, the City's Solid Waste Collection schedule will be delayed one day throughout the Christmas and New Year's weeks: • Monday trash, brush, bulk, and recycling will be collected on Tuesday • Tuesday trash, brush, bulk, and recycling will be collected on Wednesday • Wednesday trash, brush, bulk, and recycling will be collected on Thursday • Thursday trash, brush, bulk, and recycling will be collected on Friday Christmas week will be "A" Week recycling; New Year's week will be "B" week recycling. Snow Season Approaches • In anticipation of the cold weather season, citizens recently received copies of the City's Snow Removal Information brochure in the mail. The publication includes: • a list of communication tools for citizens to access during snow events • an explanation of the city's process for snow removal • phone numbers for reporting power outages, problems with water mains Citizens are reminded that during a winter weather event, calls or texts to 911 should be reserved for medical, fire, or police emergencies only.  REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 121 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 Garland offered the following budget ordinance: (#41 022-121817) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from Federal grants 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 418.) Council Member Garland moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41022-121817. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES : Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra , Garland, and Vice-Mayor Price-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.) UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: 122 AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES: Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution endorsing the principles and objectives of Age Friendly Communities in creating, promoting and sustaining livable communities for people of all ages: (#41023-121817) A RESOLUTION endorsing the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities and the World Health Organization Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities; authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute an application to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities and the World Health Organization Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities; and authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to take such other actions and execute such other documents in support of this application. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 418.) Following brief remarks by Council Member Trinkle that AARP was a well- organized entity that represents all the stakeholders that clearly have a desire to improve aging in Roanoke, engagement of senior citizens, improve access and mental health and increase longevity rates as well as change the institute ratings of Roanoke; adding that the City of Roanoke was the first in the area to execute the program and he looked forward to working with AARP in the future. Council Member Bestpitch inquired as to whether a Council member being an AARP member created a conflict of interest in connection with the adoption of the resolution. The City Attorney noted he would research the inquiry and respond back to the Council. There being no additional questions and/or remarks by the Council Members, Resolution No. 41023-121817 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice-Mayor Price-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.) MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE VICE-MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL:  123 GIRL SCOUTS: Recognition of the Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council at a future Council meeting. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: NONE. At 3:30p.m., the Vice-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 4:08 p.m., the Council meeting was reconvened in the Council Chamber, Vice-Mayor Price presiding, and all Members of the Council in attendance, with the exception of Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea. CITY COUNCIL: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Council Member Garland 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 Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice-Mayor Price-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.) At 4:09p.m., the Vice-Mayor declared the Council meeting in recess until 7:00 p.m. At 7:00p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, with Vice-Mayor Price presiding. PRESENT: Council Members William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland, Anita J. Price and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. (arrived late)-6. ABSENT: Council Member David B. Trinkle-1. The Vice-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. 124 The Invocation was delivered by Council Member William D. Bestpitch. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Vice-Mayor Price. At this point, Mayor Lea entered the meeting and the Vice-Mayor relinquished the Chair (7:03p.m.). PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: FIRST RESPONDERS: The Mayor recognized Roanoke City First Responders for their recent service associated with civil unrest and natural disasters in Charlottesville, Texas (Hurricane Harvey), and Florida (Hurricane Erma). PUBLIC HEARINGS: ZONING: Pursuant to Resolution No. 25523 adopted by the Council on Monday, April 6, 1981, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, December 18, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the request of Star City Lodging, LLC, to rezone property located at 536 Orange Avenue, N. E., 0 Orange Avenue, N. E, 0 Williamson Road, N. E., 0 Short Street, N.W., 0 Louisiana Avenue, N. E., 0 Louisiana Avenue, N. E., 0 Louisiana Avenue, N. E., 0 Louisiana Avenue, N. E., designated as Official Tax Parcel Nos. 3020203, 3020207, 3020209, 3070909, 3041712 - 3041714, respectively, and 3042223, from Commercial General District to Mixed Use Planned Unit Development, subject to development in substantial conformity with a MXPUD development plan revision dated November 16, 2017, and Commercial General District, subject to conditions restricting vehicular access to existing access points and requiring cross access and parking agreements for the subject zoning parcel, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, and Tuesday, December 5, 2017. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  125 The City 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 Area Plan, and Zoning Ordinance as the property will be redeveloped for an active 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: (#41024-121817) AN ORDINANCE to rezone certain property located at 536 Orange Avenue, N. E., 0 (zero) Orange Avenue, N. E., 0 (zero) Williamson Road, N. E., 0 (zero) Short Street, N. W., and 0 (zero) Louisiana Avenue, N. E., from CG, Commercial- General District, to MXPUD, Mixed Use Planned Unit Development District, subject to a certain condition, and CG, Commercial General District, subject to certain conditions, all of such 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 419.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41024-121817. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price. Ben Crew, an associate, Balzer and Associates, appeared before the Council in support of the petitioner. 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 questions and/or comments by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 41024-121817 was 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.) At this point, Council Member Dykstra left the meeting due to having a personal conflict of interest regarding the following public hearing matter (7:25p.m.). 126 ZONING: Pursuant to Resolution No. 25523 adopted by the Council on Monday, April 6, 1981, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, December 18, 2017, at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the request of the City of Roanoke to vacate a portion of Villa Heights Park and to release the public's right to use a portion of Villa Heights Park, such portion being the entirety of real property owned by the City of Roanoke located at 2750 Hoover Street, N. W., and designated as Official Tax Map No. 2430601, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Tuesday, November 28, 2017; and Tuesday, December 5, 2017; and in the Roanoke Tribune on Thursday, December 14, 2017. (See publishers' affidavits on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Planning Commission submitted a written report recommending approval of the rezoning request, finding that the application for vacation of and release of the public's right to use a portion of Villa Heights Park, such portion being the entirety of real property owned by the City of Roanoke located at 2750 Hoover Street, N. W., and designated as Official Tax Map No. 2430601, is a reasonable request. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following ordinance: (#41025-121817) AN ORDINANCE vacating a portion of Villa Heights Park as a public park for recreational and open space uses and releasing the public's right to use a portion of Villa Heights Park; authorizing the City Manager to execute documents and to take any and all actions necessary to effect City Council's intent as evidenced by the adoption of this Ordinance; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 421.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41025-121817. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price. The Mayor pointed out that Council Member Dykstra acknowledged a personal conflict of interest at a previous Council Meeting and therefore was out of the Council Chamber.  127 The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter. Martin Jeffrey, 421 Fairfax Avenue, N. W., appeared before the Council to inquire about the purchase of the Villa Heights Park property and expressed concern about minimizing public space in favor of development or private interest to the neighborhoods. He insinuated that at least one northwest based proposal was sent to the City; and noted concern as to the handling of the matter. In a response to an inquiry as to the purchaser of the property and use, the City Manager acknowledged that the purchaser was Restoration Housing; and R. Brian Townsend, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, pointed out that Restoration Housing intent is to acquire and fully renovate the property, and thereafter, lease the property to the Boys and Girls Club for use as an additional satellite facility similar to its 9th Street, S.E. business. For background purposes, Mr. Townsend elaborated further regarding the City's exhaustive efforts to sell the property. There being no additional speakers, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed. There being no additional comments by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 41025-121817 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland, Price