City Council

683 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL June 1, 2020 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, June 1, 2020 at 9:00 a.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 Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, Djuna L. Osborne, Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch 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, May 28, 2020. 684 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. 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 by electric communication means 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 Osborne moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ANNUAL PERFORMANCES OF THE COUNCIL-APPOINTED OFFICERS: A communication from Council Member Michelle L. Davis, Chair, City Council Personnel Committee, requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting by electric communication means to discuss a personnel matter, being the annual performances of the Council-Appointed Officers, and the process for selecting a City Attorney for a term beginning October 1, 2020, 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 Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  685 ,..... ~ 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: FY21 Budget Study The City Manager and Director of Finance shared the following regarding the FY 2019- 2020 Budget: • Five-year Operating Plan • Other Discussion Items (For full text, see copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Manager advised that during the recent budget public hearing a number of comments were received with regard to TAP funding and advised that the proposed ,...-. budget included level funding for TAP, so the matter had been addressed and no other -.,..... questions or comments were received at the public hearing. In terms of the Five-year Operating Plan, The Director of Finance indicated that in the Commonwealth, localities were legally required to adopt a balanced budget each fiscal year, accomplished through revenue growth from existing revenues or new revenue sources as was predominantly the case for Fiscal Year 2021 through expenditure reductions. She further advised that the Plan allowed for strategic continued recognition of priorities with conservative expectation for revenue growth in the next five years; unavoidable expenditure growth such as contractual increases and pointed out a negative variance from $1.5 million in Fiscal Year 2022 to a negative $6.8 million in Fiscal Year 2025. She concluded stating that the budget was scheduled to be adopted on June 15, at 2:00 p.m., and on July 20, the adopted budget document would be available to the public. 690 ...., 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-1 9 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, June 1. 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. E-BIKE REGULATIONS: Stephen Ambruzs, 416 Campbell Avenue, S. W., addressed the Council with regard to e-bike regulations. PROTEST: Ken Mcleod, 506 61h Street, S. W., addressed the Council with regard to participation in Saturday's march and the manner it was handled by the police. 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 MEETINGS AND SPECIAL MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL: Minutes of the regular meetings of City Council held on Monday, March 16, 2020; Monday, April 6, 2020; Monday, April 20, 2020; Monday, May 4, 2020; and special meeting held on Friday, March 27, 2020, were before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  691 Council Member White-Boyd moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with and approved as recorded. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REGULATION OF ELECTRIC POWER ASSISTED BIKES WITHIN THE CITY: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, June 15, 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, with regard to the regulation of electric power assisted bikes within the City, pursuant to State Code Section 46.2-904.1, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. OATHS OF OFFICE-WESTERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL FACILITY AUTHORITY: Report of qualification of Robert S. Cowell, Jr., as the Roanoke City representative of Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority for a four-year term of office ending February 3, 2024, was before the Council. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd moved that the reports of qualification be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 692 ... REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: CITY'S 2019 HUD ANNUAL ACTION PLAN: Pursuant to instructions by the Council, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, June 1, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, to receive citizen comments with regard to the proposal of the amendments to the City's 2019 HUD Annual Action Plan, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Thursday, May 14, 2020. (See publishers' affidavits on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed. - PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: FY 2019 STATE HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the FY 2019 State Homeland Security Program Grant from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management for necessary equipment and supplies for the City's Swift Water Rescue Team. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41734-060120) A RESOLUTION accepting the FY 2019 State Homeland Security Program Grant to the City from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 47.)  693 Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41734- 060120. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Osborne offered the following ordinance: (#41735-060120) AN ORDINANCE appropriating funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) for equipment and supplies for the Regional Swift Water/Flood Rescue Team, 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 48.) Council Member Osborne moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41735-060120. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Osborne had technical issues and was not present when the vote was recorded.) LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the Local Emergency Management Performance Grant from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to support the Fire-EMS Department. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 694 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41736-060120) A RESOLUTION accepting the Local Emergency Management Performance Grant (LEMPG) to the City from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 49.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41736-060120. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ROANOKE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization of the proposed refunding by the City of Roanoke of General Obligation Bonds in connection with a project with the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Faeility Authority. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Osborne offered the following resolution: (#41737-060120) A RESOLUTION approving the refinancing plan between the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority and Roanoke County, the City of Roanoke, and the City of Salem; authorizing City of Roanoke's refunding general obligation support of a refinancing by the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority; authorizing the City Manager and the City Clerk to execute and attest, respectively, the Documents; authorizing the City Manager to take such actions and execute such documents as necessary to implement, administer, and enforce such Documents. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 50.)  695 Council Member Osborne moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41737-060120. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending adoption of a resolution affirming the declaration of a state of local emergency in connection with recent flooding in the City. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price offered the following resolution: (#41738-060120) A RESOLUTION confirming the City Manager's declaration of a local emergency; conferring emergency powers in the City Manager as Director of Emergency Management; authorizing the City Manager to make application for Federal and State public assistance to deal with such emergency; designating a fiscal agent and an agent for submission of financial information for the City; and calling upon the Federal and State governments for assistance. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 55.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41738-060120. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ELECTRONIC SUMMONS SYSTEM FOR THE ROANOKE POLICE DEPARTMENT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending appropriation of funds to implement and maintain an electronic summons system for the Roanoke Police Department. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 696 Council Member White-Boyd offered the following ordinance: (#41739-060120) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Electronic Summons System Court Fees revenues as enacted by the General Assembly in section 17.1-279.1 of the Code of Virginia (1 950), 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 57.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41739- 060120. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: City is Taking First Steps to Re-Open • Last week we announced that on Monday, June 8, we will re-open the Municipal Building to the General Public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for citizens who have business with the Commissioner of Revenue or the City Treasurer offices. Also, starting on Monday, June 15, we will begin a limited recall of certain City employees back to their on-site work locations. • Our goal as we re-open is to keep our citizens and employees as safe as possible. The City has made changes inside our building to ensure proper social distancing and cleanliness. • But there is one factor that will require the cooperation of everyone as the public and city employees return to the Municipal Building: Wearing face coverings. • In support of the Governor's mandate that face coverings be worn in indoor public places, we expect citizens who come into the Municipal Building to wear a face mask provided by the City, if they are not already wearing one. • Employees also are required to wear face masks under specific conditions while on the job. • While they are a departure from the norm, these practices will benefit our community as we re-open. We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation as we move toward a new normal.  697 Conceptual Design for Transit Transfer Station • The City is moving forward with the design for the new Transit Transfer Center. • Conceptual renderings of the new facility have been shared with the public and are posted on the City's website at roanokeva.gov, under "Read About Roanoke." • The City is committed to engaging with the community as the design for this new facility progresses. Community engagement regarding the concept and further detailed design elements is targeted for June. • In the interim, community members are invited to provide comments on the illustrations by sending an email to communityengagement@roanokeva.gov with the subject line: ROANOKE TRANSIT TRANSFER STATION. Signal Equipment, Timing Improvements Completed for Downtown • When walking or driving downtown you may have noticed changes to the signal equipment and signal timing improvements on City streets. • These changes are intended to improve traffic flow, minimize traffic delays, and make crossing the street easier by providing a leading green pedestrian signal. • Staff in the Transportation Division would like to hear feedback from the public about the downtown signal re-timing project. To contact them, send an email to transportation@roanokeva.gov or call 540-853-2676. CITY ATTORNEY: ROANOKE REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT: The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending approval of amendments to the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission Amended and Restated Agreement. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#417 40-060120) A RESOLUTION ratifying and agreeing that the City of Salem, Virginia join the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission (the "Commission"), authorizing the Mayor to execute an 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. 