City Council

247 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, Resolution No. 41986-011921 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea-7. 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 7:33p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: c~.J-.~ Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC Sherman P. Lea, Sr. City Clerk Mayor ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION February 1, 2021 10:00 a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. (delayed due to inclement weather), 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. 41964-010421 adopted by the Council on Monday, January 4, 2021. PRESENT: Council Members Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr., Stephanie Moon Reynolds, Vivian Sanchez-Jones, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch (participated by electronic means), Joseph L. Cobb and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. (arrived late)-7. ABSENT: None-0. 248 The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: RobertS. 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 Cobb moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Moon Reynolds and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb, and Vice-Mayor White-Boyd-6. NAYS: Non e-O. - (Mayor was not present when the vote was recorded.) REPORTS AND PLANS RELATED TO THE SECURITY OF THE NOEL C. TAYLOR MUNICIPAL BUILDING: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting for discussion of reports and plans related to the security of the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, situated at 215 Church Avenue, S. W., pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(19), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Jeffrey moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Moon Reynolds and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb, and Vice-Mayor White-Boyd-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor was not present when the vote was recorded.)  249 DISPOSITION OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2424 BRAMBLETON AVENUE, S. W.: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of an approximately one acre portion of City-owned property located at 2424 Brambleton Avenue, S. W., 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 Moon Reynolds moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Jeffrey and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb, and Vice-Mayor White-Boyd-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor was not present when the vote was recorded.) CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: A communication from the City Attorney requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting for consultation with legal counsel, pertaining to pending litigation, where such consultation in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigation posture of the City, pursuant to Section 2.2- 3711 (A)(?), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Cobb moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Moon Reynolds and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb, and Vice-Mayor White-Boyd-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor was not present when the vote was recorded.) ITEMS LISTED ON THE 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL DOCKET REQUIRING DISCUSSION/CLARIFICATION AND ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE 2:00P.M. AGENDA: NONE. 250 TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: NONE. BRIEFINGS: Budget/Financial Planning FY 22 Robert S. Cowell, City Manager and Amelia C. Merchant, Director of Finance, briefed the Council on the development of the FY 2021 - 2022 budget process. (See presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Manager advised that the presentation introduced the CIP and reminded the Council about the monthly town hall meetings hosted virtually to expand outreach and share City information. Ms. Merchant highlighted the following information: • FY 2021 Overview • FY 2022 Development • Capital Improvement Program (CIP) • Next Steps She advised that that the FY21 adopted budget was $298.1 million and local taxes comprised approximately 67.7 percent of all revenue; through December total FY 21 revenues decreased approximately $1.13 million or 1 percent compared to the same period of FY 20 due to an increase in real estate tax off-set by lower performance of transient occupancy and prepared food and beverage tax as well as charges for services; and expenditures and obligations through December decreased approximately $7.3 million or 4. 7 percent compared to the same period last year, mainly due to the timing of debt service payments, transfers to GRTC, civic facilities, capital projects and the grant fund. Ms. Merchant explained that the FY 2021 key local tax performance was a conservative approach and noted that the City may see an increase of $950,281.00 which would also allow for an increase for Roanoke City Public Schools in the amount of $633.521 .00. Council Member Jeffrey inquired as to the breakdown of the public safety overtime which was approximately 50.6 percent over expectation; whereupon, Ms. Merchant ~·"" replied that the figure referred mainly to overtime within the Sheriff and Fire Departments.  251 Vice-Mayor White-Boyd asked what was included under the communications tax umbrella. Ms. Merchant advised that it was a single remission of tax from the State to the locality as a result of cell phones and things of that source. Council Member Bestpitch inquired as to the status of the other revenues such as State and Federal funding as it related to the budget; whereby, Ms. Merchant replied that in the charges for services area, the City had a shortfall affected by the timing of activities that would normally have taken place and stated that she would send him more detail with regard to those figures. Ms. Merchant highlighted the FY 22 local tax estimate pointing out that for real estate $92.7 million or 93 percent of the potential revenue, sales tax shows a potential growth of four percent, transient occupancy growth of 73 percent, prepared food and beverage tax to decrease by three percent, cigarette tax to decrease by five percent, motor vehicle license, personal property and business license were held at level funding, communications tax potentially down about seven percent and in the other category one of the large impacts based on the experience