City Council

534 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION February 3, 2020 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, February 3, 2020 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 Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis (arrived late), Djuna L. Osborne (arrived late) 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 Cecelia F. McCoy, Acting City Clerk. ITEMS 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.) Council Member White-Boyd moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb and Mayor Lea-5. NAYS: None-0. (Council Members Davis and Osborne were not present when the vote was recorded.)  535 ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT THE JOINT MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND THE ROANOKE REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION ON MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2020, AT 9:00 A.M., IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ROOM 450, NOEL C. TAYLOR MUNICIPAL BUILDING: Items to be submitted to the City Clerk. Council Member Bestpitch inquired about the discussions with the Airport Commission regarding an update on representation with the City of Salem. At 9:05 a.m., Council Member Davis entered the meeting and at 9:08a.m., Council Member Osborne entered the meeting. 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: Budget/Financial Planning Fiscal Year 2021 Amelia C. Merchant, Director of Finance, briefed the Council on the development of the FY 2020- 2021 budget process and highlighted the following information: • FY 2020 Overview • Preliminary FY 2021 Expenditure Priorities • Capital Improvement Program (CIP) • Next Steps (For full text, see copy presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Ms. Merchant reported that through December, revenues increased $4.7 million or 4.4 percent compared to the same period in Fiscal Year 2019 and indicated that a portion of the increase was revenue from the Commonwealth, but the remaining portion was from local taxes, such as, real estate, prepared food and beverage, sales tax, personal property and business license which were $3.1 million or 4.3 percent compared to the same period in Fiscal Year 2019. She further advised that expenditures and obligations through December also increased approximately $2.7 million or 1. 7 percent compared to the same period last year, mainly due to the anticipated increase to funding for the school division, the 2020 salary increase and social services expenditures. 536 Ms. Merchant recapped the preliminary Fiscal Year 2021 expenditure priorities noting that in anticipation of the increase in medical insurance; the City of Roanoke would absorb the costs and hold employees harmless for the 8.1 percent increase. She added that tipping fees were anticipated to increase to $10.00 per ton and $385,000.00 as an estimate had been included for Fiscal Year 2021. Following dialogue with regard to the preliminary FY 2021 expenditure priorities, Vice-Mayor Cobb inquired about the potential increase in minimum wage and how to address any impact as a City; whereupon, the Director of Finance advised that the Department of Human Resources was tracking the development and would address and report on any impact to the organization. Ms. Merchant advised that an update on the FY 2021 budget development process would be presented again at the March 2 Council Meeting and pointed out that the budget committee had begun to meet and deliberate to refine the revenue estimate and compile a recommended budget for the April presentation to the Council. Ms. Merchant concluq~d the budget briefing, reviewing the Capital lmpr(·;vement Program and highlighting the following topics: • Maintain current capital assets and infrastructure investments for livability and economic development , ,,. • Targeted Livability Investments • FY 2020- 2024 CIP Projects • FY 2021 - 2025 Capital Improvement Program Capital Funding Strategies Update As a segment of the budget briefing, David Rose, Senior Vice-President, Davenport & Company updated the Council on the capital funding strategies reporting that the City's current general obligation bond ratings were excellent. He noted that the City instituted the "Just in Time" approach, which contemplated a three-year interest- only period with a rationale of the City borrowing funds exactly when needed which minimized interest costs; reduced pressure on key debt ratios; and applied less budgetary pressure on the General Fund. (For full text, see copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  537 Mr. Rose concluded by reviewing the approach, rationale and timetable and explained that the recommended approach was to pursue a public sale in April to permanently finance the FY 2020 CIP and refund bonds for savings, consider inviting rating agencies to the City in March for private staff meetings with a rationale consisting of an opportunity to fix long-term interest rates while at or near historic lows, not abandoning the "Just in Time" approach, rather taking advantage of a unique opportunity given the current rate environment, combining the FY 2020 CIP financing with a potential refunding can achieve economies of scale in cost issuance, and allows the City to engage the rating agencies during a period of full compliance with financial policies and a stable management team in place. Following dialogue with the Council with regard to current interest rates in place and bond ratings, Mayor Lea thanked Ms. Merchant and Mr. Rose for the updates and advised the budget briefing would be received and filed. Real Estate Rehabilitation Tax Abatement Program R. Brian Townsend, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, provided background with regard to the program noting that if Council was interested in keeping the abatement program a new five-year program would have to be adopted; and introduced Susan Lower, Director, Real Estate Valuation who highlighted the following information: • Program Areas for Change • Revised Program Requirements • Other Recommendations • Next Steps Ms. Lower indicated the five areas for change in the program, which included age of structure, term of abatement, administrative fees, code enforcement component and other clarifications and definitions. She reviewed the proposed