City Council

576 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION March 2, 2020 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in joint session with the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission on Monday, March 2, 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 William D. Bestpitch (arrived late), Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne, Patricia White-Boyd, and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. ABSENT: Council Member Anita J. Price-1. OFFICERS PRESENT: RobertS. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; and Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk. , ... The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. ROANOKE REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: W. William Gust, Gary S. Powers, Cynthia D. Lawrence and John R. Clements, Chairman-4. ROANOKE REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Nathaniel L. Bishop-1. Representing the City of Roanoke: Sherman M. Stovall, Assistant City Manager for Operations; and R. Brian Townsend, Assistant City Manager for Community Development. Representing Roanoke Regional Airport Commission: Harwell Sam Darby, Legal Counsel of Roanoke Regional Airport Commission; and Cathy S. Bowman, Recording Secretary. At 9:12a.m., Council Member Bestpitch entered the meeting.  577 Mayor Lea welcomed everyone to the meeting and recognized John R. Clements, Chair, Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, for comments; and thereafter, called on Tim Bradshaw, Executive Director, Roanoke - Blacksburg Regional Airport, who highlighted the following items: • ROA Airline Service • Catchment Area • Incumbent Opportunities • ROA Incentives • Statistics 2019 • Game Changer Pledge • On the Horizon • Airport Master Plan (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Mr. Bradshaw noted the incentives which included, a Small Community Air Service Development Grant awarded by the Department of Transportation in 2018 for $750,000.00, local pledges received of $1.1 million matching the grant to be used to gain non-stop service to Dallas or Denver which grant was available for four years. Council Member Davis inquired if the Department of Transportation mandated that the grant be spent on financial incentive packages; whereupon, Mr. Bradshaw advised that there was some flexibility with grants, but the grant in question was filed with the specific language with regard to obtaining flight service to Dallas or Denver. Mr. Bradshaw stated that the airport was in a great place economically and noted that nearly 720,000 passengers were serviced in 2019, experienced 8.8 percent passenger growth from 2018 to 2019, 44 daily flights to eight nonstop destinations with service by four domestic airlines, 25.6 million pounds of cargo transported and 52,300 annual aircraft operations. Council Member Davis commented that it was more cost effective to fly into another airport, rent a vehicle and drive to Roanoke rather than fly directly into the Roanoke - Blacksburg Regional Airport and inquired if the grant funding could address incentivizing the largest business customer of the airport versus the airlines. Mr. Bradshaw explained that overall fares have decreased and the fares were only an approximate $50.00 higher than the other airports in the region. 578 Commissioner Powers commented that unfortunately Roanoke suffered from reliability issues such as airlines cancelling flights, discontinuing use of certain aircraft, crews tiring out which affected leisure travelers who could potentially obtain the same flight elsewhere at a reduced cost. Following extensive discussion with regard to growing ridership at the airport to ultimately increase the number of airlines and flights hosted by the Roanoke - Blacksburg Regional Airport, Mr. Bradshaw highlighted the Game Changer Pledge, noting the objectives and encouraged the City to join in the pledge to produce a larger economic impact. Mr. Bradshaw touched on the Airport Master Plan, goals and objectives and concluded by reviewing the next steps for regional growth which included pursuing Amazon, focusing on increasing institutional and personal wealth, removing barriers to economic development, continuing to promote the region's ecotourism and diversifying the local economy. Following comments by the Council with regard to lack of change, difficult position of the Commissioners and uses of the grant funding, Chairman Clements commented that it was imperative that the Commission and City Council meet more often and thanked Council for the opportunity to have open dialogue. Mayor Lea expressed appreciation to Mr. Bradshaw for the presentation and the great things happening at Roanoke - Blacksburg Regional Airport. Chairman Clements declared the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission meeting adjourned; and Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting in recess at 10:39 a.m., respectively. At 10:54 a.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea presiding; and all Members of the Council in attendance, with the exception of Council Members Davis, Osborne and Price. The following items for action were before the Council: 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 (1 950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  579 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 Bestpitch, Cobb, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-4. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Price was absent.)(Council Members Davis and Osborne were not present when vote was recorded.) DISPOSITION OF APPROXIMATELY 0.078 ACRE PORTION OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY, LOCATED AT 0 NORFOLK AVENUE, S. W.: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of approximately 0.078 acre portion of City-owned property, located at 0 Norfolk 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.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-4. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Price was absent.)