City Council

364 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION May 3, 2021 9:00a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in joint session with the Roanoke City School Board on Monday, May 3, 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 Vice-Mayor Patricia White-Boyd, 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, William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb and Vice-Mayor Patricia White-Boyd-6. 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. SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES PRESENT (via electronic communication): Elizabeth C. S. Jamison, Laura D. Rottenborn, Natasha N. Saunders, Joyce W. Watkins, Richard M. Willis, Jr., and Chairperson Lutheria H. Smith-6. SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES ABSENT: Mark K. Cathey-1. OTHERS PRESENT (via electronic communication): Verletta B. White, Superintendent; Archie Freeman, Chief Academic Officer; Chris Perkins, Chief Operations Officer; Kathleen Jackson, Chief Financial Officer and Cindy H. Poulton, Clerk of the Roanoke City School Board. SCHOOLS: Vice-Mayor White-Boyd welcomed everyone to the joint meeting, apologized for Mayor Lea's absence and called upon the School Board Chairperson Smith for remarks; whereupon, Chairperson Smith thanked Council for the invitation to meet together and praised the collegial working relationship with City Council.  365 The Vice-Mayor recognized Superintendent White who enthusiastically presented ...,.,.. the Roanoke City School's Equity in Action - Destination 2030 Project Proposal. The Superintendent thanked parents and staff for their hard work to support the students to thrive. She acknowledged Chief Academic Officer, Archie Freeman; Chief Financial Officer, Kathleen Jackson; and Chief Operations Officer, Chris Perkins who would join later in the presentation. (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office). Ms. White shared information with regard to the plans for the upcoming summer and fall for the students, the Schools path forward and plans to address equity and ways to close opportunity gaps for students. Ms. White thanked City Council for their continued support and financial commitment, which allowed the school system to be in continuous improvement; for seeing public education as an investment and not an expense; and thanked the Members of the Roanoke City School Board for their vision and courage. She discussed four components of the proposal: • Equity in Instruction • Equity in Operations • Equity in Resources • Equity in Access to High Quality Programs - Proposal to close opportunity to close equity gaps for many students The Superintendent announced there would be in-person graduations on June 10 for William Fleming High School, and June 11 for Patrick Henry High School; both ceremonies would be held at 10:00 a.m. at William Fleming High School to accommodate more guests. Equity in Instruction Superintendent White advised schools would open in the fall, full-time, five days a week; and over the summer, RCPS will offer a fifth quarter of instruction through RCPS plus - to provide mediation and remedial in reading and mathematics and enrichment courses. The cost of the enrichment courses have been reduced by half and no cost for students taking remedial courses. She noted that the curriculum for explicit bias used a culturally responsive framework in the textbook adopted process so that materials will be reflective of the student body. She also reported the RCPS would implement a LGBTQ- plus program, working with students and staff so that all will feel valued, welcomed, and respected. Equity in Operations 366 Superintendent White advised that RCPS would be investing in their infrastructure, every school in the City will be touched; receive Bi-Polar Ionization Units (BPI), units to improve air quality, and installing HEPA Air Purifiers on all school buses. She added that RCPS would use their equity lens for capital projects and with the Council's approval, the learning space at Breckinridge Middle School would be extended so that children may attend home school and Preston Park Elementary School would be expanded or replaced. Ms. White voiced that it was very important to listen to the community, students, and staff and thanked Ms. Lawson, Principal, Westside Elementary for advocating for a new playground and fence and have placed the playground on the RCPS' next CIP. RCPS have replaced the track and Lucy Addison Middle School ahead of schedule as a part of the equity in infrastructure plan to replace what was needed when needed. Equity in Resources With regard to Equity in Resources, Ms. White stated that the School Division must invest in the people who teach, care for, provide for, and support the children, meaning using resources to support and incentivize the school system, staff and students; and aligning resources and being good fiscal stewards. She pointed out that all employees with the exception of executive staff were provided mid-year raises. Superintendent White advised RCPS added Assistant Principal positions' so that all schools have adequate school-based leadership and planned for additional raises for "" staff for the upcoming school year, and investing in salary increases for the lowest paid employees. She shared the following data: • RCPS providing signing and retention bonuses for hard to fill positions; such as bus drivers and instructional assistants and we are maintaining strong healthcare and benefit packages for all employees. • During the pandemic, we have kept classified, hourly employees, working and created an Office of Professional Learning, as an investment in employees. Professional Learning topics include literacy, effective instruction, culturally responsiveness teaching and trauma informed practices. • RCPS have also added personnel to help monitor students who were sick and follow up with their families to help. • Provided over 11,000 laptops to students and internet to ensure they were connected to the learning environment and delivered over two million meals to students and their families. • This is what Equity in our Resources looks like. Equity and Access to High Quality Programs The Superintendent emphasized that Roanoke City Public Schools seeks to provide equitable academic opportunities for all students to ensure they meet their full , ., potential in a review of available classes. Currently, located on the campus of Patrick  