City Council

795 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION February 19, 2019 2:00p.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W., City of Roanoke, with 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 Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. 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 Council Member William D. Bestpitch. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: NONE. 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. HONORING THE LATE DR. ISAAC D. BURRELL: Jordan Bell, 5208 Lancelot Lane, N. W., appeared before Council to request a letter of recognition or proclamation in honor of the late Isaac D. Burrell , a prominent black physician and pharmacist, during the month of March. 796 EXTENDING BUS SERVICES: Coquina Restrepo, 1118 Winchester Avenue, S. W., appeared before Council to request extending bus services through the evenings hours and into the surrounding areas. JACKSON PARK AND JACKSON BRANCH LIBRARY: Megan Bowles, 1430 Barnhart Drive, S. W., and Katrina Wood, 3816 Strafford Park Drive, S. W., appeared before Council, respectively, to urge them to reconsider renaming of Jackson Park and Jackson Branch Library. CONSENT AGENDA The Mayor advised that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda were considered to be 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 were 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 meetings of City Council held on Tuesday, January 22 , 2019 and on Monday, February 4, 2019, were before the body. (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 Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price , White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. PERFORMANCES OF THE COUNCIL-APPOINTED OFFICERS: 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, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  797 Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that Council concur in the request of Council Member Michelle L. Davis as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. DESIGNATING AN EXISTING NON-PROFIT ENTITY: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, March 18, 2019, 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 shall determine, in his discretion, to consider designating an existing non-profit entity and its governing board to carry out the functions of a land bank entity, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. OATHS OF OFFICE-DEFINED CONTRIBUTION BOARD-YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD-BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS-ROANOKE REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION: Reports of qualification of the following individuals were before the Council: Amelia Merchant as ex-officio to replace Barbara A. Dameron, as the Director of Finance on the Defined Contribution Board; Va'Shay McCalla as the Student Alternate/Patrick Henry High School of the Youth Services Citizen Board, for a term of office ending June 30, 2019; Marcus Huffman as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a three- year term of office ending December 31, 2021; and 798 Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop as the New River Valley representative of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission for an additional one-year term of office, commencing March 10, 2021 and ending March 9, 2022. (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 Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES : Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: Stormwater Utility Flood Mitigation Program Dwayne D'Ardenne, Stormwater Utility Manager and Leigh Anne Weitzenfeld , Water Quality Administrator, gave an update on the Stormwater Utility Flood Mitigation Program that addresses areas of recurrent flooding . The following parts were highlighted: • Floodplain Acquisitions • FEMA Grant Requirements • FEMA Grant Process • 2018 Mud lick Creek x2 • SWU Grant Process  799 • SWU Grant Applicability • SWU Grant Considerations • Vacant Floodplain Land • Next Steps (See presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Ms. Weitzenfeld stated acquisition is a mitigation strategy for residential and commercial properties repeatedly inundated and after review the management of the City's floodplain, 118 residential properties were removed within the floodplain valued at approximately $6.3 million; and were purchased through a combination of FEMA funds and City match. In addition to lessening the risks of property damage and the loss of life, she indicated that there were now 31 acres of flood plain properties that can function as a natural floodplain. She commented as the effects from climate change, increase and intensity of storms increase, FEMA grants become more competitive and there is a need for an updated and adopted Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan B. Mr. D'Ardenne shared that the Stormwater Division was proposing a Stormwater Utility based grant process, which would not replace the FEMA Grant process, but simply adding an option that would be an easier and quicker process. In conclusion, he indicated that the Roanoke Stormwater Division, Clean Valley Council, and the Upper River Roundtable had collaborated to create a Citizen Science Water Monitoring Program to focus on the health of the Roanoke River and its tributaries. In addition, the public was invited to attend an informational meeting at the Raleigh Court Branch Library on February 28 at 5:30 p.m. Following a brief dialogue regarding the Stormwater Utility Grant process and grant considerations, Mr. D'Ardenne would provide an update at the March 4 Council Meeting. Mayor Lea thanked Mr. D'Ardenne and Ms. Weitzenfeld for the presentation and advised that the remarks would be received and filed. Annual Public Safety Updates Roanoke Fire-EMS - Public Safety Briefing 2018 Fire Chief David Hoback gave an overview regarding yearly performance of the Fire-EMS Department. (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 800 Chief Hoback reported that the high school program for students interested in becoming