(Council Members Davis and Osborne were not present when vote was recorded.) ITEMS LISTED ON THE 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL DOCKET REQUIRING DISCUSSION/CLARIFICATION AND ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE 2:00 P.M. AGENDA: NONE. At this point, Council Members Davis and Osborne entered the meeting (1 0:56a.m.). TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: NONE. 580 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. (See presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Ms. Merchant highlighted the following information: • FY 2020 Overview Ms. Merchant reported that as of the end of January, revenues year to date exceeded the prior year by approximately $3.5 million or 2.8 percent, with the majority of revenue coming from real estate, sales tax and meals tax; and Fiscal Year 2020 expenditures increased approximately $3.8 million or 2.2 percent compared to the same period of Fiscal Year 2019 due to increased funding to RCPS, timing of transfers and the compensation increase. Ms. Merchant continued by reviewing the preliminary tax revenue projections noting that with each month's closure, local tax projections for the current and next fiscal year were adjusted and at the close of January local tax projections were increased by approximately $400,000.00. • FY 2021 Development and Next Steps Council Member Bestpitch commented that it would be beneficial for Council to know of areas for advocacy as the next Legislative Package was developed for the City of Roanoke. Ms. Merchant continued the presentation by reviewing potential budget enhancements which included a Release Planner position and explained that the full- time individual would work with inmates prior to release to aid with reentry into the community and reduce the rate of recidivism. Council Member Bestpitch inquired if the position would be under the City Sheriff or Human Services; whereupon, Ms. Merchant replied that it would be part of the vendor contracted services. The City Manager commented with regard to budget policy considerations and eventually revisiting exactly how the school funding formula was fashioned in connection with the budget.  581 Further discussion ensued with regard to the increase in Regional Juvenile Detention expenses and funding for cremations; whereupon, Mayor Lea inquired if the new Juvenile Detention Director could be invited to a future Council Meeting to share information on the matter. With regard to the Fiscal Year 2021 development and next steps, Ms. Merchant advised that staff would continue to prioritize enhancements, close the month of February and review revenue estimates in preparation for the April 6 briefing. The City Manager added that the discussion with regard to solid waste fees and project funding would be revisited at the April 6 meeting. • Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Next Steps Ms. Merchant continued the presentation, highlighting the three categories of the Fiscal Year 2021 - 2025 Capital Improvement Program expenditures, continuation of funding for existing projects, existing projects requiring additional funding, and projects not currently programmed or funded. She mentioned that in the current CIP model, projects totaled $112,916,500.00, with Fiscal Year 2025 added as year five. In reference to the Capital Improvement Program enterprise fund considerations, she explained that the Parking fund was considering a pending project in the design/development stage and once the costs were more defined, those estimates would allow for a determination of the feasibility of the project and the extent to which fee increases would be necessary, with further details expected later in the spring. She further explained that the Stormwater Fund continued focus on maintaining the level of capital project funding and addressing future operational needs and as previously discussed, a fee increase would be required to accomplish the goal. Ms. Merchant concluded the presentation by noting that the next briefing would be on April 6 and next steps included continuing to model prioritized CIP inclusions. Mayor Lea thanked the Director of Finance for the informative presentation and advised that the budget briefing would be received and filed. At 12:08 p.m., Mayor Lea 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. During the Closed Meeting, Council Member Price entered the meeting at 12:22 p.m. 582 At 2:00 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Lea 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 Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by Rabbi JamaL. Purser, Beth Israel Synagogue. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. Mayor Lea stressed that there were no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Virginia; and more information could be found on the Carilion Clinic and the Virginia Department of Health websites. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: NONE. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: NONE. 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. He called attention to Item C-2, advising that the item was removed and considered separately due to a personal conflict of interest by Council Member Osborne. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, was before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  583 Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with and approved as recorded. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. OATHS OF OFFICE-WESTERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL FACILITY AUTHORITY-ROANOKE VALLEY-ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMMISSION-YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD-PERSONNEL AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES COMMISSION-ROANOKE VALLEY-ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY COMMITTEE-ROANOKE ARTS COMMISSION-MILL MOUNTAIN ADVISORY BOARD-BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS: Reports of qualifications of the following individuals were before the Council: Robert Ledger as the Roanoke City Alternate representative of the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority for a four-year term of office ending February 3, 2024; Dr. Elda Stanco Downey as a Citizen representative of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission to fill the unexpired term of office of Courtney Campbell ending June 30, 2021; Louis Garcia as the Student Alternate/Patrick Henry High School representative of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2020; Brianna Wilson as the Student/William Fleming High School representative of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a one-year term of office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021; Chrystal Smith and Jackie Clewis 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; Matt Clark as the City's representative of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee for a three-year term of office, commencing April 1, 2020 and ending March 31, 2023; John Hitchins, Jr., as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission for a three- year term of office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023; 584 Niki Vouldren as the Zoo representative of the Mill Mountain Advisory Board to fill the unexpired term of LaTron Brown ending June 30, 2021; and Jason M. Varney as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a term of office ending December 31, 2022. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that the reports of qualification be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd 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 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 sale of City-owned property located at 117- 119 Norfolk Avenue, S. W., and 0 Railside Avenue, S. W., was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Osborne advised of a personal interest regarding the sale of City-owned property located at 117 - 119 Norfolk Avenue, S. W., and 0 Railside Avenue, S. W., and read into record the following Conflict of Interest Statement: "STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST I, Djuna L. Osborne, state that I have a personal interest in the matter that is the subject of Section 4, Item C-2, City Council Agenda for the Council Session on Monday, March 2, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., a communication from the City Manager 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 sale of City-owned property located at 117 - 119 Norfolk Avenue, S. W., and 0 Railside Avenue, S. W. because my husband is an employee with Carilion Roanoke Hospital, an affiliate of Carilion Clinic and Carilion Clinic holds interests in the project at 117 - 119 Norfolk Avenue, S. W., and 0 Railside Avenue, S. W. My husband did not participate in any ... action with respect to this matter.  585 Pursuant to Section 2.2-3112 of the Code of Virginia, I will not participate in this matter; and ask 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 2nd day of March 2020. S/Djuna L. Osborne Djuna L. Osborne, Council Member" (See Conflict of Interest Statement on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne abstained from voting.) REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: FOOD READINESS OF NORTHWEST ROANOKE: John R. F. Lewis, Jr., Food Readiness Coordinator, Healthy Start, gave a presentation regarding the Food Readiness of Northwest Roanoke and highlighted the following: • Partners • Needs from Partners • The Roanoke Food System Readiness Assessment o Assess Needs o Build Capacity o Plan o Implement o Evaluation • Assessing Readiness • The Food System Readiness Model 586 • Food System Readiness Defined • HCAT Focus of Food System Development • Why Community Food System Readiness? • What should NOT be expected from the model? • Supportive Information • Process for using the Northwest Roanoke Food System Readiness Model Assessment • Dimensions of readiness for Food System Readiness and Health Prevention • Stages of Readiness • Community/Civic Organizations Represented in NW Catchment Area o 4 Target Areas over a 4 month period- February, March, April • Thank you for Your Support! (See presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Following Mr. Lewis' presentation, Council Member Osborne expressed appreciation for his attention to individual stages a person or project must work through to get the result of access to healthy food; and stated that the project was near and dear to her heart and those advocating for access to healthy food. Vice-Mayor Cobb asked the meaning of acronym HCAT; wherein, Mr. Lewis replied Healthy Community Action Team, sponsored by the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. He explained it was an effort led by Healthy Start, an initiative of United Way of Roanoke Valley, which provided experiences, education, and access to healthy lifestyle choices that improved the health behaviors and attitudes of children and their families. Vice-Mayor Cobb inquired as to the role city government could play in the effort; whereupon, Mr. Lewis replied the first step would be the establishment of a food readiness policy council to build connections with growers, distributors, and organizations for direction and advice. Council Member Bestpitch opined that he looked forward to hearing recommendations and asked about the completion timeframe; Mr. Lewis stated he expected to complete the assessment by the end of May, collate, analyze, and prepare findings for the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth before the end of June. Mr. Lewis encouraged citizens to attend a Healthy Food event at Loudon Avenue Christian Church on Thursday, March 26, 2020 hosted by the Reverend Dr. William Lee. Following additional remarks and inquiries by Council Members White-Boyd and Davis, Mayor Lea thanked Mr. Lewis for the presentation and advised that the remarks would be received and filed.  