City Council

475 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION December 16, 2019 2:00p.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, December 16, 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 William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne, Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: RobertS. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Kenneth Lane, Pastor, Trinity Lutheran 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. CARETAKER'S CABIN: Freeda Cathcart, 2516 Sweetbriar Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council regarding preservation of the Caretaker's Cabin. 476 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. PERSONNEL MATTER, CANDIDATES FOR THE CITY CLERK POSITION: 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 selection of candidates to be interviewed for the City Clerk position, 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 Osborne moved that Council concur in the request of Council Member Michelle L. Davis as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: ....,... A YES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: Non e-O. BUDGET DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 - 2021: A communication from the City Manager recommending adoption of the Calendar of Events for Budget Development Activities for Fiscal Year 2020 - 2021, was before the Council. (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 Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  477 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MARKET BUILDING FOUNDATION FOR FY 2018- 2019: Annual Report of the Market Building Foundation for FY 2018 - 2019, was before the Council. (See Annual Report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Osborne moved the Annual Report be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. TRANSFER REPORT FOR THE FIRST QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019: A communication from the City Manager transmitting the FY2020 City Manager Transfer Report for the First Quarter ended September 30, 2019. (See Transfer Report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Osborne moved the Transfer Report be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: 478 BRIEFINGS: FY 2019 Audited Results Amelia C. Merchant, Director of Finance, gave an update on the FY 2019 Year-End, highlighting the following items: • Key Themes of Fiscal 2019 • Education and Tourism Support • Local Tax Summary • Other Revenue Summary • Expenditure Summary • Uses of Year-End Funding • City Unassigned General Fund Balance Exceeds FY 2021 Target of 12% • Stabilization Reserve • In Conclusion (For full text, see copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Ms. Merchant concluded that FY 2019 was a successful year with local tax growth of 2.6 percent over FY 2018, strong expenditure control, FY 21 fund balance target of 12 percent surpassed in FY 2018, continued with FY 2019, FY 2019 stabilization reserve of .5 percent target attained with FY 18, reached 1.16 percent in FY 2019; and focus to continue on addressing one-time capital needs and achieving stabilization targets on schedule or earlier. The Director of Finance expressed gratitude to Dorothy Hoskins and all members on the accounting team for their hard work to ensure the successful conclusion of the year. Following brief comments, the Mayor advised that the briefing would be received and filed. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: VILLA HEIGHTS RECREATION CENTER RENOVATION: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending appropriation of insurance proceeds in connection with the Villa Heights Recreation Center renovation. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  479 Council Member Price offered the following budget ordinance: (#41633-121619) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Villa Heights insurance proceeds recovery to the Villa Heights Performance Agreement, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2019 - 2020 of the 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 690.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41633- 121619. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 2019 CITIES FOR FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the 2019 Cities for Financial Empowerment Grant. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following resolution: (#41634-121619) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the 2020 Financial Empowerment Center Implementation Grant to the City of Roanoke ("City") from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, Inc. ("CFE Fund"); authorizing the City Manager to execute any documents necessary to receive such grant, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the CFE Fund, in order for the City to improve the financial stability of low and moderate income households by embedding financial empowerment strategies into local government infrastructure; and authorizing the City Manager to take such further actions and execute such other documents as may be necessary to obtain, accept, implement, administer, and use such grant funds. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 691.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41634-121619. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 480 Council Member Price offered the following budget ordinance: (#41635-121619) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Financial Empowerment Fund for financial counseling of low and moderate income individuals, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2019 - 2020 General Fund and 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 692.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41635- 121619. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER. The City Manager offered the following comments: City Offices to Close for Upcoming Holidays City offices will be closed for the Christmas Holiday on Wednesday, December 25, and for the New Year's Holiday on Wednesday, January 1, 2020. Solid Waste Collection Changes As a result of the City closing its offices for the holidays, Solid Waste Collection for brush, bulk, trash and recycling will be conducted on those weeks as follows: • Monday and Tuesday routes will be collected on the regular schedule. • Wednesday and Thursday routes will be collected one day later than normal. Christmas Week will be "A Week" recycling, and New Year's Week will be "B Week" recycling. Leaf Collection Ends Soon This week is the final week of our Leaf Collection Program. • The city will collect an unlimited number of biodegradable paper bags filled with leaves, placed at the curb. • During leaf collection, bulk and brush collection will continue, and recycling will follow the normal schedule.  481 Snow Removal Information Available On-line • As we anticipate winter weather, remember the City has a special page on its website containing information about snow removal at roanokeva.gov/snowremoval. The page offers guidance on how to receive news and updates from the City during snow events, contact information for utility outages, and priorities for clearing city streets. CITY ATTORNEY: COLLECTION OF DELINQUENT TAXES AND OTHER CHARGES: The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending execution of contracts among the City Treasurer, Taxing Authority Consulting Services, P. C., and Penn Credit Corporation, for collection of delinquent taxes and other charges. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41636-121619) A RESOLUTION approving and consenting to a proposed Contract between Evelyn Powers, Treasurer for the City of Roanoke, Virginia ("Treasurer"), and Taxing Authority Consulting Services, P.C. ("TAGS"), and a proposed Contract between the Treasurer and Penn Credit Corporation ("Penn Credit"), for the collection of taxes and other charges; and authorizing the Treasurer to sign any documents necessary to administer, continue, enforce, and effectuate the Contracts, including any and all existing renewals, upon certain terms and conditions. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 694.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41636- 121619. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. CHANGE DATE OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL: The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending amendment of the City Code to change date of the Organizational Meeting of Roanoke City Council due to change in the date of the local general election from first Monday in May 2020 to Tuesday followed by first Monday in November 2020. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 482 Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following ordinance: (#41637-121619) AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining Rule 1, Regular Meetings; organizational meeting; amendments to meeting schedule; continuance of meeting due to emergency; and adjournment of meetings, Section 2-15, Rules of Procedure. Article II, City Council. Chapter 2, Administration. of the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended; establishing an effective date; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 695.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41637-121619. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. INCREASE AND ESTABLISH SALARIES OF THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending to repeal Ordinance No. 41366-012219 in order to increase and establish salaries of the Mayor and Members of Council, effective July 1, 2021. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following ordinance: (#41638-121619) AN ORDINANCE repealing Ordinance No. 41366-012219, adopted on January 22, 2019; increasing and establishing the annual salaries of the Mayor and Council Members for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021; providing for an effective date; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 697.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41638-121619. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  483 VDOT STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending execution of a Quitclaim Deed from the Commonwealth of Virginia conveying the residual rights-of-way, easements and other property interests remaining in connection with a VDOT Street Improvement Project. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Osborne offered the following ordinance: (#41639-121619) AN ORDINANCE accepting certain residual property interests conveyed from the Commonwealth of Virginia, through the Commissioner of Highways ("VDOT") to the City of Roanoke, Virginia ("City") remaining from Project U000-128-1 01- RW-201, a street improvements project located within the corridor from Tenth Street to Patterson Avenue, S. W., to Moorman Road, N. W. ("Project"); authorizing the City Manager to execute a quitclaim deed dated April 12, 2019, from VDOT accepting such property interests on behalf of the City; and authorizing the City Manager to sign any documents necessary to administer, continue, enforce, and effectuate the quitclaim deed, upon certain terms and conditions, and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 698.) Council Member Osborne moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41639-121619. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. PARKING LOT FOR ROANOKE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS: The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Terry W. Tabor for property located at 0 Douglas Avenue, N. W., to be used as a parking lot for Roanoke City Public Schools. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 484 Council Member White-Boyd offered the following ordinance: (#41640-121619) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager to execute a purchase and sale agreement with Terry W. Tabor ('Tabor"), for the purchase of a vacant parcel of property located at 0 Douglas Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia, bearing Official Tax Map No. 2020502 ("Property") to the City of Roanoke, Virginia ("City"), upon certain terms and conditions; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 699.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41640- 121619. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: The Roanoke City School Board submitted a written report requesting appropriation of funds for various educational programs; and the City Manager submitted a written report recommending that Council concur in the request. (For full text, see reports on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#41641-121619) 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 No. 80, page 700.)  485 Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41641- 121619. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: ROANOKE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATES: Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following resolution amending to Resolution No. 41545-090319 to change the date Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates are to submit bylaws to City Council: (#41642-121619) A RESOLUTION amending and reordaining Resolution No. 41545-090319 regarding the date by which Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates must submit bylaws to City Council for approval; and establishing an effective date. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 701.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41642-121619. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ACTING CITY CLERK: Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution electing and appointing Cecelia F. McCoy as the Acting City Clerk: (#41643-121619) A RESOLUTION electing and appointing Cecelia Freeman McCoy as Acting City Clerk for the City of Roanoke, and ratifying the terms and conditions of employment as offered to Mrs. McCoy. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 702.) 486 Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41643-121619. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. CITY CLERK: Council Member Price offered the following resolution paying tribute and honoring Stephanie Moon Reynolds upon her retirement as City Clerk for the City of Roanoke: (#41644-121619) A RESOLUTION paying tribute to Stephanie Moon Reynolds on the occasion of her retirement following 42 years of service with the City of Roanoke. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 70.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41644-121619. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. MOTION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: LEA HIGH SCHOOL WINTER BASKETBALL CLASSIC: Mayor Lea announced the Lea High School Winter Basketball Classic on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at the Berglund Center. BRIDGING THE COMMUNITY GAP AND HOMELESS MEMORIAL SERVICE: Vice-Mayor Cobb commented on the T.A.P. sponsored event Bridging the Community Gap held on Thursday, December 12, 2019. He also shared information on the Homeless Memorial Service to be held at Greene Memorial United Methodist Church on Friday, December 20, 2019. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND .. . COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: NONE.  487 At 3:36 p.m., Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting in recess for a Closed Meeting in Council's Conference Room, Room 451; and thereafter to be reconvened at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber. At 7:00 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, with Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., presiding. PRESENT: Council Members William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne, Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: RobertS. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Tim Harvey, Pastor, Oak Grove Church of the Brethren. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, 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 Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 488 PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: VETERAN OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS: Mayor Lea recognized and presented Senator John S. Edwards, a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, with a medallion for service to his community and Country. PUBLIC HEARINGS: ZONING: Pursuant to instructions by the Council, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, December 16, 2019 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the request of Friendship House Roanoke, Inc., for designation of its real and personal properties, respectively, located at 635 Elm Avenue, S. W., bearing Official Tax Map Nos. 1120519 and 1120520, as exempt from taxation, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Monday, December 9, 2019. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Manager submitted a written report recommending authorization of Friendship House Roanoke, Inc., exemptions from real and personal property taxation, pursuant to Article X, Section 6 (a) 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, effective January 1, 2020. (For full report, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#41645-121619) AN ORDINANCE exempting from real estate property taxation certain real property, and exempting from personal property taxation certain personal property, located in the City of Roanoke owned by Friendship House Roanoke, Inc., ("Applicant") a Virginia non-stock, non-profit 501 (c)3 corporation, devoted exclusively to charitable or benevolent purposes on a non-profit basis; providing for an effective date, and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 707.) Council Member Davis moved the adoption of the Ordinance No. 41645-121619. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb.  489 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. 41645-121619 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 715 FRANKLIN ROAD, S. W.: Pursuant to instructions by the Council, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, December 16, 2019 at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the proposal of the City of Roanoke to convey a vacant parcel of land located at 715 Franklin Road, S. W., bearing Official Tax Map No. 1020233, to Assisi Animals Clinics of Virginia, Inc., to expand on current veterinary care services provided to the community, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Monday, December 9, 2019. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Manager submitted a written report recommending execution of the proposed agreement and deliver all closing documents and take such other actions to effectuate the proposed agreement, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney. (For full report, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis offered the following ordinance: (#41646-121619) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents providing for the sale and conveyance of a vacant parcel of City- owned property located at 715 Franklin Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia, bearing Official Tax Map No. 1020233 ("Property") to Assisi Animal Clinics of Virginia, Inc., a Virginia corporation ("Buyer"), upon certain terms and conditions; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 709.) Council Member Davis moved the adoption of the Ordinance No. 41646-121619. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch. 490 "" ... The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter; whereupon, the following individual appeared regarding rezoning: Lisa O'Neill, 1345 Blue Ridge Turnpike, Fincastle, Virginia appeared in support of the proposed sale to Assisi Animal Clinics of Virginia, Inc. There being no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed. There being no comments and/or questions by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 41646-121619 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ALEXANDER-GISH HOUSE: Pursuant to instructions by the Council, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, December 16, 2019 at 7:00p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the proposal of the City of Roanoke to execute Lease Extension No. 1 to the agreement with Old Southwest Inc., for use of the Alexander-Gish House located at 641 Walnut Avenue, S. W., bearing Official Tax Map No. 1131001, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Monday, December 9, 2019. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Manager submitted a written report recommending execution of the Lease Extension No. 1 to extend the term of the lease an additional five years and to take such further actions as may be necessary to implement, administer, and enforce such lease, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney. (For full report, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  491 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#41647-121619) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease extension agreement with Old Southwest, Inc. ("OSW, Inc."), for the lease of a parcel of City-owned property located at 641 Walnut Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia, known as the historic Alexander-Gish House, bearing Official Tax Map No. 1131001 ("Property"); and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 710.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of the Ordinance No. 41647- 121619. 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. 41647-121619 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: PROPOSED SALE OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 23 CENTRE AVENUE, N. W.: Having continued the matter from the September 19, 2019, Council meeting with regard to a proposal of the City of Roanoke for the Contract for Purchase and Sale of Real Property between the City of Roanoke and Roanoke Higher Education Authority, wherein the City proposed to sell a portion of certain real property located at 23 Centre Avenue, N. W., the matter was again before the body. The Mayor advised that the matter was postponed at the September 16 City Council meeting and asked if the representatives wished to speak on the matter. Senator John S. Edwards, Chair, Board of Trustees; Roanoke Higher Education Center advised that since the September 16 meeting, the two open houses were held, mediation with community members, and added that changes had been made to the original proposal that would reduce the footprint of about 30 percent from 16,138 down to 11 ,691 square feet to provide the opportunity to have more handicapped parking closer to the main building center. 492 He further advised that because of the community meetings, a foundation was created to address scholarships and use the money raised for the Roanoke Higher Education Center for people who live in the community and take courses at the center. He reminded the Council that the budget bill the Governor signed for $320,000.00 to create the Oliver White Hill Courtyard, was decided to go beyond and recognize additional people in the community that have contributed to civil rights in Roanoke; such as Reverend Wilkerson, Marjorie Jumper, Lucy Addison, Dr. Burrell, Reverend E.T. Burton, Claudia Whitworth, Evelyn Bethel and Helen Davis. Lastly, Senator Edwards pointed out that it would be a beautiful plaza with grass, trees, and a walkway with granite engraved for the honorees; and asked the community, with the Authority, to identify other people who should be honored as well. He stated