City Council

167 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION December 7, 2020 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in joint session with the Roanoke City School Board and State Area Legislators on Monday, December 7, 2020 at 9:00a.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, Vivian Sanchez-Jones, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch (participated by electronic means), Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0. The 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: VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: A communication from Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss vacancies on certain authorities, boards, commissions and committees appointed by Council, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1 ), Code of Virginia (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 Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 168 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. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price moved that Council concur in the abovementioned request. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY: A communication from the City Manager in a Closed Meeting to discuss or consider the acquisition of real property by the City for public purposes, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2- 3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 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. At 9:09 a.m., Mayor Lea welcomed the Roanoke City School Board and State Area Legislators to discuss the 2021 Legislative Program and matters of mutual interest.  169 SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES PRESENT: Mark K. Cathey, Dr. Elizabeth C. S. .. Jamison (present in Council Chamber), Laura D. Rottenborn, Natasha N. Saunders, Joyce W. Watkins, and Richard M. Willis (all by electronic means) and Chair, Lutheria H. Smith(present in Council Chamber)-?. SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES ABSENT: None-0. STATE AREA LEGISLATORS PRESENT: Senator John S. Edwards (by electronic means) and Senator David Sutterlein (present in Council Chamber); and Delegates Chris Head and Sam Rasoul (by electronic means )-4. OTHERS PRESENT: Verletta White, School Superintendent; Chris Perkins, Chief of Security; Kathleen Jackson, Chief Financial Officer, Roanoke City Public Schools; David Collins, Legal Counsel to Roanoke City Public Schools; Cindy H. Poulton, Clerk to the Roanoke City School Board; and Laura Bateman and Rodney Jordan, Advantus Strategies, Legislative Liaisons. Council Member Bestpitch, Chair, City Council Legislative Committee, welcomed the State Area Legislators and School Board Members in attendance. He pointed out the 2021 Legislative Program priorities were adopted on November 16, 2020 and highlighted the following information: 2021 Legislative Priorities • Fiscal Policy • Technology and Infrastructure Polic • Environmental Policy • Economic Development Policy • Education Policy • Public Safety Policy • Civil and Voting Rights Policy • Community Policy • 2021 VML Legislative Program • 2021 Legislative Priorities (See copy of the 2021 City of Roanoke Legislative Program on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch requested remarks from the Area Legislators with regard to the following assignments: Senator Edwards reviewed several items that had been passed during prior sessions. He noted that installation of solar panels for the Civic Center had been approved and should move forward. 170 Delegate Head noted Zoom meetings were good and safe and because of current limits on the number of bills, he could not carry any proposals for City of Roanoke during the session. He expressed reservation about the request to add the November election date to the City Charter because it coincided with the presidential and congressional elections and he did not support the change. He also added the City of Roanoke should represent ward-based divisions, rather than at-large. Delegate Rasoul supported the requests to transfer blighted properties to land banks or non-profits rather than sell at auction and suggested that the City combine that request with another statewide bill as well as the request to ban smoking at outdoor public facilities. He shared that the Education priority average daily attendance was delayed and asked that the Schools be held harmless because of COVID-19 numbers would not be accurate from across the State. Senator Suetterlein stated he did not support holding harmless school funding because it may hurt, rather than help; was not enthusiastic about the Charter amendments; recommended a ward-based system; and was reluctant to support the no smoking issue and the gun ban. He further stated that there were too many social items in the 2021 Legislative Program. Following remarks from the State Area Legislators, Mayor Lea invited .. ~ Superintendent Verletta White to make closing remarks; thereafter, Council Member Bestpitch thanked everyone for their positive feedback. - ,. At 10:45 a.m., Chairman Smith declared the School Board meeting adjourned and Mayor Lea declared the Council Meeting in recess. At 10:56 a.m., the Council meeting reconvened with Mayor Lea presiding and all Members of Council in attendance; and called attention to the following briefings: Comprehensive Plan Update Christopher Chittum, Director, Planning Building, and Development; lan Shaw, Planning Administrator; and Wayne Leftwich, Senior City Planner, gave a comprehensive overview of the City Plan 2040, which will replace Vision 2001-2020 that was adopted in 2001. Mr. Chittum advised that the plan was designed to prove a community-driven vision that identified short- and long-term strategies expressed through a focus on city design and the themes of Interwoven Equity, Healthy Community, Harmony with Nature, Livable Built Environment, Responsible Regionalism, and