and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent; and Council Member Dykstra abstained from voting.) At this point, Council Member Dykstra reentered the meeting (7:39p.m.). NEW DOWNTOWN PLAN 2017: Pursuant to Resolution No. 25523 adopted by the Council on Monday, April 6, 1981, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, December 18, 2017, at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on a request of the City of Roanoke to consider an amendment to Vision 2001- 2020, the City's Comprehensive Plan, to replace the Outlook Roanoke Update adopted in 2002 with the new Downtown Plan 2017, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Tuesday, November 28, 2017; and Tuesday, December 5, 2017. (See publishers' affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 128 The City Planning Commission submitted a written report recommending an amendment to Vision 2001-2020, the City's Comprehensive Plan, to replace the Outlook Roanoke Update adopted in 2002 with the new Downtown Roanoke 2017 plan dated December 18, 2017. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following ordinance: (#41026-121817) AN ORDINANCE approving the Downtown Roanoke 2017 Plan; replacing the Outlook Roanoke Update; and amending Vision 2001-2020, the City's Comprehensive Plan, to include such Downtown Roanoke 2017 Plan; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 423.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41026-121817. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch. Wayne Leftwich, Senior Planner, presented an overview of the replacement of the Outlook Roanoke Update adopted in 2002 with the new Downtown Plan 2017 and pointed out that the process began in 2013. He thanked the City Planning Commission for their time, effort, comments as well as the public and the stakeholders involved with the Plan; and noted upon approval, the graphics and a web based plan would be finalized. (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter; whereupon, the following individuals spoke with regard to the matter. Martin Jeffrey, 421 Fairfax Avenue, N. W., appeared before the Council and expressed concern regarding the lack of City support in the northwest quadrant, additional minority homeownership in the Gainsboro neighborhood, alleged impact of the Plan in the area, the inconvenience of parking garages, and use of credit cards for on-street parking meters.  129 D. Frederick Gusler, Director of Redevelopment and Revitalization, Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, appeared before the Council and advised that the Housing Authority was looking at the downtown area for some form of affordable or workforce housing in the future, adding it was not the Housing Authority's intent to build large public housing developments, but to disburse public and affordable housing throughout areas of the City where under representation exists and where poverty can be deconcentrated. He also commented that it was not necessary to keep the South Jefferson Plan since it now has its own development area and redevelopment plan and was no longer part of downtown Roanoke. There being no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed. Council Member Bestpitch commented on the Plan, and called attention to the following typographical and grammatical errors, and concluded he hoped minority businesses would take advantage of some of the properties and opportunities that exist within the City: On page 17 and the matrix on page 54, change "Virginia Blue Ridge" to "Virginia's Blue Ridge"; On page 17, change "complimented" in line 4 to "complemented"; On page 40, change the reference of Elmwood Park at Franklin Road and Elm Avenue" to "Jefferson Street and Elm Avenue'; On page 45, change "Neighborhood's Connections" to "Neighborhoods' Connections"; and On page 45, change the reference to testing of parking meters to "testing has been completed and meters have been installed in three sections of the downtown" Council Member Garland commented on the new Plan and agreed with Council Member Bestpitch that a taskforce be developed with the appropriate stakeholders in Gainsboro and other adjoining neighborhood groups, to discuss matters of mutual interest in the Gainsboro area. Following comments by the Council, Council Member Bestpitch moved that Ordinance No. 41026-121817 be amended to reflect the abovementioned errors. 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.) 130 REALIGNING THE BOUNDARIES OF VOTER PRECINCTS AND REDUCING THE NUMBER OF VOTER PRECINCTS WITHIN THE CITY: Pursuant to instructions by the Council, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, December 18, 2017, at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, to consider adopting an ordinance realigning the boundaries of voter precincts and reducing the number of voter precincts within the City, as authorized by the provisions of Section 24.2-306, Code of Virginia ( 1950 ), as amended, to reduce the number of voter precincts within the City of Roanoke, Virginia, from (a) 21 voter precincts and 1 central absentee voter precinct located at the office of the General Registrar, 317 Kimball Avenue, N. E., to (b) 20 voter precincts and 1 central absentee voter precinct located at the Office of the General Registrar, 317 Kimball Avenue, N. E., effective December 31, 2017, the mater was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Monday, December 4, 2017; and Monday, December 11, 2017; and in the Roanoke Tribune on Thursday, December 14, 2017. (See publishers' affidavits on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending consideration of a proposed ordinance to implement the proposed realignment of the current voter precincts of 21 local voter precincts and one central absentee voter precinct at the Office of the General Registrar to 20 local voter precincts and one central absentee voter precinct at the Office of the General Registrar. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#41027-121817) AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining Section 10-35, Voter Precinct No. 10, Old Southwest-Wasena Precinct- Boundaries; Section 10-37, Voter Precinct No. 11. Raleigh Court Precinct - Boundaries; and Section 10-49, Voter Precinct No. 17, Lee-Hi Precinct - Boundaries; of Article II, Election Districts; Voting Precincts and Places, Chapter 10, Elections, of the Code of the City of Roanoke (1 979) as amended; repealing Section 10-51, Voter Precinct No. 18. Virginia Heights Norwich Precinct- Boundaries; and Section 10-52, Same- Polling Place; of Article II, Election Districts; Voting Precincts and Places, Chapter 10, Elections, of the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979) as amended; amending and reordaining Section 10-53, Voter Precinct  131 No. 19, Summit Hills Precinct - Boundaries; Section 10-54, Same - Polling Place; Section 10-55, Voter Precinct No. 20, Forest Park Precinct - Boundaries; Section 10-56, Same - Polling Place; Section 10-57, Voter Precinct No. 21, Eureka Park Precinct - Boundaries; Section 10-58, Same - Polling Place; and Section 10-59, Voter Precinct Map; of Article II, Election Districts; Voting Precincts and Places, Chapter 10, Elections, of the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979) as amended; 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 424.) Andrew Cochran, General Registrar, appeared before the Council in support of the proposed ordinance, adding this was an opportunity to fix the alignment by making it easier for people to vote. The City Attorney offered a brief overview/background for the adoption of the proposed measure as abovementioned. The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter; whereupon, the following individuals spoke with regard to the matter. Peggy Blankenship, 2316 Russell Avenue, S. W. , representing the Norwich neighborhood, appeared before the Council to request that the residence in the Norwich neighborhood be allowed to vote in Precinct 11 (Raleigh Court) or Precinct 17 (Lee-Hi), which would be a shorter distance than Precinct 10 (Old Southwest-Wasena), being the proposed precinct located at Highland Park School. Mr. Callaghan pointed out that Ms. Blankenship's request would be a substantive change which would require an additional public hearing and would not be effective until December 31, 2018. He suggested that the Council adopt the proposed measure that would take effect on December 31, 2017; and thereafter consider Ms. Blankenship's request in 2018. Martin Jeffrey, 421 Fairfax Avenue, N. W., appeared before the Council and expressed concern regarding the impact of the removal of the Ruffner precinct and requested an impact analysis as to how said change has impacted voters. Brenda Hale, President of the Roanoke Branch NAACP, appeared before the Council in support of the ordinance and added it was paramount that members and other citizens of the community are registered and encouraged to vote. In closing, she thanked Council Member Bestpitch for speaking on a recent radio show and conveying pertinent information to the larger audience; and to Mr. Cochran for listening to the citizens and arriving at a viable plan. 132 Barbara Evans, 1710 Memorial Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council as a Roanoke Neighborhood Advocate representative to the Norwich neighborhood. She urged Council to revisit the issue of relocating the voting precinct for the Norwich neighborhood next year. There being no further speakers, Mayor Lea declared the public hearing closed. Following extensive discussion of a realignment of certain voter precincts within the City, Ordinance No. 41027-121817, 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.) (Pursuant to Paragraph 4 of Ordinance No. 41027-121817, the Voter Precinct Map shall be recorded in the official minutes of City Council.)  ROANO·KE VOTER PRECINCTS Engineering Plan #6754 December 31 , 2017 N W~E -,- •' Miles ·-' . . 2 0 ~% 1 1% 134 HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: The Mayor advised that City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard; and that all matters would be referred to the City Manager for response , recommendation or report to Council, as he may deem appropriate. RECENT SHOOTINGS IN THE CITY: Jordan Bell appeared before the Council to discuss recent shootings in the City and to offer his assistance to help reduce the number of homicides in the upcoming year. Mr. Bell was encouraged to become involved in community initiatives and by volunteering in the Roanoke City Schools as a mentor to 3rd grade students. CITY COUNCIL INFORMAL SESSION: Mayor Lea wished everyone a very happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year and reminded everyone that the Roanoke City Council Informal Session commences on January 2, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., instead of 9:00a.m. There being no further business, Mayor Lea declared the regular meeting adjourned at 9:48 p.m . APPROVED ' \'('f).~~Jj_) ~~t~ Stephanie M. Moon Reynold~C Sherman P. Lea, Sr. City Clerk Mayor