City Council

72 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION September 21, 2020 2:00p.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, September 21, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W., City of Roanoke, with Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., presiding, pursuant to Chapter 2, Administration, Article II, City Council, Section 2-15, Rules of Procedure, Rule 1, Regular Meetings, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, and pursuant to Resolution No. 41772-070620 adopted by the Council on Monday, July 6, 2020. PRESENT: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. ABSENT: None-0. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. ·- Callaghan, City Attorney; and Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Ben Richardson, Associate Pastor for Youth Work, Community Advent Christian Church. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. ANNOUNCEMENTS: 2020 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: The Council is accepting nominations for the 2020 Citizen of the Year. Forms are available online at www.roanokeva.gov/citizenoftheyear, and in the City Clerk's Office. Deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, October 9, 2020. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:  73 ACTS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT-ROANOKE VALLEY TELEVISION: Council Member Bestpitch offered a resolution expressing sincere appreciation to Elaine Bays- Murphy, Cable Access Director of Roanoke Valley Television, on the occasion of her retirement after approximately 26 years: (#41861-092120) A RESOLUTION paying tribute to Elaine Bays-Murphy, Director of Cable Access for Roanoke Valley Television, upon her retirement, and expressing to her the appreciation of this City and its people for her exemplary service. (For full text of Resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 353.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41861-092120. The motion seconded by Council Member Price. Following comments and accolades by the Council Members, Resolution No. 41861-092120 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. The Mayor presented a ceremonial copy of the resolution to Ms. Bays-Murphy. ACTS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT-CITY ATTORNEY: Council Member White-Boyd offered a resolution expressing sincere appreciation to Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney, on the occasion of his retirement, for his dedicated service to the citizens of the City of Roanoke, Virginia: (#41862-092120) A RESOLUTION paying tribute to Daniel J. Callaghan on the occasion of his retirement following eight years of service with the City of Roanoke. (For full text of Resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 355.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41862- 092120. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis. Following comments and accolades by the Council Members, Resolution No. 41862-092120 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-D. 74 The Mayor presented the Key to the City and a ceremonial copy of the resolution to the City Attorney. 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 Council and would be enacted by one motion in the form, or forms, listed on the Consent Agenda, and if discussion were desired, the item would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETINGS OF CITY COUNCIL: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Monday, August 17, 2020; recessed until Thursday August 27, 2020 and Friday, August 28, 2020; special meeting held on Friday, August 28, 2020; and special meeting held on Monday, August 31, 2020, were before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 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: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. AUDIT COMMITTEE: A communication from Council Member Anita J. Price, Chair, City Audit Committee requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss a personnel matter, subject to the jurisdiction of the City Audit Committee, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1 ), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) • ·""!  75 Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that Council concur in the request of the Council Member Price as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. ANNUAL PERFORMANCE-COUNCIL APPOINTED OFFICERS: A communication from Council Member Michelle L. Davis, Chair, City Council Personnel Committee, requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss a personnel matter, being the annual performances of the Council-Appointed Officers, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1 ), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that Council concur in the request of Council Member Davis as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. RESIGNATION-ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL: A communication from Council Member Djuna L. Osborne tendering her resignation as a Member of Roanoke City Council, effective September 16, 2020, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that the resignation be accepted with regret and the communication be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. 76 MILL MOUNTAIN ADVISORY BOARD: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the lack of attendance of Craig Gill-Walker as a member of the Mill Mountain Advisory Board, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that the communication be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. OATHS OF OFFICE-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Report of qualification of William Poe as a Director of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke for a four-year term of office, commencing October 21, 2020 and ending October 20, 2024, was before the Council. (See Oath or Affirmation of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that the report of qualification be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL AND HEAR BRIEFINGS SY STAFF MEMBERS OR CONSULTANTS PERTAINING TO ACTUAL LITIGATION: A communication from the City Attorney requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to consult with legal counsel and hear briefings by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual litigation, where such consultation or briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(?), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  77 Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that Council concur in the request of the City Attorney as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: EXPIRATION OF TWO-YEAR TERMS OF OFFICE OF COUNCIL-APPOINTED OFFICERS: A communication from Council Member Michelle L. Davis, Chair, Roanoke City Council Personnel Committee, advising of the expiration of the two-year terms of office of the City Clerk and Municipal Auditor ending September 30, 2020. (See copy of communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that Council concur in the reappointment of the two- year terms of office of the City Clerk and Municipal Auditor, each, ending September 30, 2022. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: Route 220 Corridor Improvements Ken King, Salem District Engineer; and Anne Booker, Salem Traffic Engineer, updated the Council on the Route 220 Corridor Intersection Improvements and highlighted the following information: 78 • 220 Corridor Intersection Improvements • 7 Intersections, Multiple Regional and Local Benefits .... • Project Background • Project Goals • Traffic Signal Phases - Four Phase Example + Traffic Signal Phase Reduction • Percentage of Time Provided to Mainline Through Movements • Percentage of Time Provided to Mainline Left Movements • Percentage of Time Provided to 1st Street Movement • Percentage of Time Provided to 2nd Street Movement • Four Phase Signal Versus Three Phase Signal • Thru-Cut Improvement Concept • What's Changing? • What Stays the Same? • Traffic Signal Phases- Proposed Three Phase Signal + Southern Hills Drive/Valley Avenue Intersection + Pheasant Ridge Road/Crossbow Circle Intersection • Questions (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Following the presentation, Council Member White-Boyd inquired whether the roadway would be widened and if notification had been sent to property owners and businesses; whereby, Ms. Booker affirmed that notification had been sent. Vice-Mayor Cobb inquired if the modifications included bike lanes; wherein, Mr. King informed the Council that the roadway alterations would not include bike lanes, but the right lane would be widened. Following no additional inqUines with regard to the Route 220 Corridor Intersection Improvements, Mayor Lea thanked Mr. King and Ms. Booker for the presentation and received and filed the briefing. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: FY 2021 VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF FIRE PROGRAMS FUND GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of FY 2021 Virginia Department of Fire Programs grant funds. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  79 Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41863-092120) A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of the FY2021 Fire Programs Funds Grant made to the City of Roanoke by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 357.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41863- 092120. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#41864-092120) AN ORDINANCE appropriating funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Fire Programs, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2020- 2021 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 357.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41864-092120. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: Non e-O. 2021 DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES HIGHWAY SAFETY-CITY OF SPEED AWARENESS CAMPAIGN GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the 2021 Department of Motor Vehicles Highway Safety- City of Speed Awareness Safety Campaign Grant. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 80 Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following resolution: - (#41865-092120) A RESOLUTION accepting the 2021 Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Highway Safety Grant to the City from the Commonwealth of Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 358.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41865-092120. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Davis offered the following budget ordinance: (#41866-092120) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Virginia Department of Transportation for Pedestrian Safety Campaign, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2020 - 2021 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. '4 (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 81, page 359.) Council Member Davis moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41866- 092120. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. 2021 VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TRAFFIC SAFETY- SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT-ALCOHOL GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles 2021 Traffic Safety (Selective Enforcement- Alcohol) Grant. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  81 Council Member Price offered the following resolution: (#41867-092120) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the 2021 Department of Motor Vehicles Traffic Safety (Selective Enforcement -Alcohol) Grant to the City from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 360.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41867-092120. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#41868-092120) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for an alcohol enforcement traffic safety grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2020 - 2021 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 361.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41868-092120. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. 2021 VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TRAFFIC SAFETY- SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT-OCCUPANT PROTECTION GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles 2021 Traffic Safety (Selective Enforcement - Occupant Protection) Grant. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 82 Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41869-092120) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the 2021 Department of Motor Vehicles Traffic Safety (Selective Enforcement - Occupant Protection) Grant to the City from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 362.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41869- 092120. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Price offered the following budget ordinance: (#41870-092120) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for an occupant protection traffic safety grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2020 - 2021 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 363.