City Council

44 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION April 1, 2019 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, April 1, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W., City of Roanoke, with Vice-Mayor Joseph L. Cobb presiding, pursuant to Chapter 2, Administration, Article II, City Council, Section 2-15, Rules of Procedure, Rule 1, Regular Meetings, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, and pursuant to Resolution No. 41181-070218 adopted by the Council on Monday, July 2, 2018. PRESENT: Council Members Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne, Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, and Vice-Mayor Joseph L. Cobb-6. ABSENT: Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-1. The Vice-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. ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting for discussion and consideration of the acquisition of real property for public purposes, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.)  45 ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting for discussion and consideration of the acquisition of real property for public purposes, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price 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 Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2424 BRAMBLETON AVENUE, S. W.: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of an approximately 1-acre portion of City-owned property located at 2424 Brambleton Avenue, S. W., where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) 46 VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: A communication from the Vice-Mayor requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss various vacancies on authorities, boards, commissions, and committees appointed by the Council, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1 ), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price moved that Council concur in the request of the Vice-Mayor as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) ITEMS LISTED ON THE 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL DOCKET REQUIRING DISCUSSION/CLARIFICATION AND ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE 2:00P.M. AGENDA: NONE. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION BY THE VICE-MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: NONE. At 9:05 a.m., the Council meeting stood in recess for a Legislative Committee meeting in the Council Chamber. At 10:15 a.m, the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Vice-Mayor Cobb presiding and all Members of the Council in attendance, with the exception of Mayor Lea and Council Member White-Boyd, who was out of the Council Chamber. BRIEFINGS: Budget/Financial Planning Fiscal Year 2020 Amelia Merchant, Director of Finance, briefed the Council on the development of the FY 2019 - 2020 budget process. (See presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  47 Ms. Merchant highlighted the following: • FY 2019 Overview • FY 2020 Development • Capital Improvement Program (CIP) • Excess Debt Service and One-Time Uses • Enterprise Funds In reference to the FY 2019 overview, Ms. Merchant advised that through February, revenues increased approximately $2.2 million or 1.57 percent compared to the same period in FY 2018; and expenditures increased approximately $2.9 million or 1.6 percent compared to the same period in FY 2018. In terms of the FY 2020 budget, Ms. Merchant explained that the revenue estimate for local taxes was projected to increase by $4.5 million over potential adopted amounts; real estate projected a 3.79 percent increase and sales tax experienced four percent growth. Ms. Merchant continued with the presentation stating that in terms of potential fee increases, the Fire-EMS re-inspection fee of $33.00 recommended to be reassessed to $50.00 with the first re-inspection; Fire-EMS permit fee from $35.00 to $50.00. Under the Parks and Recreation Category, she explained that the fee itself was in the process of a total review, with an anticipating need to focus on best practices for a cost recovery model. She added that it was imperative to remove fees no longer established and establish fees where needed for the cost of programming, addressing inflationary cost increases, labor and materials and to identify fees specific to the service being provided ensuring the alignment with a cost recovery, and also consistently applying resident and non-resident fee structure. At this point, Council Member White-Boyd re-entered the meeting (10:30 a.m.) Council Member Davis opined support of the review of the fee structure and the opportunity to align with neighboring localities. Ms. Merchant reviewed the FY 2020 non-departmental expenditure and FY 2020 supplemental enhancements for each budget priority, noting that the budget variance as of April1 was only $247, 379.00 adding that the final numbers on personal property and the tax percentage had yet to be applied. She also mentioned that within the Human Services category, funding within the CSA budget was reallocated to support specialized assistance, funding was increased to support the placement of juveniles in residential facilities and to support cremations as necessary. 