City Council

225 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION March 5, 2018 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, March 5, 2018, 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 David B. Trinkle (arrived late), William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. ABSENT: Vice-Mayor Anita J. Price-1. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; Cecelia F. McCoy, Deputy City Clerk; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. ITEMS FOR ACTION: VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: 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.) 226 Council Member Dykstra 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 Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Vice-Mayor Price was absent and Council Member Trinkle was not present when vote was recorded.) At this point, Council Member Trinkle entered the meeting (9:04a.m.). ITEMS LISTED ON THE 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL DOCKET REQUIRING DISCUSSION/CLARIFICATION AND ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE 2:00P.M. AGENDA: NONE. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: NONE. BRIEFINGS: Davenport & Company LLC - Introduction and Recommendations - David P. Rose, Senior Vice-President, Engagement Oversight, and Joseph D. Mason, Senior Vice-President, Senior Day-to-Day Contact, gave an update focusing on options associated with capital funding, financial policies, and suggested changes in the City's ability to shore up and improve its credit rating relative to borrowing money. The following was highlighted: • About Davenport & Company LLC • AnanciaiAd~sorTeam • Goals and Objectives • Fresh Approach to Capital Funding • Existing CIP Approach -Total Tax Supported • CIP Just In Time Funding- Total Tax Supported • Total Estimated Debt Service and Present Value • Key Debt Ratios o Debt Service vs. Expenditures o Key Debt Ratios- Debt vs. Assessed Value o Principal Payout Ratio • Recommended Next Steps • Discussion of Financial Policy Guidelines o Fund Balance/Reserves  227 • Roanoke's Financial Policies • Summary Observations from a Rating Perspective • Peer Group Overview • Strategies to Maintain, if Not Enhance Credit Standing • Potential Reserve Policy Revisions • Discussion (See copy of full presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Mr. Rose discussed approaches to capital funding that allow the City to maximize capital plan execution with limited resources in order to work the City's draft Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for 2018, totaling $173 million, with a minimal impact on the General Fund cash flow; provide an assessment of the City's financial strategies/policies and share potential alternatives to improve status; and discuss strategies that will maintain, if not enhance the City's solid credit standing. Mr. Mason shared the City's current approach to capital funding limits financial flexibility that exacerbates already strained General Fund budgetary cash flows. He mentioned a strategy that better matched timing/methods of funding with actual project cash flow needs that used interim funding, such as a line of credit or bond from which the City could draw funds, as needed, with periodic long-term fixed rate takeout financing. Following extensive dialogue, Mr. Mason recommended a follow-up meeting with City Council, City Manager, Director of Finance, and Administration staff regarding timing of existing and planned Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) as it related to actual expenditures by year to get a better handle on overall capital funding cash flows. He suggested approach and financial policy guideline amendments and refining financing timetables for late winter or spring. While unassigned reserves have remained stable, Mr. Mason pointed out that they were well below medians and did not provide a sufficient financial cushion, particularly in light of another recession. He added that reserve levels become even more important in a tight budget environment as rating agencies like to feel comfortable that reserves will remain healthy; and any declines in fund balance could result in negative credit pressure due to the already large variance with current medians. With regard to the City's credit rating, Mr. Mason said the City's ratings were solid and in line with peer localities and Davenport & Company was attempting to set the City up in an even better position to achieve the highest rating possible. 228 In response to an inquiry from Council Member Dykstra as to the Unassigned General Fund Reserves maintained at or above a target level equal to 10 percent of General Fund expenditures, the Assistant City Manager for Operations replied initially the policy was established by a former City Council in 2008 or 2009 following a visit to New York, whereby Moody's Investors Service took the City to task, which resulted in a reexamination of policies. Council Member Ferris commented that the 10 percent non-allocated funds were similar to a savings account; whereupon, the City Manager interjected that it was more specifically a crisis account to demonstrate to creditors that the City was creditworthy and in the event of an absolute catastrophe, funds would be available. Following additional inquiries and comments by the Council, Mayor Lea stated that the presentation would be received and filed. FY 2019 Budget/Financial Planning Work Session Amelia C. Merchant, Director of Finance, briefed the Council on the development of the FY 2018- 2019 budget process. (See presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) . _ Ms. Merchant highlighted the following: • Capital Planning • FY 2018 Update The Director of Finance advised that the current FY 2018 - 2022 Capital Debt Issuance Plan totaled $143.1 million and $250,000.00 in multiple years needed to be added across the Capital Improvement Plan to afford the items currently included the plan. In terms of the FY 2019 - 2023 Capital Improvement Program, she further advised that a total of $41 .1 million in planned debt issuance based on projects had been added including fleet capital replacements, support for the radio replacement program, public works service center, and support of capital growth