changes noting that the current administrative fees was at $50.00 for residential and commercial applications, and recommended increasing the fees to $175.00 per application for residential single family and $250.00 per application for multifamily and commercial mixed use. At this point, Mayor Lea relinquished the Chair to Vice-Mayor Cobb and left the meeting (10:17 a.m.). After reviewing additional recommendations for the program, Council Member Davis inquired as to the reasoning for the large increase in administrative fees; whereupon, Ms. Lower advised that in reviewing what area jurisdictions charged and the fact that the costs for administering the program were not recovered was justification for the increase in fees. 538 Following further discussion of the proposed program changes, Ms. Lower concluded by stating the next steps for the process were to present initial recommendations for program changes, receive further City Council feedback, receive Council action on program re-authorization by May 11, with the revised program changes effective on July 1, 2020. Vice-Mayor Cobb thanked Ms. Lower for the presentation and advised the briefing would be received and filed. At 10:36 a.m., Vice-Mayor Cobb declared the Council meeting in recess. At 10:47 a.m., the Council meeting reconvened with Vice-Mayor Cobb presiding, noting continuation of the briefings. Strategic Planning Update The City Manager updated the Council on the City's Strategic Plan and focused on the following topics: • Current Plan • Review of Current Plan • Enhanced Priorities • Revised Plan • Next Steps • Questions (See presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Mr. Cowell reminded the Council of the reason and purpose of the Plan, stating that the current Plan identifies the vision for the community as established by the Council through retreats and general visions. Mr. Cowell further stated that the Plan included the City's progress towards the stated mission and the formulation of the actions. Mr. Cowell concluded the presentation with the following recommendations: • Orientation as a 2-year plan • Updated demographics, information and photos • Added language emphasizing equity, community engagement and inclusion, healthy outcomes and creativity • Revised Strategies and Enhanced Indicators - Fire/EMS, Infrastructure, and Economic Development.  539 Following brief inquiries by Council Member Bestpitch and Vice-Mayor Cobb, Mayor Lea thanked Mr. Cowell for the update and advised that the presentation would be received and filed. At 11:14 a.m., Vice-Mayor Cobb declared the meeting in recess for a Closed Meeting in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building; and thereafter 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. PRESENT: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: RobertS. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; and Cecelia F. McCoy, Acting City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Kevin Kinsey, Pastor, Central Church of the Brethren. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by 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. PARK ROANOKE: Cesar Alberto, 1502 Rorer Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council to complain about the services of Park Roanoke. META PEACE TEAM: Stephen Niamke, 1711 Franwill Avenue, N. W., appeared before the Council to introduce Meta Peace Team to Roanoke. 540 CONSENT AGENDA The Mayor advised that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda were considered to be routine by the Members of City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There would be no separate discussion of the items. If discussion was desired, the item will 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 Tuesday, January 21, 2020, 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 Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ROANOKE CENTRE FOR INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 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 may determine, in his discretion, to consider the sale of City-owned property situated within the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology at 1700 Blue Hills Drive, N. E., and 0 Orange Avenue, N. E., to Cooper Crouse-Hinds, LLC, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  541 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 Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY (C-PACE) PROGRAM: A communication from the City Attorney requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, March 16, 2020, 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 may determine, in his discretion, to consider the adoption of a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program, 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 Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. OATHS OF OFFICE-YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD-LOCAL OFFICE ON AGING ADVISORY BOARD: Reports of qualifications of the following individuals were before the Council: Ray Bemis, Ill, as a Citizen at Large/Healthcare representative of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a three-year term of office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023; and Cindy L. McFall as the City representative to the Local Office on Aging Advisory Board for a one-year term of office, commencing February 29, 2020 and ending February 28, 2021. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 542 Council Member White-Boyd moved that the reports of qualification be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: STATE CRIMINAL ALIEN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SCAAP) REIMBURSEMENT GRANT: The Honorable Timothy Allen, City Sheriff, submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) 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 Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41658-020320) 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 726.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41658-020320. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  543 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#41659-020320) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Federal government for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP), and for an administrative adjustment 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 727.