EMT's graduated 12 students last year. He also pointed out that 2018 brought an increase in the number of emergency calls to 29,448, up by 4.1 percent, and the demand for service continued to increase, up by three percent; and the Department hoped to reduce unnecessary rides to the emergency room and noted that demand emergency medical services continued to increase as well as ambulance transports to the emergency rooms, mainly due to the aging population. He further stated house and building fires declined to 61 and as it related to the causes of said fires, 44 percent were accidental, 29 percent incendiary, 27 percent undetermined and 25 arsons were reported in the City. Following extensive dialogue regarding the increase in demand for EMS services, Chief Hoback emphasized that 66 percent of patients responded to were transported and of the 66 percent, 90.5 percent of patients required emergency services, three percent of patients or roughly 500 people leave prior to treatment, 38 percent were admitted for additional care and about 59 percent were treated and released from the emergency department. He concluded that for many citizens EMS services were used as a gateway to access healthcare or like a primary healthcare provider. Following comments by the Council with regard to recruitment and staffing, dispatch, the aging population and community, Mayor Lea expressed appreciation for the presentation and advised that the remarks would be received and filed. Roanoke Police Department- Public Safety Briefing 2018 Prior to the overview of the Police Department annual public safety briefing, Police Chief Tim Jones distributed copies of the Roanoke Police Annual Report for 2018. (See copy of Annual Report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Chief Jones advised that the City of Roanoke placed fourth, nationally in the Law Enforcement Lip Sync Challenge and was featured in a video by the National Police Memorial Museum in Washington D.C; and reported 94,291 as a total number of calls for service in 2018 and that northwest and southwest Roanoke were the primary areas for large call volume which peaked on the weekends.  801 In connection with crime comparison statistics, Chief Jones noted that homicide decreased from 16 in 2017 to 11 in 2018; robbery increased from 80 to 105; and motor vehicle theft increased from 200 to 371. He added that many robberies were street related involving drugs, cell phone sales and vehicle exchanges. As a follow-up to the discussion with regard to gun violence, thefts, and property crimes, Chief Jones stressed the importance of locking vehicles and securing personal possessions. In response to an inquiry regarding an increase in sexual assault (rape) cases, the Chief advised that 32 rapes were recorded in 2018, versus 23 in 2017, and 39 percent was the highest percentage increase among Part I crimes in the City; whereupon, extensive discussion ensued with regard to gun violence in the northwest neighborhood; sex trafficking in the 1-81 corridor; and sexual assault (rape). It was suggested that the City work closely with the Commonwealth's Attorney; create a similar response to gun violence as the opioid crisis and continue to educate the community and work within the school system. In closing, Chief Jones stated that the Crime Prevention Specialists were working with Rick Morrison at the Community Solutions Center - Feeding America Southwest Virginia on programs for early spring and for mentors to offer insight on what may help the community succeed. Following additional comments with regard to the Crimestoppers program, Mayor Lea expressed appreciation to the Police Chief for the informative presentation, and noted that the remarks would be received and filed. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: 2018 CONTINUUM OF CARE GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the 2018 Continuum of Care Grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to support the City's Homeless Assistance Team. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 802 Council Member Price offered the following resolution: (#41378-021919) A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of the FY2018 Continuum of Care ("CoC") Grant Award to the City of Roanoke, on behalf of the Department of Social Services' Homeless Assistance Team ("HAT"), from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"), in the amount of $140,422.00 upon certain terms and conditions; and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 231.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41378-021919. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Price offered the following budget ordinance: (#41379-021919) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Homeless Assistance Team Grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 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 232.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41379- 021919. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 2018 CONTINUUM OF CARE GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the 2018 Continuum of Care Grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to support the Coordinated Assessment System. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  803 Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41380-021919) A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of the FY2018 Continuum of Care ("CoC") Grant Award ("Grant") to the City of Roanoke from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"), in the amount of $49,070.00 upon certain terms and conditions; and authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents necessary to accept such funding. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 233.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41380- 021919. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#41381-021919) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Continuum of Care (CoC) Coordinated Assessment System (CAS) Grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 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 234.