City Council

263 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION April 2, 2018 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, April 2, 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 Anita J. Price, William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. ABSENT: Council Member David B. Trinkle-1. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: RobertS. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. 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.) Council Member Ferris moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) 264 CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ON A SPECIFIC LEGAL MATTER: A communication from the City Attorney requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting for consultation with legal counsel on a specific legal matter relating to actual or probable litigation requiring the provision of legal advice, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(?), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch moved that Council concur in the request of the City Attorney as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) ITEMS LISTED ON THE 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL DOCKET REQUIRING DISCUSSION/CLARIFICATION AND ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE 2:00P.M. AGENDA: NONE. ·- TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: NONE. BRIEFINGS: Communications and Engagement Plan Melinda Mayo, Communications and Media Officer; and Whitney Slightham, Citizen Engagement Officer, highlighted the following items: • Section 1: Public Information Management Structure • Section 2: Communications Approach • Section 3: Plan Objectives • Section 4: Application • Section 5: Emergency Communications • Section 6: Appendix (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  265 Following dialogue regarding various areas of communication and options, the Mayor expressed appreciation for the briefing and advised that all remarks 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: FY 2018 UPDATE • FY18 General Fund Overview The FY18 adopted budget was $3.5 million or 1.25 percent higher than the FY17 actual revenues and expenditures; and obligations through February increased approximately $1.7 million or 0.9 percent compared to the same period last year, mainly due to the timing of payments. • Sales Tax Revenue Through January (FY18 Revenue Estimate $20.1 Million) • Meals Tax Revenue Through January (FY18 Revenue Estimate $16.2 Million) • Lodging Tax Revenue Through February (FY18 Revenue Estimate $4.3 Million) • All Local Tax Revenue Through February • Projected Local Tax Revenue (gross) Fiscal Year 2018 • Net FY2018 Local Tax In Excess of Adopted Budget • Personnel (Salary/Benefit) Lapse Through February • Worker Compensation through February • Public Safety Overtime Through February • Children's Services Act (CSA) through February • Residential Juvenile Detention through February • Solid Waste Tipping Fees through February • Fleet Parts through February • City of Roanoke Priorities Regarding performance of the local taxes, Council Member Ferris inquired if there was a way to determine the areas of sales tax revenue that failed to perform in the previous budget year versus what areas picked up the slack to better determine how the economy was performing. Ms. Merchant advised that the Commissioner of the Revenue submits information on the tax categories, adding that the 25 sales tax collectors and their year over year performance and the City's month-by-month historical performance of sales tax collection were analyzed. 266 Regarding inquiry about sales taxes collected from Amazon sales, the Assistant City Manager for Community Development advised that the City does not collect the tax; that in terms of categories, the Commissioner of the Revenue receives information on categories from the State, but the revenue comes from the Department of Taxation; adding if Amazon had a facility in Virginia, then the City could collect Virginia taxes. With regard to trends, Director of Finance stated 1.27 percent more was expected in local taxes at the end of the fiscal year than anticipated; and the delinquent collections from the Treasurer's Office were trending upward and $1.2 million will remain available in local share for additional expenses. FY2019 OPERATING BUDGET DEVELOPMENT • Price of Government Projected o Revenue by Major Category Fiscal Year 2019 o Net FY19 Local Tax In Excess of Adopted Budget o Proposed Fee Adjustments o Balancing Summary o Supplemental Descriptions o FY19 One-Time Requests o Pending Revenues/Expenses - Based on prior discussions for additional DARE Officers for the Roanoke City Public Schools, the City Manager stated that four additional DARE Officers would be included in the RCPS budget, with the City incurring a one-time cost for salaries and benefits; and in FY20, the Schools would absorb the capital cost. Council Member Bestpitch requested the Roanoke City School Board provide a detailed briefing on duties of the DARE Officers' and contribution to school safety at the joint meeting of Council and School Board on Monday, May 7. With regard to a $30,000.00 allocation for Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare, Council Member Ferris asked if this was the State's recommended amount or a per capita calculation. The City Manager advised it was based on a percentage to cover costs; and the City's portion was significantly higher due to the demand for services in the community. Following additional dialogue with regard to the base budget and the Arts Endowment, Council Member Garland inquired if the City committed to the $250,000.00 amount at the time of agreement to fund the Endowment. The City Manager explained that the adopted resolution by the Council did not include a dollar amount; but basically established the structure and how to proceed. Council Member Ferris added that no dollar amount was included in an effort not to bind - future Councils.  