587 ROANOKE REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP AND STATE OF OUTDOORS REPORT: Beth Doughty, Executive Director, Roanoke Regional Partnership, appeared before the Council and provided an overview of current activities: (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Ms. Doughty reported good news with regard to employment growth in 2019; stating there was a two percent growth rate, which exceeded the employment growth rate in other markets in Virginia with 3,300 new jobs. She also stated that the year has begun on a positive note with two announcements: Traditional Medicinal Tea Company in North America and Mack Trucks would employ approximately 250 people throughout the region. Ms. Doughty stated that the Roanoke Regional Partnership was working with the State to attract small-scale technology operations to the region. She recognized Erin Burcham, Roanoke Regional Partnership, Talent Solutions, who has worked to attract Mid-Career Professions through strengthening brand awareness, connecting to skilled talent and improving talent attraction and retention. She advised that the Roanoke Regional Partnership created a micro website to focus on the zones throughout the region and would host an event on March 19, 2020 and further advised that the Partnership would work on the Woodhaven Technology Initiative to expand the narrative beyond manufacturing which would benefit the region on a global scale. In conclusion, Ms. Doughty encouraged the City to promote key public investments such as Elmwood Park, make investments in industrial real estate, and support the Woodhaven Technology Initiative. Following brief remarks by the Council, Mayor Lea received and filed the presentation. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: Annual Public Safety Updates Roanoke Police Department- Public Safety Briefing 2019 Acting Police Chief Chester Smith gave an overview regarding yearly performance of the Police Department. 588 (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Acting Chief Smith reported 107,267 as a total number of calls for service in 2019 which included traffic stops and summons; and that northwest and southeast Roanoke were the primary areas for large call volume because the population was higher than in the other zones. In connection with crime comparison statistics, Acting Chief Smith noted that aggravated assaults decreased from 181 in 2018 to 151 in 20 19; robbery increased from 105 to 106; and motor vehicle theft decreased from 365 to 299. He added that last year the Police Department ran a campaign to lock cars, not to leave keys in cars, not to leave cars running unattended, and fortunately, the community responded prompting the decrease in motor vehicle theft. With regard to gun violence, Acting Chief Smith advised that in 2019 there were 11 homicides by firearms and 27 aggravated assaults with gunshot wounds; and noted that also in 2019 the Police Department ran a campaign promoting gun safety and handed out free gun locks and educational materials on safe storage and ownership of firearms to the community. Acting Chief Smith further advised that property crimes continued to have an impact on the quality of life in the City and pointed out that the focus was on educating .... the community on the factors that could lead to property crimes, such as, unlocked cars, leaving front doors unlocked, leaving keys inside cars unattended, etc. He concluded by reviewing traffic safety statistics for the City, and stated that the majority of non-fatal crashes were related to speeding at 266 for 2019 and the next highest cause of non-fatal crashes was alcohol with 117 crashes in 2019; and reminded the community to always obey highway signs and markings, not to use cellphones while driving, keep hands off the radio, not to drink and drive, and keep two hands on the steering wheel at all times. Following accolades from several Council Members, Mayor Lea thanked Acting Chief Smith for an informative presentation and received and filed the briefing. Roanoke Fire-EMS- Public Safety Briefing 2019 Fire Chief David Hoback gave an overview regarding yearly performance of the Fire-EMS Department. (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  589 Chief Hoback reviewed the department's activities for 2019 noting that on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, the fire department canvassed the community and installed over one hundred smoke detectors using about six teams that went door to door, who found smoke detectors that were old, damaged, batteries removed, etc. He highlighted the high school program for students interested in becoming an EMT and reported that it was in the third year of being very successful with eight students to graduate in May. He also pointed out that 2019 brought a decrease in overall demand for service by 1.8 percent with 4,808 emergency calls for fire and 24,158 calls for EMS service; in 93.4 percent of the time fire and EMS was arrived on the scene of a structure fire; and there were only 60 working fires down from 61 last year with the causes of said fires being 42 percent accidental, 28 percent incendiary, 30 percent undetermined; and 23 arsons were reported in the City. Chief Hoback offered statistics for fire loss history, Fire Marshal's Office activities, EMS demand for service trends, critical advanced life support response time performance, basic life support response time performance, demand for service by time of day and EMS transport rate and stated that the partnership with Carilion was beneficial with approximately 500- 600 calls handled by Carilion Transport- Dedicated Ambulance and resulted in a 400 percent decline in EMS mutual aid reliance. He stated that in terms of recruitment and diversity the department partners with the City of Salem and a new class began on February 24 with 35 recruits who make one application, go through the process and then choose who they want to work for. He noted that it was a great relationship, kept costs down and the website workforroanokefireems.com highlighted the program; and concluded with the activities of 2020 which included the opening of the new 811/911 Center, updated dispatch policies, EMD protocols and applications, succession planning because 36 percent of the staff had less than five years tenure, ISO re-evaluation and continued focus on recruitment initiatives. Following accolades by several Council Members, Mayor Lea expressed appreciation to Chief Hoback for the presentation and advised that the remarks would be received and filed. At this point, Council Member Osborne left the meeting (4:11 p.m.). ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: PETER'S CREEK AT SALEM TURNPIKE STREAM RESTORATION PROJECT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acquisition of real property rights in connection with the Peter's Creek at Salem Turnpike Stream Restoration Project. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 590 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#41680-030220) AN ORDINANCE providing for the acquisition of real property rights needed by the City in connection with the Peters Creek at Salem Turnpike Stream Restoration Project (Project); authorizing City staff to acquire such property rights by negotiation for the City; authorizing the City Manager to execute appropriate acquisition documents; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 763.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41680-030220. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was not present when the vote was recorded.) LOCAL ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE PROJECT (LEAP): The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of an Assignment of Lease Agreement with the Local Environment Agriculture Project (LEAP) for City-owned property located at the northeast corner of 13th Street and Cleveland Avenue, S. W., and along Morgan Avenue, S. E., to operate two community gardens. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price offered the following ordinance: (#41681-030220) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager to execute the assignment of two lease agreements both dated March 1, 2018, between the City of Roanoke (City), and Roanoke Community Garden Association, Incorporated (RCGA), to Local Environmental Agriculture Project, Inc. (LEAP), for the lease of the following parcels: (i) an approximately 0.3664 acres of City-owned property located at the northeast corner of 131h Street, S. W. and Cleveland Avenue, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia, bearing Official Tax Map No. 1220803, and (ii) an approximately 6,000 sq. ft., more or less, portion of City-owned property, located along Morgan Avenue, S. E., Roanoke, Virginia, commonly known as Morningside Park, bearing Official Tax Map No. 42401 02; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 764.)  591 Council Member Price moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41681-030220. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was not present when the vote was recorded.) ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of a proposed Assignment of Contract in connection with the First Reinstated Agreement for the Exchange of Real Property between the City of Roanoke and Hist:Re Partners, LLC, to Rutherfoord Partners, LLC. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following ordinance: (#41682-030220) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the proper City officials to consent to an Assignment of Contract between Hist:Re Partners, LLC ("Developer") and Rutherfoord Partners, LLC; authorizing the City Manager to execute such further documents and take such further actions as may be necessary to accomplish the above matter; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 80, page 765.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41682-030220. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was not present when the vote was recorded.) 592 COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER. The City Manager offered the following comments: Census Update • The 2020 Census is nearing - the official Census Day will be Wednesday, April 1. • However, in mid-March homes across the country will begin receiving invitations to complete the 2020 Census. • 10 questions, 10 minutes. That's how easy it will be to respond. • You may respond online, by phone, or by mail. • Complete Count Committees for the City and the County are working with local agencies and partners to ensure all community members know about the Census and have the chance to be counted. • Census results determine how federal funding is distributed as well as Virginia's representation in the U.S. Congress, local and state government for the next 10 years. • Help us get the funding and representation we deserve by participating in the 2020 Census. • Learn more at 2020censu_§..:_gO\f. Public Works Job Fair • The City will host a Job Fair. • Tuesday, March 3, 4:00 to 7:00p.m., at Berglund Center. • The event will be free and open to public. • The Job Fair will focus on openings in our Public Works Department including Stormwater, Solid Waste, and Transportation, as well as jobs with Berglund Center, Parks & Recreation, and General Services. • Job seekers can learn about positions at the City, network with department managers and representatives, and seek City career counseling from Human Resources personnel. • In the weeks leading up to the Job Fair, the City has publicized this event on banners, billboards, and Valley Metro buses; in local newspapers; on social media; and through media relations.  593 St. Patrick's Day Activities • The Freedom First St. Patrick's Day Parade and Shamrock Festival will be held on Saturday, March 14 in Downtown Roanoke. • The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. on Jefferson Street at Elm Avenue and ends at Williamson Road. • This year the parade will feature a special appearance by The Budweiser Clydesdales! • The Shamrock Festival will be from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. in the Plaza behind the City Market Building. • Roanoke has one of the largest St. Patrick Day's celebrations in the entire mid-Atlantic region. • More details are available at www.downtownroanoke.org. CITY ATTORNEY: ROANOKE REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION: The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending authorization for the City of Salem, Virginia to join the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission; and execution of an Amended and Restated Contract among the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, City of Salem and the Commission. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis offered the following resolution: (#41683-030220) A RESOLUTION agreeing that the City of Salem, Virginia join the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission (the "Commission"), authorizing the Mayor to execute and Amended and Restated Contract among the City, Roanoke County, the City of Salem, Virginia, and the Commission hereinafter described; and authorizing such other actions to implement, effectuate, and administer the Amended and Restated Contract. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 767.) Council Member Davis moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41683-030220. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was not present when the vote was recorded.) 594 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution concurring in the appointment of an Assistant City Manager for Community Development, effective July 1, 2020: (#41684-030220) A RESOLUTION confirming the City Manager's appointment of William Brent Robertson as Assistant City Manager for Community Development. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 80, page 770.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41684- 030220. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price, White-Boyd and "",. Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was not present when the vote was recorded.) MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: YOUTH MINI SUMMIT AND MAYOR'S YOUTH ACADEMY: Council Member Price announced the Youth Mini Summit scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at Lucy Addison Middle School, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., lunch will be provided; and also announced formation of the Mayor's Youth Academy. SISTER CITIES: Council Member Bestpitch expressed concern about the impact of the coronavirus epidemic and sends well wishes to our Sister Cities: Lijiang City, China and Wonju, Korea. DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY VOTING: Mayor Lea encouraged citizens to vote on March 3, Super Tuesday voting in Virginia.  595 CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Council Member Davis moved that each Member of City Council certify to the best of his or her knowledge that: (1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in any motion by which any Closed Meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered by City Council. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was not present when the vote was recorded.) 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 Carolyn Glover (City Retiree) as a member of the Board of Trustees, City of Roanoke Pension Plan ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Carolyn Glover. There being no further nominations, Ms. Glover (City Retiree) was reappointed as a member of the Board of Trustees, City of Roanoke Pension Plan for a two-year term of office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2022, by the following vote: FOR MS. GLOVER: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price, White- Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Osborne was not present when the vote was recorded.) Council Member Bestpitch moved that the City residency requirement for Carolyn Glover (City Retiree) be waived in this instance. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne was not present when the vote was recorded.) 596 ROANOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the three-year terms of office of Jessie Coffman, Gassy Ammen and Erin Ashwell as a member of the Roanoke Public Library Board, each, ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Jessie Coffman, Gassy Ammen and Auraliz Quintana. There being no further nominations, Ms. Coffman and Ms. Ammen were reappointed for three-year terms of office, each, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2022; and Ms. Quintana was appointed to replace Erin Ashwell for a three- year term of office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2022, as members of the Roanoke Public Library Board, by the following vote: FOR MS. COFFMAN, MS. AMMEN AND MS. QUINTANA: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Osborne was not present when the vote was recorded.) ROANOKE VALLEY JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER COMMISSION: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the four-year terms of office of Amelia Merchant and Sherman Stovall (Alternate) as members of the Roanoke Valley ,• Juvenile Detention Center Commission, each, ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Amelia Merchant and Sherman Stovall. There being no further nominations, Ms. Merchant and Mr. Stovall (Alternate) were reappointed as members of the Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center Commission for four-year terms of office, each, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2024, by the following vote: FOR MS. MERCHANT AND MR. STOVALL: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Osborne was not present when the vote was recorded.)  597 VISIT VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE, BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the one-year terms of office of Shaleen Powell, Ssunny Shah and Meg Carter as members of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, Board of Directors, each, ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Shaleen Powell, Ssunny Shah and Meg Carter. There being no further nominations, Ms. Powell, Mr. Shah and Ms. Carter were reappointed as members of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, Board of Directors for one-year terms of office, each, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2022, by the following vote: FOR MS. POWELL, MR. SHAH AND MS. CARTER: Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price, White-Boyd and Mayor Lea-6. (Council Member Osborne was not present when the vote was recorded.) There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the regular meeting adjourned at 4:38 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: (}_~4__ .J-: 'lYle~ Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk