City Council

262 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION .... February 16, 2021 2:00p.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 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. 41964-010421 adopted by the Council on Monday, January 4, 2021. PRESENT: Council Members Stephanie Moon Reynolds, Vivian Sanchez- Jones, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch (participated by electronic means), Joseph L. Cobb, Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr., 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 and Timothy R. Spencer, City Attorney. OTHERS PRESENT: Andrea R. Johnson, Recording Secretary. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Elizabeth Link, Pastor, Second Presbyterian Church (participated 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: NATIONAL CIVIC LEAGUE AWARD: The City Manager presented Mayor Lea with a plaque for his service with the National Civic League. INTRODUCTION OF NEW ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY: The City Attorney introduced the new Assistant City Attorney, Kelsey Durkin. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD: Darcel! Yates, 2021 Mercer Avenue, N. W., addressed the Council with regard to the Girl Scout Gold Award.  263 - MISCELLANEOUS: Barbara Duerk, 2607 Rosalind Avenue, S. W., addressed the Council with regard to working together in the Roanoke Valley. 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, January 4, 2021, was before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor White-Boyd moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with and approved as recorded. The motion seconded by Council Member Moon Reynolds and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Jeffrey, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. EXPANSION OF WILLIAMSON ROAD AREA SERVICE DISTRICT: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, March 15, 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, to consider the expansion of the Williamson Road Area Service District to include additional land areas. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor White-Boyd 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 Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Jeffrey, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 264 CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: A communication from the City Attorney requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting for consultation with legal counsel requiring the advice of counsel, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(7), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor White-Boyd moved that Council concur in the request of the City Attorney as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Moon Reynolds and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Jeffrey, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. OATHS OF OFFICE-HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD-ROANOKE ARTS COMMISSION: Reports of qualification of the following individuals were before the Council: Bradley Stephens as a member of the Human Services Advisory - Board for a four-year term of office, commencing December 1, 2020 and ending November 30, 2024; Kevin Deck as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission to fill the unexpired term of office of Lora Katz ending June 30, 2022; and Patricia Wilhelms as a member of Roanoke Arts Commission for a three-year term office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023. (See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor White-Boyd moved that the reports of qualification be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Moon Reynolds and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Jeffrey, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ..  265 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: EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FUNDS GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund Grant from the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Moon Reynolds offered the following resolution: (#41989-021621) A RESOLUTION accepting the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund grant made to the City by the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 577.) Council Member Moon Reynolds moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41989- 021621. The motion seconded by Council Member Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Jeffrey, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 266 - Council Member Moon Reynolds offered the following budget ordinance: (#41990-021621) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia for the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund (RSAF) Grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2020 - 2021 General Fund and 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 577.) Council Member Moon Reynolds moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41990-021621. The motion seconded by Council Member Jeffrey and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Jeffrey, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. ADOPTION OF ROANOKE VIRGINIA STRATEGIC PLAN 2021 - 2022: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending approval of the Roanoke, Virginia Strategic Plan 2021 - 2022. - (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Cobb offered the following resolution: (#41991-021621) A RESOLUTION adopting the Roanoke, Virginia Strategic Plan 2021 - 2022 (2021 Strategic Plan). (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 578.) Council Member Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41991-021621. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Jeffrey, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. BLUE HILLS VILLAGE CONCEPT PLAN: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of an agreement to modify the Blue Hills Village Concept Plan. - (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  267 Council Member Moon Reynolds offered the following ordinance: (#41992-021621) AN ORDINANCE approving the terms of an Agreement to Modify Blue Hills Village Concept Plan between the City of Roanoke, Virginia, and the National Bank of Blacksburg; authorizing the City Manager to execute such Agreement; authorizing the City Manager to implement, administer, and enforce such Agreement; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 81, page 580.) Council Member Moon Reynolds moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41992- 021621. The motion seconded by Council Member Sanchez-Jones. Council Member Cobb inquired about the project details; whereupon, the City Manager advised that it was to be used as restaurant. The City Attorney added that one restaurant would be a Popeye's fast food chain. There being no additional comments by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 41992-021621 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Jeffrey, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPORVEMENT PROGRAM: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending to repeal and replace Budget Ordinance No. 41938-122120 adopted December 21, 2020, accepting the 2019 Highway Safety Improvement Program funds from the Virginia Department of Transportation for the Orange Avenue and Gainsboro Road/Burrell Street Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Moon Reynolds offered the following budget ordinance: (#41993-021621) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Virginia Department of Transportation for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), 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 582.) 268 Council Member Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41993- 021621. The motion seconded by Council Member Sanchez-Jones and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Jeffrey, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. CITY ATTORNEY: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING-IRONMAN 70.3 TRIATHLON EVENT: The City Attorney submitted a written communication recommending approval of a Memorandum of Understanding in connection with the lronman 70.3 Triathlon event. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Vice-Mayor White-Boyd offered the following resolution: (#41994-021621) A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") among the City of Roanoke, World Triathlon Corporation ("WTC"), Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitor's Bureau d/b/a Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge ("VVBR"), the Counties of Roanoke and Botetourt, and the Town of Vinton, governing the terms, conditions, and obligations among such parties for the Carilion Clinic lronman 70.3 Triathlon to be held throughout the Roanoke Valley on June 6, 2021, in cooperation with Carilion Clinic, the main sponsor of the event. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 583.) Vice-Mayor White-Boyd moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41994-021621. The motion seconded by Council Member Moon Reynolds. Vice-Mayor White-Boyd acknowledged former Council Member Michelle Davis who worked diligently to bring the lronman events to the City of Roanoke. Council Member Cobb thanked Dr. Randy Clements and area localities for their efforts to secure the lronman events. ""  269 There being no additional comments by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 41994-021621 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Jeffrey, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: The City Manager offered the following comments: Solid Waste Collection schedule changes for Presidents Day week • Because City offices were closed on Monday for the Presidents Day holiday, all residential/commercial solid waste collection will be delayed one day this week. "Roanoke Valley Saves Week" is Coming Up • Monday, February 22 through Friday, February 26, 2021 • Hosted by BankOn Roanoke Valley, the event is an initiative of United Way of Roanoke Valley. • A series of online events will be offered to help savers set financial goals, track their spending, and take control of their financial future. • To register, go to uwrv.org/borv. • Questions may be directed to Brandon Meginley in the Economic Development Department at 853-1120 or brandon.meginley@roanokeva.gov Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board is seeking committee members • As a reminder, the work of the Board is guided by provisions of City Plan 2040, which includes specific priorities established through the focus on Interwoven Equity. • The Board has formed committees centered on the five Interwoven Equity priority areas outlined in City Plan 2040, and would like to enlist three to five community members to serve on each of the committees. • Anyone interested in serving on one of the committees may send an email to EEAB@roanokeva.gov or call Angie O'Brien in the City Manager's Office at 540-853-2333 by Noon on February 24. 270 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: A report of the Roanoke City School Board 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 White-Boyd offered the following budget ordinance: (#41995-021621) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Commonwealth, federal and private grant for various educational programs, amending and re-ordaining 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 584.) - Vice-Mayor White-Boyd moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41995- 021621. The motion seconded by Council Member Moon Reynolds and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Jeffrey, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. A report of certain Authorities, Boards, Committees and Commissions in which City Council serve as liaisons or appointees. Council Member Moon Reynolds, liaison, Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority recognized Tina Crowder as the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority January 2021 Resident of the Month; noted that the Housing Authority held its first COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Morningside Manor and Melrose Towers; and reported that the Roanoke EnVision Center offers career counseling, resume development, individual health needs and a host of other services to all citizens and would relocate to the former Melrose Library once renovations have been completed. Council Member Bestpitch, as an Elected Official representative to the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission, reported that the Commission was re- examining the membership roster to reduce the number of members from 38 to 30 with two Council Members and two Citizen at large members; and all localities were in agreeance to amend the Charter. -  271 Council Member Cobb, Member, Study Committee to Reduce Gun Violence announced that the Committee was in the process of finalizing a gang model for the City. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE. MOTION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: Mayor Lea apologized for sending a message in bad taste with regard to the Patrick Henry High School Girls' basketball team. He advised that he would meet with the team and apologize in person. Council Member Bestpitch commented that he received positive feedback with regard to the vaccination clinics at the Berglund Center and other places around the City. The City Manager added that over 200 persons were registered to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: NONE. At 3:15 p.m., Mayor Lea 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 reconvened at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber. 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. PRESENT: Council Members Stephanie Moon Reynolds, Vivian Sanchez- Jones, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch (participated by electronic means), Joseph L. Cobb, Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr., and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-D. 272 The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager and Timothy R. Spencer, City Attorney. OTHERS PRESENT: Andrea R. Johnson, Recording Secretary. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Jeff Wilson, Pastor, Huntington Court United Methodist Church (participated 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. CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Vice-Mayor White-Boyd moved that each Member of City Council certify to the best of his or her knowledge that: (1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in any motion by which any Closed Meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered by City Council. The motion seconded by Council Member Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, Bestpitch, Cobb, Jeffrey, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS: STREET AND ALLEY VACATION: Pursuant to Resolution No. 25523 adopted by the Council on Monday, April 6, 1981, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on a request of Charles Kostelni representing Walker Machine and Foundry Co., to vacate a portion of 20 foot wide alley that extends southwest from Russell Avenue, S. W., the matter was before the body. Inasmuch as the City Planning Commission continued the matter to its March 8, 2021 meeting, the Mayor advised that City Council had no jurisdiction to hear the matter at this time.  273 ....... ZONING: Pursuant to Resolution No. 25523 adopted by the Council on Monday, April 6, 1981, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on a request of Alvin F. Woods to repeal all conditions previously proffered as part of a previous rezoning by the adoption of Ordinance No. 40189-031615 on property located at 1113 11th Street, N. E.; and to rezone property located at 0 10th Street, N. E., from CN, Commercial-Neighborhood District, to CG, Commercial-General District, the matter was before the body. Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 and Tuesday, February 2, 2021. (See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Planning Commission submitted a written report recommending approval of the rezoning request, finding that the Amended Application No. 1 is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, Hollins/Wildwood Area Plan and Zoning Ordinance as the subject property will be developed and used in a manner appropriate to the surrounding area. (For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Cobb offered the following ordinance: (#41996-021621) AN ORDINANCE to repeal the condition presently binding upon property located at 1113 11th Street, N. E.; and to rezone property located at 0 1Oth Street, N. E., from CN, Commercial-Neighborhood District to CG, Commercial- General District; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 81, page 584.) Council Member Cobb moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41996-021621. The motion seconded by Council Member Moon Reynolds. The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the matter. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed. There being no comments and/or questions by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 41996-021621 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, White-Boyd, - Bestpitch, Cobb, Jeffrey, and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. 274 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 7:12p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: Andrea R. Johnson Sherman P. Lea, Sr. Recording Secretary Mayor c~J-.~~ Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION March 1, 2021 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, March 1, 2021 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 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 Vivian Sanchez-Jones, Patricia White-Boyd, William D. Bestpitch (participated by electronic means), Joseph L. Cobb, Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr., Stephanie Moon Reynolds, and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. (arrived late)-?. 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 (participated by electronic '">JI; communications means).