81, page 58.) 698 Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 417 40-060120. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. (Council Member Price had technical issues and was not present when the vote was recorded.) ) REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: STAR CITY STRONG RECOVERY FUND: Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution to establish a Council-appointed task force related to the Star City Strong Recovery Fund: (#41741-060120) A RESOLUTION establishing a task force to review the Star City Strong: Response, Recovery, Resiliency Framework, evaluate alternatives and make recommendations to City Council for use of the Star City Strong Recovery Fund to support the recovery and resiliency of the community. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 60.) The City Attorney stated that the amendment to the Resolution clarifies on page two that two groups will be appointed by the City Council rather than the City Manager being the representative from the Latina/Latina community and the two stakeholders from the eight different Sectors. Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41741-060120, as amended. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  699 DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following resolution confirming the City Manager's declaration of a local emergency; conferring emergency powers in the City Manager as Director of Emergency Management; authorizing the City Manager to make application for Federal and State public assistance to deal with such emergency; designating a fiscal agent and an agent for submission of financial information for the City; and calling upon the Federal and State governments for assistance: (#41742-060120) A RESOLUTION confirming the City Manager's declaration of a local emergency; conferring emergency powers in the City Manager as Director of Emergency Management; authorizing the City Manager to make application for Federal and State public assistance to deal with such emergency; designating a fiscal agent and an agent for submission of financial information for the City; and calling upon the Federal and State governments for assistance. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 64.) The City Attorney informed the City Council that the Resolution confirms the City Manager's Declaration of a Local Emergency, with respect to the civil unrest that arose on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41742-060120. The motion seconded by Council Member Osborne and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 700 Council Member Bestpitch asked the City Manager to explain how the city could move forward with regard to the demonstrations held on Saturday, May 30, at several locations in the City. The City Manager commented relative to the State of Emergency, and informed the Council that there were actually several different events over the course of a few days. Some of those included the rally at Washington Park, the march that was earlier in the day, and ultimately incidents that occurred at Wai-Mart and Target department stores followed by additional demonstrations near the Police Department in the evening and again the following day. He pointed out that the Chief of Police would view each event as individual and discrete activities, to evaluate what went well and what to change. He continued saying in addition, there were participating Law Enforcement Officers from other jurisdictions, including Roanoke County, the State, and City Sheriff's Department. The City Manager noted that there was quite a bit of Facebook chatter on the matter, comments on media sites, videos, and bodycam footage to assist in determining areas for improvement and what went well. He noted that the Chief of Police would lead the effort as it moves forward. Council Member Bestpitch articulated genuine dismay with regard to the past weekend response to the death of George Floyd and stated it was shameful that the City had not done more and worked harder to overcome difficulties. He empathically said it was time to get to work. Mayor Lea asked the City Manager to explain the provisions of the emergency order; whereas, Mr. Cowell gave details with regard to the emergency order as related to the COVID-19 response and how it allowed the City to access Federal and State resources that may assist in responding to COVID-19 such as meetings electronically where not safe to conduct the business in a large gathering. Council Member White-Boyd expressed appreciation to protestors for expressing themselves and offered sincere condolences to the family of George Floyd and all other families who have experienced unfair treatment and tragedy. She suggested City Council send a condolence to the family of George Floyd. Council Member Davis expressed pride for those individuals who took a stand to assemble peaceful protests, and was concerned about future violence and recognized prominent African American leaders in the City such as Mayor Lea, Chief Samuel Roman, Sheriff Tim Allen, and the newly appointed School Board Superintendent Verletta White. Council Member Price thanked citizens who participated in peaceful demonstrations and understood their frustration and anger; however, she does not condone violence.  701 Vice-Mayor Cobb thanked all that provided leadership during this tenuous time and read a poem "A Black Man's Tears" by Roanoke poet and performer Bryan Hancock. SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES: Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution appointing Elizabeth C. S. Jamison and Natasha N. Saunders, as School Board Trustees of the Roanoke City School Board for terms commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023: (#41743-060120) A RESOLUTION appointing Elizabeth C.S. Jamison and Natasha N. Saunders, as School Board Trustees of the Roanoke City School Board for terms commencing July 1, 2020, and ending June 30, 2023. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 66.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 417 43-060120. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: PASSING OF GEORGE FLOYD: Council Member White-Boyd recommended a Resolution or Letter of Condolence be sent to the family of George Floyd, who died on Monday, May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes while he was handcuffed on the ground. Mayor Lea asked the City Manager to prepare an appropriate response. GEORGE FLOYD FAMILY: Council Member Anita Price concurred in Council Members White-Boyd's request to send a correspondence to the family of George Floyd. PASSING OF WILLIAM L. COBB: Vice-Mayor Cobb thanked Mayor Lea and colleagues for standing strong during the past weekend's protest and civil disturbances; announced the passing of his father, William L. Cobb (Wichita, Kansas), who passed away on Friday, May 29, 2020, and thanked all for their concern and expressions of sympathy. 702 PRAISED VICE-MAYOR COBB: Council Member Bestpitch praised Vice-Mayor · ~. Cobb for continuing his City Council duties and responsibilities from Wichita, Kansas due to the recent passing of his father. COVID-19 RACIAL DISPARITIES TASK FORCE: Council Member White-Boyd announced her appointment by Lieutenant Governor Fairfax to the COVID-19 Racial Disparities Task Force to address the disproportionate impact the virus has had in communities of color. CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Council Member White-Boyd moved that each Member of City Council certify to the best of his or her knowledge that: ( 1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in any motion by which any Closed Meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered by City Council. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the three-year term of office of Robert Logan, Ill, as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals ending December 31, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Christopher Vail. There being no further nominations, Mr. Vail was appointed as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a three-year term of office, commencing January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2023, by the following vote: FOR MR. VAIL: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7.  703 COURT COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAM REGIONAL COMMUNITY CRIMINAL JUSTICE BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the three-year terms of office of Judge Francis Burkart, Ill (General District Court), Judge Frank Rogers (Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court), Stephen Poff (Chief Magistrate) and John Varney (Public Defender) as City Representatives of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Judge Francis Burkart, Ill, (General District Court), Judge Frank Rogers (Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court), Stephen Poff (Chief Magistrate) and John Varney (Public Defender). There being no further nominations, Judge Scott R. Geddes (General District Court) and Judge Hilary Griffith (Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court) were appointed to replace Judge Francis Burkart, Ill (General District Court) and Judge Frank Rogers (Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court); and Stephen Poff (Chief Magistrate) and John Varney (Public Defender) were appointed as City Representatives of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board for three-year terms of office, each, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023, by the following vote: FOR JUDGE GEDDES, JUDGE GRIFFITH AND MESSRS. POFF AND VARNEY: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. REGIONAL VIRGINIA ALCOHOL SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM POLICY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the three-year term of office of Deputy Chief Eric Charles as a member of the Regional Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program Policy Board ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Deputy Chief Eric Charles. There being no further nominations, Deputy Chief Charles was reappointed as a member of the Regional Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program Policy Board for a three-year term of office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023, by the following vote: FOR DEPUTY CHIEF CHARLES: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. 704 ROANOKE CIVIC CENTER COMMISSION: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the three-year term of office of Landon Howard as a member of the Roanoke Civic Center Commission ending September 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Dr. Thomas Powers, Jr. There being no further nominations, Dr. Powers was appointed as a member of the Roanoke Civic Center Commission for a three-year term of office, commencing October 1, 2020 and ending September 30, 2023, by the following vote: FOR DR. POWERS: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White- Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. ROANOKE REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by adoption of resolution for an additional City Representative for a four-year term of office as a member of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission ending March 9, 2023; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Robert Fralin. There being no further nominations, Mr. Fralin was appointed as a member of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission for a four-year term of office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending March 9, 2024, by the following vote: FOR MR. FRALIN: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7. VISIT VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the one-year term of office of Renee "Butch" Craft as a member of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, Board of Directors, ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Annette Lewis. There being no further nominations, Ms. Lewis was appointed as a member of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, Board of Directors, for a one-year term of office commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021, by the following vote: FOR MS. LEWIS: Council Members Cobb, Davis, Osborne, Price, White-Boyd, Bestpitch and Mayor Lea-7.  705 There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: c~if.crn~ Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC Sherman P. Lea, Sr. City Clerk Mayor