367 Henry High School at Gibboney Hall was one dedicated site for Career and Technical Education (ROTEC). While students from both Patrick Henry and William Fleming High Schools attend ROTEC, space was limited, and students from William Fleming must take time during the school day to be transported by bus to take classes. Roanoke City Public Schools has a unique opportunity to enhance equity across the district with the creation of a ROTEC building near William Fleming, utilizing the former William Ruffner Middle School, will give students increased access to the following classes: • Automotive Technology • Arts and Communications • Carpentry • Cosmetology/Barbering • Criminal Justice • Culinary Arts • Health & Medical Services/Certified • Nursing Assistants • Landscaping • Precision Machining • Sports Medicine (Athletic Training) • TVNideo Production • Welding She noted that additional classes focusing on financial literacy and entrepreneurship would be required to enhance both programs at Ruffner and Gibboney Hall as part of CTE. Following the presentation, Ms. White invited the Chief Academic Officer, Archie Freeman to share information with regard to the ROTEC at the Ruffner site; whereupon, he pointed out that all courses will have a foundation and have an opportunity to have hands-on training--a chance for students to obtain a set of career skills that could be invested back into the community. Kathleen Jackson, Chief Financial Officer shared information with regard to the financial landscape. Ms. Jackson discussed how the School would fund the project and highlighted the following: • The School was uniquely poised to move forward with the project; even some of the changes that have happened over the last year and the additional federal support, which has come through during the current budget year. • The pandemic created cost savings during the last quarter 2019 - 2020 through the State mandated closure of schools, anticipated that would be offset by an equally sized reduction in revenue due to the pandemic, but fortunately, revenues were not as negatively impacted as feared, enabling the School Division to add $2.4 million to its unassigned fund balance at year-end. 368 • Combined with Coronavirus relief funding received in October, which offset approximately $2 million in cost incurred delivering meals to students after the March 2020 closure, helped to create the opportunity for accomplishing the one- time building purchase. • The School Board previously approved a budget that authorized the use of $6 million in unassigned fund balance. Recognizing the importance of being cautious in the use of fund balance, and not overly relying on it to cover recurring cost, a one-time expenditure was a prudent option for utilizing available funds. • The School Division relies on fund balance the same way the City does for cash flow management and as a stabilization fund to borrow against the potential negativity impact of fiscal volatility. • The School Board has adopted a fund balance policy that requires a $10 million of unassigned fund balance be retained in the general fund for that purpose. With the circumstances previously mentioned, it was projected that even with the building purchase; Roanoke City Schools would be in a position to only utilize approximately $2.5 million of unassigned Fund Balance for the fiscal year, which would leave just under $18 million of unassigned Fund Balance at the start of FY 2021 -2022. • The preliminary budget approved by the School Board in March required that the use of approximately $2.4 million in Fund Balance the next fiscal year. In addition, anticipate the renovation of the new Campbell Avenue facility would cost approximately $4 million, and likely not all of that would fall in FY 2021 -2022, that level of utilization would poise the School Division to end next fiscal year FY 2021 -2022 with approximately $12 million in unassigned Fund Balance. So still above but reasonable fund balance that the School Board required. • The opportunity has not occurred before, and may not happen again; the stars were aligned to be able to take the steps and really enhance the equitable service provided to the children and families of Roanoke City. • The School Division will incur some ongoing expenses related to the changes that relates to the proposed staffing related to changes with the proposed CTE classrooms that we propose building at William Ruffner Middle School. We have two full budget years to prepare for the incorporation of those additional teaching positions into the budget, to be ready for the additional instructional support offerings by the start of the FY 2023 - 2024 school year. Chris Perkins, Chief Operations Officer, advised that he collaborated with the broker and successfully negotiated an option to hold the property on Campbell Avenue pending approval of a purchase agreement with Roanoke City School Board and Roanoke City Council for $5,850,000.00. He stated that the approval of the proposal will allow Roanoke City Schools to repurpose William Ruffner Middle School to create viable career and technical education space, open the Booker T. Washington Center for Community Empowerment and Education and allow use of vacant leased warehouse space. He thanked City Council for their consideration of the proposal.  369 The Superintendent thanked City Council for their consideration of the request and invited the public to view the proposal on the City Schools website, and pointed out that a survey will launch on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Following comments and inquiries by Council Members Bestpitch, Cobb, and Vice- Mayor White-Boyd, the Vice-Mayor received and filed the presentation and recognized Chairperson Smith for final remarks. Ms. Smith thanked Trustees Willis and Rottenborn for their service to the Board and thanked City Council for their support. . There being no further business, Chairman Smith declared the School Board meeting adjourned at 9:49a.m. There being no further business, Vice-Mayor White-Boyd declared the Council meeting in recess at 9:50a.m., for a meeting of the Legislative Committee. At 10:45 a.m. the Council Meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W., to consider the following agenda items, with Vice-Mayor White-Boyd presiding and all Members of the Council in attendance, with the exception of Mayor Lea. 