48 Following dialogue with regard to the FY 2020 supplemental enhancements, Ms. Merchant reviewed the FY 2020 - 2024 Capital Improvement Program, stating that the recommendation was the same as presented at the March 4 Council Meeting, with modifications under the Library Master Plan and the Fire Facility Master Plan. She added in terms of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, $3 million was allocated as a placeholder in FY 2022, if that plan was finalized between FY 2020 and FY 2022. In terms of excess debt service and one-time uses, Ms. Merchant noted that FY 2020 was anticipated to be a year of available excess debt service funding and the projection of that amount based on the current plan for the CIP was $6.2 million being available in FY 2022 for one-time uses. At this point, the Assistant City Manager for Community Development continued the presentation reviewing the Parking Fund considerations. He advised that the last comprehensive rate increase in the parking fund was in 2015 and the proposal included the monthly and residential rates to increase by $5.00 per month, with estimated revenue generation of $250,000.00 annually to begin to build for the garage under consideration to create some revenue toward debt service. He further advised that the City needed to consider automated operations in the garages, noting that the current equipment was no longer supportive and needed replacing. He added this would create an opportunity to purchase self-operational equipment, with the goal of having one staff person rotate between the five garages and a call center for patrons if they experienced a problem at the ticket booth. During dialogue with regard to the parking garages, a question as to the amount of staff working in the parking garages was raised. In order to be responsive, Mr. Townsend agreed to provide the information to the Council as soon as possible. Continuing with the presentation, the Assistant City Manager for Operations spoke with regard to the Stormwater Utility Fund. He advised that the current fee, which began in Fiscal Year 2017 generated revenue of $6 million per year to fund operation expenses, debt service funding and cash funded capital through FY 2021. He further advised that beyond 2021, the City would encounter challenges because $6 million each year would not be sufficient to address many items, including covering inflationary cost, debt service on capital projects at the current issuance level of $2 million per year, any required increases in debt service funding and planned staff additions based upon the business model. He pointed out that the staff will report to the Council following adoption of the plan, with a briefing on each fee adjustment scenario on maintaining current service levels as well as support of the business model ranging from $1.14 to $1.31 over a five-year period from the current fee of $0.90 per 500 square """"" feet of impervious surface.  49 Vice-Mayor Cobb commented as to how much of the anticipated increase in real estate revenue totaling $3.2 million could cover many of the increases versus raising fees on the property owners. Mr. Stovall advised that the Stormwater Utility Fund was self-supporting and therefore to provide a general fund subsidy, it triggered debt and the City desires to remain within the self-imposed debt limitations. Following discussion of enterprise funds, Council Member Osborne inquired as to the uses of the Stormwater Utility Fund since water was a separate fee paid to a different entity. Mr. Stovall indicated that the fee was to fund projects focused on flood reduction, water quality and operational maintenance of stormwater infrastructure. He noted that based on the Clean Water Act, the City is required to reduce the loads of bacteria and sediment deposited into the river and demonstrate improvements; and the vision is to reduce all of the eleven impaired streams and rivers in the area. Following additional discussion of the Stormwater Utility Fund, Ms. Merchant concluded the presentation by reviewing the next steps. She stated that the personal property, business license and sales taxes were in the final stages and the Recommended Fiscal Year 2019 - 2020 budget presentation would be on Monday, April 15 at 2:00 p.m. In addition, she further stated that a public hearing was scheduled for Thursday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m., to receive the views of citizens; a budget study briefing on Monday, May 6 at 9:00a.m.; and adoption of the Fiscal Year 2019- 2020 budget on May 13 at 2:00p.m. There being no additional questions and/or comments by the Council, Vice Mayor Cobb thanked the Director of Finance for the informative presentation and advised that the briefing would be received and filed. At 11:36 a.m., the Vice-Mayor declared the Council Meeting in recess for a Closed Meeting to be held in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building; and thereafter to be reconvened at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber. At 2:00p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Vice- Mayor Cobb presiding. PRESENT: Council Members Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne, Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, and Vice-Mayor Joseph L. Cobb-6. ABSENT: Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-1. The Vice-Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. 50 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 Kevin Kinsey, Pastor, Central Church of the Brethren. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Vice-Mayor Joseph L. Cobb. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: FAIR HOUSING MONTH: Vice-Mayor Cobb declared April 2019 as Fair Housing Month. (See ceremonial copy of Proclamation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Following comments, the Vice-Mayor presented a ceremonial copy of the proclamation to Lara Burleson, Community Resources Program Specialist. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: The Vice-Mayor advised that City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. All matters will be referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to Council, as he may deem appropriate. INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE SCREENING PROGRAM: Julie Wagner, 2630 Grandin Road, S. W., appeared before the Council regarding the Intimate Partner Violence Screening Program (I.P.V.). BUDGET PRIORITIES: Barbara Duerk, 2607 Rosalind Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council regarding budget priorities. LEADERSHIP IN ROANOKE: Brian McConnell, 32 Elm Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council regarding the lack of good sound leadership in Roanoke. RESCUE MISSION: Ricky Davis, 402 41h Street, S. E., appeared before the Council to express concern regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds by the Rescue Mission and the treatment of the homeless.  51 CONSENT AGENDA The Vice-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 was desired, the item would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Monday, March 4, 2019, was before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price 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: A YES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) EASEMENT ACROSS CITY-OWNED PROPERTY: 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, or such later date and time as the City Manager shall determine, in his discretion, to consider a request of Appalachian Power Company to acquire a 10 foot wide easement across City-owned property located at 502 191h Street, S. E., was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price 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 Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) 52 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF THE REVENUE: Annual Report of the Commissioner of the Revenue for the City of Roanoke for calendar year 2018, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price moved that the communication be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) MINUTES OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE: Minutes of the Audit Committee held on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price moved that the reading of the minutes be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) OATHS OF OFFICE-PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD-YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD-ROANOKE VALLEY-ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY COMMITTEE-FAIR HOUSING BOARD: Reports of qualification of the following individuals were before the Council: William Modica as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for a three-year term of office ending March 31, 2022; Crystal Hall as a member (Public/Government) of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2021;  53 Aisha Johnson as the City's Technical Advisor representative of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee for a term of office ending March 31, 2020;and Peter Volosin and Stephen Grammer as members of the Fair Housing Board for three-year terms of office, each, ending March 31, 2022. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price 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 Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: COMPRESS & SHOCK FOUNDATION: Dr. Jack Perkins, Founder and Executive Director, Compress & Shock Foundation, presented information with regard to CPR and AED Education, highlighting the following areas: • Cardiac Arrest • Timing is Crucial • 10% Chance of Survival • With Bystander CPR and AED use, 30% change of survival • Sudden Cardiac Arrest per Year outside of Hospital- 350,000 • If Everyone Received Bystander CPR and Early AED, 70,000 Lives Saved • Our Foundation • Partnerships • 3rd Annual National CPR and AED Education Event on May 18, 2019 (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 54 Dr. Perkins shared an incident that occurred with an 18-year-old high school senior and the reason why the Foundation exists. He advised the Foundation's mission was to establish a National Day celebrating CPR and Defibrillator Education, and he envisions this training as life skills, that within 60 to 75 minutes, any person can save a life. Most importantly, there is no charge for this life skill. Council Member Davis advised that Dr. Perkins started this Foundation in 2016, and has received National recognition and has published fitness industry articles with regard to the importance of CPR and AED education. She thanked him for his labor of love and bringing awareness to CPR and AED education. Following additional questions and comments by the Members of Council, Vice-Mayor Cobb thanked Dr. Perkins for the presentation and advised that remarks would be received and filed. SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE AND AWARENESS (SARA): Teresa Berry, Executive Director, Sexual Assault Response and Awareness (SARA), provided a brief overview of program services and initiatives. (See handouts on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Ms. Berry stated that SARA was a private non-profit agency primarily grant funded by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, with a goal to raise public awareness regarding sexual violence and prevention of misconduct and abuse. She advised that during the month of April there would be a variety of events to raise awareness and promote community safety; She called attention to April 3, whereby Mayor Lea will kick off the Sexual Assault Awareness Month with a Proclamation; on April 17, a rock-painting event with the Roanoke Kindness Art Project; and on April 23 a "Hoot and Holler" at Five Points Music Sanctuary for survivors to share their stories. Council Member Davis announced the 'The New Me - No More Scars" event, on Saturday, April 6, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Pilgrim Baptist Church Family Life Center. She thanked Ms. Berry for continuing to engage in healthy conversation about reducing instances of sexual assault in the community and across the Country. Following additional comments by Council Member Bestpitch regarding dissemination and accessibility of information related to SARA programs, Vice-Mayor Cobb expressed appreciation to Ms. Berry for an informative presentation; and he received and filed the presentation and comments.  