City Council

96 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION October 5, 2020 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, October 5, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W., City of Roanoke, with Vice-Mayor Joseph L. Cobb 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 Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, Anita J. Price and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., (arrived late )-6. ABSENT: None-0. The Vice-Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Timothy R. Spencer, City Attorney; and Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk. ITEMS FOR ACTION: CANDIDATES FOR CITY COUNCIL: A communication from Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the selection of candidates to be interviewed for the interim City Council Member position, 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 Davis moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Davis, Price and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was not present when vote was recorded.)  97 ITEMS LISTED ON THE 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL DOCKET REQUIRING DISCUSSION/CLARIFICATION AND ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE 2:00P.M. AGENDA: NONE. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: NONE. BRIEFINGS: League of Older Americans - Age-Friendly Roanoke Action Plan 2021 - 2023 Ron D. Boyd, President and CEO, Local Office on Aging, Inc., briefed City Council on the domains of livability identified by the World Health Organization and adopted by the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. The plan involves many improvements to the way City government recognizes and meets the needs of older adults and individuals with different abilities. Mr. Boyd emphasized the following areas: • What is an Age-Friendly Community? • Roanoke's Older Population • Action Plan Development o AARP 8 Domains of Livability o 2019 Neighborhood Survey o City Plan 2020 • Age-Friendly Roanoke Action Plan 2021-2023 o Goal 1: Expand Understanding and Raise Awareness of Need o Goal 2: Build Community Capacity to Respond o Goal 3: Build Sustainable Relationships and Interventions • Appendix A: Age-Friendly Roanoke Partner Organizations • Appendix B: 2019 Neighborhood Survey Executive Summary (See Action Plan on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Following inquiries and comments by members of City Council and the City Manager, Vice-Mayor Cobb advised that the Action Plan would be received and filed. At 9:08 a.m., Mayor Lea entered the meeting and Vice-Mayor Cobb relinquished the Chair. At 9:16a.m., the Mayor declared the Council meeting in recess for a Legislative Committee meeting. 98 At 10:18 a.m., the Mayor declared the Council meeting in recess for a Closed Meeting in the Council's Conference Room, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building. At 2:00 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Vice-Mayor Cobb presiding. PRESENT: Council Members Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, Anita J. Price and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., (arrived late)-6. ABSENT: None-0. The Vice-Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Timothy R. Spencer, City Attorney; and Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by Vice-Mayor Joseph L. Cobb. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Council Member William D. Bestpitch. ANNOUNCEMENTS The Vice-Mayor announced the City Council Vacancy Candidates selected to be interviewed at 3:00 p.m.; and that a public hearing would be held at 7:00 p.m., to hear the views of citizens with regard to the following candidates: Dr. John Randolph Clements Elizabeth Doughty Alvin L. Nash Luke W. Priddy Vivian Sanchez-Jones 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.  99 PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH: Vice-Mayor Cobb declared October 2020 as Arts and Humanities Month. (See ceremonial copy of proclamation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Following a video produced by Mr. Jackson, used as a part of Roanoke's entry for the All-America City event held in August 2020, Vice-Mayor Cobb presented the proclamation to Douglas Jackson, Arts and Culture Coordinator. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. If deemed appropriate, matters will be referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to the Council. CITY CRIME: Jennifer West Parker, 624 Amor Drive, Cocoa, Florida, appeared before the Council regarding her mother, June West, who was murdered in Roanoke 40 years ago. 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 REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETINGS OF COUNCIL: Minutes of the regular meetings of City Council held on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, Monday, September 21, 2020; and special meetings of City Council held on Friday, September 18, 2020, were before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch moved that 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 White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Davis, Price and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was not present when vote was recorded.) 100 COMMITTEE VACANCIES DUE TO RESIGNATION: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the vacancies on the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee, Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Virginia's First Regional Industrial Facility Authority and Virginia Municipal League Economic Development Policy Committee, due to the resignation of Council Member Djuna L. Osborne, effective September 16, 2020. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch moved that the communication be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Davis, Price and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was not present when vote was recorded.) FY2020 CITY MANAGER TRANSFER REPORT: A communication from the City Manager transmitting the FY2020 City Manager Transfer Report for the fourth quarter ended June 30, 2020. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch moved that the communication be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Davis, Price and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was not present when vote was recorded.) OATHS OF OFFICE-CITY ATTORNEY-VISIT VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE, BOARD OF DIRECTORS-BUILDING AND FIRE CODE BOARD OF APPEALS: Reports of qualifications of the following individuals were before the Council: Timothy R. Spencer as City Attorney for the City of Roanoke for a term of office commencing October 1, 2020 and ending September 30, 2022;  101 Shaleen Powell as a City representative 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; and Christopher Link as a member (Citizen At-Large) of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals for a three-year term of office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch moved that the reports of qualification be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Davis, Price and Vice-Mayor Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was not present when vote was recorded.) REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: Strategic Plan Update City Manager Bob Cowell gave a brief strategic plan update and highlighted key points: • Strategic Plan Update and FY22 Budget Planning -A Framework • Retreat- Takeaways o Education o Community Safety o Human Services o Infrastructure o Good Government 102 o Livability o Economy • Next Steps o Working Groups o Draft Strategies o Budget Planning Retreat o Draft Strategic Plan o Strategic Plan Adoption • Questions Mr. Cowell advised the areas of concern discussed during the City Council workshop held on August 27 and 28, 2020. He noted that there were a number of topics needing further attention such as improving career path options for City of Roanoke students, making economic opportunities more equitable, requiring the City's Boards and Commissions to be representative of the Roanoke's demographics, and considering ways to improve youth recreational sports. Following the briefing, Mr. Cowell asked if the information presented was accurate with regard to the direction of City Council; whereby, all Council Members concurred. Vice-Mayor Cobb thanked Mr. Cowell for the update and advised that the presentation would be received and filed. At 2:52 p.m., Mayor Lea entered the meeting and Vice-Mayor Cobb relinquished the Chair. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: 2020 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the 2020 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to the Roanoke Police and Sheriff's Departments from the United States Department of Justice. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41889-1 00520) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of a grant from the FY 2020 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program made to the City of Roanoke by the United States Department of Justice; and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 389.)  103 Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41889-100520. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#41890-100520) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Federal government, Department of Justice, for the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, 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 390.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41890- 100520. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL WELLNESS PROGRAM GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the State and Local Government Financial Wellness Program Grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to establish or improve employee financial wellness programs. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#41891-1 00520) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the State and Local Government Financial Wellness Program Gant from Wells Fargo Foundation, and authorizing the acceptance, execution, and filing of appropriate documents to obtain such funds. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 391.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41891-100520. 104 The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#41892-1 00520) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Wells Fargo Foundation through the International Public Management Association For Human Resources and the National Association of State Treasurers' Foundation for the State and Local Financial Wellness Grant Program, 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 392.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41892- 100520. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0 FY 2020 - 2021 UNITED WAY FUNDING-BANK ON ROANOKE VALLEY PROGRAM: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending appropriation of the FY 2020 - 2021 United Way funding for the Bank On Roanoke Valley Program. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#41893-100520) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the United Way of Roanoke Valley to transition program management from Bank on Roanoke Valley to the City to improve the financial stability of low to moderate income residents, 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 393.)  105 Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41893- 100520. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SERVING WESTERN VIRGINIA FOR WAYFINDING SIGNS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending repeal of Budget Ordinance No. 41880-092120 in connection with an Agreement with Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia for wayfinding signs. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#41894-1 00520) 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 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 394.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41894- 100520. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0 COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER. The City Manager offered the following comments: Dedication Ceremony for Historical Marker Last week, the City dedicated an historic marker on Wells Avenue recognizing the Hunton Life Saving and First Aid Crew - the first all-black volunteer rescue squad in the United States. This week we will be dedicating another historical marker, this time for the Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew: 106 • Tuesday, October 6, at 11:30 a.m. • The event will be near the original location of the Crew, directly across the street from 321 Luck Avenue, S. W. (in the grassy strip). • Organized in May 1928 by Julian Stanley Wise, the Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew is recognized as the first independent, all-volunteer rescue squad in the United States. • The dedication will be led by former Mayor Nelson Harris, to celebrate this group of people who provided vital services to our community. National Night Out Tuesday, October 6, is the date for this year's National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes public safety and neighborhood camaraderie. Roanoke will be participating in the celebration along with other communities and neighborhoods across the nation. • Due to COVID-19, activities will be structured differently this year. o Videos from first responders will be shared throughout the day on the Office of Neighborhood Services Facebook page. o Citizens are invited to "Pop In" at one of the neighborhood locations from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and use their creative talents to put positive messages to first responders on rocks, and chalk messages to community helpers on walkways and in parking lots at locations throughout the City. • Details on neighborhood locations and other information about this event can be found on the Office of Neighborhood Services Facebook page. Roanoke Received HUD funds to Address Lead and Home Safety Hazards • Roanoke has been notified it will be awarded $3,718,733 in HUD funding to protect children and families from lead-based paint and home health hazards through the City's Lead Safe Roanoke Program. • This funding is part of nearly $165 million awarded nationwide to 44 state and local government agencies in 23 states. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:  107 INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: Council Member Price announced Points of Diversity will host a ceremonial dedication of a commemorative tree planted in the Gainsboro neighborhood as a symbol of healing from past racial injustices and hope for the future of an anti-racist Roanoke City. The event will be held outside of the Gainsboro Library on Monday, October 12, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: NONE. 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 White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, Price and Mayor Lea-6. NAYS: None-0 At 3:00 p.m., the following individuals were interviewed to fill the unexpired term of office of Djuna L. Osborne ending December 31, 2022. Dr. John Randolph Clements Elizabeth Doughty Alvin L. Nash Luke W. Priddy Vivian Sanchez-Jones At 5:10p.m., Mayor Lea declared the Council Meeting in recess for continuation of Closed Meeting; and thereafter to reconvene at 7:00 p.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 Vice-Mayor Joseph L. Cobb presiding. 108 PRESENT: Council Members Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Davis, Anita J. Price and Vice-Mayor Joseph L. Cobb-5. ABSENT: Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-1. The Vice-Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Timothy R. Spencer, City Attorney; and Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by Vice-Mayor Joseph L. Cobb. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Council Member White-Boyd. CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Council Member Bestpitch 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 White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Davis, Anita J. Price and Vice-Mayor Joseph L. Cobb-5. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent) PUBLIC HEARINGS: CANDIDATES FOR CITY COUNCIL VACANCY: Pursuant to instructions by the Council, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, October 5, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, to receive views of citizens regarding the applicants interviewed, at 3:00p.m., to fill the unexpired term of office of Djuna L. Osborne as a Member of Roanoke City Council. The candidates for consideration are Dr. John Randolph Clements, Elizabeth Doughty, Alvin L. Nash, Luke W. Priddy and Vivian Sanchez-Jones, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Thursday, September 24, 2020. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  109 Vice-Mayor Cobb acknowledged emails received in the City Clerk's Office in support of the interviewed candidates. The Vice-Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter; whereupon, the following individuals appeared before the Council: In support of Alvin L. Nash: David Nixon, 8100 Poor Mountain Road, Bent Mountain, Virginia; Carolyn Hayes-Coles, 1501 Cove Road, N. W. In support of Elizabeth Doughty: William Poe, 1525 West Drive, S. W.; Barbara Duerk, 2607 Rosalind Avenue, S. W. In support of Dr. John Randolph Clements: Paul Beers, 366 Highland Avenue, S. W.; Peter Apel, 2523 Carolina Avenue, S. W.; Keith Moir, 2317 Martin Lane, S. W. In support of Vivian Sanchez-Jones: Amar Bhattarai, 4614 Oakland Boulevard, N. W.; Thomas Jones, 2610 Belle Avenue, N. E.; Mac McCadden, 2018 Carroll Avenue, N. W.; Carmen Khokar, 929 Hershberger Road, N. W.; Jose Zuniga-Juarez, 2012 Denniston Avenue, S. W.; Alexander Scott, 4735 Woodley Drive, S. W.; Barbara Smith, 436 Bramble Lane, S. W.; Steve Santa Ana, P. 0. Box 12302, Roanoke, Virginia; In support of Luke W. Priddy: Sarah Dean, 714 Dupont Circle, S. W.; Amanda Holland, 1512 Westover Avenue, S. W.; Lawson Koeppel, 622 Allison Avenue, S. W.; Barbara Andes, 2803 Rosalind Avenue, S. W.; Chuck Simpson, 2046 Kenwood Blvd., S. E.; Patricia Suppes, 2139 Broadway Avenue, S. W.; Gem lndino, 302 51h Street, S. W.; David Wilson, 2726 Thorndale Street; Julie Wagner, 2630 Grandin Road, S. W.; Jackson Wills, 415 Willow Oak Drive, S. W.; 110 William Sellari, 1833 Avon Road, S. W.; John and Crystal Priddy, 2643 Nottingham Road, S. W.; There being no additional speakers, the Vice-Mayor declared the public hearing closed. The Vice-Mayor expressed appreciation to all speakers and announced that another Public Hearing would be held for citizens to speak on behalf of the candidates on Monday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m., and the Council would appoint the successful candidate during the 7:00 p.m. session. There being no further business to come before the Council, the Vice-Mayor declared the regular meeting adjourned at 8:20p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: ~~·~Vd·~ Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk --~JJoseph~~ Vice-Mayor