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41870- 092120. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. 2021 VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TRAFFIC SAFETY- SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT-SPEED GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles 2021 Traffic Safety (Selective Enforcement- Speed) Grant. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  83 Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following resolution: (#41871-092120) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the 2021 Department of Motor Vehicles Traffic Safety (Selective Enforcement - Speed) Grant to the City from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 364.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41871-092120. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and was adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#41872-092120) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for a speed enforcement traffic safety grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2020 - 2021 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 365.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41872- 092120. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. 2021 VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES TRAFFIC SAFETY- SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT-PEDESTRIAN BICYCLE SAFETY: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles 2021 Traffic Safety (Selective Enforcement- Pedestrian Bicycle Safety) Grant. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 84 Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following resolution: (#41873-092120) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the 2021 Department of Motor Vehicles Traffic Safety (Selective Enforcement - Pedestrian Bicycle Safety) Grant to the City from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 366.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41873-092120. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Bestptich offered the following budget ordinance: (#41874-092120) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for a pedestrian and bicycle traffic safety grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2020 - 2021 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 367.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41874- 092120. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. AMENDMENT TO 2015 - 2019 HUD CONSOLIDATED PLAN: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending approval of the amended 2015- 2019 Consolidated Plan. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  85 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41875-092120) A RESOLUTION approving an amendment to the City of Roanoke's 2015 - 2019 Consolidated Plan, through its 2019 - 2020 Annual Plan, to reallocate a portion of the second allotment of certain unspent Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG-CV2) funds received by the City from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the 2019 - 2020 Plan Year due to the COVID-19 disaster; authorizing the City Manager or the City Manager's designee to submit such amendment to HUD for final review and approval; and further authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents required for such amendment.. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 368.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41875-092120. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#41876-092120) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2020 - 2021 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 370.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41876- 092120. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. AMENDMENT TO CITY CODE: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending amendment of the City Code to conform to current Statewide Building Code requirements. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 86 Council Member Price offered the following ordinance: (#41877-092120) AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining Section 7-4, Electrical inspector's right of entry; authority to disconnect current in emergencies; maximum length of service entrance conductor, Article I, In General, of Chapter 7, Building Regulations, of the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, to delete a subsection no longer required by the Uniform Statewide Building Code, and amend the title of the section to conform to the deletion; providing for an effective date: and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 81, page 371.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41877- 092120. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. NATURAL GAS LINE ENCROACHMENT PERMIT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization of an encroachment in City's right-of-way located at 305 Jefferson Street, S. W., and 10 Kirk Avenue, S. W., to allow for a natural gas line to service the Kirk Avenue parcel. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following ordinance: (#41878-092120) AN ORDINANCE permitting an existing encroachment as requested by Parkside Properties, LLP, a Virginia general partnership ("Parkside Properties") and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 81, page 372.) Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41878- 092120. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0.  87 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SERVING WESTERN VIRIGNIA-WAYFINDING SIGN GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, to support installation of wayfinding signs. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price offered the following resolution: (#41879-D9212D) A RESOLUTION accepting funding from the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia ("Foundation") in the amount of $5D,DDD to support the installation of wayfinding signs; and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Grant Agreement between the City of Roanoke and the Foundation, to support the installation of wayfinding signs. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 375.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41879-D9212D. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and was adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-D. Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#4188D-D9212D) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Community Catalyst Funds through the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia for the Regional Wayfinding Project, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2D2D - 2D21 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 376.