City Council

410 .... ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION November 4, 2019 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, November 4, 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 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 Djuna L. Osborne, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. ABSENT: Council Member Anita J. Price-1. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: A communication from Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss vacancies on certain authorities, boards, commissions and committees appointed by 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.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Osborne, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Price was absent.)  411 DISPOSITION OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 304 RESERVE AVENUE, S. W.: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of City-owned property located at 304 Reserve 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 Osborne moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Price was absent.) ITEMS LISTED ON THE 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL DOCKET REQUIRING DISCUSSION/CLARIFICATION AND ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE 2:00 P.M. AGENDA: NONE. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: NONE. BRIEFINGS: C-PACE Program Nell Boyle, Sustainability Outreach Coordinator, briefed the Council on the C-PACE Program and highlighted the following information: What is C-PACE C-PACE: Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy • Financing enabled by state and municipal legislation • Economically finance or re-finance up to 100% of energy efficiency, alternative or renewable energy, resilience or stormwater projects • Over a long term basis with a capital provider • Loan is secured as a special assessment linked to the property and can be sold with the building 412 History of C-PACE Virginia • Originally enabled in 2009, State Code provides for financing for clean energy improvements via special assessment • In November, 2017 Arlington was the first government to adopt legislation and establish a C-PACE program, followed by the City of Fredericksburg in 2018 • In 2019 Loudon County, Fairfax County and City of Petersburg adopted ordinances • In development; Alexandria, Petersburg, Portsmouth, Richmond, Lynchburg Roles and Responsibilities • Jurisdiction: Approves the ordinance, including the approval of the program administrator. In the event of default by the building owner, the program administrator will implement the tax default procedures • Program Administrator: Prepares the program guidelines and reporting requirements, files and records the assessment, monitors the program, and promotes the program to new participants • Capital Provider: Originates and underwrites the loan • Building Owner: Secures the loan and enters the program agreement Next Steps • Schedule Public Hearing for December 16th • Adopt the C-PACE ordinance and Program Guidelines • Procurement of the Program Administrator (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Ms. Boyle summarized the C-PACE Program stating that it had been adopted widely among the western section of the United States and was enabled in 2009 by Virginia State Code to provide for financing for clean energy improvements via special assessment for commercial properties. She noted that in 2017, the City of Arlington was the first government, followed by City of Fredericksburg, in 2018, to adopt legislation to establish a C-PACE program; and in 2019 Loudon County, Fairfax County and the City of Petersburg adopted urdinances with the cities of Alexandria, Petersburg, Portsmouth, Richmond and Lynchburg in development. She explained that there were four parts to the program which included the municipal government adopting an ordinance and determining a Program Administrator, capital provider underwrites the loan and the building owner secures the loan and enters into the program agreement.  413 Following further discussion of the program, Ms. Boyle reviewed the next steps advising that a public hearing would be needed followed by adoption of the C-PACE ordinance and Program guidelines ultimately leading to the procurement of a Program Administrator which could be the City of Roanoke if so desired. Vice-Mayor Cobb inquired if the C-PACE program applied to residential properties as well and added that a clean energy component in connection with rehabilitation of residential property was imperative; whereupon, Ms. Boyle advised that a program existed for residential properties, but fell under a different set of guidelines currently not adopted in Virginia. Council Member Bestpitch inquired as to why the program existed eight years prior to Virginia localities engaging in the program and the timeline under which Council could expect a draft ordinance to review; whereupon, Ms. Boyle explained that the State clarified the program verbiage which made it more appealing for participation of the localities. The City Attorney added that an ordinance had been drafted; previous program verbiage made it seem like the jurisdiction was the lender; the program was project driven so it was best to adopt an ordinance once a project was identified; a draft loan agreement must accompany the ordinance; and a public hearing would not be scheduled for December to allow for all documentation associated with the program to be reviewed. Council Member Davis asked for an example of a project where C-PACE could be applied. Ms. Boyle replied that the project could consist of new construction, redevelopment, upgrading lighting and HVAC. Council Member White-Boyd asked if a group of banks were established as lenders as a part of the program or if the developer had to secure a lender; whereupon, Ms. Boyle advised that there were banks familiar with the C-PACE program, but a developer could secure its own lender privately. There being no additional questions and/or comments by the Council, Mayor Lea thanked Ms. Boyle for an informative presentation and advised that the briefing would be received and filed. At 9:21 a.m., Mayor Lea declared the Council Meeting in recess for a Closed Meeting in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451; and thereafter to be reconvened at 2:00p.m., in the Council Chamber. At 2:00 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea presiding. 414 PRESENT: Council Members Djuna L. Osborne, Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor .. Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Craig Newman, Pastor, South Roanoke United Methodist 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. CITIZENS OF ROANOKE: Barbara Duerk, 2607 Rosalind Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council and expressed appreciation to the Council for its representation of the citizens of Roanoke. 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 Thursday, October 10, 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 Osborne and adopted by the following vote:  415 AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. LEASE RENEWAL OF FIRE STATION NO. 6 TO THE MELROSE ATHLETIC CLUB, INC.: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, November 18, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, or such later date and time as the City Manager shall determine, in his discretion, to consider the lease renewal of Fire Station No. 6 to the Melrose Athletic Club, Inc., 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 Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. OATHS OF OFFICE-VISIT VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE, BOARD OF DIRECTORS-TOWING ADVISORY BOARD: Reports of qualification of the following individuals were before the Council: Meg Carter as a City representative of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, Board of Directors for a one-year term of office ending June 30, 2020; and Walter Hinkley as a member of the Towing Advisory Board for a three-year term of office ending October 31, 2022. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd moved that the reports of qualification be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 416 REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: FY 2020 BYRNE/JAG - COMMUNITY-BASED GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the FY 2020 Byrne/JAG - Community-Based Gun Violence Prevention Grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to hire a Rapid Engagement of Support in the Event of Trauma (RESET) Coordinator. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following resolution: (#41600-11 0419) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program made to the City of Roanoke by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for reducing gun violence, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 650.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41600-110419. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch. Following comments by the City Manager regarding the vast amount of funding by the City, Resolution No. 41600-110419 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ' "'  417 Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#41601-110419) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Federal government, Department of Justice, for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program for Community Based Gun Prevention, 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 651.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41601-110419. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. CITY'S E-911 OPERATIONS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of an amendment to the contract between the City of Roanoke and West Safety Solutions Corporation to provide services in connection with the City's E-911 operations. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41602-11 0419) A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager's issuance and execution of additional Amendments to the City's Contract with West Safety Solutions Corp. ("West Safety") for dual services at the new VA811/E911 Communications Center; and authorizing the City Manager to take certain other actions in connection with such Amendments. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 652.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41602-110419. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 418 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH ROANOKE FOUNDATION FOR DOWNTOWN, INC.: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with Roanoke Foundation for Downtown, Inc., to support installation of wayfinding signs. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis offered the following resolution: (#41603-11 0419) A RESOLUTION accepting funding from The Roanoke Foundation For Downtown, Inc. ("Foundation") in the amount of $150,000.00 to support the installation of wayfinding signs; and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Roanoke and the Foundation, to support the installation of wayfinding signs. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 653.) Council Member Davis moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41603-110419. The motion seconded by Council Member Price. Following brief comments by Council Member Davis and Price regarding the Foundation and City's participation on the project, and the City Manager's overview of efforts by the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, Resolution No. 41603-110419 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Davis offered the following budget ordinance: (#41604-11 0419) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Roanoke Foundation for Downtown, Inc. for the Memorandum of Understanding with Roanoke Foundation for Downtown, Inc. for Wayfinding Signs, 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 654.)  419 Council Member Davis moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41604- 110419. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER. The City Manager offered the following comments: Veterans Day Parade • Saturday, November 9, in Downtown Roanoke. • Parade participants include military units from across Virginia, military marching units and individual veterans accompanied by military, college and high school bands. • This parade is one of the largest Veterans events in Virginia. • The public is invited to meet and greet veterans prior to the parade at 9:30a.m., at the Market Building. • Parade begins at 11 :00 a.m. • More information at www.virginiasveteransparade.org Annual Leaf Collection • Remind citizens that leaf collection starts in mid-November. • The city will collect an unlimited number of biodegradable paper bags filled with leaves, placed at the curb, on the following weeks: o November 18-21 o December 2-5 o December 9-12 o December 16-19 • During leaf collection weeks, bulk and brush collections will continue, and recycling will follow the normal schedule. • Leaf collection will not occur during the week of Thanksgiving. • More information about leaf collection is available at www.roanokeva.gov/leafcollection or by calling 853-2000, Option 1. 420 CITY ATTORNEY: PROPOSED CHANGE IN THE DATE OF THE ELECTION FOR CITY COUNCIL: The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending authorization to schedule a public hearing on Monday, November 18, 2019, at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be reached, or such later date and time as determined by the City Manager, to receive citizen comments regarding the proposed change in the date of the election for Mayor and City Council from the May General Election to the General Election in November, commencing with the November 2020 General Election. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The Electoral Board submitted an open letter to the Roanoke City Council dated November 4, 2019, regarding the recent consideration of moving May elections to November and requested that the process to be seen as a Democratic one with enough public input and transparency to place it beyond impunity. (For full text, see copy of letter on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41605-110419) A RESOLUTION authorizing a public hearing to consider the adoption of an ordinance to change the date of local elections from the May general election date in even-numbered years to the November general election date in even- numbered years commencing with the November 2020 general election. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 655.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41605-110419. The motion seconded by Council Member Price. The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter; whereupon, the following individuals appeared before the Council: Charlie Nave, 1225 Third Street, S. W. Melanie Rice, 2821 Wycliffe Avenue, S. W. John Brill, 2702 Idlewild Boulevard, N. W. Rosa Tucker, 402 Westside Boulevard, N. W., Apartment 6 Mark Lucas, 2716 Avenham Avenue, S. E. Pat Norton, 825 Park Lane, S. W. Catherine Koebel, 2625 Longview Avenue, S. W. Jessie Coffman, 1725 Greenwood Road, S. W. Barbara Andes, 2803 Rosalind Avenue, S. W. Sarah Dean, 714 Dupont Circle, S. W. Luke Priddy, 302 Fifth Street, S. W.  421 Justin Hunts, 520 King George Avenue, S. W. (Unable to Appear) (See copy of Sign-up Form to Speak Before Roanoke City Council on file in the City Clerk's Office) David A. Bowers, 335 W. Church Avenue, S. W. (Unable to Appear) (See copy of communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis expressed appreciation to the Council for conducting the public hearing, which gave citizens an opportunity to offer comments, and for the extensive dialogue with the Council. There being no additional comments by the Council Members, Resolution No. 41605-110419 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: TASK FORCE TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE: Shakira Williams, Chair, Task Force to Reduce Gun Violence, shared the Task Force's findings and recommendations, as follows: • Recommendation No. 1: o Extend the Work of the Task Force past November 4, 2019 in order to continue its work and complete the task of implementing tangible, meaningful, and transformative actions to reduce gun violence within Roanoke City • Recommendations Nos. 2 - 5: o Participate in and support a community walk of silence from the Martin Luther King Bridge to the City Christmas Tree (Bridging the Community Gap on December 12, 2019, including the sharing of a pledge to end violence in the City and to remember citizens who have been impacted by gun violence o Continuation and expansion of a Kindergarten Reading Project to increase empathy and create kindness using the "Little Blue Truck" by Alice Schertle in libraries and schools o Proposed City-wide "Pop Up Potlucks" to build intra-neighborhood relationships and strengthens community engagement o Create positive and effective change in neighborhoods by addressing crime prevention through environmental design (clean-up projects, greening, enhanced lighting, etc) Areas of priority should include but not be limited to higher crime volume areas; zones most affected by gun violence 422 • Recommendations Nos. 6 - 7: o Create a City-wide, family educational program that increase child and youth self-awareness, confidence, love, and empathy in the value of human life while incorporating non-violent and peer-mediation based practices, through utilization of community partnerships o Increase parental and family support of the Roanoke City Public Schools gun safety pledge and current community locked gun safety programs to help raise awareness of suicide and accidental loss of life due to children's access to guns. Increase stakeholder participation in the project child safe initiatives (free gun locks) • Recommendations Nos. 8 - 14: o Encourage greater collaboration between the Task Force, Roanoke Police Department and community partners to increase community education and awareness on location, structure, and activities of Roanoke City gangs o Affirm the efforts of the Roanoke C.A.R.E. initiative and request that two members of the Task Force be appointed to serve on the C.A.R.E. Team o Identify transformative best practices on reducing gang violence by sending key members of the Task Force and community to observe municipalities experiencing a reduction in gang violence and learn about their models of practice o Work with the Roanoke City Jail to improve access to programs, education, counseling and spiritual guidance to improve the odds of - reducing recidivism (with priority given to those with a history of gun violence) o Work with the Roanoke City Jail to ensure that returning citizens, upon exit from jail/prison, have direct access to employment opportunities, peer to peer counseling, and housing opportunities while being matched with care coordinators (or community navigators) or professionals and programs who reduce recidivism (with priority given to those with a history of gun violence) o (A) Propose legislation for an initial review and/or reduction of child support during incarceration. (B) Work with the General Assembly and judicial system to create an incentive-based, alternative program designed to empower incarcerated persons (through more family engagement, community navigator training, and personal development skills) to return to society with reduced child support debt and the ability to support their family system and reduce recidivism (with priority given to those with a history of gun violence) o Create additional community navigator career positions and first-year wrap around resources for returning citizens (previously incarcerated) to ensure successful re-entry into society  423 • Recommendations 15 - 18: o Recommend a 24-hour RAPID Response Team and Crisis Intervention Center with live and text-based hotline for immediate response, anonymous tips, and conflict resolution utilizing the Cure Violence public health model and locally trained volunteers and mentors o Recommend complete collaboration with local hospital, law enforcement systems and community partners o Recommend that the newly funded RESET grant position and team work directly with the Task Force to collaborate on gun violence reduction efforts o Recommend that existing organizations and efforts (.e., FEDUP) working to reduce gun violence be assisted in becoming 501 c 3 non-profit entities to aid in the Rapid Response after care efforts • Recommendation No. 19: o Hiring a communications/marketing partner through competitive RFP (Request for Proposal) to assist the Taskforce and strategic partners to develop and roll out a branded public influence campaign to both educate and engage the community in reducing incidents of gun violence in our city • Additional Recommendations Nos. 20-22: o Recommend the Task Force develop a comprehensive action and capacity building plan based on these recommendations over the next three - six months o Recommend the Task Force host a community stakeholders' event in early 2020 to more fully develop community engagement and partnerships regarding these recommendations o Recommend the Task Force report to City Council every six months on progress to date • Budget: o Potential to deter high risk individuals from engaging in violent acts involving firearms o Help to resolve potentially violent and/or deadly disputes before they occur o Connect them to education, employment, mental health, social, housing, and family services Ms. Williams stressed the importance of continuing the Task Force's assignment in order to implement tangible, meaningful, and transformative actions to reduce gun violence within the City. She called attention to the following recommended actions: • Safer and Healthier Neighborhoods: o Sponsorship of Bridging the Community Gap Walk- $1,000.00 o Little Blue Truck Reading Project (with multi-lingual options)- $5,000.00 o Pop Up Potluck- $2,500.00 o Total: $8,500.00 424 • Increase Strong Community Partnerships and Education o Development of City-wide educational curriculum- $10,000.00 o Total: $10,000.00 • Reduce Gang Activity, Violence, and Recidivism o Best Practices in Reducing Gang ActivityNiolence- $15,000.00 o Total: $15,000.00 • Coordinated City Services and Planning o RESET Grant- $75,000.00 (active through June 30, 2021) o Cure Violence Model Assessment- $7,500.00 o Rapid Response Team Training- $10,000.00 o Crisis Intervention Centers (staff, volunteer training, locations) - $150,000.00 (leveraged by in-kind and partner investments) o Total- $167,500.00 (RESET Grant not included) • Communications Campaign o Investment of $75,000.00 would be required for year one(Budget year 2020-2021 ), with the