55 TREASURER ANNUAL REPORT: Evelyn Powers, City Treasurer, presented the Treasurer's Office Annual Report for 2018, highlighting the following data: • Mission Statement o Office Accreditation u Certification Program • Treasurer Department Budget • Real Estate Payments Processed • Real Estate Taxes Collected • Delinquent Real Estate Collected • Real Estate Current and Delinquent Years Collection Rates • Personal Property Bills Processed by Calendar Year • Personal Property Collected by Calendar Year • Delinquent Personal Property Taxes Collected • Personal Property Current and Delinquent Years Collection Rates • Business License Accounts Processed • Business License Taxes Collected Calendar Year • Delinquent Business License Collected • Business License Taxes Current and Delinquent Years Collection Rates • Trust Tax Collections- Admissions, Transient, Food & Beverage • Penalties, Interest and Fees by Tax Types • Tax Sales • Dog License Fees Collected and Other Work Related to Mandates by State • DMV Select • Bankruptcy Administration • Recent Enhancements • GIS- Tax Tab • Information on our Services (See copy of Annual Report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Following additional comments from the Council Members, Vice-Mayor Cobb noted that the Annual Report would be received and filed. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: 56 BRIEFINGS: Citizen Survey Results The City Manager advised that every few years, the City conducted a scientific survey to evaluate service delivery to ensure that taxpayers money was used in the most effective way in combination with the strategic plan, budget for outcomes, annual performance measures and indicators. He introduced Kitty Cook, Vice President of Strategic Insight, Issues and Answers Network, Inc., who highlighted the following topics and survey results: • Methodology • Respondent Demographic Profile • Quality of Life • Findings Related to Select Issues • City of Roanoke Services • Perceptions of Safety • City Government Customer Service • City Government Communication with Citizens • Making Roanoke A Better Place to Live • Conclusion (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Ms. Cook explained that the survey was designed to measure citizen opinions regarding municipal services and projects and to assess the strategic initiatives of the City of Roanoke government and the overall objective of the research was to garner public input that would guide the use of City resources and foster continual improvement in the services provided to citizens. She pointed out that for the 2019 Roanoke Citizens Study, a mixed-mode data collection effort was conducted which included a telephone survey of 442 citizens, an online based survey of 62 citizens, and a total of 4,500 post cards mailed to a random selection of households within the City limits directing residents to the website for online data collection. In terms of the respondent demographic profile, Ms. Cook advised that 73 percent of respondents were Caucasian, 21 percent African-American, and 6 percent were Hispanic, Asian or another race. She noted that 58 percent of respondents were female, 42 percent were male, 26 percent of respondents reported income between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00, and interestingly females, people aged 65 and over and African-Americans were significantly more likely to report an income under $35,000.00 compared to males, people aged 18-64 and Caucasians.  57 Ms. Cook reviewed the categories of quality of life; findings related to select issues; and City of Roanoke services and noted that a total of 83 percent of residents were satisfied with the overall quality of services that the City of Roanoke government provided and the two highest rated services in terms of satisfaction by residents were fire protection with 95 percent rated as satisfied and emergency medical services and rescue with 94 percent rated as satisfied. She continued with the presentation stating that 96 percent of African-Americans stated they felt very or somewhat safe downtown compared to 84 percent of Caucasians reporting the same score; and a total of 61 respondents stated they felt very or somewhat unsafe downtown with the top reasons given as homelessness, number of people/crowds, illegal drug activity, shootings and no police presence. Ms. Cook advised that residents were asked, what is the one most important thing the City should do to make Roanoke a better place to live? She pointed out that 20 percent of residents replied that nothing could be done and the City was doing well; nine percent said the City can increase job opportunities and economic development, six percent replied repair and pave roads and increase public transportation coverage, five percent felt reducing crime, increasing police presence and reducing illegal drug problems would make the City a better place to live. She concluded the presentation stating that overall; the findings of the 2019 City of Roanoke Citizen Survey indicated that City residents were satisfied with the services provided by the City and the overall quality of life; and the survey results show a strong trend analysis on key issues indicating areas of strength and growth and areas that can be examined for future improvement. In response to an inquiry with regard to how the participants were selected, Ms. Cook indicated that three samples were drawn by address with 4,300 reaching the proper addresses and 222 being undeliverable; by landline using 13,000 random telephone numbers; and by cell phone using 8,200 random cell phone numbers. There being no additional questions and comments by the Council Members, Vice-Mayor Cobb thanked Ms. Cook for a great presentation and received and filed the briefing. 