with COVID-19 and the impact on the admissions tax contributing to that potential decrease of 4.78 percent, overall contributing to $1.8 million dollars of potential growth. She provided the next steps in the FY 2022 budget development process currently taking place pointing out that reviews were taking place for departmental offers by staff, external agency requests, equity and empowerment, budget committee, General Fund recommendation development, budget committee review of fee adjustment requests and preparation for the March 1 budget briefing. Ms. Merchant continued with the presentation by reviewing the Capital Improvement Program stating that the goal was to maintain current capital assets and infrastructure investment for livability and economic development with targeted livability investments including the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, transit and Fire/EMS facility upgrades, with all investments made within parameters of the debt policy. She also reviewed the FY21 to FY25 capital improvement program projects highlighting a few such as the refresh of the South Roanoke e-branch, Gainsboro and Belmont libraries; replacement of solid waste vehicles, rehabilitating and/or replacing amenities, greenways and identified upgrades of many school buildings; and the total CIP was approximately $113 million. She touched on the FY 2022 - 2026 Capital Improvement Program, noting that in FY 2026 the school improvements, Berglund Center improvements, stormwater improvements, Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk and streetscape improvements would require continuation of funding. 252 Lastly, Ms. Merchant reviewed the projects that were not currently programmed or funded in the FY 2022 - 2026 Capital Improvement Program such as renovation of the Garst Mill Bridge, Library Master Plan, sidewalk maintenance, traffic signal infrastructure, RMS/JMS technology replacement, fiber ring expansion, Fire Facility Master Plan, drill tower and the public works service center washhouse and renovations. Ms. Merchant concluded the presentation by noting that the next briefing would be on March 1 to include FY 2022 - 2026 priority projects, capital funding strategies and an update from the City's financial advisor. Council Member Bestpitch inquired about the main library branch renovations and Library Master Plan not being included in the CIP; whereupon, Ms. Merchant replied in the affirmative. Council Member Bestpitch expressed concern with the materials archived in the Virginia Room and the need for the climate control storage area and the possibility of the documents deteriorating prior to receiving the available funding to expand. Following discussion of curb and gutter projects within the CIP, Mayor Lea thanked the City Manager and Director of Finance for the informative presentation; and received and filed the budget briefing. Fire Marshal's Office Strategic Plan David Guynn, Deputy Chief of Community Risk Reduction, briefed the Council on the Fire Marshal's Office and recommendation for transition to full-time staff. (See presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Mr. Guynn highlighted the following information: • What We Do • Fire Inspections • Fire Investigations • New Construction Inspections • Staffing Model • Staffing Model: Challenges • Staffing Model: Risks • Staffing Recommendation • Revenue and Fees • Summary of Proposed Fee Changes ...... • Notes on Fee Changes (1/2) • Notes on Fee Changes (2/2) W,.·.-~ • Revenue Summary  253 Mr. Guynn explained the duties of the Fire Marshal's Office including fire prevention inspections, fire prevention systems acceptance tests on behalf of the Building Commissioner for all new fire protection systems, delivery and support of fire and life safety education, and investigation of cause and origin of each fire that occurs in the City. He continued by informing Council that the Fire Marshal's Office enforces City and Statewide Fire Prevention Codes and part-time staff conducted most of the routine inspections. Mr. Guynn reported that Fire-EMS conducts an investigation of every fire, explosion, and major burn with the City; wherein, investigators then work with law enforcement if cases are criminal in nature and are required to testify in criminal trials and are conducted by on-duty Operations personnel. At this point, Mayor Lea entered the meeting (1 0:52a.m.). Mr. Guynn shared current staffing data and explained challenges related to the part-time model which include inconsistent staffing, recruitment and retention, training requirements, and inconsistent level of service to citizens. He was concerned about turnover and scheduling may cause problems with buildings not inspected on the proper schedule amongst other serious difficulties that may present a life safety risk. Mr. Guynn proposed and recommended a staffing proposal plan of ten (1 0) full- time employees and suggested the conversion to full-time staff would be approximately $270,000.00 in new expenditures; noting minor changes to existing fees and presented additional revenue options for Council's consideration. He shared a detailed breakdown of the fee changes and petitioned the Council that the transition to full-time staff would provide the best possible level of service, ultimately reducing community risk. Vice-Mayor White-Boyd asked if the Fire Marshal's Office had a problem with recruitment; wherein, Mr. Guynn replied the Office had fifteen (15) personnel in operations who were firefighters and fire inspectors; and since FY 2000, that particular model used part-time inspectors; however, did not keep up with the department needs of today. Council Member Jeffrey inquired with regard to the 3,000 new inspection target; whereby, Mr. Guynn explained every building was a use group, determined by the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Commissioner and how risks groups were categorized. He gave the following example: institutional facilities like hospitals, day cares, nursing homes, educational facilities, high hazard facility, factories, and high storage facilities on an annual basis inspect use group. Council Member Bestpitch asked about the proposed changes in the fee structure related to the re-inspection fee adjusted to an hourly basis, for small businesses such as hair salons, would there be a $25.00 or $50.00 fee if it only takes half an hour. Mr. Guynn replied it would be $50.00 for the first hour and then $12.50 for every quarter hour thereafter to absorb the overhead. 