expectation that the communication partner will leverage the investment This amount does not include any in-kind contributions. Budget outlay for Years Two and Three, would be determined by the initiatives. o Total: $75,000.00 (For full text, see copy of Recommendations and Overview on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Ms. Williams concluded that the Task Force recognizes the urgent need for action and understands (1) community-based violence intervention and interruption programs have the potential to deter high risk individuals from engaging in violent acts involving firearms; (2) help to resolve potentially violent and/or deadly disputes before they occur; and (3) connect them to education, employment, mental health, social, housing, and family services. She added community based violence intervention programs work and the Task Force is ready to translate the above recommendations into actions. Ms. Williams also thanked the Task Force members for their time, energy, dedication and expressed gratitude to the citizens for sharing their perspectives and recommendations to reduce gun violence in the community. She also expressed appreciation to The Community Solutions Center, Youth HQ at Goodwill, and Williams Memorial Baptist Church for hosting various meetings and Vice-Mayor Cobb, the City Attorney, City Manager and City Clerk's Office staff for their assistance. With regard to the Task Force's recommendation to extend its work assignment, the City Attorney noted the Resolution adopted at the June 3, 2019 Council Meeting did not place a deadline on the work, adding the only deadline was to report to City Council at its November 4, 2019 meeting.  425 Mr. Callaghan opined that the Task Force could continue to meet, in the interim, since the measure did not abolish the Task Force following its report and its recommendations cover a broad area of the City, ie, schools, youth services, Police Department, and Planning Department. In addition, he offered to meet with the City Clerk to discuss ways of implementing, under the City Code, the structure of a Task Force Committee, or perhaps establishing it as an ad hoc committee, for a specific purpose. The City Manager pointed out there were administrative and budgetary items cited in the recommendations that warranted discussion prior to moving forward with creating an ad hoc committee. Following extensive dialogue, Mayor Lea expressed appreciation to the Vice-Mayor and Task Force for their efforts regarding said critically important charge; and received and filed all remarks. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: Council Member Bestpitch announced his participation in the Birmingham Pledge to end racism and prejudice, and advised that Williams Memorial Baptist Church and the Unitarian Universal Church held a joint service on Sunday, November 3, to develop workshop leaders and facilitators and adopted the pledge to end racism. Council Member Bestpitch recited a statement of his personal commitment to the pledge. Council Member White-Boyd thanked Council Member Bestpitch for the pledge and stated that there continue to be issues and barriers throughout the City. She invited all to attend the movie "Harriet" on Sunday, November 10 at 5:15 p.m. at The Grandin Theatre and sponsored by the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Vice-Mayor Cobb announced the 2019 Annual Roanoke Neighborhoods' Harvesting of the Fruits Potluck Dinner and Awards Celebration on Friday, November 8 at the Jefferson Center's Fitzpatrick Hall beginning at 6:00p.m., sponsored by the Office of Neighborhood Services and Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates. 426 Vice-Mayor Cobb announced a National United Way Initiative ALICE, an ,,, acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. He stated the United Way of Roanoke Valley is participating in this initiative. Council Member White-Boyd acknowledged and thanked the United Way for gift bags distributed to the Council Members. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: 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 Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Price abstained from voting inasmuch as she was not present during the Closed Meeting.) BUILDING AND FIRE CODE BOARD OF APPEALS: The Mayor called attention to the expiration of the three-year term of office of Glen Wayne Hall as a Citizen At-Large representative (member) of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals ended June 30, 2019; whereupon, he opened up the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Yvonne Johnson. There being no further nominations, Ms. Johnson was appointed to replace Mr. Hall as a Citizen At-Large representative (member) of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals for a term of office ending June 30, 2022, by the following vote: FOR MS. JOHNSON: Council Members Osborne, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Price abstained from voting inasmuch as she was not present during the Closed Meeting.)  427 Council Member Bestpitch moved that the City residency requirement for Ms. Johnson as a Citizen At-Large representative (member) of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals be waived in this instance. The motion was seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Osborne, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Price abstained from voting inasmuch as she was not present during the Closed Meeting.) There being no further business, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 3:47p.m. APPROVED ~- J??.~,p,_(- ~ ..,, Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, MMC City Clerk Sherman P. Mayor L~ S~