and maintenance. She pointed out that to add each of the new projects and continue all of the existing projects in FY 2023, an average of $266,000.00, would have to be added to the debt service availability each fiscal year in order to provide the debt service required for the CIP. Ms. Merchant reviewed the FY 2019 CIP projects noting that the first project was the Roanoke City Public Schools for $12.7 million that would support the Fallon Park replacement, renovation and expansion needs; the Library Master Plan to support the Gainsboro Library refurbishing and the E-Branch in south Roanoke; the Parks and  229 Recreation Master Plan at $2.5 million to fulfill the plan; the Civic Center at $1.5 million to support coliseum renovations, performing arts theater replacements and cooling tower upgrades; stormwater at $2 million to support neighborhood improvement projects; and streetscapes at $500,000.00 for improvement projects to be identified. Council Member Bestpitch inquired if the school division had additional projects lined up through FY 2023; whereupon, Kathleen Jackson, Chief Financial Officer, Roanoke City Public Schools replied that in terms of need Morningside Elementary was at the top of the priority list and still housed old modular units which needed to be removed for an expansion. She added that enrollment numbers increased at Preston Park Elementary so the school division reserved the right to adjust the priority list and address the needs at that school due to the growing population. Following additional discussion with regard to the FY 2019 CIP projects, Ms. Merchant continued with the presentation transitioning to the actual budget proposal. • FY 2019 Operating Budget Development Update Ms. Merchant explained that through January FY 2018 revenues had increased $4.8 million or 4.2 percent compared to the same period in FY 2017, due to several local taxes such as real estate, district, sales, business license, transient occupancy and meals taxes and all were performing ahead of FY 2017. She highlighted the progress of the local taxes noting that FY 2018 sales tax revenue increased 7.2 percent over the same period in FY 2017, and 7.1 percent ahead of the year to date budget; meals tax revenue increased 3.2 percent over FY 2017, and 2.1 percent ahead of the year to date budget; lodging tax revenue increased 15.0 percent over FY 2017, and 16.5 percent ahead of the year to date budget; for a total local tax revenue increase of 3.7 percent over FY 2017, and 1.9 percent ahead of the year to date budget. She also added that some taxes were not performing as well as should be such as the personal property and prepared food and beverage taxes. Ms. Merchant also mentioned that the following expenditure categories were monitored closely for variations-personnel lapse, worker compensation, public safety overtime, Children's Services Act, residential juvenile detention, solid waste tipping fees and fleet parts. In terms of the follow up items previously discussed with City Council, Ms. Merchant indicated that staff was recommending moving forward with reinstatement in FY 2019 of alley maintenance at $41 ,604.00, sidewalk repair and maintenance at $20,000.00 and the arts endowment at $62,500.00. 230 Council Member Dykstra clarified that by reinstating the $62,500.00 to the arts endowment it would ensure that they would receive funding in the requested amount of $125,000.00; whereupon, Ms. Merchant replied in the affirmative. In response to an inquiry from the Mayor with regard to a City employee parking discount, the Assistant City Manager for Community Development replied that employee parking has been an ongoing issue which involves available capacity in the City-owned garages surrounding the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building and possibly cost sharing if City employees were offered a discount to park in a City-owned garage because the Parking Fund was not structured to cover parking for City employees in the downtown system; and therefore, another funding source would have to be established, essentially the City would have to terminate funding of another item in order to fund the revenue for those employees parking in the City parking system. • Price of Government Ms. Merchant continued the presentation, pointing out that the revenue projection for fiscal 2019 had been updated with January projection amounts and there had been an increase of 2.18 percent or approximately $720,000.00 since the February briefing. She noted that the numbers would be refined and updated again prior to the April 2 briefing. • Proposed Fee Adjustments Ms. Merchant reviewed the current EMS service fees and presented an increase of 10 percent for FY 2018 - 2019 fees because information indicated that insurance companies were willing to pay upwards of 2 to 2.5 percent above the Medicaid allowed rate. In response to an inquiry as to the approved reimbursement rate, Ms. Merchant replied that it was approximately $356.00 for basic life support, $422.00 for advanced life support (level one), $612.00 for advanced life support (level two) and $7.23 for the mileage rate. Council Member Garland commented that in years past the logic was to stay at the reimbursement level and suggested the addition of a column displaying the tolerable upper end of the reimbursement to compare to the current charges. He further commented that most of the non-payments come from people that do not have insurance and the City should get the collection at the highest reimbursement rate possible. Council Member Bestpitch inquired as to the definition of the response and evaluation fee; whereupon, Evelyn Powers, City Treasurer advised that the City now used a company called Digitech for billing and after the second invoice if people could  231 not pay they allowed them an opportunity to pay in installments. She added that collections had increased tremendously as well as communication with the citizens using the services. The Director of Finance added that the response and evaluation fee was for instances in which an ambulance responded to a call and evaluated the patient, but did not transport the patient. Following additional dialogue with regard to the EMS fees, Ms. Merchant advised that staff would review the matter and provide modeling and offer that incremental rate and revenue. • The Review Process and Balancing Summary Ms. Merchant advised that $10.3 million in supplemental requests still remained to be reviewed and vetted, resulting in a total request of about $290 million which leaves a variance of $1.3 million. She pointed out that there were several items in consideration not included in the $1.3 million such as funding for reserves beyond what was currently slated, worker's compensation increase, continuation of revenue downturn, fleet capital beyond the $3 million currently included, compensation increase beyond the two percent currently included, and capital building maintenance at $750,000.00. In response to an inquiry from Council Member Garland with regard to how the supplemental requests were generated, the City Manager explained that the Department Directors were relied on to make the initial proposals, but if there was an item not requested, but needed, management could add supplementary requests moving forward. Following further dialogue regarding the supplemental request and budget process, Council Member Dykstra referenced an article in the "Virginia Town and City" magazine, which quoted the Director of Finance saying that Council deals with the policy matters of the budget. She further commented that the perspective of policy and express to the administration the items they feel passionate about funding was the most important thing the Council could do and not in the purview to be immediately reactive to individual needs, but to set long-term vision and policy for the overall wellbeing of the City. (See copy of article on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch commented that when it comes to priorities Council must focus on the things that the citizens would expect above everything else. 232 Ms. Merchant concluded the presentation by reviewing the next steps noting that the briefing on April 2 would include follow up information, a balancing update and an update on the financial policies. Mayor Lea thanked the City Manager and Director of Finance for the informative presentation and advised that the budget briefing would be received and filed. At 12:03 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; and thereafter to be reconvened at 2:00p.m., in the Council Chamber. At 2:00 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea presiding. PRESENT: Council Members David B. Trinkle (arrived late), William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. ABSENT: Vice-Mayor Anita J. Price-1. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. - Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Jamaal Jackson, Pastor, Refresh Roanoke. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Lea. At this point, Council Member Trinkle entered the meeting (2:03p.m.). PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: RECOGNITION OF STUDENTS FROM BOSTON UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS: Mayor Lea recognized students from Boston University hosted by the Roanoke Valley Chapter of Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway; and College of the Holy Cross, hosted by Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church. Following accolades by the Council, the Mayor presented Certificates of Achievement to the students from Boston University and College of the Holy Cross. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS:  233 PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES: Zoe Hewitt-Stinnett, 3351 Peters Creek Road, N. W., Apartment 208, appeared before the Council requesting an increase in salary for public safety employees due to the service offered to the public. LACK OF CITY SERVICES: Robert Gravely, 3360 Hershberger Road, N. W., appeared before the Council to reiterate the lack of services offered to the citizens of the Roanoke. CONSENT AGENDA The Mayor advised that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by the Members of Council and will be enacted by one motion in the form, or forms, listed on the Consent Agenda, and if discussion is desired, the item would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, 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 Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Vice-Mayor Price was absent.) OATHS OR AFFIRMATIONS OF OFFICE: Reports of qualification of the Reverend Charles E. Wilson as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates to fill the unexpired term of office of Antwyne U. Calloway ending June 30, 2020; and Duke Baldridge as a Director of the Economic Development Authority for a four-year term of office ending October 20, 2021, were before the Council. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 234 Council Member Trinkle moved that the reports of qualification be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Vice-Mayor Price was absent.) REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: ROANOKE VALLEY REGIONAL CABLE TELEVISION FISCAL YEAR 2018 - 2019 BUDGET: Elaine Bays-Murphy, Cable Access Director, Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television, transmitted the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Fiscal Year 2018- 2019 Budget, with the City's share being $232,713.00, plus an additional $2,136.00 for closed captioning for City Council Briefings. - (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution: (#41069-030518) A RESOLUTION approving the recommendation of the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee to approve the annual operating budget for Fiscal Year 2018 - 2019 for the operation of the regional government and educational access station, Roanoke Valley Television (RVTV, Channel 3), and for the City to provide partial funding. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 499.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41069-030518. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Vice-Mayor Price was absent.)  