City Council

640 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL April 20, 2020 2:00p.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, April 20, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Room 450, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W., City of Roanoke, with participation by Members of City Council by electronic communication as permitted and authorized by Virginia Code Section 2.2-3708.0(A)(3), as amended, Ordinance No. 41703-032720; and Resolution No. 41704-032720; 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, 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, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Lea. Mayor Lea advised that pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3708 (A)(3), this regular session of City Council is being conducted by electronic communication means. The COVID-19 pandemic disaster makes it impractical and unsafe for a quorum of City Council to physically assemble in one location during this disaster. Each Member of Council has accessed through the Zoom meeting platform and can participate in this proceeding. The City has provided the public with information to allow the public access to observe this regular session through live broadcast on RVTV, live streaming on Facebook and posted on YouTube. The City has provided notice of this agenda and process to the public on Thursday, April 16, 2020.  641 City staff, including the City Manager, City Clerk, City Attorney, and technical staff are present in the Council Chamber and are participating in this regular session. To facilitate the process today to ensure that all Council Members and the public can follow these proceedings, I ask that whenever a Member speaks, including making a motion, to first state the Member's name then make the motion or second. 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. Based upon Executive Order Number Fifty-One, issued by Governor Northam on March 12, 2020, Executive Order Number Fifty-Five, issued by Governor Northam on March 30, 2020, Virginia Code Section 2.2-3708.2(A)(3), Virginia Code Section 15.2- 1413, Ordinance No. 41703-032720, and Resolution No. 41704-032720, City Council will be conducting this regular session of City Council by electronic communication means without a quorum of City Council physically present in Council Chamber and without the presence of members of the public in the City Council Chamber. In order to afford citizens an opportunity to provide comments to City Council during the COVID-19 pandemic disaster, citizens wishing to address the Council during this regular session of City Council conducted by electronic communication means were instructed to sign-up by emailing or by calling the City Clerk's Office at clerk@roanokeva.gov and (540) 853-2541, by 12:00 p.m., on Monday, April 20. Those citizens, who have signed up to speak before the Council, have been provided the Zoom meeting information and will be allowed to join the regular session at this Agenda Item 3 and address City Council by electronic communication means. City staff will identify each citizen to speak and then that citizen may address City Council. CITY GREENWAYS: Stephen Ambruzs, 3656 Winding Way Road, S. W., addressed the Council with regard to a petition to reopen the City's greenways. CITY GREENWAYS AND PARK FACILITIES: Ken Mcleod, 505 6th Street, S. W., addressed the Council with regard to the safe use of the City's greenways and park facilities. CITY GREENWAYS: Kelly and William Cliff, 2042 Windsor Avenue, S. W., addressed the Council in opposition of reopening the greenways due to health and safety concerns. CONSENT AGENDA: NONE. 642 REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: WESTERN VIRGINIA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending recognition of the Western Virginia Workforce Development Board Rapid Response COVID-19 Business Support funds for award period March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41711-042020) A RESOLUTION acknowledging and recogn1z1ng the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ("WIOA") Rapid Response funding from the Virginia Community College System in the amount of $57,452.00 for the COVID-19 Business Support Initiative, for the award period of March 1, 2020, through August 31, 2020, the foregoing funding to be administered by the Western Virginia Workforce Development Board. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 18.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41711- 042020. 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.  643 2019 CONTINUUM OF CARE GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the 2019 Continuum of Care Grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to support the City's Homeless Assistance Team. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following resolution: (#41712-042020) A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of the FY2019 Continuum of Care ("CoC") Grant Award ("Grant") to the City of Roanoke from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") in the amount of $140,422.00, upon certain terms and conditions; authorizing the City of Roanoke to be the fiscal agent for the distribution of the grant proceeds; authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents necessary to accept such funding, and determining that an emergency exists and this resolution shall be effective upon passage. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 19.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41712-042020. 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. Council Member Osborne offered the following ordinance: (#41713-042020) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Homeless Assistance Team 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. 81, page 21.) Council Member Osborne moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41713-042020. 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. 644 2019 CONTINUUM OF CARE GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the 2019 Continuum of Care Grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to support the Coordinated Assessment System. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following resolution: (#41714-042020) A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of the FY2019 Continuum of Care ("CoC") Grant Award ("Grant") to the City of Roanoke from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") in the amount of $49,070.00, upon certain terms and conditions; authorizing the City of Roanoke to be the fiscal agent for the distribution of the grant proceeds; authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents necessary to accept such funding; and determining that an emergency exists and this resolution shall be effective upon passage. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 23.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41714-042020. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. Council Member White-Boyd offered the following ordinance: (#41715-042020) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Continuum of Care (CoC) Coordinated Assessment System (CAS) 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. 81, page 25.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41 715- 042020. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. ..... NAYS: None-0.  645 2019 CONTINUUM OF CARE GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the 2019 Continuum of Care Grant Award from the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and a Council of Community Services cash match to support continuum of care. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41716-042020) A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of the FY2019 Continuum of Care ("CoC") Planning Grant ("Grant") to the City of Roanoke from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") in the amount of $45,235.00, upon certain terms and conditions; authorizing the City of Roanoke to be the fiscal agent for the distribution of the grant proceeds; authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents necessary to accept such funding; and determining that an emergency exists and this resolution shall be effective upon passage. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 26.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41716-042020. 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. Council Member Osborne offered the following ordinance: (#41717 -042020) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Continuum of Care (CoC) Planning 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. 81, page 27.) Council Member Osborne moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41717-042020. 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. 646 2015 - 2019 HUD CONSOLIDATED PLAN: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending approval of Amendment No. 2 to the 2015 - 2019 HUD Consolidated Plan; and authorization to submit documentation to HUD for final review. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41718-042020) A RESOLUTION adopting and approving Amendment No. 2 to the City of Roanoke's 2015 - 2019 Consolidated Plan to provide for the use of such grant funding; authorizing the acceptance of Emergency Solutions Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the amount of $298,507.00 to be used by the City to combat the community effects of COVID-19; authorizing the City Manager or the City Manager's designee to submit Amendment No.2 to HUD for final review and approval; authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents required to accept such funding; and determining that an emergency exists and this resolution shall be effective upon passage. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 28.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41718- 042020. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Osborne and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#41719-042020) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), 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. 81, page 31.)  647 Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41719-042020. 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. COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: The City Manager offered the following comments: Light it Blue Campaign • The City of Roanoke participated in "Light It Blue," an international campaign where buildings and monuments are lit in blue to show support of essential workers during the response to COVID-1 9. • In conjunction with Carilion Clinic, Poe and Cronk, and the owners of the Wells Fargo Tower, the City thanked our local heroes by lighting the Roanoke Star, Berglund Center, and Wells Fargo Tower blue Wednesday through Sunday evenings on April 15- 19. • This was an opportunity for the City to recognize the commitment of all the people who perform the essential services we depend upon. • The City has received numerous positive comments from citizens on social media, sharing their appreciation of this recognition. Special Recognition for Hospital Workers • On Thursday, April 16, hospital workers received a special recognition, honoring them for putting their lives on the line. • Emergency personnel from around the Roanoke Valley came together to show appreciation for hospital staff at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and at LewisGale Hospital. • The City recorded the event at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and it can be viewed on the City's Facebook page at facebook.com/roanokeva; to date, the post has received more than 63,000 views. 648 Animal Licensing Available Online • The City Treasurer's Office recently announced online licensing for dogs is now available to citizens. • Using the PetData website, dog owners may register multiple dogs at the same time, and easily upload required documents. • The site also allows you to manage animal records from home without having to call or come by the City Treasurer's Office. Payments for licenses also can be made online. • More information can be found on the City Treasurer's website - roanokeva.gov/treasurer. Business and Personal Property Tax Deadline • Citizens are reminded that the deadline for Business and Personal Property Tax payments has been extended by one month. Originally due May 31, these taxes are now due June 30. • The Treasurer's Office is also working with citizens who are delinquent in paying Real Estate Taxes for COVID-related reasons. • Penalties and fees associated with the delinquency may be waived as long as the account is not currently delinquent with prior taxes. • If you have questions about your tax bill, please email the Treasurer's Office at treasurer@roanokeva.gov REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: GOODWILL INDUSTRIES: Council Member Osborne commented that Goodwill Industries was still accepting donations of clothing and household goods; and advised that store donation centers were open Monday through Saturday, 9:00a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. Stand-alone locations hours were Monday through Friday, 9:00a.m.- 5:00 p.m.  649 LETTER REGARDING STATE AND FEDERAL SUPPORT: The City Manager recommended the Council approve a letter to be sent to the Vice-President, State, and Local Representatives with regard to State and Federal support needed to advance testing and contact tracing to address COVID-19 and re-open the economy; and noted that the letter would be available for public inspection. Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that the letter be sent to government representatives. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch; and unanimously approved by voice vote. APPRECIATION TO THE NON-PROFIT AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMUNITY: Council Member Davis expressed appreciation to the non-profit and human services community, in particular, the United Way, who worked tirelessly to create solutions and address issues during the pandemic. CITY'S PRESS CONFERENCE: The City Manager announced that Abby Hamilton, Executive Director, United Way Roanoke Valley would join the Mayor and Vice-Mayor at the City's Press Conference to be held on Wednesday, April 22, to discuss the community's response to COVID-19 and related assistance. RECOGNITION BY CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Lea requested Council Member Osborne monitor and identify non-profits who were doing great things in the community during the pandemic, for possible recognition by City Council at a later date. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: NONE. The 7:00 p.m. session was cancelled inasmuch as there were no public hearings or items for discussion by the Council. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting adjourned at 3:11 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: c~~ --5. LfYl~~ Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk Sherman P. Lej. Mayor cl ~