City Council

722 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION January 7, 2019 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in joint session with the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 9:00a.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. 41181-070218 adopted by the Council on Monday, July 2, 2018. PRESENT: Council Members Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne, Anita J. Price (arrived late), William D. Bestpitch and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. ABSENT: None-0. (Council Member John A. Garland submitted his resignation as a Member of Council on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.) 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. At this point, Council Member Price entered the meeting (9:04a.m.). ROANOKE REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Commissioners Gail Burruss, Daniel Karnes, Drew Kepley, Duane Smith, Timothy Witten, and Chair Edward Garner-6. ABSENT: Commissioner Andrew Anguiano-1. Representing the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority: Glenda Edwards Goh, Executive Director; J. Frederick Gusler, Director of Redevelopment and Revitalization; Mark Loftis, Legal Counsel to the Authority; and Kelly Martin, Recording Secretary. Mayor Lea welcomed everyone and advised that the Council hoped to meet with the Authority annually to discuss matters of mutual interest.  723 Chairman Garner reviewed the Authority's recent accomplishments and noted that they reached a point of stability from a previous troubled status to a high performer designation. After remarks by the Mayor and Chairman, the following items were discussed: • Update regarding RRHA Executive Director's retirement and search process. Multi-phase plan for redevelopment of Lansdowne Park. • Capital needs assessment processes for public housing developments and low-income housing tax credits developments. • Storm doors for Hurt Park townhomes. • Amenities for Hurt Park Community Room. Mr. Garner advised that the Authority was in the process of accepting applications for a new Executive Director, before Ms. Goh announced her upcoming retirement in June 2019. He noted thus far 23 applications have been received and a short list of six candidates that best fit the profile developed for the new Executive Director. Mr. Garner further advised Lansdowne Park being one of the oldest developments built around 1961 is in need of major capital improvements. He added that due to the restoration of funds to the Authority's budget, screen doors, porches, etc., are able to help to modify the housing complex; and overall present a better image of the City. Council Member Price inquired as to plans to include child care capabilities within the Lansdowne development; whereupon, Ms. Edwards Goh advised that a head start center was currently located at the development as well as a grant funded Jobs Plus program which offered support for child care resources. She further explained that the Jobs Plus program was on a four-year grant of $3 million that focused on saturating a neighborhood with resources to address the roadblocks that may be hindering a family from attaining self-sufficiency. Mr. Garner explained the capital needs assessment process for public housing developments and low-income housing tax credits developments, noting that it was a challenge to increase the housing stock available for low to moderate income individuals because of the interest rates. Ms. Edwards Goh interjected that there was no capital funding for the properties, no subsidy on the rent and the program brought capital from private investors whom in return receive the benefit of the tax credits. Vice-Mayor Cobb advised that while attending the Hurt Park community meetings, a few issues had arisen, such as storm doors for each home and tables and chairs for the community room; and questioned if there was a creative way to address those concerns. 724 Mr. Garner responded that monies were included in the budget to address the doors and the budget submitted for review by the Virginia Housing Development Authority as the entity providing the long-term financing for the development and to the Virginia Community Development Corporation, which represented the investment partners. Ms. Edwards Goh added that most developments have community spaces with tables and chairs provided by capital funds and the neighborhood resident group could pursue grant funds to address that. Mayor Lea asked the Authority to address public safety in public housing, noting recent arrests involving firearms at Lansdowne Park; whereupon, Mr. Garner advised that above the baseline police protection is provided at the developments, ensured additional police presence at developments where they may be a problem, and noted that security cameras had been acquired for the major housing developments. Ms. Edwards Goh commented that the arrests were non-residents of the housing development, residents were evicted based on conduct of guests they allowed on the property, and many have been barred from the property either by the police or property manager. She expressed the importance of safety and pointed out that trees, lighting, fencing and surveillance have been addressed. .._ In conclusion, Council Members Bestpitch and Price thanked the Commissioners for their commitment to the City; and Ms. Edwards Goh for her years of service with the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority. There being no further business, Chairman Garner thanked the Council for the opportunity to discuss relevant topics and declared the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners meeting adjourned at 9:48a.m. There being no further business, Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting in recess at 9:49a.m., to be reconvened in the Council Chamber. At 10:02 a.