58 Public Art Project Updates With regard to public art project updates, Susan Jennings, Public Art Coordinator, highlighted the following items: • Art by Bus and Writer on the Bus o Purchase of Works by Regional Artists from Roanoke College Biennial • Lotus by Sarah Muse • We Used What We Had by Hayden King • Elmwood Art Walk- 2019 Theme is Roanoke Rising o Two permanent pieces on the Art Walk • Altered by Alec Aita • Chrysalis and Milkweed by David Boajian • Winged Victory by Gillian Christy • Low-Poly Open Heart by Matthew Duffy • Crescent Morning by Stephen Durrow • Allegro by Hanah Jubran • Harbinger by Chris Plaisted • Ecstatic Crepitacean by Will Vannerson • Napoleon Jones Henderson Final Art for Melrose Library • Bird's Eye View of Art Placement • Thank You (See copy of presentation on file in the City's Clerk's Office.) Prior to comments by the Council Members regarding the public art projects update, Council Member Davis left the meeting (4:12p.m.). Following comments by the Council Members, Vice-Mayor Cobb advised that the update would be received and filed. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: CITY CODE: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending amendment of the City Code to include River's Edge Sports Complex - South as a "designated park facility" where alcoholic beverages may be possessed and consumed. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  59 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#4141 0-040119) AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining Section 24-97(b ), Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages, Article IV, Parks, of Chapter 24, Public Buildings and Property Generally, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended; to allow the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages at River's Edge Sports Complex South, 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 282.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41410-040119. The motion was seconded by Council Member Price. Following comments by Council Member Bestpitch as to the parameters and conditions under which alcoholic beverages may be consumed in the City parks, Ordinance No. 41410-040119 was adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) ROANOKE RIVER GREENWAY BRIDGE ACROSS BARNHARDT CREEK PROJECT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending appropriation of funds for the Roanoke River Greenway Bridge across Barnhardt Creek Project. (Forfull text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following budget ordinance: (#41411-040119) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Roanoke Greenway Bridge across Barnhardt Creek Project, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2018 - 2019 Capital Project Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 283.) 60 Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41411-040119. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) TINKER CREEK GREENWAY TRAIL: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending appropriation of funds for the Tinker Creek Greenway Trail from Fallon Park to Mason Mill Park. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#41412-040119) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from VDOT and Local Match for the Tinker Creek Greenway Trail Project, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2018 - 2019 Capital Project Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with - the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 284.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41412- 040119. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) BRUCETON ROAD, S. W., STORMWATER MAINTENANCE PROJECT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acquisition of real property rights in connection with the Bruceton Road, S. W., Stormwater Maintenance Project. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  61 Council Member White-Boyd offered the following ordinance: (#41413-040119) AN ORDINANCE providing for the acquisition of real property rights needed by the City in connection with the Bruceton Road, S. W. Stormwater Drainage Improvement Project (Project); authorizing City staff to acquire such property rights by negotiation for the City; authorizing the City Manager to execute appropriate acquisition documents; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 285.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41413- 040119. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) SWEETBRIER AVENUE, S. W., STORMWATER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acquisition of real property rights in connection with the Sweetbrier Avenue, S. W., Stormwater Improvement Project. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following ordinance: (#41414-040119) AN ORDINANCE providing for the acquisition of real property rights needed by the City in connection with the Sweetbrier Avenue, S. W. Stormwater Drainage Improvement Project (Project); authorizing City staff to acquire such property rights by negotiation for the City; authorizing the City Manager to execute appropriate acquisition documents; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 286.) 62 Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41414- 040119. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) STORMWATER UTILITY FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acquisition of real property rights in connection with the recently authorized Stormwater Utility Flood Mitigation Program; and acquisition of property rights in connection with other current practices and procedures for stormwater programs. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#41415-040119) AN ORDINANCE providing for the acquisition of real property rights needed by the City in connection with flood mitigation; authorizing City staff to acquire such property rights by negotiation for the City; authorizing the City Manager to execute appropriate acquisition documents; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 288.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41415-040119. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.)  63 Council Member Price offered the following budget ordinance: (#41416-040119) AN ORDINANCE to transfer funding from the fiscal year Stormwater Account to the Flood Mitigation project, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2018 - 2019 Stormwater Fund Appropriations and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 289.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41416- 040119. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) PERCENTAGE REDUCTION FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization to establish the Percentage Reduction for Personal Property Tax Relief for the 2019 Tax Year. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41417 -040119) A RESOLUTION setting the allocation percentage for personal property tax relief in the City of Roanoke for the 2019 tax year. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 290.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41417- 040119. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) 64 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of a donation of an electric vehicle charger from EVgo Services, LLC, for installation at the Berglund Center. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41418-040119) A RESOLUTION accepting the donation of the electric vehicle charging station from EVgo Services LLC; and authorizing the City Manager to take such further actions and execute all necessary documents as may be necessary to obtain, accept, implement, administer, and use the donation of the charging station. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 291.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41418-040119. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne. Following the Vice-Mayor's comments regarding locations of City-owned and private electric charging stations, Resolution No. 41418-040119 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor - Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER. The City Manager offered the following comments: Open House Community Meetings • There are two remaining Open House Community Meetings to invite citizen input on the City's Comprehensive Plan 2020 - 2040: o Tuesday, April 2- Main Library, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. o Wednesday, April 3 -Williamson Road Branch Library, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m. • Feedback from these meetings, as well as meetings with stakeholder groups and focus groups, will be used to create a draft plan.  65 Budget Process • City Council received an update on the City's Budget development process this morning. • I want to remind citizens that: o The Recommended Fiscal Year 2020 Budget will be presented to City Council on Monday, April 15. () Public Hearings on the Budget and Tax Rates will be held on Thursday, April 25. o On Monday, May 6, Council will hold a Budget Study. u City Council will vote to adopt the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget on Monday, May 13. Blue Ridge Marathon Returns to Roanoke • Saturday, April 13, 7:35 a.m. is the race start time. • The Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Anthem Star 1OK, all start on Jefferson Street (outside Elmwood Park) • The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon Series has earned its title as "America's Toughest Road Marathon" by challenging runners with over 7,430 ft. in elevation change, more than any other road marathon in the United States. • This race is the only marathon that runs along the famously scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Proceeds benefit the Parkway and local charities. More information is available at wwYY.:_blu~!}dgemarathon.com Down by Downtown Music Festival • This Festival coincides with Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon race weekend. • Dates: Thursday, April 11 through Sunday, April 14 • It features four days of music, with shows at venues throughout downtown Roanoke • Many of the events are free, but some do have cover charges or tickets. Information about specific performances is available at www.downbydowntown.com REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. 66 INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION FOR AMENDMENTS TO HB 2718: Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution urging the General Assembly of the Commonwealth to adopt the Governor's Recommendation for amendments to HB 2718 to provide a funding mechanism dedicated to critical improvements to the Interstate 81 Corridor: (#41419-040119) A RESOLUTION urging the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia to adopt the Governor's Recommendation for amendments to HB 2718 to provide a funding mechanism dedicated to critical improvements to the Interstate 81 Corridor. (For full text of the resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 292.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41419-040119. The motion seconded by Council Member Price. There being no questions and/or comments by the Council Members, Resolution No. 41419-040119 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: KIWANIS CLUB OF ROANOKE: Council Member Bestpitch announced the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke will host an Annual Prayer Breakfast, which will take place on the National Day of Prayer on May 2 at the Elks Club at 7:00 a.m.; and Kiwanis Pancake and Auction Day on May 11 from 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at the Berglund Center. UNLEASHED EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE: Council Member Price commented on the Unleashed Empowerment Conference for young ladies that was ~''"' held on March 30 at Hollins University.  