City Council

270 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION August 19, 2019 2:00p.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, August 19, 2019 at 2:00p.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. 41490-070119 adopted by the Council on Monday, July 1, 2019. 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 The Reverend Josh Coldren, Pastor, Crossroads Church. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. ANNOUNCEMENTS: STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS: The Mayor's Annual State of the City Address on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 8:00 a.m., at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, 110 Shenandoah Avenue, N. E. 2019 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: The Council of the City of Roanoke is accepting nominations for the 2019 Citizen of the Year. Forms are available online at www.roanokeva.gov/citizenoftheyear, in the City Clerk's Office or at each City Library branch. Deadline for receipt of nominations is Wednesday, August 28, 2019. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: NONE.  271 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. TASK FORCE TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE: Catherine Koebel, 2625 Longview Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council to express concern about the Task Force to Reduce Gun Violence presentation turned over to Police Chief Tim Jones. 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. He called specific attention to a request from the City Attorney for the Council to convene in a Closed Meeting to consult with legal counsel and hear briefings by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual litigation, where such consultation or briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(?), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Monday, July 15, 2019; and recessed meeting on Monday, July 29, 2019, were 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 Davis and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 272 CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 23 CENTRE AVENUE, N. W.: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council authorize the City Clerk to advertise a public hearing on Monday, September 16, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be reached, or such other date and time as deemed appropriate by the City Manager, regarding the proposed conveyance of approximately .370 acres of City-owned property located at 23 Centre Avenue, N. W., to the Roanoke Higher Education Authority, 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 Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. CONSUL TAllON WITH LEGAL COUNSEL AND HEAR BRIEFINGS BY STAFF MEMBERS OR CONSULTANTS PERTAINING TO ACTUAL LITIGATION: A communication from the City Attorney requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting for consultation with legal counsel and hear briefings by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual litigation, where such consultation or briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2 -3711 (A)(?}, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, 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 Attorney as abovementioned. 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.  273 RESIGNATION OF BENJAMIN S. CRAWFORD AS A MEMBER OF THE ROANOKE ARTS COMMISSION: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Benjamin S. Crawford as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission, effective immediately, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price moved that the resignation be accepted and the communication be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. RESIGNATION OF ANNE BECKETT AS A MEMBER OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Anne Beckett as a member of the Architectural Review Board, effective immediately, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price moved that the resignation be accepted and the communication be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. RESIGNATION OF DOUGLAS JACKSON AS A MEMBER OF THE ROANOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Douglas Jackson as a member of the Roanoke Public Library Board, effective immediately, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 274 Council Member Price moved that the resignation be accepted and the communication be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BUILDING AND FIRE CODE BOARD OF APPEALS: Annual Report of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals for Fiscal Year 2019, was before the Council. (See copy of Annual Report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price moved that the Annual Report be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION, BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: Annual Reports of the City Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and Architectural Review Board for Fiscal Year 2019, were before the Council. (See copy of Annual Reports on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price moved that the Annual Reports be received and filed. 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.  275 OATHS OF OFFICE-PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD-BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS-FAIR HOUSING BOARD-YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD: Reports of qualifications of the following individuals were before the Council: Jerome Stephens as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for a three-year term of office ending March 31, 2021; Amanda McGee as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a term of office ending December 31, 2021; Amazetta Anderson as a member of the Fair Housing Board to fill the unexpired term of Antwyne Calloway ending March 31, 2022; Karen Pillis as a member (Public) of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a three-year term of office ending June 30, 2020; and Antwyne Calloway as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a three-year term of office ending December 31, 2022. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price moved that the reports of qualifications be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. 276 PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: "FITNESS FOR GOOD" IN ROANOKE: Dr. Sarah Klemenic, Founder and Vice- President, and Amanda Fortuna, Board President, Fitness for Good, presented information with a mission of developing of a community-based outreach program designed to reduce social isolation in the aging population while simultaneously increasing activity levels and volunteerism in other community members. She discussed the following areas: • Inception • Fitness for Good Board • 2018 Roanoke Valley Community Health Assessment (RVCHA) • Sociallsolation • Community Activity Levels • FFG Athlete Role • FFG Elderly Participant Role • Group Runs and Projects • Community Benefits • Sponsorships & Grants • Community Outreach and Partnerships • Fitness for Good Needs (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Ms. Klemenic shared that she conceived the idea from a program based in London and United Kingdom approximately two years ago. She advised the aim was to do something good in the community to assist and support isolated older people with social visits. Ms. Fortuna summarized the presentation and expressed hopes that the program will improve the overall quality of life of the elderly population by intervening socially and doing the tasks around the home, which will increase their activity levels. She asked for City Council to support the outreach program. Council Member Osborne thanked Ms. Klemenic and Ms. Fortuna for the presentation and stated she was impressed with the Fitness for Good Board of Directors and appreciated for the information collected and the formulation of exercise goals. She advised that she could personally identify people, whether neighbors or family members, who would benefit from individual contact throughout the day or week; and added that the program would fill a gap in the community.  