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41659- 020320. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: In connection with E911/811 Public Art Project, Doug Jackson, highlighted the following items: • Overview o FY 2020 Public Art Plan includes $25,000.00 for Public Art at the site. o 21 Respondents answered a request for qualifications (RFQ) o They were reviewed by a selection panel. • Selection Panel o Patrick Shaw Cable- Taubman Museum o B. Scott Crawford- Virginia 811 o Katherine Devine -Artist o Jeanne Fishwick - Roanoke Arts Commission o Luke Pugh - Engineering o Sonya Roman- E911 Manager o Toni Thomas- Purchasing- ex officio o Douglas Jackson - Arts and Culture - ex officio 544 • Panel Activities o Narrowed the pool down to the top three respondents o Conducted phone interviews with them o Invited full (paid) proposals from all three o Received two completed packages o Selected 'Guidance Tower' by Ashville Artist David Sheldon • Artist's Statement o Elements of the design represent not only partnership, but strength, safety and communication. The out-raised 'arms' complete a figure in a gesture of help and caring. The downward thrusting arrow-form represents 811 's connection to underground utilities, and the upward movement and figure represent 911 's services of help, accessibility, and guidance. In conclusion, Mr. Jackson asked that City Council concur with the recommendation of the Roanoke Arts Commission that the City contract with Asheville Artist David Sheldon to construct and install 'Guidance Tower' at the Virginia 811/Roanoke E-911 Center. Following remarks, Council Member Bestpitch moved that the Council concur with the recommendation of the Roanoke Arts Commission that the City contract with ,, Asheville Artist David Sheldon to construct and install 'Guidance Tower' at the Virginia 811/Roanoke E-911 Center. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: RESCUE SQUAD ASSISTANCE FUND GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund Grant from the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41660-020320) A RESOLUTION accepting the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund grant made to the City by the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 728.)  545 Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41660- 020320. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#41661-020320) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia for the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) 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 729.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41661-020320. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization to decrease previously established revenue estimates for several Virginia Department of Transportation funded transportation projects. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#41662-020320) AN ORDINANCE to revise and decrease previously established revenue estimates for various Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) funded capital projects, 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 730.) 546 ' . Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41662-020320. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER The City Manager offered the following comments: Franklin Road Improvements Are Underway • The City is installing storm drains and sidewalks along the shoulder of the southbound lane of Franklin Road, S. W. • The area between Piccadilly Square and Hounds Chase Lane - from the 3100 block to the 3500 block of Franklin Road, S. W. -will be designated a construction work zone. • During construction, Franklin Road will be periodically reduced to one lane of travel southbound. _, • The City thanks drivers for their patience and asks them too move slowly through this area for the safety of the construction workers. Public Meeting Scheduled on Wasena Bridge Replacement Project • 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 13, in the Cafeteria at Patrick Henry High School. • At this meeting, City staff will share bridge replacement alternatives and recommendations with neighborhood stakeholders. City is Seeking Input for Improvements to Belmont-Fallon Target Area • Last year, the City selected the Belmont and Fallon neighborhoods as the focus of community development funding for revitalization activity over the next five years. • This area is located between 1-581, Fallon Park, and runs from Tazewell Avenue south to Highland Avenue. • City staff invites residents to go online to the www.planroanoke.org website and scroll down to the Belmont-Fallon Target Area panel, where you can click to read more and take a survey to provide input on the type of improvements desired.  547 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: CARILlON MEDICAL CENTER AND AFFILIATES: On behalf of the Economic Development Authority, Harwell M. Darby, Jr., submitted a written report recommending issuance of revenue bonds, not to exceed $510 million, for Carilion Medical Center and Affiliates in connection with multiple medical related projects in Roanoke City. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Due to having a personal interest in the abovementioned matter, Council Member Osborne read into the record the following Conflict of Interest Statement: "STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST I, Djuna L. Osborne, state that I have a personal interest in Agenda item Section 8 a., at the 2:00 p.m. session, February 3, 2020, regarding a report of the Economic Development Authority recommending issuance of revenue bonds, not to exceed $510 million, for Carilion Medical Center and Affiliates in connection with multiple medical related projects in Roanoke City, all as more particularly described in the City Council Agenda and materials because my husband is an employee with Carilion Roanoke Hospital, an affiliate of Carilion Medical Center. My husband has not participated in this matter. Pursuant to Section 2.2-3112 of the Code of Virginia, I will not participate in either of these matters and I ask that the City Clerk accept this statement and ask that it be made a part of the minutes of this meeting. Witness the following signature made this 3rct day of February 2020. S/Djuna L. Osborne Djuna L. Osborne, Member of Council" (See Statement of Conflict of Interest on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41663-020320) A RESOLUTION approving, among other things, the issuance of not to exceed $510,000,000.00 aggregate principal amount of Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, Virginia Hospital Revenue Bonds (Carilion Clinic Obligated Group) to the extent required by Section 147 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and authorizing the Mayor or the City Manager and the Clerk, Acting Clerk or any Deputy Clerk to the Roanoke City Council to take any and all action necessary, including the execution of any documents, to consummate the issuance and sale of the Bonds in conformity with the provisions of this Resolution. 548 (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 731.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41663-020320. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis. Vice-Mayor Cobb inquired if the bond issuance was in conjunction with Carilion's new construction projects; whereupon, Mr. Darby replied in the affirmative. There being no additional questions and/or comments by the Council Members, Resolution No. 41663-020320 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne abstained from voting.) UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: CITY CLERK: Council Member Price offered the following resolution appointing Cecelia F. McCoy as the City Clerk for the City of Roanoke: (#41664-020320) A RESOLUTION electing and appointing Cecelia Freeman McCoy as City Clerk for the City of Roanoke, for the remainder of the previous City Clerk's term; and ratifying the terms and conditions of employment as offered to Mrs. McCoy. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 738.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41664-023020. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. . MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:  549 INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: THIRD ANNUAL HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY (HBCU) FAIR: Council Member Price announced the third Annual Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Fair to be held at William Fleming High School on Saturday, February 15, 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p .m; the event is sponsored by the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and the Roanoke Valley Chapter of Jack & Jill Club of America. The fair will offer opportunities to receive one-on-one contact and access to recruiters and distinguished alumni, with the chance to walk away with acceptance letters and possible scholarships from some of the most renowned schools in the country. VIRGINIA HISTORY STANDARDS: Council Member Price also announced Governor Ralph Northam and the African American History Education Commission is seeking community input during a series of public listening sessions as it examines how to best strengthen the Virginia history standards, as well as African American history education in classrooms across the Commonwealth. The session will be held on Tuesday, February 11 at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, 1 Market Square, S. E., #2, 6:00p.m. -7:30p.m. The event is free to the public. GENERAL ASSEMBLY BILLS: Council Member Bestpitch expressed concerns regarding several General Assembly Bills being enacted upon by the General Assembly of Virginia during current 2020 sessions. ROANOKE VALLEY SAVES WEEK: Council Member Osborne announced the Roanoke Valley Saves Week, February 24 - 28, and encouraged citizens to set financial goals, track spending, and take control of their financial future and recommended participation in the Bank On Roanoke Valley mini-finance session 'Save for the Unexpected' held on February 26, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Downtown Roanoke, Main Library, 706 South Jefferson Street, S. W. SISTERS OF CHANGE: Council Member White-Boyd announced the Sisters of Change will host the C.R.O.W.N. Conference - Unmask Your Potential Within on Saturday, February 15 at 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. at Grace Covenant Church, 756 Peters Creek Road, tickets $25.00. STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING: THE DEFINITIVE HISTORY OF RACIST IDEAS IN AMERICA: Vice-Mayor Cobb announced he would be a speaker at the Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by lbram X. Kendi, held at the Melrose Branch Library, February 4 at 6:30p.m. 550 CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that each Member of City Council certify to the best of his or her knowledge that: ( 1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in any motion by which any Closed Meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered by City Council. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis and Osborne-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea abstained from voting inasmuch as he was not present for the Closed Session.) VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: BOARD OF TRUSTEES, CITY OF ROANOKE PENSION PLAN: The Mayor -~• called attention to the upcoming expiration of the two-year term of office of Lieutenant Jeffrey Newman (Police) as the public safety representative of the Board of Trustees, City of Roanoke Pension Plan, ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations, noting that the two-year appointment rotates between the Police and Fire/EMS Departments. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Battalion Chief Clarence Turpin (Fire/EMS). There being no further nominations, Battalion Chief Clarence Turpin (Fire/EMS) was appointed to replace Lieutenant Jeffrey Newman (Police), commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2022, as the public safety representative of the Board of Trustees, City of Roanoke Pension Plan, by the following vote: FOR BATTLION CHIEF TURPIN: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the resignation of Walton Rutherfoord as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a term of office ending December 31, 2022; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nominations the name of Jason Varney.  