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 4188D-D9212D. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-D. 88 REVOCABLE LICENSE AGREEMENT-CITY OF ROANOKE-BLUE RIDGE LITERACY: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of a Revocable License Agreement between the City of Roanoke and Blue Ridge Literacy for continued use of space at the Main Library Branch for administrative offices and tutoring services. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#41881-092120) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager to execute on behalf of the City a Revocable License Agreement with Blue Ridge Literacy, for the continued use of approximately 1800 square feet at the City's Main Library, located at 706 South Jefferson Street, Roanoke, Virginia, which would house the Bl~e Ridge Literacy administrative offices and tutoring services; authorizing the City Manager to implement, administer, and enforce such Revocable License Agreement; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 81, page 376.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41881-092120. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. LEE MONUMENT DISPOSITION: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending approval of a proposal of Evergreen Development Co., Inc., and the Historical Society of Western Virginia (Proponents) for the disposition of the Lee Monument. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#41882-092120) AN ORDINANCE accepting the proposal of Evergreen Development Co., Inc., and the Historical Society of Western Virginia (Proponents) for the disposition of the Lee Monument; authorizing the transfer of the Lee Monument to the Proponents; authorizing the City Manager to take all actions necessary to implement, effectuate, administer, this ordinance; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 81, page 378.)  89 Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41882-092120. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Bestpitch read a written statement to the community and Police Department with regard to the disposition of the Lee Monument and acknowledged the right to assemble and protest in a peaceful and lawful manner. He also expressed appreciation for the commitment of the Roanoke Police Department to protect and serve the citizens of the City of Roanoke. (See written statement on file in the City Clerk's Office.) COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: The City Manager offered the following comments: Gainsboro Branch Library Has Closed for Renovation • Ten years after its renovation, the City will refresh the amenities available at the Gainsboro Branch Library. • On September 15, curbside service ceased and the bookdrop closed at this Branch so that work can begin. • Customers may go to all other City library branch locations between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, for curbside services including material hold pickups, copying and faxing, as well as Feed and Read and kit- based programs. E-911 Center Staff Has Moved to Blue Hills Communications Center • As you recall, on August 6, the City held a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Communications Center, built to house the city's E-911 Center and the VA811 Contact Center. • While attention to some final details for the 911 Center delayed staff from moving in immediately after the ceremony, the switch has now occurred. • Our 911 staff is now operating at Blue Hills in a work environment that enhances communication, using the most up-to-date equipment to assist citizens who call for help. • This new facility will set the stage for continued growth in technology and development of the Center for decades to come. 90 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: The Roanoke City School Board submitted a written report requesting appropriation of funds for various educational programs; and the City Manager submitted a written report recommending that Council concur in the request. (For full text, see reports on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#41883-092120) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Commonwealth, federal and private grant for various educational programs, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2020 - 2021 School 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 379.) Council Member Davis moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41883- 092120. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: CITY COUNCIL VACANT SEAT: Council Member Davis offered the following resolution directing the City Attorney to petition the Circuit Court to issue an order authorizing appointment of a qualified voter from the City at-large with 45 days to fill the Council seat vacated by Djuna L. Osborne: (#41884-092120) A RESOLUTION directing the City Attorney to petition the Circuit Court to issue an order confirming that the remaining members of City Council for the City of Roanoke are authorized to appoint a qualified voter from the City at large within 45 days of the office becoming vacant to fill the council seat vacated by Djuna L. Osborne for the remaining portion of her unexpired term through December 31, 2022; • "' as provided in §4, Charter of the City of Roanoke, and Virginia Code §24.2-226. (For full test of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 382.)  91 Council Member Davis moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41884-092120. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. The City Attorney explained that Council Member Osborne's resignation was too close to the November 3 election, and he would petition the Circuit Court to issue an order confirming that City Council was authorized to appoint a qualified voter from the City within 45 days of the office becoming vacant. Council Member Price acknowledged that it was a very transparent process and publicly thanked Ms. Osborne for her dedicated service as a member of City Council. APPLICATION PROCESS FOR VACANT CITY COUNCIL SEAT: Council Member Davis offered the following resolution establishing a procedure and process for the appointment to City Council to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Djuna L. Osborne: (#41885-092120) A RESOLUTION establishing a procedure and process for the appointment to City Council to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Djuna L. Osborne. (For full test of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 383.) Council Member Davis moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41885-092120. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. For clarification purposes, the City Attorney advised that interested individuals should submit Statements of Interest to the City Clerk by email or postal mail no later than 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2020. The Statement of Interest shall include the applicant's full name, physical place of residence within the City of Roanoke, and the identity of the voter precinct within the City of Roanoke at which the applicant votes; and shall also provide that the applicant agree to be interviewed before City Council on 92 October 5, 2020, if so selected. He also stated that a Public Hearing would be held at 7:00p.m., to hear views of citizens regarding those applicants who will be interviewed at 3:00p.m.; and on Monday, October 19, City Council will make the appointment during the 2:00 p.m. session. CITY ATTORNEY APPOINTMENT: Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution electing and appointing Timothy R. Spencer as City Attorney for the City of Roanoke effective October 1, 2020, and ratifying the terms and conditions of employment offered to Mr. Spencer: (#41886-092120) A RESOLUTION electing and appointing Timothy R. Spencer as City Attorney for the City of Roanoke effective October 1, 2020, and ratifying the terms and conditions of employment offered to Mr. Spencer. (For full test of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 385.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41886-092120. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis. Following additional comments and accolades by Council Members, Resolution No. 41886-092120 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. GRTC FREE FARE ON ELECTION DAY: Council Member Price offered the following resolution approving and affirming the action taken by the Greater Roanoke Transit Company (GRTC) d/b/a Valley Metro to implement Fare Free Election Day Bus Service for Tuesday, November 3, 2020: (#41887-092120) A RESOLUTION approving and affirming the action taken by the Greater Roanoke Transit Company (GRTC) d/b/a Valley Metro to implement Fare Free Election Day Bus Service for Tuesday, November 3, 2020; and authorizing the City Manager to take any necessary action to accomplish such fare. (For full test of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 387.)  93 Council Member Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41887-092120. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. MOTION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: APPRECIATION: Vice-Mayor Cobb thanked the City of Roanoke and the Star City Strong Recovery Fund Task Force for their work and allocation of funds to support the community in its efforts at recovery from COVID-19-related issues; whereby, the City Manager stated funds remain available for citizens with unpaid bills and advised citizens to visit Individual COVID19 Recovery Funds Grant Application and fill out the application and email the document to: humanservices@roanokeva.gov. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: TASK FORCE TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE: The Vice-Mayor called attention to a vacancy on the Task Force to Reduce Gun Violence. Vice-Mayor Cobb placed in nomination the name of lrisha Goodman. There being no further nominations, Ms. Goodman was appointed to replace Yvonne Thomas as a member of the Task Force to Reduce Gun Violence, by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. At 4:33 p.m., Mayor Lea declared the Council Meeting in recess for a Closed Meeting; and thereafter to reconvene at 7:00p.m., in the Council Chamber, Room 450, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building. At 7:00 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, with Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., presiding. 94 PRESENT: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. ABSENT: None-0. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan, City Attorney; and Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Jonathan Harris, Pastor, Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Virginia. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Vice-Mayor Cobb moved that each Member of City Council certify to the best of his or her knowledge that: (1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and (2) • ... only such public business matters as were identified in any motion by which any Closed Meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered by City Council. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS: CONVEYANCE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY: Pursuant to instructions by the Council, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, September 21, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on a proposal of the City of Roanoke to convey certain real property located at 0 Lewiston Street, N. W., consisting of approximately 1.65 acres, more or less, to James Curtis Thompson, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Friday, September 11, 2020. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  95 The City Manager submitted a written report recommending execution of the proposed Contract for Purchase and Sale, approval as to form by the City Attorney. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#41888-092120) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents providing for the conveyance of a parcel of City-owned property located at 0 Lewiston Street, N. W., consisting of 1.65 acres, more or less, bearing Official Tax Map No. 6421113, to James C. Thompson, upon certain terms and conditions; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 81, page 388.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41888-092120. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd. The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter; there being none, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed. There being no comments and/or questions by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 41888-092120 was adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Anita J. Price, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6. NAYS: None-0. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: NONE. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the regular meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: c~~·~ Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk