City Council

674 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION December 3, 2018 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, December 3, 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 Vice-Mayor Joseph L. Cobb 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. 41181-070218 adopted by the Council on Monday, July 2, 2018. PRESENT: Council Members Anita J. Price, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis (arrived late), John A. Garland and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., (arrived late)-6. ABSENT: Council Member Djuna L. Osborne-1. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. At this point, Council Member Davis entered the meeting (9:01 a.m.). OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. 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. A list of current vacancies is included with the agenda for this meeting. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  675 Council Member Bestpitch moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor to convene in Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Davis, Garland and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) (Mayor Lea was not present when the vote was recorded.) ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting for discussion and consideration of the acquisition of real property for public purposes, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager to convene in Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Davis, Garland and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) (Mayor Lea was not present when the vote was recorded.) DISPOSITION OF A PORTION OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY; A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of a portion of City-owned property located at 23 Centre Avenue, N. W., where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2- 3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 676 Council Member Bestpitch moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor to convene in Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Davis, Garland and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) (Mayor Lea was not present when the vote was recorded.) 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: Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update Michael Clark, Director, Parks and Recreation, introduced Neelay Bahtt, PROS Consulting, who briefed the Council on the progress of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and highlighted the following information: • Benchmarks • Parks • Trails • Staffing • Operating Expense • Operating Expense per Acre • Funding Sources • Revenue per Resident • Cost Recovery • Capital Improvement Plan • Indoor Recreation Facilities • Program Assessments: Age Segment • Classification • Lifecycle • Promotions - Currently Used • Promotions - Add • Customer Input- Currently Use and Add  677 • Pricing Strategies • Core Values • Vision • Mission • Big Moves • Next Steps • Parks, Facilities, Trails and Open Space Strategies • Operating and Maintenance Strategies • Programming Strategies • Marketing and Communications Strategies • Questions (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Mr. Bahtt advised that in terms of benchmarking, the City of Roanoke compares itself to similar nationally accredited or gold medal agencies, including Bellevue, Washington; Allen, Texas; Roanoke County, Virginia; Asheville, North Carolina; Bend, Oregon; and James City County, Virginia. He further advised that the City of Roanoke currently had 0.91 trail miles per 1,000 residents which was nearly double the 0.25 miles for best practices. He explained that the City was challenged in terms of staffing with 93 full-time employees equated to only 9.3 employees per 10,000 residents; operating expenses of $5.4 million annually equated to spending approximately $54.00 per resident. He continued with the presentation, reviewing categories including operating expense per acre, funding sources, revenue per resident and cost recovery stating that the City generated about 12 cents on every dollar spent for district cost with the lower quartile at 14 percent, the median at 29 percent, typically where most agencies were recommended to strive for. He outlined an exercise in which the Leadership Team participated in to further identify the core values to build upon--Service Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability, and Health and Well-being; a vision "To Be the Reason People Choose Roanoke': and a mission "to build a welcoming community through PLAY." In conclusion, Mr. Clark advised that the Plan would be brought before the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in December, City Planning Commission in January or February 2019, and City Council in February for adoption. Following inquiries and comments by the Council Members, Mayor Lea thanked Messrs. Bahtt and Clark for an informative update; and received and filed the remarks. During discussion, Mayor Lea entered the meeting (10:04 a.m.); and Vice-Mayor Cobb relinquished the Chair to the Mayor. 678 Homelessness Continuum Of Care Carol Tuning, Human Services Administrator; Matt Crookshank, Council of Community Services; and Lee Clark, Chief Executive Officer at Rescue Mission of Roanoke, briefed the Council on the performance goals of the Blue Ridge Continuum of Care. The following information was highlighted: • Blue Ridge Continuum of Care Strategic Plan • What does homelessness look like in the Roanoke Region? • The 2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report of Congress • How does the Rescue Mission address issues of poverty, homelessness and addiction? • Mission Updates • Snapshot of Collaborative Partnerships • What's Next? (For full text, see copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Following the presentation, Council Member Garland inquired about homelessness in the downtown area and the Mission's real estate ownership in Southeast Roanoke; wherein, Mr. Clark replied the Mission recently opened a day resource center that offering an opportunity to seek assistance during the day in partnership with the RAM House (Roanoke Area Ministries) to provide safe shelter for the homeless, a nutritious lunch, and emergency financial aid. Mr. Clark advised the Mission was not looking to expand care services and desired to sell property located on Bullitt and Jamison Avenues. Council Member Bestpitch inquired about The Way Forward Residential Recovery Program for those seeking to break free of drug and alcohol addiction and the hours of operation; wherein, Mr. Clark reported that last night there were approximately 286 people at the Mission, and from that group, 44 people were currently enrolled in the all-day program. Council Member Davis remarked there were many misconceptions regarding the homeless and has recently received complaints about wanderers hanging out downtown, specifically in the market area and asked how the Homeless Assistance Team helped with situations where people were homeless by choice. Mr. Clark responded focus was on the unsheltered population and those living outside through the central intake program offering prevention services and rental assistance. Vice-Mayor Cobb announced he would be speaking at the Homeless Memorial Service at Greene Memorial United Methodist Church, 402 2nd Street, S. W., on Wednesday, December 19 at 11:00 a.m.  679 Council Member Price touted She's International Boutique located downtown at 108 Market Street, S. E., noting that with any Star City jewelry purchase, a portion of the proceeds would be donated to the Roanoke Valley United Way RYSE program. Council Member Bestpitch inquired about the status of the Mayor's challenge to end veteran homelessness and requested an update on the HUD-VASH Program, which provides rental assistance for homeless veterans and their families. Ms. Tuning responded the plan was to work closely with individuals once into the ARCH Program; thereafter, provide safe, supportive recovery and opportunities for self-sufficiency after crisis to the most vulnerable citizens, with the goal to have all veterans off the list by June 2019. Following extensive dialogue regarding the matter, Mayor Lea thanked Ms. Tuning, Messrs. Crookshank, and Clark for their participation; and he received and filed the remarks. Zoning Ordinance Amendments Update Chris Chittum, Director of Planning, Building, and Development, gave an update on the Zoning Ordinance Amendments, highlighting the following items: • Background o 2005 Zoning Code o Periodic improvements (16 1h round) o Staff-identified issues o General Assembly legislation o Case law • Highlights o Residential unites permitted on a lot o Where residential uses are permitted o Kennels and animal shelters in downtown o Tech fixes • Max dwelling units on a lot • Expand residential • Residential in Commercial Zones • Residential in 1-1 • Expand kennels/animal shelters • Getting the work out • Next steps There being no comments and/or questions from the Council Members, the briefing was received and filed. 680 Health Outcomes and Economic Empowerment Initiatives The City Manager briefed the Council on the City's collaborative efforts to address poverty and related issues in the community, highlighting the following: The Context • Overall economic condition of City improving • Population, Household and Per Capita incomes increasing • Unemployment at record lows • Premier health care and research institutions present • Overall economic condition of City improving • Population, Household and Per Capita incomes increasing • Unemployment at record lows • Premier health care and research institutions present • High poverty rates and increasingly concentrated • Medically underserved areas • Disparity in life expectancy • Declining labor participation rates The Response • Many and varied • Regional economic growth - Innovation Corridor, Advanced Manufacturing, Food & Beverage, Tourism and Hospitality • Local revitalization/reinvestment downtown, village centers, brownfields, etc. • Strategic and Targeted - Early Childhood Learning, CCAP, Higher Education Center, Target Neighborhoods, Pathways HUB, Collective Impact, Fresh Foods Rx, etc. Accelerating the Response • Comprehensive and Integrated Vision • Leveraging existing collaborations and planned investments • Securing additional resources • Securing additional expertise • Actionable items • Refining interventions Health in All Policies • Change Lab Solutions • Collaboration with ChangeLab, Freedom First, and Roanoke College • Comprehensive Plan - equity and health interwoven throughout • Working Groups - will explore themes further and help formulate responses • Embedded into City policies and actions as Plan is implemented  681 Financial Empowerment Centers • Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund • Collaboration with CFE, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Freedom First • CFE Site Visit • Initiative Kick -Off (January) • Advisory Team • Implementation Plan • Implementation Resources • Sustainability Cities of Opportunity • National League of Cities • Collaboration with NLC, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Carilion Clinic • Draft Vision • Initiative Kick-Off • Advisory Team • Implementation Plan • Sustainability Next Steps and Future Opportunities • Regular Updates • JP Morgan Chase Advancing Cities Challenge • Culture of Health Prize? • All-America City (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Manager advised overall, the City was improving its economic condition with population and incomes increasing, unemployment at record lows and many well established premier institutions. He further advised that unfortunately the United States overall was experiencing higher poverty rates as poverty was more concentrated geographically and racially; and even the City of Roanoke had sections classified as medically underserved even as the overall community expanded and job growth increased. He noted for many years' governments, institutions and businesses recognized the challenges and developed many and varied ways to address them, the responses were as large and regional relating to advanced manufacturing, tourism, hospitality and the innovation corridor. He stated that the City's efforts in those areas included investment in neighborhood libraries, revitalization of the downtown and neighborhood village centers as well as addressing health food scarcity in certain neighborhoods and all familiar initiatives addressed as a community with many partners. 682 He concluded by reviewing the next steps and opportunities for the City of Roanoke, which included an initiative referred to as "Cities of Opportunity", a partnership among the City, Carilion Clinic, the National League of Cities and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; the City was selected as one of 12 pilot cities to work with the National League of Cities focused on improving health outcomes, equity and addressing determinants, planning and city design. Following brief comments by the Council Members, Mayor Lea commented that the collaboration with Carilion Clinic would pay off in many ways, and thanked the City Manager for the informative presentation. He received and filed the briefing. At 12:00 p.m., the Mayor declared the Council meeting in recess for a Closed meeting in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451; and thereafter reconvene 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 Anita J. Price, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, John A. Garland, and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. ABSENT: Council Member Djuna L. Osborne-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 Dana Hensley, Pastor, First Church of the Brethren. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Lea. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: TRIBUTE TO SAMUEL H. MCGHEE, Ill: Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution memorializing the late Samuel H. McGhee, Ill, former City Engineer, Assistant City Manager and Acting City Manager for the City of Roanoke:  683 (#41321-120318) A RESOLUTION memorializing the late Samuel Hodges McGhee, Ill, former City Engineer, Assistant City Manager, and Acting City Manager for the City of Roanoke, and longtime resident of Roanoke. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 114.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41321-120318. The motion seconded by Council Member Garland. Following outstanding accolades by all Council Members, Resolution No. 41321-120318 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-D. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) Mayor Lea presented a ceremonial copy of Resolution No. 41321-120318 to Sara L. McGhee, widow, and family in attendance. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: The Mayor advised that City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. All matters will be referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to Council, as he may deem appropriate. DUMAS LEGACY, INC.: The following persons appeared before the Council regarding the sale of the Dumas Hotel property: 1.) Sharon Burnham, 901 Oakwood Drive, S. W. 2.) John G. Hitchins, Jr., 2609 Longview Avenue, S. W. 3.) David Denham, 3512 Wright Road, S. W. 4.) Shmura Glenn, 1816 Staunton Avenue, N. W. 5.) Polly Branch, 6928 Crowell Gap Road (Roanoke County) 6.) Freeda Cathcart, 2516 Sweetbriar Avenue, S. W.; 7.) Marshall McMillian, 2109 Memorial Avenue, S. W.; 8.) Susan Mead, 120 Claiborne Avenue, Apt. #2, Rocky Mount, Virginia MISCELLANOUS MATTERS: Robert Gravely, 3360 Hershberger Road, N. W., appeared before Council with regard to miscellaneous matters. 684 At 2:32 p.m., the Mayor declared the Council meeting in recess due to unruly behavior by Mr. Gravely during his remarks. At 2:37 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, Mayor Lea presiding and all Members of Council in attendance, with the exception of Council Member Osborne. CONSENT AGENDA The Mayor advised that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda were routine by the Members of Council and would be enacted by one motion in the form, or forms, listed on the Consent Agenda, and if discussion desired, the item would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Monday, November 5, 2018, were before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the reading of the minutes as dispensed with and approved as recorded. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) MILL MOUNTAIN ZOO: A communication from the City Manager requesting authorization to schedule a public hearing on Monday, December 17, 2018, at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, or at such later date and time as the City Manager shall determine, in his discretion to consider leasing of City- owned property to Blue Ridge Zoological Society of Virginia, Inc., for the purpose of operating and maintaining the Mill Mountain Zoo., was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  685 Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Dykstra, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) CITY MANAGER TRANSFER REPORT: A communication from the City Manager transmitting the FY 2019 City Manager Transfer Report for the First Quarter ended September 30, 2018, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the communication as received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Dykstra, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MARKET BUILDING FOUNDATION: Annual Report of the Market Building Foundation for FY 2017 - 2018, was before the Council. (See Annual Report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the Annual Report as received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) 686 ROANOKE VALLEY GREENWAY COMMISSION: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Margaret D. Butler as a member of the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission, effective immediately, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the resignation as accepted and the communication as received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Dykstra, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) ROANOKE ARTS COMMISSION: A communication from the City Clerk advising of a report of lack of attendance of William Sellari as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission, effective immediately, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that the communication as received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Dykstra, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) OATHS OF OFFICE-PERSONNEL AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES COMMISSION-FAIR HOUSING BOARD-TOWING ADVISORY BOARD-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY-ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD-ROANOKE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATES: Reports of qualification of the following individuals were before the Council: Brianna Wilson as a member (Student/William Fleming High School) of the Youth Services Citizen Board, for a term of office ending June 30, 2019; R. B. Lawhorn, Jr., as a City employee member of the Board of Trustees, City of Roanoke Pension Plan, for a term ending June 30, 2020; and  687 Colleen Burns as a member (Citizen at Large) of the Personnel and Employment Practices Commission for a term of office ending June 30, 2021. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the reports of qualification as received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: VIRGINIA INITIATIVE FOR GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY (GO VIRGINIA): William H. Fralin, Jr., Region 2 Council Member, accompanied by John Provo and John Williamson, presented an overview of activities and ongoing developments of the Program by seeking cooperation amongst localities within the business community for targeted economic development and growth. He highlighted the following items: • GO Virginia Purpose Statement • Why is this Go Virginia's purpose? • GOVA-Role of Regional Councils • Map of the State Regions • Region 2 Council Membership • Economic Growth and Diversification Plan • Economic Growth and Diversification Plan Performance Metrics • Growth and Opportunity Grants • Region 2 Target Industry Sectors • Talent • Entrepreneurship • Sites • Plan for FY2019 • Local Government Support (For full text, see copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 688 Mr. Fralin explained that Go Virginia supports programs to create more high paying jobs through incentivized collaboration between business, education, and government focusing on economic activities that bring new income into the State and to determine how the State's portion of Go Virginia funds are spent. Mr. Fralin concluded by recommending City Council reserve one dollar per person, per capita for the project in the Economic Development Fund so that when the project is approved by the State, the City would have the ability to move quickly to fund the initiative. There being no additional comments or questions, the presentation was received and filed. HEALTHY LIVING INDEX: Dr. Elizabeth Ackley, Professor of Health and Human Performance, Roanoke College, appeared before the Council and shared information with regard to the Healthy Living Index. She summarized stating that established in 2011, the Roanoke Valley Healthy Community Index was a tool that helped to provide partners with metrics of procession as well as ongoing challenges in the community related to performance and equity; and noted that a healthy and robust lifestyle that promotes physical activity and supports a social climate was extremely imperative. (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Dr. Ackley advised that the tool focused on the health status of the community with respect to children's health and in partnership with the City elementary schools information on more than 7,000 children provided each year. Offering the opportunity to monitor a child numerous times and gave the children opportunity to engage in healthy living behaviors to focus on health in the community, neighborhood safety, social support, as well as many other factors. She concluded stating that in 2015, the City selected as one of 50 cities across the United States to participate in an intense community study that has provided food access in Roanoke and supported statewide food disparity and health. She added that for the first time in the City's history the health element would be included in the City's Comprehensive Plan and allow residents to help identify new criteria for selecting HUD target areas. Following brief comments by several Council Members, Mayor Lea thanked Dr. Ackley for the presentation and advised that the information received and filed. TRUTH TELLING, RACIAL HEALING AND TRANSFORMATION: Katie Zawacki, Board Chair, Points of Diversity, and Tucker Lemon, Chair, Executive Committee, Virginia Humanities, appeared before the Council and shared information with regard to the Virginia Humanities on Truth Telling, Racial Healing and Transformation Initiatives Program.  