235 ROANOKE REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL UPDATE: Beth Doughty, Executive Director, Roanoke Regional Partnership, appeared before the Council and provided an overview of activities of the organization, and spoke about the Asset Development and Outdoor Branding and highlighted the following items: • Outdoor Branding • Asset development: RIFA • Targeted Business Investment • Leadership & Engagement (See copy of remarks on file in the City Clerk's Office.) In conclusion, Ms. Doughty expressed appreciation to the Council for the opportunity to share information regarding the abovementioned items, and how Roanoke's investment is returning dividend to the City; and for the Roanoke Regional Partnership's connection with Roanoke City Department of Economic Development, Planning, Building and Development Department, and City Administration. Following commendations by the Council, the Mayor advised that the Annual Update would be received and filed. COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS CENTER PROJECT: Rick Morrison, former Roanoke City Police Lieutenant and Community Advocate; and Pamela Irvine, Feeding America Southwest Virginia President and CEO, appeared before the Council and gave an update on the Community Solutions Center project. (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) It was stated that the Community Solutions Center is a collaborative effort among several partners, including Feeding America Southwest Virginia, Roanoke Police, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys and northwest Roanoke community leaders, with funding supporters for the $1.4 million project which includes Food Lion Feeds and the City of Roanoke (CDBG grantor); adding with $350,000.00 remaining, Feeding America is seeking additional support. Ms. Irvine recognized the lead supporters, as Food Lion Feeds, City of Roanoke, Carilion Clinic, Sun Trust, The Johnson Foundation and Mrs. Lorene Pearman; and named opportunities available for the following: community room, fresh market, Student Culinary Program Scholarships, operating fund support and office spaces. It was further stated that the new facility will house several program areas, including a production and training kitchen, which will be used to prepare meals for the food bank's "Cafe to Grow", children's food truck, and host culinary job training courses, as well as other planned areas such as a fresh foods market, an outreach space for Roanoke Police and a community room for meetings and workshops. 236 It was advised that Feeding America projects that during its first year of operation, the Community Solutions Center will produce an estimated 500 fresh meals per day to be distributed via local children's programs and the training kitchen. In closing, it was noted Feeding America sees the Community Solutions Center as a model of neighborhood-focused, collaborative partnerships that could be replicated across the country. Following comments by the Council regarding community outreach, involvement from faith-based organizations and leadership that would provide northwest residents hope to enhance their quality of life; Mayor Lea advised that the Update would be received and filed. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2017 CONTINUUM OF CARE GRANT FUNDS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the 2017 Continuum of Care Grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to support the City's Homeless Assistance Team. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41070-030518) A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of a 2017 Continuum of Care ("CoC") Grant Award to the City of Roanoke, on behalf of the Department of Social Services' Homeless Assistance Team, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"), in the amount of $140,422.00 upon certain terms and conditions; and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 500.)  237 Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41070-030518. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Vice-Mayor Price was absent.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#41 071-030518) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Homeless Assistance Team Grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017- 2018 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 501.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41071- 030518. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Vice-Mayor Price was absent.) ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2017 CONTINUUM OF CARE GRANT FUNDS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the 2017 Continuum of Care Grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and a Council of Community Services cash match to support continuum of care planning. ' (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 238 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41072-030518) A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of the 2017 Continuum of Care ("CoG") Planning Grant Award ("Grant") to the City of Roanoke from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"), in the amount of $41,786.00, upon certain terms and conditions; authorizing the City of Roanoke to be the fiscal agent for the distribution of the Grant proceeds; and authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents necessary to accept such funding. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 502.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41072-030518. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Vice-Mayor Price was absent.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#41 073-030518) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Continuum of Care (CoC) Planning Grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 503.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41073- 030518. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Vice-Mayor Price was absent.)  239 ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2017 CONTINUUM OF CARE GRANT FUNDS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the 2017 Continuum of Care Grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to support the Coordinated Assessment System. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41074-030518) A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of the 2017 Continuum of Care ("CoC") Grant Award ("Grant") to the City of Roanoke from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"), in the amount of $49,070.00 upon certain terms and conditions; and authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents necessary to accept such funding. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 504.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41074-030518. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Vice-Mayor Price was absent.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#41075-030518) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Continuum of Care (CoC) Coordinated Assessment System (CAS) Grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 504.) 240 Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41075- 030518. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Vice-Mayor Price was absent.) ACCEPTANCE OF EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in connection with Law Enforcement/First Responders Cooperative Response Projects. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Trinkle offered the following resolution: (#41 076-030518) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program made to the City of Roanoke by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for Law Enforcement/First Responders Cooperative Response Projects, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 505.) Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41076-030518. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Vice-Mayor Price was absent.) ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2018 TRAFFIC SAFETY (SPEED MEASURING DEVICE) GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the 2018 Traffic Safety (Speed Measuring Device) Grant from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. . "" (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  241 Council Member Trinkle offered the following resolution: (#41077-030518) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the 2018 Department of Motor Vehicles Traffic Safety (Speed Measuring Device) Grant to the City from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 506.) Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41077-030518. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Vice-Mayor Price was absent.) Council Member Trinkle offered the following budget ordinance: (#41078-030518) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for 2018 DMV Traffic Safety (Speed Measuring Device) Grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 507.) Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41078- 030518. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris. Following remarks by Council Member Ferris regarding the speed measuring device, Budget Ordinance No. 41078-030518 was adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Vice-Mayor Price was absent.) 242 COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER. The City Manager commented on the following: Art by Bus Program • RIDE Solutions, the Roanoke Arts Commission, and the Greater Roanoke Transit Company launched the 4th Annual Art by Bus program last Thursday. • Works from the city's public art collection will be displayed on the exterior of four Valley Metro buses. • The goal of this program is to bring more awareness to the fact that the city has an art collection and encourage people to explore the work within public buildings by literally taking it out into all parts of the city. • Other components of this initiative are the Writer by Bus program and a series of short concerts on the Star Line Trolley throughout the duration of the Art by Bus program. Greater Roanoke Solar Co-op • Localities in the Roanoke area have formed a solar co-op to make going solar easier, while building a network of solar supporters. • The co-op is co-sponsored by the City of Roanoke Sustainability Office, Botetourt County, Roanoke County, the City of Salem, Virginia Clean Cities, and Solar United Neighbors. • The public is invited to attend an information session about the co-op on Tuesday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building located at 215 Church Ave. S.W., in Room 450. Re-lmagine Oak Grove Just a reminder- Roanoke County and the City of Roanoke are developing plans for the Oak Grove community. Citizens are invited to share their ideas to shape the future of that area at the following Community Input Meetings: • Thursday, March 15 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Elementary School • Saturday, March 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Elementary School REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:  243 INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: REGULATION OF SMOKING IN OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER OR CONCERT VENUES: Substitute Senate Bill No. 149 to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 1, Chapter 9, Title 15.2(a) Section No. 15.2-926.4, relating to regulation of smoking in outdoor amphitheater or concert venue; civil penalty, as it relates to the Elmwood Amphitheater. House of Delegates to vote on substitute bill on Tuesday, March 6 and thereafter to be sent back to the Senate for final vote. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Council Member Ferris moved that each Member of City Council certify to the best of his or her knowledge that: ( 1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in any motion by which any Closed Meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered by City Council. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Vice-Mayor Price was absent.) MILL MOUNTAIN ADVISORY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the resignation of Sarah Karpanty as the Zoo representative of the Mill Mountain Advisory Board for a term ending June 30, 2018; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of LaTron Brown, Mill Mountain Zoo Board Member. There being no further nominations, Mr. Brown was appointed as the Zoo representative of the Mill Mountain Advisory Board to fill the unexpired term of Sara Karpanty ending June 30, 2018, by the following vote: FOR MR. BROWN: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. (Vice-Mayor Price was absent.)  244 There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the regular meeting adjourned at 3:36 p.m. APPROVED ~.fcl~ ATTEST: 41--t-8: ~ In • ~~A-~~ 1 ~~- Moon Retno,ldi{j:1Mc City Clerk Mayor