277 Council Member Davis expressed appreciation to Ms. Klemenic and Ms. Fortuna for the effort to ensure the program was safe for everyone involved, their focus on taking care of our aging population in a helpful and humanitarian way; which attributed to their experience and background in the medical profession. Council Member White-Boyd noted as an owner of a home health agency, it was vital to have communication and contact with the elderly, and agreed the program was a great service to the community. There being no further comments and/or questions from the Council Members, the Mayor advised that the presentation and remarks would be received and filed. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: NONE. COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER. The City Manager offered the following comments: Registration for the Fall 2019 Green Academy is Open • This popular series begins on Wednesday, September 11, and runs through Wednesday, October 9. Sessions meet at Fishburn Park Elementary, located at 3057 Colonial AvenueS. W., in the library. • The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a light meal, followed by presentations from local subject-matter experts discussing a variety of green initiatives in the Roanoke Valley. • Topics will include energy efficiency, renewable energy, alternative transportation, water and air quality, local food, recycling, and more. • This is a free event. The class fills up quickly, so sign up today. • To register, visit '6'~w.roanokevac.9Q0m:_eer1acadeQJy. New School Zone Speed Limit is in Effect • Effective August 15, the speed limit decreased from 25 mph to 15 mph in certain neighborhood school zones in the City. • The 15 mph speed limit reduction will only apply during the times scheduled for school flasher operations, 30 minutes before and after established school start and end times. • To ensure drivers are aware of this change, Roanoke Police will increase its enforcement of the new speed limit during the first weeks of the new school year. 278 • A list of schools and streets affected by the new speed limit is available on the Roanoke City Public Schools website. Reminder: Roanoke's Prepareathon • The public is invited to attend on Saturday, August 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m. at Advance Auto Parts Atrium, inside Center in the Square. • The event is designed to help citizens take an active role in protecting themselves and their community from disasters • Topics will include local flood hazards, why being prepared is important, and actions you can take at home, at school, at work, and at play to be ready. • The event is free and open to the public. • More information is available at www.roanok~~ov/QI~_9reathon. Mayor and Members of Council offered positive comments on pedestrian signage at 11 1h Street and Orange Avenue, N. W., with flashing lights; and safety signs in various City intersections warning persons not to stand and/or impede traffic. Appointment of Community Engagement Specialist • Tiffany Bradbury appointed as the Community Engagement Specialist. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 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: (#41525-081919) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Commonwealth and federal grant for various educational programs, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2019 - 2020 School Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book 80, page 534.)  279 Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41525-081919. 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. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: CITY CLERK TENDERING RESIGNATION AS CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA: Council at its meeting on Monday, August 5, 2019, having tabled action on resignation tendered by the City Clerk of the City of Roanoke, effective January 1, 2020, the matter was again before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis moved that the resignation be tabled indefinitely. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution appointing Stephanie S. Wyatt-Jones as a Director of the City of Roanoke Economic Development Authority, commencing October 21, 2019, and ending October 20, 2023: (#41526-081919) A RESOLUTION appointing a Director on the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, Virginia. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 535.) 280 Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41526- 081919. 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. MOTION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: SCHOOLS: Council Member Price extended best wishes to School administrators, teachers and students returning to school on Tuesday, August 20, 2019. SCHOOL TOURS: Council Member Osborne commented on school tours accompanied by Council Member White-Boyd, as well as updates on programming and school security. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: NONE. OTHER BUSINESS: ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: Mayor Lea called attention to a request from Spencer Brand for a continuance of the Petition for Appeal appealing a decision of the Architectural Review Board denying an amended Certificate of Appropriateness to replace stamped metal roof on main roof with architectural shingles, replace standing seam roof on wrap-around porch and roll rubber roof on rear porch with standing seam roof at 801 Marshall Avenue, S. W., which is not consistent with the H-2, Historic Neighborhood Overlay District Guidelines. Council Member Davis moved that Council concur in the request for continuance of the matter until Monday, September 16, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  281 At 2:53 p.m., the Mayor declared the Council Meeting in recess for a Closed Meeting in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building; and thereafter to be reconvened in the Council Chamber. At 3:30 p.m., the Council meeting was reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea presiding and all Members of the Council in attendance. CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Council Member Osborne 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. CANCELLATION OF 7:00 P.M. SESSION: Inasmuch as there were no public hearings or official business to come before the Council at the 7:00 p.m. session, Mayor Lea announced that the 7:00 p.m. session was cancelled. There being no further business to come before the Council, the Mayor declared the Council meeting adjourned at 3:32 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: ~=~~~~ City Clerk ~y;:,__~, Sherman P. Lea, Sr. Mayor