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41381-021919. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. APPROVAL OF THE "ROANOKE, VIRGINIA STRATEGIC PLAN 2019": The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending approval of the "Roanoke, Virginia Strategic Plan 2019." (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price offered the following resolution: 804 (#41382-021919) A RESOLUTION adopting the Roanoke, Virginia Strategic Plan 2019 (Strategic Plan) and establishing a process for review, revision, and adjustment of the Strategic Plan . (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 235.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41382-021919. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne. Following comments by Council Member Price referencing the seven priorities as part of the Strategic Plan and encouraging citizens to review the Plan, Resolution No. 41382-021919 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. GO OUTSIDE FESTIVAL: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending appropriation of funds in connection with the GO Outside Festival. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following budget ordinance: (#41383-021919) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the GO Fest outdoor recreation event, amending and reordain ing certain sections of the 2018 - 2019 General Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 236.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41383-021919. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  805 PARKING FUND RETAINED EARNINGS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending appropriation of Parking Fund Retained Earnings for capital maintenance projects. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Osborne offered the following budget ordinance: (#41384-021919) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Parking Fund Retained Earnings to the Structural and Preventative Repairs for Parking Garages capital project, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2018 - 2019 Parking Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 237.) Council Member Osborne moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41384- 021919. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd , Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending amendment of the City Code with regard to Solid Waste Management. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following ordinance: (#41385-021919) AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining Section 14.1-1, Definitions; Section 14.1-5, Fees for collection; Section 14.1-16, Placement for collection generally; Section 14.1-19, Collection in central business district; Section 14.1-21 , Certain solid waste not to be collected-Generally; Section 14.1-23, Placement and collection of bulk items, brush and bagged leaves; Section 14.1-25, Collection of sharps; and Section 14.1-54.1, Storage of fats. oils and grease; of Chapter 14.1, Solid Waste Management, of the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended; providing for an effective date; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 237 .) 806 Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41385- 021919. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. CITY'S PAY PLAN ORDINANCE: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending amendment of the City's Pay Plan Ordinance to allow for the provision of a sales commission and the allowance of pay adjustments for exceptional performance. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Osborne offered the following ordinance: (#41386-021919) AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 41129-051418, which adopted and established a Pay Plan for officers and employees of the City effective July 1, 2018; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 247.) Council Member Osborne moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41386-021919. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES : Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER. The City Manager offered the following comments: Google to Offer Free Digital Training • Google is coming to Roanoke as part of its "Grow with Google" initiative to help create economic opportunity in communities across the United States. • Google will kick-start this work locally by hosting a free, one-day event on March 4 at Roanoke's Main Library, located at 706 South Jefferson StreetS. W., from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30p.m. • The event is designed to help job seekers, small business owners, students, educators, and entrepreneurs improve their digital skills.  807 • Attendees are welcome to drop in for a few sessions or stay all day. • The tour will also visit two other Virginia communities, Herndon and Richmond. • For general information, contact the Main Library at 853-2474. To register, visit g.co/GrowVirginia. Space will be limited, so please register in advance. Citizen Science Water Monitoring Program • The Roanoke Stormwater Division, Clean Valley Council , and the Upper Roanoke River Roundtable have partnered to create a Citizen Science Water Monitoring Program. • An informational meeting to learn more about this program will be held at the Raleigh Court Branch Library on February 28 at 5:30p.m. • The public is invited to attend and learn more about how to create a Clean Water Legacy. • To register, go to www.facebook.com/roanokestormwater and click on "Events." Solid Waste Collection Schedule Altered This Week • Because city offices were closed on February 18 for the Presidents' Day holiday, solid waste collection (including, "A week" recycling, bulk, and brush) will be delayed one day for the remainder of the week. • For more information, call 853-2000, option 1. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: The Roanoke City School Board submitted a written report requesting appropriation of funds for various educational programs; and the City Manager submitted a written report recommending that Council concur in the request. (For full text, see reports on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#41387-021919) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Commonwealth and federal 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 248.) BOB Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41387- 021919. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: Non e-O. 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: LEGISLATION: As Chair of the City's Legislative Committee, Council Member Bestpitch gave a brief update regarding four Senate Bills, noting two were defeated - keeping firearms out of the Council Chamber and creating a lien for unpaid fees. However, the City Treasurer was advised to seek support from Treasurer's Association of Virginia if the Bill was to be reintroduced next year. Lastly, turning over delinquent bills to Collections after three months, instead of six months; and limiting smoking to designated areas in amphitheaters passed. In addition, a Bill to allow school divisions to set their own school start date, no more than two weeks, prior to Labor Day, with Labor Day as a school holiday, also passed. Vice-Mayor Cobb announced Roanoke native, Rayshon Cobbs Jr., "808-Ray", co-wrote one of the tracks on one of Beyonce and Shawn "Jay Z" Carter's tracks, which won the Best Urban Contemporary Album Grammy Award. He suggested the possibility of offering a Proclamation or a congratulatory letter of expression to Mr. Cobbs. As a follow-up to Council Member Bestpitch's comments, the City Attorney advised that the pre-filing of the 2020 Legislative session will begin on November 18 and end December 5, which provides an opportunity to plan the Legislative Committee in advance. He stated City Council should take pride in its work over the past ten years in the development of the Stormwater Utility Ordinance that was a critical component with regard to the Norfolk Southern case.  809 Council Member Price announced a Youth Mini-Summit on March 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m ., at Lucy Addison Middle School that is sponsored by Roanoke Youth Services, with a focus on preparing students for summer job opportunities. Lunch will be included in this event and open to all Middle and High School students. Council Member White-Boyd announced that the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will host a forum on human and sex-trafficking at Pilgrim Baptist Church on Monday, February 25, 2019, from 6:00p.m.- 7:00p.m. Mayor Lea announced the Urban Professional League Group will present a Black History Month Community Achievement Awards Reception on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 6:30p.m. at the Jefferson Center, Fitzpatrick Hall, with tickets being $15.00. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: NONE. At 5:56 p.m., Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting in recess for a Closed Meeting in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451, and thereafter, reconvened at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. At 7:04 p.m. , the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, with Mayor Sherman P. Lea , Sr., presiding. PRESENT: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. 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 Mayor Sherman P. Lea , Sr. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Boy Scout Troops No. 5 and 418 of Huntington Court United Methodist Church. 810 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 seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS: DENNISTON AVENUE, S. W: Pursuant to instructions by the Council, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, with regard to a proposal of the City of Roanoke to convey a portion of City-owned property, located at 0 (zero) Denniston Avenue, S. W., which portion is a part of the property designated as Roanoke Official Tax Map No. 1330606, to Oak Tree Ventures, LLC, a Virginia Limited Liability Company, the owner of the Village Grill Restaurant, or its permitted assigns, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Monday, February 11, 2019. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Manager submitted a written report recommending execution of the Agreement, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  811 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#41388-021919) AN ORDINANCE authorizing and approving an Agreement for the Purchase and Sale of Real Estate between the City of Roanoke, Virginia ("City") and Oak Tree Ventures, LLC ("Oak Tree Ventures"), dated January 11, 2019 (the "Agreement"); authorizing the City to sell to Oak Tree Ventures an approximately 0.1145 acre portion of a parcel of City-owned property located at 0 (zero) Denniston Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia, located along the northwest boundary of Official Tax Map Number 1330606 ("Property"); authorizing the City to purchase from Oak Tree Ventures an approximately 0.0338 acre portion of a parcel located at 0 (zero) Denniston Avenue, S. W., being a portion of Official Tax Map No. 1330605, together with a temporary construction easement across the entirety of Official Tax Map No. 1330605; authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents to provide for such conveyances and take such further actions as may be necessary to accomplish the above matters; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 250.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41388-021919. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne. The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed. There being no comments and/or questions by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 41388-021919 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 3601 BLUE HILLS VILLAGE DRIVE, N. E.: Pursuant to instructions by the Council, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, with regard to a proposal of the City of Roanoke to vacate an existing site distance easement it holds across real property located at 3601 Blue Hills Village Drive, N. E., designated as Official Tax Map No. 7160117, owned by The National Bank of Blacksburg, at the request of the Bank, in order to allow such property to be developed for commercial purposes, the matter was before the body. 812 Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Monday, February 11 , 2019. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Manager submitted a written report recommending execution of the appropriate easement agreement vacating an existing sight distance easement and granting a new sight distance easement of approximately 5, 745 sq. ft. across Official Tax Map No. 7160117, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following ordinance: (#41389-021919) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the vacation and release of a site distance easement held by the City of Roanoke across real property owned by The National Bank of Blacksburg ("Bank of Blacksburg"), designated as Roanoke Official Tax Map No.7160117 , located at 3601 Blue Hills Village Drive, N. E., Roanoke, Virginia, N. E. ("Property"), at Bank of Blacksburg's request; authorizing the City Manager to accept a site distance easement from Bank of Blacksburg across the Property; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 251.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41389- 021919. The motion seconded by Council Member Price. The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed . There being no comments and/or questions by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 41389-02191 9 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd , Bestpitch, Cobb , Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  813 202 CAMPBELL AVENUE, S. E.: Pursuant to instructions by the Council, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, with regard to a proposal of the City of Roanoke to vacate an existing slope easement it holds across real property located at 202 Campbell Avenue, S. E., designated as Official Tax Map No. 4010601, adjacent to Williamson Road, owned by Pinnacle Properties VA, LLC, at the request of Pinnacle, in order to allow Pinnacle to develop such property for commercial purposes; and in exchange for such vacation, Pinnacle will convey another slope easement to the City of Roanoke across such property and adjacent to Williamson Road, to be used for the purpose of constructing a retaining wall to provide support for Williamson Road, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Monday, February 11, 2019. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Manager submitted a written report recommending execution of the appropriate Deed of Vacation and Deed of Easement (i) vacating the City's rights in the existing slope easement, and (ii) accepting the conveyance of a variable width public access and maintenance easement of approximately 5,125 sq. ft. across Official Tax Map No. 4010601, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#41390-021919) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the vacation and release of a slope easement held by the City of Roanoke across real property owned by Pinnacle Properties, VA, LLC ("Pinnacle"), designated as Roanoke Official Tax Map No. 4010601, located at 202 Campbell Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia, S. E., adjacent to Williamson Road ("Property"), at Pinnacle's request; authorizing the City Manager to accept an easement from Pinnacle across the Property; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 252.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41390-021919. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne. 814 Council Member Davis noted a personal conflict of interest regarding the abovementioned matter, inasmuch as her employer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia , Inc., has an interest in a lease transaction with Restoration Housing, or its assigns, and members of Restoration Housing are involved in a transaction related to the vacation and release of the slope easement which Conflict of Interest Statement had been entered into record at the February 4, 2019 Council Meeting. The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed. There being no comments and/or questions by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 41390-021919 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb, Osborne and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis abstained from voting.) NEW BUSINESS: APPROVAL TO RE-NAME JACKSON PARK: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending approval to re-name Jackson Park to Belmont Park. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price offered the following resolution: (#41391-021919) A RESOLUTION renaming Jackson Park to Belmont Park. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80 , page 254.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41391-021919. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES : Council Members Price , White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  815 APPROVAL TO RE-NAME JACKSON PARK BRANCH LIBRARY: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending approval to re-name the Jackson Park Branch Library to the Belmont Branch Library. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41392-021919) A RESOLUTION renaming the Jackson Park Branch Library to the Belmont Branch Library. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 255.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41392- 021919. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTER: 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. HISTORIC PRESERVATION OF THE FA<;ADES ALONG CAMPBELL AVENUE: Alison Blanton, 1701 Arlington Road, S. W., representative of Roanoke Valley Preservation, appeared before Council with regard to historic preservation of the 1 fa<;ades along Campbell Avenue, specifically Campbell Court; and thoughts about construction of the proposed bus facility on Salem Avenue, S. W., keeping in mind the historic buildings in the area. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the regular meeting adjourned at 7:29p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: ~:~~0~ ~Gt~ Sherman P. Lea, Sr. City Clerk Mayor