254 Following inquiries from Vice-Mayor White-Boyd, Council Members Jeffrey, Cobb and Bestpitch, Mayor Lea thanked Mr. Guynn for the detailed presentation; and received and filed the briefing. At 11:52 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 2:00p.m., in the Council Chamber. At 2:00p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., presiding. PRESENT: Council Members Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr., Stephanie Moon Reynolds, Vivian Sanchez-Jones, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch (participated by electronic means), Joseph L. Cobb and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0. The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: RobertS. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Timothy R. Spencer, City Attorney; and Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Walter LeFlore, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke by (electronic communication means). The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: NONE. 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 MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Monday, December 21, 2020, was before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  255 Council Member Cobb moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with and approved as recorded. The motion seconded by Council Member Jeffrey and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ROANOKE REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Timothy Witten as a member of the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, effective January 22, 2021, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Cobb moved that the resignation be accepted and the communication be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Jeffrey and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. OATHS OF OFFICE-HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD-CITY OF ROANOKE FINANCE BOARD: Reports of qualifications of Aaron Washington as a member of the Human Services Advisory Board for a four-year term of office, commencing December 1, 2020 and November 30, 2024; and Laura Carini to replace Kenneth Cronin as the Citizen member of City of Roanoke Finance Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2022, were before the Council. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Cobb moved that the reports of qualification be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Jeffrey and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. 256 PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: GREATER WILLIAMSON ROAD AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION: Valerie A. Brown, Executive Director, appeared before the Council by electronic communication means to present information with regard to the expansion of the Special Service District for the Greater Williamson Road Area Business Association (WRABA). Ms. Brown provided background information advising that in 1993 Roanoke City Council established the Williamson Road Area District Fund to help to improve economic vitality and enhanced quality of life of the Greater Williamson Road corridor and surrounding areas; the fund offered assistance intended to foster recruitment, retention as well as plan for the development and revitalization of the area; and over the past 27 years, there was significant evidence of commitment to the area of economic development, city beautification, strategic planning and public safety. She requested that the Council allow WRABA to expand their footprint in the greater area and from a financial standpoint, increase revenue, which would allow the association to continue its work, increase its reach and effectiveness working with the area businesses and their concerns. She added that the plan was simple to reinvest the dollars back into the area and to the City and noted that projects were earmarked such as curbs, sidewalks, greenery, trees, improved lighting, business facades; and developing a multi-year plan to partner with the City to accomplish goals to work with and for the -- businesses. Ms. Brown showed a quick video presentation outlining the vision of WRABA and opened the floor to the Board members present to address the Council; whereupon, William Dixon, President, Greater Williamson Road Area Business Association and many other Board members introduced themselves. Following introductions, Ms. Brown opened the floor for questions; whereupon, Vice-Mayor White-Boyd inquired as to the parameters of the current district. Chris Chittum, Director, Planning, Building and Development referenced a map outlining the current district beginning at the north end at the city limits and extending south down to Orange Avenue. In response to an inquiry with regard to potential increased revenue, Ms. Brown indicated that it could be upwards of $101,000.00 to $120,000.00, for a total closer to the $225,000.00 mark, opening the door to do a lot of work and give back to the area.  257 .. , Council Member Sanchez-Jones asked how many members of different ethnic groups were on the Williamson Road corridor and members of the Association; whereupon, Ms. Brown advised that there was a fair amount of ethnic business owners, but the Association wanted to reach out to all the organizations operated by minorities and let them know that the Association can and will help them. Following additional discussion, Mayor Lea thanked Ms. Brown for the presentation, the Board members for their efforts and advised that the information would be received and filed. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEM RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2021 VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT (V -STOP) GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the 2021 Violence Against Women Act (V-STOP) Grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice for the Police Department's existing Domestic Violence Specialist position. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41987-020121) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the 2021 V-STOP Grant made to the City of Roanoke by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 574.) Vice-Mayor White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41987-020121. The motion seconded by Council Member Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 258 Vice-Mayor White-Boyd offered the following budget ordinance: (#41988-020121) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia for the Police Department Domestic Violence Program Grant (VSTOP), 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 574.) Vice-Mayor White-Boyd moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41988- 020121. The motion seconded by Council Member Jeffrey and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: The City Manager offered the following comments: The City will offer monthly Budget Development Webinars • Through April, we will conduct a series of Zoom webinars to share information with citizens about its annual Budget Development. • Webinars will be based upon the content of the presentations to City Council at their monthly budget briefings. • Citizens are invited to view the webinars, and will have the opportunity to ask questions via the Chat feature. • The January webinar, focusing on the Real Estate Assessment process, was conducted last Friday, Jan. 29 and recorded, and will be posted on the City's website with other budget-related materials. • The City will send MyRoanoke email notifications prior to each webinar, and post the information on our website homepage. Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board will meet this week • Thursday, February 4, at 6:30p.m., • The meeting will be hosted via Zoom and will be recorded and shared on the Equity and Empowerment webpage. • Members of the community wishing to address the Board will have an opportunity to give comments at the Board's quarterly public hearings; the next public hearings will be held in March. • The agenda is available on the City's website at roanokeva.gov/citymanager, select the link in the left column on the page.  259 Arts Collaboration will release "We Are Art" Rap Cypher • Partners for the project include the Roanoke Public Libraries, the Roanoke Arts Commission, the Grandin Theatre, and the Feeding Southwest Virginia Community Solutions Center. • The film will be released on February 5, at 10 a.m. on the Roanoke Public Libraries Facebook page and YouTube page. • The project is a celebration of black culture through a staple in the hip hop culture: rap cyphers, and it honors Black History Month. • The rap cypher features seven local rappers, and each artist wrote their own individual parts of the song. • The goal of this collaboration is to encourage Roanoke community members to know that the whole city is for all Roanokers. 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: Council Member Cobb expressed appreciation to the Public Works Department snow removal crews for an excellent job in clearing neighborhood streets on Sunday, January 31. Vice-Mayor White-Boyd announced that on Thursday, February 4, at 6:30 p.m., the City of Roanoke will host its second Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board Meeting, via Zoom, which will be recorded and shared on the Equity and Empowerment webpage; citizens wishing to address the Board will have an opportunity to give comments at the Board's quarterly public hearing; the next public hearing will be held in March and will be broadcasted live on the City's Facebook Page. 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 260 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 Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION BOARD: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the resignation of R.B. Lawhorn as a member (Deputy City Manager Designee) of the Defined Contribution Board ending June 30, 2021; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Cobb placed in nomination the name of Paul Workman. There being no further nominations, Mr. Workman was appointed as a member (Deputy City Manager Designee) of the Defined Contribution Board to fill the unexpired term of office of R.B. Lawhorn ending June 30, 2021, by the following vote: FOR MR. LAWHORN: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez- Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, and Mayor Lea-7. HOTEL ROANOKE CONFERENCE CENTER COMMISSION: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the four-year term of office of RobertS. Cowell, Jr., as a City Employee representative of the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center Commission ending April12, 2021; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Cobb placed in nomination the name of RobertS. Cowell, Jr. There being no further nominations, Mr. Cowell was reappointed as a City representative of the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center Commission for a four-year term of office commencing April 13, 2021 and ending April 12, 2025, by the following vote: FOR MR. COWELL: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, and Mayor Lea-7. PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of three-year terms of office of Joshua T. Dietz, Matthew Kelley and Jerome Stephens as members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board ending March 31, 2021; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Cobb placed in nomination the names of Diane Simmons, Stephen Terry McGuire and Jerome Stephens.  261 There being no further nominations, Ms. Simmons was appointed to replace Joshua Dietz; Mr. McGuire was appointed to replace Matthew Kelley; and Mr. Stephens was reappointed as members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for three-year terms of office, each, commencing April 1, 2021 and ending March 31, 2024, by the following vote: FOR MS. SIMMONS, MR. MCGUIRE AND MR. STEPHENS: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, and Mayor Lea-7. ROANOKE ARTS COMMISSION: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the resignation of Lora Katz as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission ending June 30, 2022; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Cobb placed in nomination the name of Kevin Deck. There being no further nominations, Mr. Deck was appointed as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission to fill the unexpired term of office of Lora Katz ending June 30, 2022, by the following vote: FOR MR. DECK: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, and Mayor Lea-7. There being no further business to come before the Council, the Mayor declared the regular meeting adjourned at 3:03p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: c~~·~ Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC ~<·~~- Sherman P. Lea, Sr. City Clerk Mayor