67 VACANICES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARD, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Council Member White-Boyd 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 Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: Non e-O. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) BUILDING AND FIRE CODE BOARD OF APPEALS: The Vice-Mayor called attention to the expiration of the three-year term of office of Robert L. Price, Ill, as a member (Builder) of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals ended June 30, 2018; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Douglas Coffman. There being no further nominations, Mr. Coffman was appointed to replace Robert L. Price, Ill, as a member (Builder) of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals for a term of office ending June 30, 2021, by the following vote: FOR MR. COFFMAN: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-S. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) COURT COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAM REGIONAL COMMUNITY CRIMINAL JUSTICE BOARD: The Vice-Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the three-year terms of office of Sheriff Tim Allen and Deputy Police Chief Eric Charles (Police Chief Designee) as City representatives of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board ending June 30, 2019; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. 68 Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Sheriff Tim Allen and Deputy Police Chief Eric Charles. There being no further nominations, Sheriff Allen and Deputy Police Chief Charles (Police Chief Designee) were reappointed as City representatives of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board for three- year terms of office, each, ending June 30, 2022, by the following vote: FOR SHERIFF ALLEN AND DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF CHARLES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD: The Vice-Mayor called attention to the expiration of the three-year term of office of Claude J. Page, Ill, as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board ended March 31, 2019; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Luke Priddy. There being no further nominations, Mr. Priddy was appointed to replace Claude J. Page, Ill, as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for a three-year term of office ending March 31, 2022, by the following vote: FOR MR. PRIDDY: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) ROANOKE CULTURAL ENDOWMENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The Vice-Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the resignation of Patice Holland as a City representative of the Roanoke Cultural Endowment Board of Directors for a term of office ending December 31, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch place in nomination the name of Cheryl Cobbs.  69 There being no further nominations, Ms. Cobbs was appointed as a City representative of the Roanoke Cultural Endowment Board of Directors to fill the unexpired term of office of Patice Holland ending December 31, 2020, by the following vote: FOR MS. COBBS: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) ROANOKE VALLEY GREENWAY COMMISSION: The Vice-Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the three-year term of office of Stephen Ambruzs as a City representative of the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission 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 reappointed as a City representative of the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission for a three-year term of office ending June 30, 2022, by the following vote: FOR MR. AMBRUZS: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) TOTAL ACTION FOR PROGRESS (TAP): The Vice-Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the one-year term of office of the Honorable Joseph L. Cobb as the City Council representative of the Total Action for Progress Board of Directors (TAP) ending June 30, 2019; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of the Honorable Joseph L. Cobb. There being no further nominations, Vice-Mayor Cobb was reappointed as the City Council representative of the Total Action for Progress Board of Directors (TAP) for a one-year term of office ending June 30, 2020, by the following vote: FOR VICE-MAYOR COBB: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) 70 YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD: The Vice-Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the three-year terms of office of Council Member Anita J. Price as a government representative; and Lorena Wilson and Joyce Watkins as Citizen at Large representatives of the Youth Services Citizen Board ending June 30, 2019; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Council Member Anita J. Price, Lorena Wilson and Joyce Watkins. There being no further nominations, Council Member Price was reappointed as a government representative, and Ms. Wilson and Ms. Watkins were reappointed as Citizen at Large representatives of the Youth Services Citizen Board for three-year terms of office, each, ending June 30, 2022, by the following vote: FOR COUNCIL MEMBER PRICE, MS. WILSON AND MS. WATKINS: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. (Council Member Davis and Mayor Lea were absent.) There being no further business to come before the Council, Vice-Mayor Cobb declared the Council meeting adjourned at 4:33 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: ~~·~\)(r~~-- Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, MMC City Clerk osep l)l~ Vice-Mayor