City Council

379 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION October 21, 2019 2:00p.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, October 21, 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. 41490-070119 adopted by the Council on Monday, July 1, 2019. PRESENT: Council Members Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne, Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: Sherman M. Stovall, Assistant City Manager for Operations; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Whitney Burton, Associate Pastor, St. John's Episcopal Church. 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. WEED AND TRASH CITATION: Anthony Peterson, 2750 Florida Avenue, N. W., appeared before the Council regarding a weed and trash citation lien on his property. Without objection, the Mayor advised the matter would be referred to the City Manager for response. 380 CONSENT AGENDA The Mayor advised that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda were considered to be routine by the Members of Council and would be enacted by one motion in the form, or forms, listed on the Consent Agenda, and if discussion were desired, the item would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Monday, September 16, 2019, was before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with and approved as recorded. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. RESIGNATION OF COURTNEY CAMPBELL AS A CITIZEN REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ROANOKE VALLEY-ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMMISSION: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Courtney Campbell as a Citizen Representative of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, effective immediately, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd moved that the resignation be accepted and the communication be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  381 DISPOSITION OF APPROXIMATELY 2.96 ACRES OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2607 SALEM TURNPIKE, N. W.: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss disposition of approximately 2.96 acres of City-owned property located at 2607 Salem Turnpike, N. 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, was before the body. (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 Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. DISPOSITION OF APPROXIMATELY 0.018 ACRES OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 715 FRANKLIN ROAD, S. W.: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss disposition of approximately 0.018 acres of City-owned property located at 715 Franklin Road, 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 (1 950), as amended, was before the body. (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 Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 382 DISPOSITION OF APPROXIMATELY .510 ACRES OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2202 COUNTRYSIDE ROAD, N. W.: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss disposition of approximately .510 acres of City-owned property located at 2202 Countryside Road, N. 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, was before the body. (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 Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL, PERTAINING TO ACTUAL LITIGATION: A communication from the City Attorney requesting that Council convene • in a Closed Meeting for consultation with legal counsel, pertaining to actual litigation, where such consultation in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigation posture of the City, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(?), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd moved that Council concur in the request of the City Attorney as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  383 PERSONNEL MATTER, BEING THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR A CITY CLERK: A communication from Council Member Michelle L. Davis, Chair, City Council Personnel Committee, requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss a personnel matter, being the selection process for a City Clerk, 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.) Council Member White-Boyd moved that Council concur in the request of the City Council Personnel Committee Chair as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. OATHS OF OFFICE-ROANOKE VALLEY-ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMMISSION-ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD-ROANOKE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATES-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY-TOWING ADVISORY BOARD-YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD: Report of qualifications of the following individuals were before the Council: J. Frederick Gusler as a Citizen Representative of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission for a three-year term of office ending June 30, 2021; Kevin Earl as a member (Citizen at Large) of the Architectural Review Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Anne Beckett ending October 1, 2022; Jamaal Jackson and Cindy Pasternak for a three-year term of office, each, commencing October 1, 2019 and ending September 30, 2022; and Kate lynn Lewis for a two-year term of office commencing October 1, 2019 and ending September 30, 2021 as members of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates; Stephanie S. Wyatt-Jones as a Director of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke for a four-year term of office, commencing October 21, 2019 and ending October 20, 2023; Jeffrey A. Robertson as a member of the Towing Advisory Board for a three-year term of office ending October 31, 2022; and 384 Melanie Morris as a Citizen at Large representative of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a term ending June 30, 2022. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd moved that the reports of qualifications be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: WILLIAMSON ROAD AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION RESTAURANT WEEK: Valerie Brown, Executive Director, Williamson Road Area Business Association, shared - information regarding Restaurant Week of October 21 - 26, 2019. Ms. Brown distributed a copy of the "Passport - A Celebration of Williamson Road's Diverse Cuisine." (See Passport on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Following positive comments by the Council, Mayor Lea expressed appreciation to the Executive Director, noting that the comments would be received and filed. THE LEAST OF THESE MINISTRY: Dawn Sandoval, Founder, The Least of These Ministry, appeared before the Council and gave a presentation with regard to The Least of These Ministry activities and initiatives. (See copy of Presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Following comments by the Council, the Mayor noted that the presentation would be received and filed.  385 VIRGINIA CAREER WORKS - ROANOKE CENTER: Morgan Romeo, Executive Director, Equal Opportunity Officer, Workforce Development Board appeared before the Council, and shared information about the Board's job assistance program - Career Quest that was scheduled on September 18 - 19, 2019 at the Salem Civic Center, along with a presentation regarding Workforce Development activities of the Work Force Development Board and Virginia Employment Commission. (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Following comments by the Council, the Mayor advised that the presentation would be received and filed. STATE CRIMINAL ALIEN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM REIMBURSEMENT GRANT: The Honorable Timothy Allen, City Sheriff, submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program Reimbursement Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance Office; and the City manager submitted a written communication concurring in the recommendation. (For full text, see communications on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price offered the following resolution: (#41582-102119) A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) Grant made to the City of Roanoke Sheriff's Department by the Bureau of Justice Assistance Office in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 611) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41582-102119. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd. Following remarks by the Mayor regarding homeland security, Resolution No. 41582-102119 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 386 Council Member White-Boyd offered the following budget ordinance: (#41583-1 02119) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Federal government for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP), amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2019 - 2020 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 612.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41583-102119. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. CHANGING THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION DATE: Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., transmitted a communication for further dialogue with regard to changing the Municipal - Election date from May to November 2020. (See copy of communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The Mayor open the floor for citizen comments; whereupon the following individuals spoke in support of changing the Municipal Election Date from the first Monday in May 2020 to the Tuesday following the first Monday in November 2020: Barbara Andes, 2803 Rosalind Avenue, S. W. Robin Barnhill, 2309 Brandon Avenue, S. W. Luke Priddy, 302 5th Street, S. W. (See handout on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Catherine Koebel, 2625 Longview Avenue, S. W. Brenda Hale, President, Roanoke Branch - NAACP There being no further speakers, the Mayor advised that additional comments and discussion of the matter would be during the 7:00 p.m. meeting. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE.  387 ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: FY 2020 BULLETPROOF VEST PARTNERSHIP GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the FY 2020 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Award from the United States Department of Justice. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41584-1 02119) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the FY20 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Award made to the City by the United States Department of Justice, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 613.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41584- 102119. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Osborne offered the following budget ordinance: (#41585-1 02119) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Federal government, Department of Justice, for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2019 - 2020 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 614.) Council Member Osborne moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41585- 102119. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 388 FY 2019 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the FY 2019 State Homeland Security Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Osborne offered the following resolution: (#41586-102119) A RESOLUTION accepting the FY 2019 State Homeland Security Program Grant to the City from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 615.) Council Member Osborne moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41586-102119. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and - Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Price was not present when vote was recorded.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following budget ordinance: (#41587-102119) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Department of Homeland Security thru the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Emergency Management for the State Homeland Security Program Grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2019 - 2020 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 616.)  389 Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41587-102119. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: Non e-O. (Council Member Price was not present when vote was recorded.) DONATION FROM BRANCH MANAGEMENT CORPORATION: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of a monetary donation from Branch Management Corporation as part of the City's Beautify Roanoke Interchanges Through Enhancement Program for landscaping at the intersection of Riverland Road, Bennington Street, and Mount Pleasant Boulevard. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following resolution: (#41588-1 02119) A RESOLUTION accepting a donation of funds from Branch Management Corporation to the City as part of the Beautify Roanoke Interchanges Through Enhancement (BRITE) Program to assist with the maintenance of the landscaping at the intersection of Riverland Road, Bennington Street, and Mount Pleasant Boulevard; authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents, provide any additional information, and to take any necessary actions in order to obtain, accept, receive, implement, use, and administer such donation; and expressing the City's appreciation for such donation. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 617.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41588-102119. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch. Following expressions of appreciation regarding the BRITE program by Council Member Bestpitch, Resolution No. 41588-102119 and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Price was not present when vote was recorded.) 390 Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#41589-102119) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from Branch Management Corporation to the VDOT Comprehensive Roadside project, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2019 - 2020 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 618.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41589-102119. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Price was not present when vote was recorded.) VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HAZARDOUS --~ MATERIALS FUNDS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of "pass through" funds from the Virginia Department of '* Emergency Management to assist the Hazardous Materials Response Team with hazardous materials emergency responses and training and development. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following resolution: (#41590-1 02119) A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to accept, on behalf of the City of Roanoke, "pass-through" funds from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) to assist the Hazardous Materials Response Team with the purchase of equipment and training, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 619.)  391 Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41590-102119. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Price was not present when vote was recorded.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following budget ordinance: (#41591-1 02119) AN ORDINANCE appropriating funding from the United States Department of Transportation through the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) for hazardous materials emergency responses and training and development, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2018- 2019 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 620.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41591-102119. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Price was not present when vote was recorded.) STORMWATER DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization for acquisition for acquisition of real property rights in connection with the Brymoor Road, S. W. Stormwater Improvement Project. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 392 Council Member White-Boyd offered the following ordinance: (#41592-102119) AN ORDINANCE providing for the acquisition of real property rights needed by the City in connection with the Stormwater Improvement Project- Brymoor Road, S. W. (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 621.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41592- 102119. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. STORMWATER UTILITY FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAM: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization for acquisition of real property rights as part of the Stormwater Utility Flood Mitigation Program. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following ordinance: (#41593-1 02119) 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 622.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41593- 102119. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  393 FY 2019 PAYROLL ACCRUAL FUNDING LEVEL: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization to increase funding level to be reserved for FY 2019 Payroll Accrual. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following resolution: (#41594-1 02119) A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to increase the funding level to be reserved for FY 2019 Payroll Accrual. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 624.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41594-1 02119. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE AND SALE OF REAL PROPERTY: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of Amendment No. 3 to the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property for development of a downtown parking facility and hotel at 116 and 120 Church Avenue, S. E. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 394 Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following ordinance: (#41595-102119) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property for the Development of a Downtown Parking Facility and Hotel, dated September 20, 2018 (the "Agreement") between the City of Roanoke, Virginia (the "City"), Market Holdings, LLC, ("MH") and Big Lick Hospitality, LLC ("Big Lick"), which proposed Agreement provided that the City, as the owner of certain real property of approximately 0.3607 acres, together with improvements thereon, situated at 120 Church Avenue, S. E., Roanoke, Virginia, designated as Official Tax Map No. 4011413 ("City Parcel"); MH, as the owner of certain real property of approximately 0.5755 acres, together with improvements thereon, situated at 116 Church Avenue, S. E., Roanoke, Virginia, designated as Official Tax Map No. 4011412 ("MH Parcel"); and Big Lick, agreed that the City would (i) acquire the MH Parcel; (ii) consolidate the MH Parcel with the City Parcel (collectively, the "Property"); (iii) construct on the Property and own a Parking Facility, in fee simple, and (iv) convey to Big Lick condominium units, certain air rights, and appropriate nonexclusive easement rights within the Parking Facility for the construction and operation of a Hotel Facility to accommodate the operation of a Hotel on portions of the Property, to amend certain terms of the Agreement to extend the Inspection Period, as defined in the Agreement; reordaining Ordinance No. 41267-091718, adopted on September 17, 2018, Ordinance No. 41450-052019, adopted on May 20, 2019, and Ordinance No. 41514-071519, adopted July 15, 2019, only to the extent not inconsistent with this Ordinance; authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to perform, effectuate, administer, and enforce the proposed Amendment No. 3, Amendment No. 2, Amendment No. 1, and the Agreement; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 625.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41595-102119. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-D.  395 REFUND BONDS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization for issuance of General Obligation Public Improvement Refunding Bonds. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41596-1 02119) A RESOLUTION authorizing the issuance and sale of not to exceed Thirteen Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($13, 100,000.00) aggregate principal amount of city of Roanoke, Virginia, General Obligation Public Improvement Refunding Bonds; fixing certain details of the bonds; and otherwise providing with respect to the issuance, sale and delivery of such bonds and the refunding of the refunded bonds. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 627.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41596-102119. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb. Following clarification of the issuance and sale of the General Obligation Public Improvement Refunding Bonds, Resolution No. 41596-102119 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: NONE. 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.) 396 Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#41597-102119) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from federal and Commonwealth grants 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 644.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41597-102119. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE. MOTION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: GO OUTDOOR FESTIVAL (GO FEST): Council Member Osborne praised the success of the GO Outdoor Festival (GO Fest) held on October 18- 20, at the River's Edge Sports Complex. LIME ELECTRIC SCOOTERS: Council Member White-Boyd mentioned the launching of the Lime Electric Scooters on Friday, October 18, and expressed concern with regard to the appropriate docking of the scooters. BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH AND RED RIBBON WEEK FOR DRUG AWARENESS: Council Member Price reminded everyone that the month of October is declared as Breast Cancer Awareness Month; and the week of October 20 - 26 is declared as Red Ribbon Week for Drug Awareness; and the Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition (RAYSAC) will hold a Candlelight Vigil at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center on Sunday, November 10 at 3:30p.m., in honor of those who died due to drug addiction.  397 DONATION OF THREE BENCHES: Council Member White-Boyd acknowledged receipt of donation of three benches, being two to Roanoke and one to the Commonwealth. VIRGINIA WESTERN STEM BUILDING: Mayor Lea commented on the Grand Opening of the Virginia Western STEM Building held on Thursday, November 17 at Virginia Western Community College Campus. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: NONE. At 4:04 p.m., Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting in recess until 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Room 450, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building. 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 Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne, Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: R. Brian Townsend, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. 398 CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Council Member Davis 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 Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: FOOD NETWORK'S KIDS BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP: Mayor Lea recognized Taylor Pusha, Finalist, Food Network's Kids Baking Championship; and presented her with a City gift. VAPING ON YOUTH IN OUR CITY AND REGION: The Roanoke Preservation Alliance gave a presentation regarding the issues of Vaping on Youth in our City and Region. - (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Following the presentation, the Mayor advised that all remarks would be received and filed. PUBLIC HEARING: 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, July 15, 2019 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the request of Trustees of New Hope Christian Church to repeal all conditions proffered as part of a previous rezoning on property located at 0 Van Winkle Road, S. W., and 4628 Old Rocky Mount Road, S. W., Official Tax Map Nos. 5390105 and 5390106, respectively; rezone 4209 Welcome Valley Road, S. E., 0 Van Winkle Road, S. W., and 4628 Old Rocky Mount Road, S. W., Official Tax Map Nos. 5390115, 5390105, and 5390106, respectively, from R-5, Residential Single-Family District, and 1-2, Heavy Industrial District, with conditions, to INPUD, Institutional Planned Unit Development; and to amend the PUD plan for 4229 Welcome Valley Road, S. E., Official Tax Map No. 5390113, currently zoned INPUD, Institutional Planned Unit Development District, the matter was before the body.  399 Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, and Tuesday, October 8, 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 request. (For full report, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#41598-102119) AN ORDINANCE repealing all conditions proffered as part of a previous rezoning in Ordinance No. 36980-022205, adopted February 22, 2005, on the subject property located at 0 Van Winkle Road, S. W., and 4628 Old Rocky Mount Road, S. W., Official Tax Map Nos. 5390105 and 5390106, respectively; rezoning 4209 Welcome Valley Road, S. E., 0 Van Winkle Road, S. W., and 4628 Old Rocky Mount Road, S. W., Official Tax Map Nos. 5390115, 5390105, and 5390106, respectively, from R-5, Residential Single-Family District, and 1-2, Heavy Industrial District, with conditions, to INPUD, Institutional Planned Unit Development; amending the PUD plan for 4229 Welcome Valley Road, S. E., Official Tax Map No. 5390113, currently zoned 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 647.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41598-102119. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd. 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. 41598-102119 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 400 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, October 21, 2019 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the request of Yousef Alamouri to rezone property located at 3805 Melrose Avenue, N. W., Official Tax Map No. 2761516, from IN, Institutional District, to CN, Commercial-Neighborhood District, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, and Tuesday, October 8, 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 request. (For full report, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following ordinance: (#41599-1 02119) AN ORDINANCE rezoning certain property located at 3805 Melrose Avenue, N. W., from IN, Institutional District, to CN, Commercial- Neighborhood District; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 647.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41599- 102119. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne. The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed. Following questions and comments by Council Members Osborne and White-Boyd, Ordinance No. 41599-102119 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  401 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. ROANOKE CITY JAIL: The following individuals appeared before the Council and expressed concern regarding nine deaths within four years while incarcerated in the Roanoke City Jail, as well as unsanitary living conditions of inmates; and urged the Council to encourage the Sheriff to seek other alternatives for incarcerated inmates, such as rehab housing: Natasha Harper, 125 Bush Drive, Vinton, Virginia Jason Lambert, 641 Yorkshire Street, Salem, Virginia Crystal Mello, 992 Poplar Hollow Road, Shawsville, Virginia Jennifer Page, 3133 Willow Road, N. W., Roanoke, Virginia Abdul Douglas, P. 0. Box 6515, Roanoke, Virginia At 7:48 p.m., due to a disruption in the Council Chamber, the Mayor declared the Council meeting in recess. At 8:11 p.m., the Council Meeting reconvened, with Mayor Lea presiding. OTHER BUSINESS: MUNICIPAL ELECTION DATE CHANGE: Having laid the communication from Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., requesting further dialogue with regard to changing the Municipal Election date from May to November on the table, the following individuals appeared and spoke in support of changing the Municipal Election Date from the first Monday in May 2020 to the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November 2020: Robert Jeffrey, 2755 Kirkland Drive, N. W. Kate Berding, 2814 Jefferson Street, S. W. Colbert Boyd, 2508 Round Top Road, N. W. Thomas Jones, 2610 Belle Avenue, N. E. Jordan Bell, 5208 Lancelot Lane, N. W. LuAnn Fitzpatrick, 3217 Southwood Manor Court Beth Deel, 1426 Greenbrier Avenue, S. E. Luke Priddy, 302 5th Street, S. W. Siclinda Canty-EIIiott, 2320 Westover Avenue, S. W. 402 Vice-Mayor Cobb expressed concern with the ease of voting in Roanoke based upon a study conducted in 2018, where Virginia ranked 49 out of 50 states for difficulty in voting. He noted that challenges included environment, voter education, ease of getting to the polls, fiscal stewardship; and the decision to move the election to November in even years was a positive step in making it easier to vote and engaging more citizens in the process. Council Member Bestpitch indicated the importance of thinking thoroughly about the implications of changing the election date, noting every elected official who spoke in a VML Conference workshop voiced that the change was a huge mistake. He added that when the public complained of long lines and insufficient voting facilities, the precincts were reviewed and addressed, creating a reduction from 32 to 20 precincts and securing better places to vote. He pointed out that the City Registrar issued more voter identification cards with photos than any other locality in the State, the process has been streamlined and made easier for citizens to vote and he was unsure if moving the election date would increase the number of citizens who voted. Having not been privy to the matter before the Council or a motion being offered regarding the issue, Council Member Davis remarked expressed disdain that dialogue amongst her colleagues had not been heard publicly, but rather behind closed doors and through text messages. She was concerned that changing the election date, candidates would have to hold additional fundraisers to have their voices heard; and it would limit the pool of candidates that would run. In conclusion, she noted a no vote to moving elections from May to November in even years. Mayor Lea advised that the matter had been discussed publicly multiple times during the past several years; and the voting electorate would be familiar with the issues and the candidates listed on the ballot despite its length. The City Attorney opined under the State Code an ordinance must be adopted; however, no ordinance had been prepared with regard to the matter. He called attention to the recommendation from the October 10 Council Meeting, whereby if Council deemed to change the election date to November, it should consider odd years based upon the evidence provided by the experts, being the City Registrar and Professor Dr. Harry Wilson. Mr. Callaghan further advised that if a measure were considered, the Council should also petition the General Assembly to amend the Charter next year (following the next general election). He also recommended that a motion be made to have an ordinance prepared to authorize a public hearing on Monday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m., with regard to recommending amendments to the Charter.  403 The City Attorney continued to explain that the City Code referred to the Charter, but did not state when elections would be held. He reiterated during the October 10 Council meeting, the City Attorney was to research the matter for further discussion by the Council. In addition, if elections were held in even numbered years, the Statute states that the terms of office for 2020 and 2022 must be extended by six months; and if elections were changed to odd numbered years, the terms of office for 2022 would be shortened by six months. Following extensive ongoing dialogue amongst the Council Members, Council Member White-Boyd offered a motion to move the Municipal Election Date from the first Monday in May 2020 to the Tuesday following the first Monday in November 2020; and that the City Attorney be instructed to prepare the proper measure for adoption at the November 4, 2019 Council Meeting. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Cobb and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: Council Members Bestpitch and Davis-2. At 9:27 p.m., the Council meeting was declared in recess until Monday, October 28, 2019 at 8:30 a.m., in the Community Room, Melrose Branch Library, 2502 Melrose Avenue, N. W., SuiteD, for the Annual Planning Budget Retreat. The Recessed Meeting of Roanoke City Council was called to order on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 8:30a.m., in the Community Room, Melrose Branch Library, 2502 Melrose Avenue, N. W., SuiteD, with Mayor Lea presiding. PRESENT: Council Members Michelle L. Davis, Anita J. Price, Djuna L. Osborne, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb 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. OTHERS PRESENT: Troy A. Harmon, Municipal Auditor; R. Brian Townsend, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Sherman Stovall, Assistant City Manager for Operations; Susan Lower, Director, Real Estate Valuation; Cecelia T. Webb, Assistant Deputy City Clerk; and R.B. Lawhorn, Budget Manager. 404 Mayor Lea welcomed everyone to the City Council Strategic Workshop and stated the purpose for the session was to hold the Annual Council Strategic Planning Work Session. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: CITY CLERK TENDERING RESIGNATION AS CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA: Council at its meeting on Monday, August 19, 2019, having postponed 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 accepted with deepest regret and the communication received and filed. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. CITY MANAGER: The City Manager stated the purpose of the Work Session was to briefly cover three budgets by discussing last year's budget, taking a quick glimpse of the Fiscal Year 2020 budget and beginning construction of the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget and performance measures. He gave an overview of the following: Strategic Plan Agenda • Workshop Objectives • Budget Overview • Link to Strategic Plan • Fiscal Resiliency • BudgetPriorities • Stormwater Fund • Property Tax Abatement Program (See presentations on file in the City Clerk's Office.) R.B. Lawhorn, Budget Manager reviewed the City's Fiscal Year 2019 Budget • .,. noting that final revenue and expense adjustments were in process and the anticipated audited results would be presented to the Council in December.  405 He highlighted the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget stating that it included funding for strategic investments in all priority areas, 2. 75 percent compensation increase and inflationary cost increases. He pointed out that the budget included additional funding to further address support of EMS services, sheriff/Jail operations, Children's Services Act needs, fleet specialized vehicle repair, an additional election, library services, greenways and trail maintenance, tree replacement, weed and trash abatement, mental health services, tourism and transit operation. Mayor Lea inquired about jail services and what the City of Roanoke funded; whereupon, the City Manager responded the City funded the salaries of the jail staff, but most of the jail services were state funded. Council Member Osborne asked who addressed maintenance issues at the jail; whereupon, the Assistant City Manager for Operations advised that the City work crews addressed maintenance issues identified by the Sheriff. Mr. Lawhorn reviewed the five-year operating model noting that assumptions for growth in real estate tax, personal property, prepared food and beverage, revenue, operating expenditure and salary increases were built into the model. The City Manager focused on financial resiliency and the importance of using essential characteristics to build a resilient system, noting that real estate was predominate and a stable source of revenue for the City. He explained how it was imperative to build the FY 21 budget as if experienced the same revenue decline as FY 2009 to FY 2010, a decline of 2.03 percent or $5.3 million, the worst year over year decline in the last 10 years. In summary, the City Manager offered eight essential characteristics-diversity, redundancy, decentralization, transparency, collaboration, fail gracefully, flexibility and foresight to create financial resiliency through long term planning. STORMWATER UTILITY FEE: The Assistant City Manager for Operations gave a briefing on the Stormwater Utility Fee, as follows: Stormwater Utility Fee • Council advised of Stormwater Utility Fee considerations at: o April 1, 2019 Budget Briefing o July 29, 2019 Strategic Planning Session • After 2021, current revenue will not be sufficient to support: o Inflationary costs o Debt service for capital projects 406 o Increase in debt service if there is a reduction in capital project grant funding o Planned staff additions based on business model Required Utility Fee Adjustment • Maintenance of service level and support of business model requires an adjustment in the utility fee o Adjustment from $.90 per 500 sf to $1.14- $1.31 over five years Current Average Average Average Monthly Monthly Monthly Residential Residential Residential Fee Fee @$.90 Fee@ $1.14 @ $1.31 $5.40 $6.85 $7.89 Virginia Stormwater Utility Fee Comparison Average Monthly Fee- $7.38 Highest Monthly Fee- $21.00 (Falls Church) Lowest Monthly Fee- $2.08 (Chesterfield County) Median Monthly Fee- $6.00 Required Utility Fee Adjustment Recommend adjustment from $.90 to $1.25 over five years Current FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 Monthly $.90 $.93 $1.03 $1.10 $1.18 $1.25 Fee Per500 SF Avg. $5.40 $5.57 $6.20 $6.60 $7.06 $7.50 Monthly Fee Avg. $64.80 $66.80 $74.44 $79.14 $84.71 $90.03 Annual Fee Virginia Stormwater Utility Fee Comparison Average Monthly Fee- $7.38 Highest Monthly Fee- $21.00 (Falls Church) Lowest Monthly Fee- $2.08 (Chesterfield County) Median Monthly Fee- $6.00 Stormwater Utility Fee • Rate adjustment: o Planned staff additions o Assumes half grant funding  407 • Without an adjustment in the Utility Fee: o Existing level of service will be reduced • Drainage improvement projects • Water quality improvement projects • Maintenance of infrastructure Mr. Stovall explained that after FY 2020 the Stormwater Utility Fee would not be sufficient to support inflationary costs, debt service for capital projects, and an increase in debt service if there was a reduction in capital project grant funding; and recommended adoption of a pathway to achieve the increase. Following discussion by the Council of the proposed rate schedule, Mr. Stovall explained that adoption of an increase should occur in 2021 to allow time for citizens to adjust to the increase for 2022. REAL ESTATE REHABILITATION TAX ABATEMENT PROGRAM: The Assistant City Manager for Community Development and Susan Lower, Director, Real Estate Valuation briefed the Council on the Real Estate Rehabilitation Tax Abatement Program, as follows: What is the rehab program? • A city-wide program that was developed to encourage rehabilitation, and /or repair buildings in the City of Roanoke by providing an incentive through an abatement on real property taxes. • The amount of the tax abatement is based on the increase in assessed value of each building that has been repaired or renovated. • Examp1e:I Building Assessed Value Tax @ $1.22 p/$1 00 of Assessed Value Before Rehab $100,000 $1,220 After Rehab $250,000 $3,050 Difference $150,000 $1,830 (Credit/year) $3,050- $1,830 (credit)= $1,220 Tax owed per year Background/Overview • Established Rehab Program in 1981 • Revised Rehab Program in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 • Established a Marketing Program • Established a Timeline for Rehab Completion (2 yrs) • Program "sunsets" in 5 year intervals (Expires June 2020) • Municipal Audit overview report on program issued in April 2018 408 Qualifications RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Age of Structure 40 25 Minimum Assessment 40% 60% Increase to Qualify Square Foot None(Rehab plus additions) Less than 100% Restrictions Rehab Application Fee $50 $50 • To apply for rehab, owner must be current on all real estate taxes. • To remain in the rehab program, taxes must be kept current. • To remain in the rehab program, the buildings must comply with the City's building, zoning, and nuisance codes Terms for rehab abatement • Three years: If before value of the Single Family Residential Building is greater than or equal to $300,000 • Five years: City wide for both Commercial and Residential Buildings • 10 years: Commercial and Residential Buildings in H 1, H2 Historic Districts, Conservation Districts, Rehab Districts • Additional Four years: 50% reduction in the number of residential units What's Changed in the Last Five Years? • What are our Peers Doing? • Administrative Process- (three departments and several staff) • Market changes: o What properties are eligible? (Commercial buildings 1995 or older) o Length of Abatement o Market Forces vs lncentivization . d'ICf IOnS c ompanson Ch a rt J UriS Jurisdiction Age to Qualify Term (years) Application Fee Roanoke 1995 3/5/1 0/14 */15* $50 Charlottesville 1995 7 $50 Lynchburg 1995 10 $250 Hampton 1995 6* $100 Norfolk 1980 15* $250 Fredericksburg 1980 7* $150 Danville 1970 5* $100 Petersburg 1970 5 $250 J *various step down or graduated abatement provisions  409 Administrative Process • Application • Check delinquency (Treasurer) • If ok, REV accepts Rehab application • Quarterly check delinquency (Treasurer) • Dec and June- check code violations (Code Enforcement) • REV team inspects properties until complete Next Steps • City Council Comment/Feedback • Further Analysis/Information Gathering • Initial Recommendations for Program Changes (January) • Council Action on Program Re-authorization (May) • Program Changes Effective (July 1, 2020) The City Manager advised that the program was approaching its sunset and discussion was necessary. The Assistant City Manager for Community Development explained that perhaps the City's abatement program was over generous and complicated and added that the application fee of $50.00 may need to be increased to be better aligned with surrounding jurisdictions. Ms. Lower explained the process, noting that verification of delinquencies and code violations were handled by the City Treasurer's Office and Code Enforcement. In conclusion, the City Manager reviewed the next steps and asked if Council had a specific focus for the program. There being no comments by the Council, he advised that initial changes to the program would be presented in January 2020. There being no further business to come before the Council, the Mayor declared the recessed meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: ~~~·. \n.~r-.l--~~ ~-Moon R~~~~~~"Mc Sherman P. Lea, Sr. City Clerk Mayor