551 There being no further nominations, Mr. Varney was appointed as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals to fill the unexpired term of office of Walton Rutherfoord ending December 31, 2022, by the following vote: FOR MR. VARNEY: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. BUILDING AND FIRE CODE BOARD OF APPEALS: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the three-year terms of office of Christopher Link (Citizen at Large) and Jeffrey Shawver (Property Management) as members of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals, each, ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Christopher Link and Jeffrey Shawver. There being no further nominations, Mr. Link (Citizen at Large) and Mr. Shawver (Property Management) were reappointed as members of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals for three-year terms of office, each, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023. FOR MESSRS. LINK AND SHAWVER: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. HOTEL ROANOKE AND CONFERENCE CENTER: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the four-year term of office of Court G. Rosen (Citizen at Large) as a member of the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center ending April 12, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Court G. Rosen. There being no further nominations, Mr. Rosen (Citizen at Large) was reappointed as a member of the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center for a four-year term of office commencing April 13, 2020 and ending April 12, 2024, by the following vote: FOR MR. ROSEN: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. 552 MILL MOUNTAIN ADVISORY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the resignation of LaTron Brown as the Zoo Representative of the Mill Mountain Advisory Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2021; and the upcoming expiration of the three-year term of office of Ahondyrea Brooks ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Niki Voudren and Ahondyrea Brooks. There being no further nominations, Ms. Voudren was appointed as the Zoo Representative to fill the unexpired term of office of LaTron Brown ending June 30, 2021; and Ms. Brooks was reappointed as a member for a three-year term of office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023, of the Mill Mountain Advisory Board, by the following vote: FOR MS. VOUDREN AND MS. BROOKS: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the three-year terms of office of Melanie Crovo, Lauren Hartman and Chris Bryant as members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, each, ending March 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Melanie Crovo, Lauren Hartman and Chris Bryant. There being no further nominations, Ms. Crovo, Ms. Hartman and Ms. Bryant were reappointed as members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for three- year terms of office, each, commencing on April 1, 2020 and ending March 31, 2023, by the following vote: FOR MS. CROVO, MS. HARTMAN AND MS. BRYANT: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. PERSONNEL AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES COMMISSION: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the three-year terms of office of Heather Davenport (Citizen at Large), Chrystal Smith (Classified Service) and Jackie Clewis (Classified Service) as members of the Personnel and Employment Practices Commission, each, ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Heather Davenport, Chrystal Smith and Jackie Clewis.  553 There being no further nominations, Ms. Davenport (Citizen at Large), Ms. Smith (Classified Service) and Ms. Clewis (Classified Service) were reappointed as members of the Personnel and Employment Practices Commission for three-year terms of office, each, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023, by the following vote: FOR MS. DAVENPORT, MS. SMITH AND MS. CLEWIS: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. ROANOKE ARTS COMMSSION: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the three-year terms of office of John Hitchins, Jr., Meighan Sharp, Patricia Wilhelms, William Penn and Valerie Brown as members of the Roanoke Arts Commission, each, ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of John Hitchins, Jr., Meighan Sharp, Patricia Wilhelms, William Penn and Valerie Brown. There being no further nominations, Messrs. Hitchins and Penn, Ms. Sharp, Ms. Wilhelms and Ms. Brown were reappointed as members of the Roanoke Arts Commission for three-year terms of office, each, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023, by the following vote: FOR MESSRS. HITCHINS AND PENN, MS. SHARP, MS. WILHELMS AND MS. BROWN: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. ROANOKE VALLEY-ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY COMMITTEE: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the three-year term of office of Neil Cummings (Private Sector) as a member of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee ending March 31, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Matt Clark. There being no further nominations, Mr. Clark (Private Sector) was appointed to replace Neil Cummings as a member of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee for a three-year term of office, commencing April1, 2020 and ending March 31, 2023, by the following vote: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. 554 WESTERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL FACILITY AUTHORITY: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the four-year terms of office of Robert Cowell, Jr. (Roanoke City Appointee), and Robert Ledger (Roanoke City Alternate) as members of the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority for four-year terms of office, each, ending February 3, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Robert Cowell, Jr., and Robert Ledger. There be no further nominations, Messrs. Cowell (Roanoke City Appointee) and Ledger (Roanoke City Alternate) were reappointed as members of the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority for four-year terms of office, each, ending February 3, 2024, by the following vote: FOR MESSRS. COWELL AND LEDGER: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the regular meeting adjourned at 3:06 p.m. · "' APPROVED ATTEST: Cecelia F. McCoy ~~~~, Sherman P. Lea, Sr. Acting City Clerk Mayor