Resilient Economy. -  171 Mr. Chittum shared highlights of the plans recommended policies and actions that will work together to achieve the following: • A city that considers equity in each of its policies and provides opportunity for all, regardless of background. • A city that ensures that the health and safety of every community member/ • A city that understands its natural assets and priorities sustainable innovation. • A city that interweaves design, services, and amenities to provide high livability. • A city that collaborates with its neighbors to improve regional quality of life. • A city that promotes sustainable growth through targeted development of industry. Mr. Shaw emphasized the six themes drawn from the American Planning Association's (APA) Best Practices for Comprehensive Plans: • Interwoven Equity • Healthy Community • Harmony with Nature • Livable Built Environment • Responsible Regionalism • Resilient Economy Mr. Leftwich concluded the presentation by highlighting the following categories: • Authentic Participation • Big Ideas • City Design o Land Use Priorities o Transportation Priorities o Urban Design o Character Districts o Future Land Use o City Planning Framework (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Following the update, Mayor Lea thanked Messrs. Chittum, Shaw, and Leftwich for the presentation and advised the briefing would be received and filed. 172 Proposed City Code Changes Evelyn Powers, City Treasurer, briefed the Council on the proposed City Code changes to amend certain sections of the Code addressing the following tax penalties: • Trust Tax (Meals, Admissions, Transient Occupancy) • Real Estate Tax and Personal Property Tax • License Tax • Bank Franchise Tax • Tax on Tangible Personal Property Ms. Powers recommended amending several provisions of the City Code relating to assessment of penalties on certain taxes and other aspects of such taxes in order to assist taxpayers or otherwise comply with state code requirements. She also shared information about the new treasury tax and treasury system to be used for the assessment, billing and collection of taxes and business licenses. Council Member Bestpitch inquired with regard to the implementation of the new treasury tax system; wherein, Drew Harmon, Municipal Auditor, estimated that the new system may be up as soon as March, but definitely prior to July 1, 2021. Following comments by Council Members Price and Cobb, Mayor Lea thanked Ms. Powers for her dedication and commitment to the City, and advised the briefing would be received and filed. At 11:43 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; and thereafter to be reconvened at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber. At 2:00 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., presiding. PRESENT: Council Members Anita J. Price, Vivian Sanchez-Jones, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch (participated by electronic means), Joseph L. Cobb, Michelle L. Davis, and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0. The 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.  173 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 Sherman P. Lea, Sr. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: ANNUAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK ART CONTEST WINNERS: Mayor Lea recognized the winners of the 16th Annual Fire Prevention Week Art Contest and acknowledged Kristen Perdue, Fire Prevention Specialist, Chief David Hoback and 19 children from Roanoke City elementary and middle schools who received certificates as contest winners. 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. 2019 HUD ANNUAL ACTION PLAN: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, December 21, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, or such later date and time as the City Manager shall determine, in his discretion, to amend the 2019 HUD Annual Action Plan, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: Non e-O. VACATION OF EXISTING INGRESS/EGRESS EASEMENT: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, December 21, 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 shall determine, in his discretion, 174 for the vacation of existing ingress/egress easement and the public drainage easement to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: Non e-O. WESTERN VIRGINIA WATER AUTHORITY EASEMENT: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, December 21, 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 shall determine, in his discretion, to consider granting a 20-foot easement at 1234 Midvale Avenue, S. W., to the Western Virginia Water Authority, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: Non e-O. WALKER MACHINE AND FOUNDRY CORPORATION: A communication from the City Attorney requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, December 21, 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 shall determine, in his discretion, to consider the conveyance of a 41 ,448 square foot portion of City-owned property in fee simple and several drainage easements to Walker Machine and Foundry Corporation, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  175 Council Member Davis moved that Council concur in the request of the City ... Attorney as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. CITY MANAGER TRANSFER REPORTS FY 2021 FIRST QUARTER-FY 2020 PERIOD 13: A communication from the City Manager transmitting the City Manager Transfer Reports for the FY 2021 first quarter ended September 30, 2020; and FY 2020 period 13 ended November 30, 2020, were before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis moved that the communication be received and filed. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. OATHS OF OFFICE-MILL MOUNTAIN ADVISORY BOARD-HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD-EQUITY AND EMPOWERMENT ADVISORY BOARD: Reports of qualifications of the following individuals were before the Council: Jason Morgan as a member of the Mill Mountain Advisory Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2021; Erika Bergen as a member of the Human Services Advisory Board for a term of office ending November 30, 2021; and Peter Wonson, Patice Holland, William L. Lee and Angela Penn as members of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board for three-year terms of office, each, commencing January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2023. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 176 Council Member Davis moved that the reports of qualification be received and filed. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 2019- 2020 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER): A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 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 shall determine, in his discretion, for approval of the 2019 - 2020 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Davis moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION:  177 HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the Highway Safety Improvement Program funds from the Virginia Department of Transportation for the Franklin Road Pedestrian Improvements Phase II. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41924-120720) A RESOLUTION accepting the additional Virginia Department of Transportation's ("VDOT") award of funds to the City in the total amount of $850,937 for the Franklin Road Improvements Phase II project; authorizing the City Manager to execute a VDOT Standard Project Administration Agreement for Federal-aid Projects and Appendix A; and authorizing the City Manager to take certain other actions in connection with the above matters and project. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 440.) White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41924-120720. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#41925-120720) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Virginia Department of Transportation for traffic signal improvement projects, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2020 - 2021 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 81, page 441.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41925-120720. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 178 ENCROACHMENT PERMIT FOR GREATER ROANOKE TRANSIT COMPANY: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization of an encroachment in the City's right-of-way located at the northeast corner of Peters Creek Road and Shenandoah Avenue, N. W., for a bus shelter. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Price offered the following ordinance: (#41926-120720) AN ORDINANCE repealing Ordinance No. 41651-010620, adopted on January 6, 2020; and adopting a restated Ordinance allowing a bus shelter encroachment by Greater Roanoke Transit Company d/b/a Valley Metro ("GRTC") into the public right-of-way located at the northeast corner of Peters Creek Road, N. W. and Shenandoah Avenue, N. W., between the Food Lion driveway entrance and Peters Creek Road at the Creekside Shopping Center, and which bus shelter will be located within the City Right-of-Way, approximately 50-55 feet south of a parcel owned by Food Lion LLC bearing Official Tax Map No. 6030107, 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 442.) Council Member Price moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41926-120720. The motion seconded by Council Member White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. AMENDMENT OF CITY CODE - EQUITY AND EMPOWERMENT BOARD: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending amendment of the City Code in connection with the newly created Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member White-Boyd offered the following ordinance: (#41927-120720) AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining subsection (e) (3) of Section 2-305, Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board, Division 1 Generally, Article XIV Authorities. Boards, Commissions and Committees Generally, Chapter 2, Administration, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended; establishing 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 444.)  179 Council Member White-Boyd moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41927- 120720. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. CHIEF LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS (CLEO) CHARTER AGREEMENT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of Amendment No. 2 to the Chief Local Elected Officials (CLEO) Charter Agreement among member jurisdictions comprising Workforce Investment Area Ill. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor Cobb offered the following ordinance: (#41928-120720) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the adoption of Amendment No. 2 to the Workforce Investment Area Ill Chief Local Elected Officials ("CLEO") Charter Agreement to amend and confirm the Workforce Investment Area Ill CLEO Charter Agreement (Charter Agreement), as amended; authorizing the Mayor to execute such Amendment No. 2 to the Charter Agreement; authorizing such city officials to execute such other documents and take such other actions to effectuate such Amendment No. 2 to the Charter Agreement; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 81, page 445.) Vice-Mayor Cobb moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41928-120720. The motion seconded by Council Member Davis and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. Council Member White-Boyd offered the following resolution: 180 (#41929-120720) A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding ("Agreement") between the City of Roanoke ("Grant Recipient") and the Western Virginia Workforce Development Board, Inc. ("WDB"), and authorizing execution of such other documents and performance of other actions deemed necessary to effectuate, deliver, perform, administer, and enforce the Agreement. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 447.) White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41929-120720. The motion seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: The City Manager offered the following comments: Brandon Avenue Paving Project • Brandon Avenue, between Franklin Road and Brambleton Avenue, is -.4 scheduled for paving in the spring of 2021. • In an effort to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities, the Transportation Division is considering making modifications to the travel lanes along the section between Colonial A venue and Main Street. • Staff is seeking public input to understand how the community feels about these potential changes. • The link to a survey and other information about the project is posted at planroanoke.org/brandonpaving • Information also will be shared on the Roanoke Transportation Facebook page. Roanoke 100 Miler Returns • Citizens are invited to celebrate the New Year by accepting Roanoke's 100 Miler challenge. • Participants commit to complete 100 miles in 100 days. • This is one of Roanoke's favorite fitness traditions, and a great way to learn more about the parks, trails, and greenways in our area. • Register at PLAYRoanoke.com under "Races and Events/Special Programs."  181 Families May Drop Off Santa Letters at Library Drop Boxes • One book drop at each City library branch, except the Gainsboro Branch (closed for renovation), has been specially decorated for the holidays. • In addition to serving as book drops, they also serve as mailboxes for the North Pole! • Families may drop off their letters to Santa at any of these book drops between now and Christmas Eve. • Families may also stop by library branches to pick up a special gift bag from Santa. The bag contains a book, some activities, and a template for writing those letters! REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: Mayor Lea acknowledged the City Clerk and Vice-Mayor Cobb for their orchestration of the recent Investiture Ceremonies held on December 3 and 4 and expressed appreciation for a job well done. Council Member Bestpitch acknowledged December 7 as the 79th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941; paid tribute to more than 2,400 Americans killed during the unexpected raid on a U.S. Navy base in Hawaii; asked all citizens to take a moment remember the sacrifices of the military; and announced Hanukkah celebrations begin at sundown on Thursday, December 10, and continued through Friday, December 18. Council Member White-Boyd thanked the City Clerk, as well as the staff, Adalina Allicott, Andrea Johnson, and Cecelia Webb, for an excellent job executing the recent Investiture Ceremonies and expressed extreme pleasure with the outcome. Vice-Mayor Cobb thanked the staff of Roanoke Valley Television (RVTV) for recording the Investiture Ceremonies and announced the production of a videotape will be forthcoming that will include snippets of each ceremony combined into one video to be shared on Facebook and made available for Members of Council. 182 ..... VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Council Member Moon Reynolds moved that each Member of City Council certify to the best of his or her knowledge that: (1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in any motion by which any Closed Meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered by City Council. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ROANOKE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATES: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the resignation of Katelynn Lewis as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates for a term of office ending September 30, 2021; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Vice-Mayor Cobb placed in nomination the name of Rosheta Chase. There being no further nominations, Ms. Chase was appointed as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates to fill the unexpired term of office of Katelynn Lewis ending September 30, 2021, by the following vote: FOR MS. CHASE: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. WESTERN VIRGINIA'S REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL FACILITY AUTHORITY: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the resignation of R. Brian Townsend as the City representative to the Western Virginia's Regional Industrial Facility Authority for a term of office ending February 3, 2022; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Vice-Mayor Cobb placed in nomination the name of W. Brent Robertson. There being no further nominations, Mr. Robertson was appointed as the City representative to the Western Virginia's Regional Industrial Facility Authority to fill the unexpired term of office of R. Brian Townsend ending February 3, 2022, by the following vote:  183 FOR MR. ROBERTSON: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the resignation of Ray Bemis, Ill, as a Citizen-at-large/Medical member of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2023; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Vice-Mayor Cobb placed in nomination the name of Pamela Smith. There being no further nominations, Ms. Smith was appointed as a Citizen-at- large/Medical member of the Youth Services Citizen Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Ray Bemis, Ill, ending June 30, 2023, by the following vote: FOR MS. SMITH: Council Members Price, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Davis, and Mayor Lea-7. There being no further business to come before the Council, the Mayor declared the regular meeting adjourned at 2:50p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: ~1 .-.#~/1 ~,, c~J. rF&b-tj 1: <t\:·· Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC .. c-.::::;,yt.a~ ..-~ -- I. Sherman P. Lea, Sr. City Clerk Mayor