267 Pursuant to an inquiry as to why the endowment funding could not be setup similar to the Virginia Museum of Transportation and the Jefferson Center Foundation, respectively, it was explained that the Transportation Museum utilized the funds with other capital funds to meet a Norfolk Southern Challenge Grant of $1 Million; and the Jefferson Center needed to address acute capital issues. Council Member Dykstra believed the Endowment was critically important to the overall well-being of the community and suggested the funding for the Jefferson Center and Transportation Museum which will roll-off after the FY 19 budget be re-allocated to the Arts Endowment. Council Member Bestpitch suggested the Administration contact the Jefferson Center Foundation and Virginia Museum of Transportation to inquire about current fund raising as compared to the prior four years, and how much of their fund raising efforts were put into a capital maintenance account for future capital needs. He also concurred in Council Member Dykstra's comments regarding the support of the Arts Endowment, adding it would be helpful to receive the benchmarks from the Arts Endowment to better understand their targets and goals. The City Manager advised that briefings were scheduled for the June 4 Council meeting regarding the financial impact study from the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission and an annual update of the Arts and Culture Endowment, and information about the capital needs of the Jefferson Center and Virginia Museum of Transportation could be incorporated. Council Member Ferris called attention to an email sent by Council Member Trinkle dated March 31, 2018, with regard to Roanoke Arts Cultural Endowment funding reminding the Council that the $125,000.00 was a reduction from the original commitment of $250,000.00. The City Manager pointed out that the original request from the arts endowment certainly was to exceed the proposed $125,000.00 as reflected in Council Member Trinkle's email as well as Council Member Trinkle's desire to allocate additional funding for the current budget year and in subsequent budget years. (See copy of email on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Garland requested a cost estimate if the City reclaimed responsibility for alley maintenance; whereupon, the City Manager advised that those figures would be reviewed and provided at a later date. Following dialogue with regard to the FY19 One-Time Requests, it was noted that with the change in last year's methodology, the Percent for Art was configured as an average of the one percent of construction costs for projects included in the Capital Improvement Plan, whereby the $59,000.00 represented the average over the next five years on an annual basis. 268 Council Member Bestpitch called attention to an error in which $875,000.00 should have been reflected as $825,000.00. Ms. Merchant advised that the figure would be corrected. In reviewing the Next Steps, Ms. Merchant noted that the 2018 - 2019 Recommended Budget presentation would be on Monday, April16 at 2:00p.m.; a public hearing held on Thursday, April26 at 7:00p.m., to receive the views of citizens; a budget study briefing on Monday, May 7 at 9:00a.m.; and adoption of the 2018-2019 budget on May 14 at 2:00 p.m. In closing, Council Member Garland inquired about the cost of security at Council Meetings, and also requested an update on the stormwater issue to mitigate flooding in the downtown and along the 10th Street and Campbell Avenue corridor; whereupon, the City Manager replied that a briefing would be provided in early May or June 2018. There being no additional questions and/or comments by the Council, Mayor Lea thanked the Director of Finance and the City Manager for the informative presentation and advised that the briefing would be received and filed. At 11 :27 a.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. """"f At 2:00p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea presiding. PRESENT: Council Members Anita J. Price (arrived late), William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. ABSENT: Council Member David B. Trinkle-1. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: RobertS. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; Cecelia F. McCoy, Deputy City Clerk; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Thomas H. Harper, Pastor, Central Baptist Church. At this point, Vice-Mayor Price entered the meeting (2:02p.m.). The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Lea.  269 PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: FAIR HOUSING MONTH: Mayor Lea declared April2018 as Fair Housing Month. (See ceremonial copy of Proclamation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The Mayor presented the ceremonial proclamation to Lara Burleson, the Community Resources Program Specialist. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: REVELATIONS: Robert Gravely, 3360 Hershberger Road, N. W., appeared before the Council and shared revelations. HISTORIC FIRE STATION NO.7: Anne Beckett, 1024 Hamilton Avenue, S. W.; William Perdue, 2255 Westover Avenue, S. W.; Marilyn Lerch, 1806 Westover Avenue, S. W.; Alison Blanton, 1701 Arlington Road, S. W., and D'Juna Osborne, 4536 Greenlee Road, S. W., appeared before the Council regarding the efforts to preserve the Historic Fire Station No.7. (See copy of Ms. Blanton's handout on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 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 Monday, March 19,2018, was before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with and approved as recorded. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) 270 REQUEST OF THE WESTERN VIRGINIA WATER AUTHORITY: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, April 16, 2018, at 7:00p.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 a request of the Western Virginia Water Authority for a new 20-foot public sanitary sewer easement located at 24 Wells Avenue, N. W. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) AMEND THE DESCHUTES CONTRACT: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, .. _ Apri116, 2018, 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 amend the Deschutes contract to purchase City-owned property located at 2002 Blue Hills Drive, N. E. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) 2018 ANNUAL HOMELESS WINTER POINT-IN-TIME STREET AND HOMELESSNESS SURVEY REPORT: A communication from the Assistant City Manager for Community Development transmitting the 2018 Annual Homeless Winter Point-in-Time Street and Homelessness Survey Report. (See copy of Report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  271 Council Member Ferris moved that the communication and report be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) WESTERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL FACILITY AUTHORITY: Report of qualification of J. Granger MacFarlane as the City Appointee of the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority for a four-year term of office ending February 3, 2022, was before the Council. (See Oath or Affirmation of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris moved that the report of qualification be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: ROANOKE REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISISON PROPOSED 2018 - 2019 OPERATING BUDGET AND PROPOSED CAPITAL EXPENDITURES: Tim Bradshaw, AAE, Executive Director, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport presented the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission's proposed 2018 - 2019 Operating Budget and Proposed Capital Expenditures. (For full text, see copy of documents on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 272 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41087-040218) A RESOLUTION approving the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission's 2018-2019 proposed operating and capital budget upon certain terms and conditions. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 520.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41087-040218. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: Public Art Update: In connection with public art, Susan Jennings, Public Art Coordinator, highlighted the following items: • Art by Bus • Partnership with Ride Solutions and Valley Metro • Works from City Collection placed on four buses • Writer on Bus for 2018 is Tim Thornton, journalist and professor at Virginia Western Community College • News Conference held on March 1 to "unveil" buses and announce the 2018 Writer on the Bus • Mural on First Floor of Municipal Building • Roanoke Arts Commission (RAG) originally planned to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an artist • RAC were approached by Patrick Henry High School (PHHS) Art Teacher Jennifer Fowler • PHHS has a new Arts Honor Society and the students wanted to paint a mural in the City of Roanoke • RAC worked with them to develop a proposal  273 • Inlet Art Project- A partnership with the Stormwater Division • Six initial locations were chosen • Selection Panel comprised of Roanoke Arts Commission members and Stormwater Utility staff reviewed 28 drawings • The panel chose five different artists for the six locations • All the artist refined their proposals to fit their assigned storm drain • Franklin Road Bridge Art Panels • Old Southwest, Inc. received a Neighborhood Improvement Grant to add an artistic element to the panels in the columns on the new Franklin Road Bridge • They issued a Request for Qualifications and narrowed that down to four artists from whom they requested specific designs • They chose the design concepts of Tucker Mara of Brooklyn, New York, who grew up in Roanoke and graduated from Patrick Henry High School • The panels will be fabricated by Twist and Turns, who will need to make some modifications to the designs • The Roanoke Arts Commission approved the designs in concept on March 20, 2018 In conclusion, Ms. Jennings asked that City Council concur with the recommendation of the Roanoke Arts Commission that the City contract with Fairfield Enterprise to construct and install Global Harmony in Entranceway Park. Following remarks, Council Member Ferris moved that the Council concur with the recommendation of the Roanoke Arts Commission that the City contract with Fairfield Enterprise to construct and install Global Harmony in Entranceway Park. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: ACCEPTANCE OF THE EMERALD ASH BORER PEST TREATMENT GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the Emerald Ash Borer Pest Treatment Grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41 088-040218) A RESOLUTION accepting the Emerald Ash Borer Pest Treatment grant to the City of Roanoke from the Virginia Department of Forestry, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City in connection with such grant, under certain conditions. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 520.) 274 Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41088-040218. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris. Following comments by Jamie King, Parks and Recreation Supervisor, regarding sound forest management practices to help reduce the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer Pest, Resolution No. 41088-040218 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#41 089-040218) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the U.S.D.A Forest Service through Commonwealth of Virginia for the Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 General and Grant Funds Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 521.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41089- 040218. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) REQUEST OF LYNCHBURG COLLEGE TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending approval of a request of Lynchburg College to the Economic Development Authority for the City of Roanoke to issue bonds to assist in the financing of various campus improvements; and refunding of prior bonds. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  275 Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution: (#41 090-040218) A RESOLUTION approving, solely for purposes of Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the issuance of bonds in an amount not to exceed $47,000,000.00 by the Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, Virginia (the "Bonds") for the purpose of the financing of a project proposed by Lynchburg College and the refinancing of prior bonds issued for the benefit of Lynchburg College. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 522.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41090-040218. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch. Following an explanation by the City Manager regarding Lynchburg College's request that the City of Roanoke administer the issuance of bonds to assist in the financing of various improvements; and additional remarks by AI Knighton, Bond Counsel, regarding liability for bonds issued by the Economic Development Authority, Resolution No. 41090-040218 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACCESS PROGRAM GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of the appropriate surety or bond in connection with the Virginia Department of Transportation Economic Development Access Program Grant for extension of Blue Hills Drive to serve the Deschutes Brewery Inc., site. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 276 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41091-040218) A RESOLUTION accepting Economic Development Access (EDA) Program funds from the Commonwealth Transportation Board to the City to extend Blue Hills Drive, N. E., in Roanoke, Virginia; authorizing the City Manager to execute any documents on behalf of the City that are necessary for accepting such funding; acknowledging that the EDA Program requires certain local matches and sureties; acknowledging that the extension of Blue Hills Drive, N. E. in the City will be added to, and become a part of, the City road system pursuant to Section 33.2-1509 (C) of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended; and acknowledging that the City will request that the new roadway be added to receive maintenance payments under Section 33.2-319 of the Code of Virginia ( 1950 ), as amended. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 526.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41091-040218. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris. Following remarks by Council Member Ferris as to the importance of public and private partnerships, Resolution No. 41091-040218 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) AGREEMENT WITH ROANOKE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of an agreement with Roanoke County Parks and Recreation Department for continuation of therapeutic recreation services, with four annual renewals. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution: (#41 092-040218) A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Roanoke County for the continuation of therapeutic recreation services, upon certain terms and conditions. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 528.)  277 Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41092-040218. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PERCENTAGE REDUCTION FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization to establish the percentage reduction for personal property tax relief at 48.3 percent for the 2018 Tax Year. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution: (#41093-040218) A RESOLUTION setting the allocation percentage for personal property tax relief in the City of Roanoke for the 2018 tax year. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 529.) Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41093-040218. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Price. Following Council Member Ferris' remarks about the history of the car tax; and Council Member Bestpitch disappointment that no serious effort has been made to eliminate the car tax and that the General Assembly refuses to fix it year after year, Resolution No. 41093-040218 was adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) 278 COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER. The City Manager commented on the following: Power outage in the Gainsboro Neighborhood, that restoration of power has yet to be determined. National Telecommunicators Week • Roanoke will celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week April 8 - 14, to honor the men and women who serve as public safety communications officers. • Throughout the week, the City's E-911 dispatchers will be recognized with various forms of appreciation. We will also announce the selection of a Telecommunicator of the Year. • Our dispatchers handle more than 275,000 emergency and non-emergency calls each year, dispatching calls to Roanoke Police, Fire and EMS personnel. • Roanoke's E-911 Center has been accredited since 2008. And, in 2017, the Center was reaccredited "with excellence," an elevated status that indicates they are performing to higher standards than required and enhances the value of their service to citizens. Art on City Stormwater Inlets • Last week, as part of the city's Inlet Art Project, our selected artists began painting their designs on city stormwater inlets. • Inlet locations include: o Grandin Road and Crystal Spring Avenue o Near West End Park o In front of the Main Library o In front of the post office on Church Avenue o Near the Williamson Road Library • Creating Inlet Art will not only draw attention to stormdrains "hidden" within the city sidewalks, but will also raise awareness about stormwater pollution. • Work is expected to be finished by Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, 2018. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE.  279 MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: ACTS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Consideration of recognizing the contributions of the late Dr. John Kern, Director of the Virginia Department of Historical Resources. NATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR GRADE-LEVEL READING: Comments regarding National Campaign for Grade-Level Reading through the National Civic League Breakfast that was held on March 30, 2018 at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center with former Senator Ralph K. Smith, noting the level of cooperation shown by the 28 non-profit representatives in attendance. HURT PARK CAREER DAY: Called attention to the Hurt Park Career Day held on March 30, 2018. 5QTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASSIGNATION OF THE LATE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.: Recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the assignation ofthe late Martin Luther King, Jr., with a gathering to be held at the Martin Luther King Statute at 6:30p.m. on April 4, 2018. 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 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 Vice-Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) 280 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the resignation of John Missel! as a member of the Architectural Review Board ending October 1, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Drew Kepley. There being no further nominations, Mr. Kepley was appointed as a member of the Architectural Review Board to fill the unexpired term of office of John Missel! ending October 1, 2020, by the following vote: FOR MR. KEPLEY: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) FAIR HOUSING BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the expiration of the three- year term of office of Lisa Y. Barksdale as a member of the Fair Housing Board ending April1, 2018; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Anita Wilson. There being no further nominations, Ms. Wilson was appointed to replace Lisa Barksdale as a member of the Fair Housing Board for a three-year term of office, commencing April1, 2018 and ending March 31, 2021, by the following vote: FOR MS. WILSON: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to expiration of the three-year term of office of Jolan Yow as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board ending April 1, 2018; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Kwan Evans. There being no further nominations, Ms. Evans was appointed to replace Jolan Yow as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for a three-year term of office, commencing Apri11, 2018 and ending March 31, 2021, by the following vote: FOR MS. EVANS: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.)  281 ROANOKE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATES: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy on the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates created by the resignation of Cindy Pasternak as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates for a term of office ending June 30, 2019; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Cindy Pasternak. There being no further nominations, Ms. Pasternak was reappointed as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates to fill her unexpired term of office ending June 30, 2019, by the following vote: FOR MS. PASTERNAK: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) Council Member Bestpitch moved that the Council waive the City residency for Cindy Pasternak as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates, in this instance. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Trinkle was absent.) At 3:33p.m., Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting in recess to be reconvened at 4:00p.m., in the City Council Chamber, to conduct the following interviews for School Board Trustee: • 4:00p.m. Richard "Dick" Willis, Jr. • 4:20p.m. Marcus E. Huffman At 4:00p.m., the Council Meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea presiding and all Members of the Council in attendance, with the exception of Council Member Trinkle. The Mayor announced that five applicants were accorded the interview for consideration of the three upcoming vacancies on the Roanoke City School Board, for terms of three-years, each, commencing July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2021. The candidates are Mark Kenneth Cathey, Marcus Eric Huffman, Laura Day Rottenborn, Mark Gerard Swope, and Richard M. Willis, Jr. 282 He noted that the interview process will be as follows: Each interview will be approximately 20 minutes and should entail the purpose for the applicant's willingness to serve on the School Board; and Council, in its discretion, may follow-up with questions. Upon arrival, the applicant will go to the Council's Conference Room; and thereafter, will be accompanied to the Council Chamber. They will arrive at least 10 minutes early in case the previous interview has been concluded. Once their interview has been completed, they will leave since no official action will be taken. On Monday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m., City Council will receive citizen comments regarding the applicants' appointment to the School Board. Subsequently, City Council will elect the three successful applicants at a later meeting. All five applicants will be notified of said action. Following the two abovementioned interviews, the Mayor announced that the remaining three School Board applicants would be interviewed during the April16 Council meeting, commencing at 4:00p.m. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the regular meeting adjourned at 5:04 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: ~~.n~~ City Clerk Sherman P. Lea, Sr. Mayor