City Council

24 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION March 18, 2019 2:00p.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, March 18, 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 William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne, Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd 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 Rabbi Kathy Cohen, Temple Emanuel Reform Congregation. MOMENT OF SILENCE: Mayor Lea called for a Moment of Silence in honor of the late Robert A. Garland, former Vice-Mayor and Council Member of the City of Roanoke, who passed away on March 3, 2019. 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.  25 RENAMING LEE PLAZA: Dan Crawford, 2311 Kipling Street, S. W., appeared before the Council to request removing the name of Robert E. Lee in Lee Plaza. GENDER BIAS AGAINST SEXUAL VIOLENCE: Barbara Andes, 2803 Rosalind Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council regarding law enforcement and gender bias against sexual violence. (See copy of United States Department of Justice Guidance Document dated December 15, 2018 on file in the City Clerk's Office.) HURT PARK NEIGHBORHOOD: Brenda Randolph, representing Hurt Park Neighborhood Alliance, 1745 Salem Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council to request additional street lighting along the 1700 block of Salem Avenue; and expressed concern about the violence in the Hurt Park neighborhood. Ms. Randolph's concern about violence in the Hurt Park neighborhood was referred to the City Manager for investigation. RACIAL PROFILING: Michael Miller, 1730 Lonna Drive, N. W., appeared before the Council to express concern about racial profiling by law enforcement in the City. Mr. Miller's concern about racial profiling by law enforcement in the City was referred to the City Manager for investigation. 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. VACANCIES ON THE ROANOKE CITY SCHOOL BOARD: A communication from Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., requesting that the Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss appointments of two Trustees to serve on the Roanoke City School Board for three-year terms of office, each, commencing July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2022, 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.) 26 Council Member Davis moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. RENTAL DISTRICTS: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, April15, 2019, at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard as time permits, or at such later date and time as determined by the City Manager, to consider an amendment of the City Code regarding definitions of rental districts by the addition and removal of certain areas, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. FY2019 CITY MANAGER TRANSFER REPORT FOR THE SECOND QUARTER: A communication from the Director of Finance transmitting the FY 2019 City Manager Transfer Report for the Second Quarter ended December 31, 2018, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis moved that the communication be received and filed. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: Non e-O.  27 OATHS OF OFFICE-MILL MOUNTAIN ADVISORY BOARD-PARKS AND PRECREATION ADVISORY BOARD-TOWING ADVISORY BOARD: Reports of qualification of the following individuals were before the Council: Latron Brown as the Zoo representative of the Mill Mountain Advisory Board for a three-year term of office ending June 30, 2021; Matthew Kelley as a member of the Parks and Precreation Advisory Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Troy Michael Rech ending March 31, 2021; and Jada Smith and Travis Barber as Law Enforcement representatives (members) on the Towing Advisory Board for terms of office ending October 31 , 2021 . (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis moved that the reports of qualification be received and filed. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS CENTER: Pamela Irvine, Chief Executive Officer and President, Feeding America Southwest Virginia, appeared before the Council and gave an update on the activities of the Community Solutions Center. (See flyer on file in the City Clerk's Office.) With regard to the Center's successes, Ms. Irvine reported that crime reduction within the immediate perimeter of the property was 80 percent; and ten students had graduated thus far, with five additional students to graduate in April 2019. She added that of the ten students, nine had obtained the Serve Safe Manager's Certificate and six currently employed. 28 She introduced Connie Smith and Shaqueena Snyder, two graduates of the Center's Culinary Arts Program, who shared their experiences of being participants in the program and working with Feeding America Southwest Virginia. Following accolades and brief comments by the Members of Council, Mayor Lea thanked Ms. Irvine for the update and advised that the remarks would be received and filed. KIWANIS CLUB PLAYGROUND PROJECT: Dr. Cheri Hartman, President, Kiwanis Club of Roanoke, gave a presentation regarding the Kiwanis Club Playground Project. Dr. Cheri Hartman, President, Kiwanis Club of Roanoke, updated City Council on the Kiwanis Club Playground Project and stated that the Kiwanis Club was building on the revitalization and commitment to the Melrose/Orange Target Area by constructing a new neighborhood playground. For the past two and a half year, the club has worked to design the playground that will include health benefits that will address the very high obesity rate amongst children in the area and will include ADA approved equipment so children who are disadvantaged or challenged will have an opportunity to take advantage of this playground. Dr. Hartman described certain elements of the playground, such as swings adapted for mother, child (and an adult) that faces each other, sensitivity elements that to include rollers - when going down the slide, similar to rolling pins; and musical elements tuned to never hit a wrong note. Since autistic children have a perfect pitch, a discordant sound may cause them to run which could be dangerous. In addition, equipment would be available to interact with wheelchairs, so when the child touches the equipment it will respond with sound, musing, or stories; and would also include exercise equipment for adults, as well as teenagers, along with a climbing wall. Following additional remarks by the Council with regard to the Kiwanis Club Playground Project, Mayor Lea thanked Dr. Hartman for the presentation and advised that the remarks would be received and filed. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ,,  29 ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: PROCEDURE FOR THE VACATION OF STREETS AND ALLEY'S: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending amendment of the City Code with regard to the procedure for altering or vacating city streets and alleys. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis offered the following ordinance: (#41399-031819) AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining Section 30-14, Procedure for altering or vacating city streets or alleys; fees therefor, Article I, In General, of Chapter 30, Streets and Sidewalks, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 265.) Council Member Davis moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41399-031819. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb. Barbara Duerk, 2607 Rosalind Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council and spoke about simplifying the entire street and alley closure process, which would eliminate the filing of an application with the City Clerk's Office. There being no questions and/or comments by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 41399-031819 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. STORMWATER UTILITY FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization to implement a Stormwater Utility Flood Mitigation Program. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 30 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41400-031819) A RESOLUTION approving and authorizing the implementation of the Stormwater Utility Flood Mitigation Program within the City of Roanoke ("City"); authorizing the City to use Stormwater Utility revenues to purchase and demolish flooded structures; upon certain terms and conditions. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 267.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41400-031819. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne. Following clarification of the Program by the Stormwater Manager, Resolution No. 41400-031819 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. STAR PARATRANSIT FARE INCREASE: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending approval of the GRTC fare adjustment for the S.T.A.R. paratransit monthly pass from $96.00 per month to $112.00 per month, effective April 1, 2019. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41401-031819) A RESOLUTION approving/establishing a revised S.T.A.R. Monthly Unlimited Ride Pass fee schedule for the Greater Roanoke Transit Company (GRTC), dba Valley Metro; and authorizing the City Manager to take any necessary action to accomplish the implementation of such fare schedule. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 268.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41401-031819. The motion seconded by Council Member Price.  31 Following Council Member Bestpitch's comment about the Monthly Unlimited Ride Pass fee, Resolution No. 41401-031819 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER. The City Manager offered the following comments: Open House Community Meetings • City staff will hold a series of Open House Community Meetings in March and April at city library branches to invite citizen input on the City's Comprehensive Plan 2020 - 2040, which is being developed over the next several months. • Feedback from these meetings, as well as meetings with stakeholder groups and focus groups, will be used to create a draft plan. • The list of meeting dates and locations is posted on the PlanRoanoke.org website. • Questions about this process should be directed to Senior City Planner Wayne Leftwich at (540) 853-1104. Opening of the New Franklin Road Bridge • This Friday, March 22, the city will hold a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony at 11 :30 a.m. for the new Franklin Road Bridge. • The public is invited to attend this event. • In addition to creating wider lanes for pedestrians and bicyclists, a special feature of the bridge is the public art on the decorative gateway columns. • The artistic panels focus on specific architectural design elements and tell a story about the rich history of the Old Southwest neighborhood. • After the ceremony, the bridge will be open to serve the 9,600 motorists, along with many pedestrians and cyclists, who use this route. Installation of 'Global Harmony' Public Art • On Wednesday, March 27, the City will dedicate a new sculpture at 11:00 a.m., in Entranceway Park at the corner of Williamson Road and Wells Avenue. • "Global Harmony" by Stephen Fairfield of St. David, Arizona, is the latest addition to the city's Public Art collection. 32 • The dedication of this sculpture will end a year-long commemoration, "Ten Years of Public Art," organized by the Roanoke Arts Commission. • The public is invited to attend this event. 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 White-Boyd offered the following budget ordinance: (#41402-031819) 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 269.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41402-031819. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: CLIMATE CHANGE: Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution recognizing the continuing efforts of City staff and Roanoke citizens for their continued efforts in creating, implementing and maintaining targeted and effective local responses to the challenges of climate change: (#41403-031819) A RESOLUTION recognizing the actions of the City and its citizens in responding to the challenges of climate change and encouraging national leaders to engage in substantive discussions to develop an appropriate, effective, and sustainable global response to reduce carbon emissions.  