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea presiding, and all Members of the Council in attendance. The Mayor called attention the following agenda items for consideration. ITEMS FOR ACTION: COUNCIL: A communication from Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss a personnel matter, being the appointment of an interim Council Member to fill the unexpired term of John A. Garland ending June 30, 2020, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1 ), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended.  725 (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Osborne 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 Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. 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.) 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 Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. PERSONNEL MATIER: A communication from Council Member Michelle L. Davis, Chair, City Council Personnel Committee, requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss a personnel matter, being the annual performances of the Council-Appointed Officers, 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 Price moved that Council concur in the request of Council Member Davis to convene in Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. 726 CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: A communication from the City Attorney requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting for consultation with legal counsel, pertaining to pending litigation, where such consultation in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigation posture of the City, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(7), 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 to convene in Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. SECURITY OF THE NOEL C. TAYLOR MUNICIPAL BUILDING: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss reports or plans related to the security of the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, situated at 215 Church Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(19), Code of Virginia, as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb 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: A YES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT THE JOINT MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND THE ROANOKE CITY SCHOOL BOARD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2019, AT 9:00A.M., IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ROOM 450, NOEL C. TAYLOR MUNICIPAL BUILDING: Agenda items for discussion should be forwarded to the City Clerk. ITEMS LISTED ON THE 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL DOCKET REQUIRING DISCUSSION/CLARIFICATION AND ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE 2:00P.M. AGENDA: NONE.  727 TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: NONE. BRIEFINGS: General Reassessment Briefing- FY 2019-2020 Susan Lower, Director, Real Estate Valuation, provided an overview of the FY 2019 - 2020 Real Estate Assessment Projections and informed the Council of the following topics: • FY2020 Real Estate Assessment Projections • Assessment History by Fiscal Year • New Construction History by Fiscal Year • History of Residential Sales and Foreclosures • Median Residential Sales Price 2009 to 2018 • In Summary • Appealing an Assessment • Tax Relief Programs • Projected Real Estate Fiscal Impact • Questions & Comments • Appendix • Timeline of Assessment Process • Tax Relief and Abatement Programs • History of Sales Ratio (See presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) As part of FY20 Real Estate Assessment Projections, Ms. Lower predicted the percent change from the July 1 Land Book to be 2. 76 percent, reassessment for new construction would add 0.55 percent, for a total increase of 3.31 percent. In reference to new construction, she reported the numbers were down this year--- $40.4 million, with last year being at $53.8 million. She said the decline was due to lack of skilled labor, high increase in construction costs, and the high volume of rain experienced in the past six months. She indicated that the $40.4 million could increase if sunny days and the labor force could get back on track. With regard to appeals, Ms. Lower explained citizens could file an appeal with Department of Real Estate Valuation before February 4; and if said citizen was in disagreement with the City's value, they may appeal to the Board of Equalization. If in disagreement with the Board of Equalizations' decision, citizens could ultimately file suit in the Circuit Court. 728 Following comments by the Council, Mayor Lea thanked Ms. Lower for the update and advised that the presentation would be received and filed. Budget/Financial Planning Fiscal Year 2020 Amelia C. Merchant, Director of Finance, briefed the Council on the development of the FY 2019 - 2020 budget process. She highlighted the following topics: • FY 2019 Overview • Preliminary FY 2020 Expenditure • Priorities • Five Year Operating Model • Next Steps (See presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) In terms of FY 2019, the Director of Finance advised that the budget was $0.76 million or 0.26 percent higher than FY 2018 actual revenues even though December revenues had decreased approximately $689,000.00 or 0.64 percent compared to the same period in FY 2018. She added expenditures and obligations through December decreased approximately $391 ,000.00 or 0.28 percent compared to the same period last year, mainly due to the timing of the Children's Services Act expenditures and transfers. She indicated that the FY 2019 local tax revenue increased 2.53 percent over the same period in FY 2018, and was 2.17 percent ahead of the year- to-date budget, noting that the transient occupancy tax was a little less than 6 percent expected with meals tax almost 5 percent ahead, being that it was only six months into the fiscal year. Ms. Merchant reviewed the preliminary FY 2020 expenditure priorities, stating that in August 2018 the financial policies were modified by Council beginning a 12 percent target for reserves, which was achieved by the end of fiscal 2018. In FY 2020, $350,000.00 would be preliminarily budgeted to comply with the policy as adopted by the Council. She further stated that also preliminarily budgeted was a one percent pay increase across the organization of approximately $973,000.00, but based on revenue performance, the City Manager and Budget Committee will recommend the amount of the pay increase would be going into FY 2020. She mentioned that the five-year model was in the process of being updated to include FY 2018 actual results and assumptions with respect to the local taxes, other revenues, and operating expenditures. The City Manager stressed that the purpose of the five-year model was to look ahead and identify and address the structural issues, but when expenditures began to exceed the revenues adjustments were recommended as well as reviewing fees to tweak items  729 Ms. Merchant concluded that information would be presented again at the February 4 Council Meeting which would include data on the FY 2019 budget performance, FY 2020 revenue outlook, local tax trends, total price of government, FY 2020 RCPS estimate and FY 2019 capital improvement plan current status. During discussion of the budget, the City Attorney was instructed to prepare the proper measure for an increase in salaries to the maximum amount allowed by State law for the Mayor, in the amount of $25,000.00, and Members of Council, in the amount of $23,000.00, effective July1, 2020. Following additional dialogue with regard to the proposed Council pay increase, the budget briefing was received and filed. At 10:55 a.m., the Council meeting was declared in recess until 2:00 p.m., for a Closed Meeting in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building. At 2:00 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea presiding. PRESENT: Council Members Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne, Anita J. Price, William D. Bestpitch and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. ABSENT: None-0. 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. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Andrew Whaley, Pastor, Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Lea. Mayor Lea announced that Council Member John A. Garland tendered his resignation as a Member of the Roanoke City Council, effective January 2, 2019. 730 PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: RECOGNITION OF CITY EMPLOYEES: Mayor Lea recognized and presented gifts to certain City employees having 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service with the City of Roanoke. Following the presentation, the Mayor announced that the Annual Service Awards Breakfast in recognition of those City employees with 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service would be on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at 7:30a.m., at the Holiday Inn Roanoke- Valley View. 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 would be referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to Council, as he may deem appropriate. COUNCIL: Barbara Duerk, 2607 Rosalind Avenue, S. W., and Estelle McCadden, 2128 Mercer Avenue, N. W., appeared before the Council and spoke in support of Bob Clement as the Interim Council Member to fill the unexpired term of John A. Garland, resigned, ending June 30, 2020. COST OF LIVING: Alexandros Filth, 319-A Mountain Avenue, S. W., appeared · ,~ before the Council regarding the cost of living in the City of Roanoke. CONSENT AGENDA The Mayor advised that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda were considered to be routine by the Members of City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There would be no separate discussion of the items. If discussion was desired, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. COUNCIL: A communication from Council Member John A. Garland tendering his resignation as a Member of Roanoke City Council, effective January 2, 2019, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that the resignation be accepted and the communication be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0.  731 WESTERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL FACILITY AUTHORITY ANNUAL REPORT: Annual Report of the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority for Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018, was before the Council. (See Annual Report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that the Annual Report be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. AUDIT COMMITTEE: Minutes of the Audit Committee held on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, was before the Council. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with and approved as recorded. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. OATHS OF OFFICE-ROANOKE VALLEY RESOURCE AUTHORITY-CITY OF ROANOKE FINANCE BOARD-HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD-CITY PLANNING COMMISSION-BUILDING AND FIRE CODE BOARD OF APPEALS: Reports of qualifications of the following individuals were before the Council: Jeffrey H. Powell as a City representative of the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority for a four-year term of office, commencing January 1, 2019 and ending December 31, 2022; Kenneth S. Cronin as the Citizen-at-Large member of the City of Roanoke Finance Board for a two-year term of office ending June 30, 2020; Laura Leonard Clark as a member of the Human Services Advisory Board for a four-year term of office, commencing December 1, 2018 and ending November 30, 2022; 732 Kermit "Kit" Hale as a member of the City Planning Commission for a four- year term of office ending December 31, 2022; and Charles Waters as a Citizen-at-Large representative of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals for a three-year 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 that the reports of qualification be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: PATRICK HENRY HOTEL PROJECT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization for access to residential parking permits in connection with the Patrick Henry Hotel Project. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  733 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41342-010719) A RESOLUTION approving the terms of a Second Letter Agreement between the City of Roanoke, Virginia ("City"), and 611 Jefferson, LLC ("Company"), for access to parking permits for the Patrick Henry Hotel Project ("Project"); authorizing the City Manager to execute the Second Letter Agreement referred to above; and authorizing the City Manager to execute such other documents and to take such further actions as may be necessary to implement, administer, and enforce such Second Letter Agreement. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 139.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41342-010719. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the Financial Empowerment Grant. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following resolution: (#41343-010719) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the 2018 Financial Empowerment Center Planning Grant to the City of Roanoke ("City") from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, Inc. (the "CFE Fund"); authorizing the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to receive such grant, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the CFE Fund, in order for the City to improve the financial stability of low and moderate income households by embedding financial empowerment strategies into local government infrastructure; and authorizing the City Manager to take such further actions and execute such other documents as may be necessary to obtain, accept, implement, administer, and use such grant funds. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 140.) 734 Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41343-010719. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#41344-010719) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund to plan and prepare to establish a Financial Empowerment Center, 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 141.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41344-010719. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. The City Attorney distributed the three communications requiring action by the Council, noting that the items having been previously discussed by the Council. He also pointed out that Council Member Davis would not participate in any discussions or votes pertaining to the matters due to a personal conflict of interest, which Statement of Conflict of Interest was presented at a previous Council meeting. AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE AND SALE OF REAL ESTATE: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization to execute a proposed Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Estate with Brandon Woody and Booker, LLC, and The Brandon Company, Inc., for the purchase of real estate on Salem Avenue, S. W. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  735 Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following ordinance: (#41345-010719) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager to execute a proposed Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Estate ("Agreement") between the City of Roanoke, Virginia, ("City"), and Brandon, Woody and Booker, LLC, ("LLC Seller'') and The Brandon Company, Incorporated, ("Company Seller"), which proposed Agreement provides LLC Seller and Company Seller agree that the City would acquire the Parcels, as described below, upon certain terms and conditions; authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to perform, effectuate, administer, and enforce the proposed Agreement; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 142.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41345-010719. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis abstained from voting.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#41346-01 0719) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding to the GRTC Salem Ave Bus Station project, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2018-2019 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 146.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41346-010719. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis abstained from voting.) 736 GRTC EXCHANGE AGREEMENT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization to schedule and advertise a public hearing on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.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, on the proposed sale of the GRTC Relocation Parcels from the City to Greater Roanoke Transit Company, in accordance with the proposed City and GRTC Exchange Agreement, which proposed agreement includes the transfer of Campbell Court from GRTC to the City, upon certain terms and conditions. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41347-010719) A RESOLUTION authorizing a public hearing to receive public comments on the proposed sale of the GRTC Relocation Parcels from the City to Greater Roanoke Transit Company (GRTC) in accordance with the proposed City and GRTC Exchange Agreement, which proposed agreement includes the transfer of Campbell Court from GRTC to the City, upon such terms and conditions as more particularly set forth in the City Council Agenda Report dated January 7, 2019. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 144.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41347-010719. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis abstained from voting.) PROPOSED CITY AND DEVELOPER EXCHANGE AGREEMENT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization to schedule and advertise a public hearing on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 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, on the proposed sale of Campbell Court to Hist:Re Partners, LLC, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the proposed City and Developer Exchange Agreement that includes the City's acquisition of the Future Rail Station Parcels, upon certain terms and conditions. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  737 Council Member Price offered the following resolution: (#41348-01 0719) A RESOLUTION authorizing a public hearing to receive public comments on the proposed sale of Campbell Court to Hist:Re Partners, LLC (Developer) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the proposed City and Developer Exchange Agreement that includes the City's acquisition of the Future Rail Station Parcels, upon such terms and conditions as more particularly set forth in the City Council Agenda Report dated January 7, 2019. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 145.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41348-010719. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis abstained from voting.) COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER. The City Manager offered the following comments: Fiscal Year 2020 Budget • Work has begun on the development of the FY20 Budget. • For the next few months, briefings will be provided at the first City Council meeting of the month to update Council members and the public on the budget process. Roanoke 100 Miler • Once again, Roanoke Parks and Recreation is offering this popular program in 2019. • Every year, hundreds of people in the Roanoke Valley celebrate the start of the New Year by accepting the Roanoke 100 Miler challenge. • The program asks participants to track their activity levels every day for 100 days, with the goal of walking 100 miles or the equivalent of 50 hours of exercise. • Activities must be completely human-powered, such as walking, running, biking, or swimming. • To kick off the 100 days, Parks and Recreation will host an event for participants on Sunday, Jan. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m., and walk the first mile as a group. • To register, visit PlayRoanoke.com 738 CITY ATTORNEY: EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT: The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending adoption of a resolution urging the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. (For full text, see on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Osborne offered the following resolution: (#41349-01 0719) A RESOLUTION urging the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution of the United States by adopting House Joint Resolution 579. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 146.) Council Member Osborne moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41349-010719. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis. The following persons appeared before the Council in support of the resolution •""" and urged the Council to unanimously adopt it to send a strong message to the General Assembly that equal rights for all was imperative: • Barbara Andes, 2803 Rosalind Avenue, S. W. • lvonne Wallace Fuente, 2528 Alberta Avenue, S. W. • Stephen Niamke, 1711 Franwill Avenue, N. W. • Brienne Nida, 119 Manassas Circle, Daleville, Virginia 24083 There being no comments and/or questions by the Council Members, Resolution No. 41349-010719 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. OPIOID EPIDEMIC: The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending adoption of a resolution acknowledging the opioid epidemic experienced by the City of Roanoke. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  739 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41350-01 0719) A RESOLUTION acknowledging the opioid addiction epidemic and its cost to the City of Roanoke and authorizing the City Attorney to engage outside legal counsel to take such action as he deems appropriate to recover the costs and damages borne by the City as a result of this opioid addiction epidemic. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 147.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41350-010719. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis. Following comments from Council Members Bestpitch and Price with regard to the opioid epidemic and litigating pharmaceutical companies, Resolution No. 41350- 010719 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. The City Attorney distributed the following report regarding a waiver of notice of a special meeting of the Stockholder of the Greater Roanoke Transit Company: GREATER ROANOKE TRANSIT COMPANY: The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending waiver of requirement of Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholder of Greater Roanoke Transit Company set for Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.; and authorization of the Mayor or the City Manager to execute and deliver the waiver. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41351-010719) A RESOLUTION authorizing waiver of notice requirements for a special meeting of the stockholder of Greater Roanoke Transit Company (GRTC) on behalf of the City as the sole stockholder of GRTC, and authorizing the Mayor or City Manager to execute and deliver a waiver of notice to GRTC. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 148.) 740 Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41351-010719. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis abstained from voting due to a personal conflict of interest.) REPORTS OF COMMITIEES: VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: The Roanoke City School Board submitted a written report requesting appropriation of funds for various educational programs; and the City Manager recommending that Council concur in the request. (For full text, see reports on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#41352-01 0719) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from Commonwealth grant for various educational programs, amending and reordaining certain sections of • ",.. the 2018 - 2019 School 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 150.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41352-010719. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE.  741 MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: 2019 LEA'S HIGH SCHOOL WINTER CLASSIC BASKETBALL CHALLENGE: Mayor Lea announced that the 2019 Lea's High School Winter Classic Basketball Challenge will be on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at the Berglund Center, commencing at 12:00 Noon. COUNCIL: Vice-Mayor Cobb expressed sincerest gratitude to former Council Member John A. Garland for his public service to the City of Roanoke from July 1, 2018- January 2, 2019. At 3:19 p.m., the Council Meeting was declared in recess for continuation of a Closed Meeting in the Council's Conference Room. At this point, Mayor Lea relinquished the Chair to the Vice-Mayor Cobb (3:20p.m.). At 3:59 p.m., the Council Meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, Vice-Mayor Cobb presiding and all Members of the Council in attendance, with the exception of Mayor Lea. CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Council Member Bestpitch moved that each Member of City Council certify to the best of his or her knowledge that: (1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in any motion by which any Closed Meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered by City Council. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was not present when the vote was recorded.) 742 VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: ROANOKE VALLEY GREENWAY COMMISSION: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by resignation of Margaret Douglas Butler as a City representative of the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission 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 Stephen Ambruzs. There being no further nominations, Mr. Ambruzs was appointed as a City representative of the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission to fill the unexpired term of office of Margaret Douglas Butler ending June 30, 2019, by the following vote: FOR MR. AMBRUZS: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. (Mayor Lea was not present when the vote was recorded.) YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the resignation of Madison Duval as a member (Student/Alternate Patrick Henry High · ... School) of the Youth Services Citizen Board 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 Va'Shay McCalla. There being no further nominations, Ms. McCalla was appointed as a member (Student/Alternate Patrick Henry High School) of the Youth Services Citizen Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Madison Duval for term of office ending June 30, 2019, by the following vote: FOR MS. MCCALLA: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. (Mayor Lea was not present when the vote was recorded.) At 4:01 p.m., Vice-Mayor Cobb declared the Council meeting in recess for a Closed meeting to be reconvened on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in the City Council's Conference Room, Room 451, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W., for a Closed Meeting, being a personnel matter, to continue discussion of the appointment of an Interim Council Member to fill the unexpired term of John A. Garland, resigned, ending June 30, 2020.  743 The Recessed Meeting of Roanoke City Council was called to order on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 10:15 a.m. in the City Council's Conference Room, Room 451, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W., with Mayor Lea presiding. PRESENT: Council Members Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne, Anita J. Price, William D. Bestpitch and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. ABSENT: None-0. 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. The Mayor advised that the purpose of the Recessed Meeting was for the Council to convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss a personnel matter, being the appointment of an Interim Council Member to fill the unexpired term of office of John A. Garland, resigned, ending June 30, 2020. Council Member Davis moved that convene in a Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. At 10:16 a.m., the Recessed meeting was declared in recess to reconvene in Closed Meeting in the Council's Conference Room. At 2:00 p.m., the Recessed meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea presiding, and all Members of the Council in attendance. 744 CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Vice-Mayor Cobb 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 Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Price offered the following resolution appointing Patricia White-Boyd as the Interim Council Member: (#41353-011619) A RESOLUTION appointing Patricia White-Boyd as a member of City Council for the City of Roanoke in accordance with §4 of the City Charter and Virginia Code §24.2-228 for a term commencing upon her qualification and expiring on June 30, 2020. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 150.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41353-011618. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb. Following comments by Council Member Davis voicing her opinion the process to appoint an Interim Council Member, citing a decision warrants more time; and Vice- Mayor Cobb expressed appreciation to the citizens for expressing an interest in the process, Resolution No. 41353-011619 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. Mayor Lea congratulated and welcomed Ms. White-Boyd as Interim Council Member.  745 At this point, the Honorable David Carson, Judge, Twenty-third Judicial Circuit, administered the Oath of Office to Ms. White-Boyd as the Interim Council Member to fill the unexpired term of office of John A. Garland, resigned, ending June 30, 2020. There being no further business, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 2:08p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: ~h-). ~~oiJ-v Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, MMC Sherman P. Lea, Sr. City Clerk Mayor