that if the City of Roanoke transferred the deed to the Higher Education Authority, an RFP would go out to secure a contractor to work on the design for what would be called a Civil Rights Plaza for Roanoke. Dr. Kay Dunkley, Executive Director, Roanoke Higher Education Center, concurred in the Senator's comments and asked that the Council not vote on the matter, to allow the community group the opportunity to view and discuss the proposed changes for the courtyard. -~- Mayor Lea recognized the following individuals to speak with regard to the matter: Hu Tehuti, President, African Nation Inc., 1916 Mercer Avenue, N. W., appeared before the Council and made a complaint against the city of disrespect and dehumanization of black people in America and in particular in the Roanoke area under the pretext of honoring civil rights leaders and champions. Evelyn Slone, Senior Fellow, Hill Studio, 120 Campbell Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council and spoke in support of the project noting that it was needed to physically connect the Roanoke Higher Education Center and the Claude Moore Education Complex to strengthen the presence as an educational campus; incorporate important historical information and celebrate specific civil rights accomplishments of Oliver White Hill particularly related to education and Roanoke; and as an infrastructure improvement it will strengthen the attractiveness of the urban environment and encourage business development in the area. William Amos, Member, Roanoke Higher Education Authority, 5061 Fox Ridge Road, appeared before the Council and spoke in support of the project noting that it was worthwhile improvement for the City.  493 Reverend David Denham, 3512 Wright Road, S. W., appeared before the Council in opposition of the project and referenced the anti-corruption resolution previously adopted by the Council. Brenda Hale, President, Roanoke Chapter NAACP, appeared before the Council in opposition of the project and noted that although the name had been changed, the project was still about the land and Henry Street. Martin Jeffrey, 421 Fairfax Avenue, N. W., appeared before the Council in opposition of the project and voiced that the project should be set aside completely. Shmura Glenn, 1816 Staunton Avenue, N. W., appeared before the Council in opposition of the project and asked that the neighborhood be honored and respected by disregarding the project. Jordan Bell, 5208 Lancelot Lane, N. W., appeared before the Council in opposition of the project and advised to invest in the people, children, businesses and neighborhood organizations that exist because investment was previously not given to the African American community. Following extensive dialogue with regard to the matter, Council Member Davis moved that the matter be postponed until January 21, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon as thereafter as the matter may be heard, to allow the Roanoke Higher Education Authority to again converse with the community regarding the proposed changes to the plan for a landscaped pedestrian plaza. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. All matters will be referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to Council, as he may deem appropriate. INSUFFICIENT LIGHTING IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA: Jacob Watts, 110 Campbell Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council regarding insufficient lighting in the downtown area. At 8:48p.m., the Council Meeting was declared in recess. At 8:58 p.m., the Council Meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea presiding, and all Members of the Council in attendance. 494 JOBS, REHABILITATION AND HOUSING FOR INMATES: The following speakers appeared before the Council with regard to jobs, rehabilitation and housing for inmates in the Roanoke City Jail. Scott Collins, 3006 Salem Turnpike, N. W., Roanoke, Virginia Liz Schmitt, 379 Woods Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia Heather Lawson, 2549 Inglewood Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia Jason Lambert, 641 Yorkshire Road, Salem, Virginia Mary Wheaton, 9734 Franklin Street, Ferrum, Virginia SECOND AMENDMENT SANCTUARY: The following speakers appeared before the Council in connection with a proposed Second Amendment Sanctuary in the City of Roanoke: Rebekah Pitera, 1452 Greenbrier Avenue, S. E., Roanoke, Virginia Maynard Keller, 825 Brownwood Drive, N. W., Roanoke, Virginia Suzanna Mullins, 3802 Highwood Road, N. W., Roanoke, Virginia Charles Nave, 1225 3rd Street, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia Matt Ballard, 2917 Bonlyn Circle, S. E., Roanoke, Virginia Elizabeth Watson, 1904 Westover Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia Aaron Hawkins, 808 Hunt Avenue, N. W., Roanoke, Virginia Nicolas Hagen, 3551 Winding Way Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia Jameson Helmick, 918 Dale Avenue, S. E., Roanoke, Virginia Randall Horton, 324 101h Street, Vinton, Virginia Andrew Graninger, 376 Walnut Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia Martin Jeffrey, 421 Fairfax Avenue, N. W., Roanoke, Virginia Jacob Cochrane, 723 Delaware Street, Salem, Virginia V. J. Bajwa, 2440 Montgomery Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia David Gay, 701 Morrill Avenue, S. E., Roanoke, Virginia Frank Smith, 3021 Rosaland Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia Roger Malouf, 4025 Mudlick Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia Robert Norris, 638 Highland Avenue, S. E., Roanoke, Virginia Glenn Snow, 218 171h Street, S. E., Roanoke, Virginia There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the regular meeting adjourned at 10:35 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: c~~~.V>U~ ~~~t~;;. Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC Sherman P. Lea, Sr. Acting City Clerk Mayor