33 (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 270.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41403- 031819. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb. Following expression of appreciation by Vice-Mayor Cobb to the Climate Lobby representatives for raising awareness and challenging the City of Roanoke, Resolution No. 41403-031819 was adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. MOTION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE: Council Member Bestpitch thanked City staff, in particularly, the Planning Department, for the inclusion of interwoven equity the Comprehensive Plan Update. He encouraged the interwoven equity work group to study the damages to the Gainsboro and northeast neighborhoods caused by urban renewal and how the City could show remorse for what happened in the past, which may help all move forward. He also asked for suggestions regarding an appropriate name of the plaza on Wells Avenue that displays the tablets of those individuals who gave the sacrifice for their neighborhoods, noting the current name of the plaza does not reflect such effort. YOUTH: Council Member Price thanked City Council and City staff for the opportunity to lead a youth delegation to Washington DC to attend the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference, noting that the theme was "Focusing on Infrastructure"; wherein, Roanoke City is leading the way. She also encouraged youth in the Roanoke Valley to attend the Changing the Narrative Work Session at 4:00p.m., on Sunday, April 7 at Roanoke College. SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Council Member Price and Mayor Lea mentioned the expansion of the summer youth employment program which has a partnership with the Workforce Development Board to offer opportunities for youth, especially those between the ages of 18 - 23. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: NONE. 34 At 3:33 p.m., Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting in recess for a Closed , • Meeting in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451, and thereafter, to be reconvened at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. At 7:00 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 Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne, Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. ABSENT: Council Member William D. Bestpitch-1. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: RobertS. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend David Sesay, Pastor, House of Love International Ministry. MOMENT OF SILENCE: Mayor Lea called for a Moment of Silence in honor of the late Robert A. Garland, former Vice-Mayor and Council Member of the City of Roanoke, who passed away on March 3, 2019. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. 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 Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Bestpitch was absent.)  35 The Mayor announced the following process for selection of Roanoke City School Board Trustees to fill two upcoming vacancies, effective July 1, 2019: City Council received 12 applications for appointment to fill two vacancies on the Roanoke City School Board. City Council will · conduct four interviews in the Council Chamber, commencing at 4:00 p.m., following the afternoon session of City Council on Monday, April 15. The successful four candidates are Angela S. Penn, Natasha N. Saunders, Lutheria H. Smith, and Joyce W. Watkins. A public hearing will be held on Monday, April 15 at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be reached, in the Council Chamber, to receive citizen comments regarding the four candidates for consideration to fill the two upcoming vacancies on the Roanoke City School Board, effective July 1, 2019. City Council will appoint two candidates to fill the two upcoming vacancies for three-year terms of office, each, commencing July 1, 2019, and ending June 30, 2022, at a subsequent Council meeting. City Council extends its appreciation to the unsuccessful applicants. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL SWIM AND GIRLS AND BOYS BASKETBALL TEAMS: Mayor Lea recognized the Patrick Henry High School Swim and Girls and Boys Basketball Teams. Council Member Price offered the following resolution: (#41404-031819) A RESOLUTION recognizing, congratulating, and honoring team and individual performances of students at Patrick Henry High School during the winter season of 2018- 2019. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 271.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41404-031819. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis. 36 Following expression of congratulations to the teams and individuals, Resolution No. 41404-031819 adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Bestpitch was absent.) Mayor Lea presented ceremonial copies of Resolution No. 41404-031819 to the Principal and team coaches. WILLIAM FLEMING HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM: Mayor Lea recognized the William Fleming High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team. Council Member Price offered the following resolution: (#41405-031819) A RESOLUTION recognizing, congratulating, and honoring the 2018- 19 William Fleming High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team for its successful season. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 273.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41405-031819. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis. Following expression of congratulations to the teams and individuals, Resolution No. 41405-031819 adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Bestpitch was absent.) Mayor Lea presented ceremonial copies of Resolution No. 41405-031819 to the Principal and team coaches.  37 PUBLIC HEARINGS: VACATION OF ALLEY BETWEEN 11TH STREET, N. E. AND POCAHONTAS AVENUE, N. E.: Pursuant to Resolution No. 25523 adopted by the Council on Monday, April6, 1981, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, March 18, 2019 at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on a request of M & E Properties, LLC, and Southern Classic Auto Wash of Roanoke, LLC, to vacate an undeveloped portion of an alley between 11th Street, N. E., and Pocahontas Avenue, N. E., and adjacent to Official Tax Map Nos. 3042101, 3042110, 3042111, 3042112, and 3042143, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 and Tuesday, March 5, 2019. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Planning Commission submitted a written report recommending approval of the vacation of right-of-way as requested, contingent upon the following conditions: 1.) The applicant shall submit to the Subdivision Agent, receive all required approvals of, and record with the Clerk of the Circuit Court for the City of Roanoke, a subdivision plat, with such plat combining all properties which would otherwise dispose of the land within the right-of-way to be vacated in a manner consistent with law, and retaining appropriate easements, together with the right of ingress and egress over the same, for the installation and maintenance of any and all existing utilities that may be located within the right-of-way. 2.) Prior to receiving all required approvals of the subdivision plat referenced in the previous paragraph, the applicant shall give to the Treasurer for the City of Roanoke a certified check or cash in the amount of one thousand seven hundred and seventy dollars ($1 ,770.00) as consideration pursuant to §15.2-2008, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, for the vacated right-of- way. 3.) The applicant shall, upon meeting all other conditions to the granting of the application, deliver to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the City of Roanoke, Virginia, a certified copy of this ordinance for recordation where deeds are recorded in such Clerk's Office, indexing the same in the name of the City of Roanoke, Virginia, as Grantor, and in the name of the applicant, and the names of any other parties in interest who may so request, as Grantees, and pay such fees and charges as are required by the Clerk to effect such recordation. 38 4.) The applicant shall, upon a certified copy of this ordinance being recorded by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the City of Roanoke, Virginia, where deeds are recorded in such Clerk's Office, file with the City Engineer for the City of Roanoke, Virginia, the Clerk's receipt, demonstrating that such recordation has occurred. 5.) If the above conditions have not been met within a period of one year from the date of the adoption of this ordinance, then such ordinance will be null and void with no further action by the City Council being necessary, unless extended by the Agent for the Planning Commission for an additional six (6) months prior to the end of the one year period. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following ordinance: (#41406-031819) AN ORDINANCE permanently vacating, discontinuing and closing a public right-of-way in the City of Roanoke located between 11th Street, N. E., and Pocahontas Avenue, N. E., and adjacent to Official Tax Map Nos. 3042101, 3042110, 3042111,3042112, and 3042143, as more particularly described hereinafter; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 274.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41406- 031819. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne. Matthew W. King, representative of M & E Properties, LLC, appeared before Council in support of the alley closure. The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter, whereupon, Chris Craft, 1501 East Gate Avenue, N. E., appeared before Council in support of vacation. There being no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed. There being no comments and/or questions by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 41406-031819 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: Non e-O.  39 (Council Member Bestpitch was absent.) ZONING: Pursuant to Resolution No. 25523 adopted by the Council on Monday, April6, 1981, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, March 18, 2019 at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on a request of M & E Properties, LLC, and Southern Classic Auto Wash of Roanoke, LLC, to rezone and repeal all conditions proffered as part of previous rezonings on property located at 915, 0, 1001, 0, 0, 1015 Pocahontas Avenue, N. E., 950 Orange Avenue, N. E., and a portion of the alley requested for vacation between said parcels, bearing Official Tax Map Nos. 3042101, 3042108, 3042109, 3042110, 3042111, 3042112, 3042143, respectively, from 1-1, Light Industrial District, with conditions; RM-1, Residential Mixed Density District; and CG, Commercial-General District, with conditions; to 1-1, Light Industrial District, with conditions; and CG, Commercial-General District, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 and Tuesday, March 5, 2019. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Planning Commission submitted a written report recommending approval of the rezoning request, finding that the Amended Application No. 1 is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, Hollins/Wildwood Area Plan, and Zoning Ordinance as the subject property will be redeveloped and used in a manner appropriate to the surrounding area. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis offered the following ordinance: (#41407-031819) AN ORDINANCE rezoning certain properties located at 915, 0 (zero), 1001, 0 (zero), 0 (zero), 1015 Pocahontas Avenue, N. E., and 950 Orange Avenue, N. E., and the portion of alley requested for vacation between said parcels from 1-1, Light Industrial District, with conditions; RM-1, Residential Mixed Density District; and CG, Commercial-General District, with conditions; to 1-1, Light Industrial District, with conditions; and CG, Commercial-General District, and repealing Ordinance Nos. 31674-092793, adopted September 27, 1993, and 31731-102593 adopted October 25, 1993, to the extent that they placed certain conditions on the subject properties; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 277.) •.. 40 .. Council Member Davis moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41407-031819. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne. Benjamin T. Crew, representative of Balzer and Associates, Inc., appeared before Council in support of the request. 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. 41407-031819 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Bestpitch was absent.) ZONING: Pursuant to Resolution No. 25523 adopted by the Council on Monday, April 6, 1981, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, March 18, 2019 at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on a request of Richfield Living to rezone 1047 Mecca Street, N. E., and 0 Mecca Street, N. E., bearing Official Tax Map Nos. 7080102 and 7090401, respectively, from R-5, Residential Single-Family District, to INPUD, Institutional Planned Unit Development District, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 and Tuesday, March 5, 2019. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Planning Commission submitted a written report recommending approval of the rezoning request, finding that the Amended Application No. 1, as amended at the hearing and subsequently submitted as Amended Application No. 2, is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, Hollins/Wildwood Area Plan, and Zoning Ordinance as the subject property will be redeveloped and used in a manner appropriate to the surrounding area. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  41 Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following ordinance: (#41408-031819) AN ORDINANCE to rezone certain properties located at 1047 Mecca Street, N. E., and 0 (zero) Mecca Street, N. E., from R-5, Residential Single-Family District, to INPUD, Institutional Planned Unit Development District; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 279.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41408-031819. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne. Corbin L. White, Caldwell and Associates, appeared before Council in support of the proposed rezoning. The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter, whereupon, Chris Craft, 1501 East Gate Avenue, N. E., appeared before Council in support of the rezoning. There being no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed. Following remarks by Council Member White-Boyd regarding the intersection, Ordinance No. 41408-031819 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Bestpitch was absent.) LAND BANK ENTITY: Pursuant to instructions by the Council, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, March 18, 2019 at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard to receive public comments on the proposal of the City of Roanoke to designate Total Action Against Poverty in the Roanoke Valley, d.b.a. Total Action for Progress, a non-stock Virginia corporation, and its governing board to carry out the functions of a land bank entity for the City of Roanoke, pursuant to the provisions of the Virginia Land Bank Entities Act to enable TAP to acquire and facilitate the revitalization of vacant, abandoned, and/or tax delinquent properties located in the City of Roanoke, for the purpose of creating affordable housing and/or homeownership opportunities for subsequent purchases from TAP, and such other purposes authorized by law under the Virginia Land Bank Entities Act, the matter was before the body. 42 Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Monday, February 25, 2019 and Monday, March 4, 2019. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Manager submitted a written report recommending execution of the Memorandum of Agreement designating Total Action Against Poverty in the Roanoke Valley, d.b.a., Total Action for Progress (TAP) and its governing board to carry out the functions of a Land Bank entity on behalf of the City of Roanoke, 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 Davis offered the following ordinance: (#41409-031819) AN ORDINANCE authorizing Total Action Against Poverty in the Roanoke Valley, d.b.a. Total Action for Progress, a non-stock Virginia corporation (TAP) to carry out the functions of a land bank entity for the City of Roanoke, pursuant to the Virginia Land Bank Entities Act, for the purpose of acquiring and facilitating the revitalization of vacant, abandoned, and/or tax delinquent properties located in the City, for the purpose of creating affordable housing and/or home ownership opportunities; authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with TAP for such purposes; and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 280.) Council Member Davis moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41409-031819. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne. The City Manager gave a brief explanation regarding the creation of a land bank, a comprehensive approach to address blight in the City. The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed. Council Member Davis expressed appreciation to the Council, City Administration and TAP for taking on a new project program that will ultimately address the housing problems in the City.  43 There being no additional comments by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 41409-031819 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Bestpitch was absent.) HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: 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. EMPLOYMENT PROCESS OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE: Shaheed Omar, 927 Wasena Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council and expressed concern regarding the response received from the Human Resources Department regarding his application for employment with the City; and the lack of response from the Council and City Administration concerning the City's employment process. Council Member Price suggested that the City Manager follow up with a response to Mr. Omar's concerns regarding the abovementioned matter. (See copy of communication from City Manager dated April 11, 2019 addressing Mr. Omar's concerns on file in the City Clerk's Office.) There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the regular meeting adjourned at 8:16p.m. APPROVED ATIEST: ~~~~~~ ~~~i_~. Sherman P. Lea, Sr. City Clerk Mayor