689 Mr. Lemon advised that Virginia Humanities created in 1947 and headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, was one of the most dedicated humanities centers in the country including radio programs, podcast, and digital resources seeking to improve families and communities by way of truth, racial healing and transformation. He noted that the City of Roanoke was one of six cities participating in the programs and the Roanoke City Public Libraries and Schools Division were partners in the programming. Ms. Zawacki spoke on the groundwork for the program, and John Lewis, Executive Director, Apple Ridge Farm, spoke about diversity. He mentioned it was a main focus of the initiative and by bringing awareness to historical and contemporary racial inequities, across all racial groups, can help bring to many perspectives of truth and experiences of institutional racism as it continued to exist in Roanoke. He concluded stating that program goals included narrating the stories in an effort to balance and establish relationships between community and local government; and by changing the narrative to address the issues of systemic and institutional racism and poverty. Following comments by the Council Members, Council Member Bestpitch inquired as to the costs associated with the program. Mr. Lewis replied that $16,000.00 requested from Virginia Humanities, with $14,920.00 in cash share, but individual, corporation and organizational contributions needed upwards of $57,000.00 in in-kind donations to pull it all together. Mayor Lea thanked the presenters; and received and filed all remarks. With regard to the request of the City Manager that Council convene in a Closed Meeting for discussion and consideration of the acquisition of real property for public purposes, Council Member Davis moved that the matter be reconsidered and withdrew the motion inasmuch as she has a personal conflict of interest with regard to the matter. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) 690 Having a communication from the City Manager requesting the Council convene in a Closed Meeting for discussion and consideration of the acquisition of real property for public purposes, be reconsidered, Council Member Garland moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Garland and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) (Council Member Davis abstained from voting.) REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending the acceptance of the Local Emergency Management Performance Grant from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following resolution: (#41322-120318) A RESOLUTION accepting the FY2018 Local Emergency Management Performance Grant (LEMPG) to the City from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 116.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved adoption of Resolution No. 41322-120318. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.)  691 VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HEAVY TECHNICAL RESCUE GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending the acceptance of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Heavy Technical Rescue Grant. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Garland offered the following resolution: (#41323-120318) A RESOLUTION accepting the FY 2018 State Homeland Security Program Grant to the City from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 117.) Council Member Garland moved adoption of Resolution No. 41323-120318. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) Council Member Davis offered the following budget ordinance: (#41324-120318) AN ORDINANCE appropriating funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) for Heavy Technical Rescue (HTR) Team for equipment and training and development, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2018 - 2019 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 118.) Council Member Davis moved adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41324-120318. The motion seconded by Council Member Garland and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. 692 (Council Member Osborne was absent.) VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending the acceptance of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Hazardous Materials Grant. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price offered the following resolution: (#41325-120318) A RESOLUTION accepting the Virginia Department of Emergency Management HAZMAT Grant to the City from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 119.) Council Member Price moved adoption of Resolution No. 41325-120318. The motion seconded by Council Member Garland and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) Council Member Price offered the following budget ordinance: (#41326-120318) AN ORDINANCE appropriating funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) for hazardous materials emergency responses and training and development, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2018 - 2019 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance.  693 (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 120.) Council Member Price moved adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41326-120318. The motion seconded by Council Member Garland and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) WESTERN VIRGINIA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA): The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending the allocation of funds for the Western Virginia Workforce Development Board Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for Program Year 2018. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis offered the following resolution: (#41327-120318) A RESOLUTION acknowledging and recognizing the PY2018 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ("WIOA") funding from the Virginia Community College System in the amount of $1,208,969.00 for WIOA activities, for the award period of July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2020, the foregoing funding to be administered by the Western Virginia Workforce Development Board. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 120.) Council Member Davis moved adoption of Resolution No. 41327-120318. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) ELECTRONIC SUMMONS SYSTEM: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending the appropriation of funds to implement an electronic summons system. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 694 Council Member Garland offered the following budget ordinance: (#41328-120318) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Electronic Summons System Court Fees revenues as enacted by the General Assembly in section 17.1-279.1 of the Code of Virginia (1950), amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2018 - 2019 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 122.) Council Member Garland moved adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41328-120318. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) EMPLOYEES' POST-RETIREMENT HEALTH PLAN: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending the amendment to Employees' Post- Retirement Health Plan. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following resolution: (#41329-120318) A RESOLUTION adopting and establishing an amended Employees' Post-Retirement Health Plan outlining eligibility guidelines and premiums therefore, and the respective benefits provided by the City to its retirees. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 122.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved adoption of Resolution No. 41329-120318. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.)  695 HOLIDAY LEAVE: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending the closing of certain City offices on Monday, December 24, 2018, and Monday, December 31, 2018 in order to provide additional holiday leave for all City employees. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Garland offered the following resolution: (#41330-120318) A RESOLUTION closing certain City offices Monday, December 24, 2018, and Monday, December 31, 2018, and providing for additional holiday leave for all City employees. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 123.) Council Member Garland moved adoption of Resolution No. 41330-120318. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER. The City Manager shared the following comments: Funding Requests for Non-Profits • The city will conduct a Fiscal Year 2020 budget kickoff session on Friday, December 7 from 9:00a.m. to 11:00 a.m., in City Council Chambers • This meeting is mandatory for any non-profit organization that intends to request funding in the upcoming budget cycle through one of these two committees. • Representatives from the Human Services Advisory Board and the Roanoke Arts Commission, together with a representative from the United Way, will review the steps and documentation required to submit a funding application for consideration through this process. • More information is available by contacting R.B. Lawhorn, Budget Manager, in the City's Management and Budget Division, at 853-1643 or rb.lawhorn@roanokeva.gov. 696 Leaf Collection Continues • Solid Waste crews have resumed the collection of leaves in city neighborhoods. Leaves will be collected for the weeks of December 3 - 6 and December 10 t- 13. • During leaf collection weeks, bulk and brush collections will continue, and recycling will follow the normal schedule. • More information is available at www.roanokeva.gov/leafcollection or by calling Solid Waste Management at 853-2000, Option 1. Dickens of a Christmas • Dickens begins this Friday, December 7, with the City of Roanoke Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:15p.m. • The festivities will continue on Friday, December 14 and Friday, December 21, from 6:00p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in downtown Roanoke. • Details are available at www.downtownroanoke.org. CITY ATTORNEY: TRANSFER OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTIES: The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending repeal of Resolution No. 41049-020518 and consent to the transfer of certain real properties owned by the City of Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority to the H. R. Foundation, Inc., or the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center Commission. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price offered the following resolution: (#41331-120318) A RESOLUTION repealing Resolution No. 41049-020518 and replacing such resolution with this resolution, consenting to the transfer of certain real properties owned by the City of Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) to either H.R. Foundation, Inc., a Virginia corporation (HR Foundation), or Hotel Roanoke Conference Center Commission, a body corporate created by Chapter 440 of the 1991 Acts of Assembly (Commission); authorizing the City Manager to execute such documents and take such other actions to effectuate, acknowledge, administer, and enforce this consent; and establishing an effective date. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 124.) Council Member Price moved adoption of Resolution No. 41331-120318. The motion seconded by Council Member Garland adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0.  697 (Council Member Osborne was absent.) REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE. MOTION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: WUHAN AND LIJIANG, CHINA: Vice-Mayor Cobb commented on his official trip to Wuhan and Lijiang, China, on November 14 - 21, 2018. He presented a scroll engraved "My Modest Room", which will be displayed in a prominent location in the Municipal Building. He agreed to provide additional comments regarding his trip at a subsequent Council meeting. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: See below. FIRST CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, with the exception of discussion and consideration of the acquisition of real property for public purposes, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, Vice-Mayor Cobb moved 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 seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland, and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) 698 SECOND CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, regarding discussion and consideration of the acquisition of real property for public purposes, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, Vice-Mayor Cobb moved 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 seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Garland, and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) (Council Member Davis abstained from voting.) BUILDING AND FIRE CODE BOARD OF APPEALS: The Mayor called attention to the expiration of the three-year term of office of Mark Garland as a Citizen At-large representative (member) of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals ended June 30, 2018; whereupon, he opened up the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Charles Waters. - ~I There being no further nominations, Mr. Waters appointed to replace Mr. Garland as a Citizen-At-Large representative (member) of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals for a term of office ending June 30, 2021, by the following vote: FOR MR. WATERS: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the expiration of the four-year term of office of Elliot Bayer as a member of the Human Services Advisory Board ended October 31, 2018; whereupon, he opened up the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Laura Leonard. There being no further nominations, Ms. Leonard appointed to replace Mr. Bayer as a member of the Human Services Advisory Board for a term of office ending November 30, 2022, by the following vote:  699 FOR MS. LEONARD: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) ROANOKE ARTS COMMISSION: The Mayor called attention to a request of the Roanoke Arts Commission to replace William Sellari as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission for a term of office ending June 30, 2020 due to lack of attendance; whereupon, he opened up the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Patricia Wilhelms. There being no further nominations, Ms. Wilhelms appointed as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission to fill the unexpired term of office William Sellari ending June 30, 2020, by the following vote: FOR MS. WILHELMS: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) TOWING ADVISORY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to a request of the Police Department to replace Traffic Patrol Officer Fatima Foster as a Law Enforcement City representative (member) of the Towing Advisory Board ending October 31, 2021 due to having relocated out of the City; whereupon, he opened up the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Patrol Officer John Hancock. There being no further nominations, Patrol Officer Hancock appointed to replace Office Foster as a Law Enforcement City representative (member) of the Towing Advisory Board for a term of office ending, October 31, 2021, by the following vote: FOR PATROL OFFICER HANCOCK: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) 700 YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the expiration of the one-year term of office of Beatrice Schleupner as the Student Representative/Patrick Henry High School of the Youth Citizen Services Board ended June 30, 2018; whereupon, he opened up the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of William Nelms. There being no further nominations, Mr. Nelms appointed to replace Miss Schleupner as the Student Representative/Patrick Henry High School of the Youth Citizen Services Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2019, by the following vote: FOR MR. NELMS: Council Members Price, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Garland and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Osborne was absent.) There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting adjourned at 4:06 p.m. APPROVED