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 Bestpitch 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: A YES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb and White-Boyd-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) 370 PERSONNEL MATTER: A communication from Vice-Mayor Patricia White-Boyd, Chair, City Council Personnel Committee, requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss a personnel matter, 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 Moon Reynolds moved that Council concur in the request of the Vice-Mayor as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Cobb and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb and White-Boyd-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) 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: Budget/Financial Planning FY 22 RobertS. Cowell, Jr., City Manager and Amelia C. Merchant, Director of Finance, briefed the Council on the changes to the FY 2021 budget and development of the FY 2022 budget process. (See presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) The City Manager advised that the presentation focused on details on balancing the budget, provided an overview of the status of the FY 2021 and FY 2022 budget development process with an emphasis on employee compensation. Ms. Merchant highlighted the following information: Agenda • FY 2021 Overview .. • FY 2022 Development • Compensation  371 She advised that through March, FY 2021 local taxes were 6.2 percent ahead of - target, mainly due to performance of real estate, transient occupancy and sales taxes; FY 2021 revenues have increased approximately $173,000,00 or 0.08 percent compared to the same period of FY 2020; other revenues have decreased approximately $1.9 million or 3.2 percent compared to the same period of FY 2020 due primarily to the timing of revenue from the Commonwealth of Virginia and charges for services; and expenditures through March, decreased approximately $3.85 million or 1.82 percent compared to the same period of FY 2020 due to decrease in expenditures tied to revenues such as RCPS and Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge and departmental cost reductions steps taken as a result of COVID-19 and timing of expenditures. After reviewing the FY 2021 monitoring dashboard, key local tax performance and net local tax increase categories, Ms. Merchant mentioned that Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge would receive an additional $418,263.00 and $126,000.00 beyond the budget would be due for district taxes leaving a 40 percent increase for RCPS of $1.6 million and a 60 percent increase of $2.4 million for the City. In terms of FY 2022 total revenue growth, Ms. Merchant noted that the expectation was 3.27 percent or $9.5 million for a $307,520.00 increase year over year and further noted that with regard to the balancing status, it reflected a positive variance of approximately $4.05 million. Council Member Bestpitch inquired if the second payment for real estate taxes due in FY 2022, would be based on the assessments sent out in January 2022; whereupon, the Director of Finance indicated that the payment would be the second installment based on assessments generated in October 2021. Vice-Mayor White-Boyd asked if the food and beverage taxes were underperforming because of indoor dining restrictions related to the pandemic; whereupon, the City Manager replied in the affirmative and pointed out that fewer people were allowed in restaurants, and no major conferences could be hosted which also boosted the food and beverage tax. At 11:05 a.m., Vice-Mayor White-Boyd declared the meeting recess for a break; and at 11:37 a.m., the meeting reconvened with Vice-Mayor White-Boyd presiding and all Members of Council in attendance with the exception of Mayor Lea. The City Manager continued with the presentation by reviewing the compensation category advising that it would be implemented over a few years to address public safety and general employee compensation to enhance competitive stance and retention; and address Compensation Board approved position adjustments partially off-set by additional revenue. '*"·· 372 He continued stating that traditionally the City had tried to address compensation uniformly across the organization and the three percent increase would be shared. He pointed out that was no longer tenable because of market movement and approach in public safety shifting where the competitive region was moving. He reviewed the Proposed Public Safety Compensation Plan explaining that it would be a classification and compensation system for sworn personnel based off of tenure and promotional practices, equitable and predictable pay structure to attract and retain employees and assist in the elimination of pay compression. The City Manager further explained that Compensation Board increases would come at a cost for positions such as Sheriff/Jail, Treasurer, Commissioner of Revenue, Commonwealth Attorney with the City being reimbursed some; public safety adjustments to new step levels referring to a new base salary at each range equals approximately $2,230,000.00; approximately $3,720,000.00 to advance public safety employees to targeted salary step level; and approximately $1,600,000.00 to offer general employees a 2.5 percent to 3.0 percent increase for an overall total at approximately $8,000,000.00. He pointed out that process was to be phased in proposing a 2.5 percent to 3.0 percent salary increase and new starting pay for public safety employees in the FY 2021 - 2022 budget working toward advancement. Council Member Bestpitch inquired with regard to the sample step plan and if an employee was salaried below the minimum of the tier, if they would be brought up to at least the minimum of the tier. The City Manager replied in the affirmative and advised that the plan was in the beginning stages with many factors to consider. Council Member Cobb asked about sustainability of the plan; whereupon, the City Manager explained that keeping the plan alive, having an additional $8 million in the budget to cover the costs, using the information obtained and it would be easier to implement if revenues continued to grow, highly dependent on any other factors affecting the market. Council Member Bestpitch commented that referring to revenue growth was clearer to understand than net local tax increase. The City Manager advised that the State required the information be publicly referred to as net local tax increase and further noted that the budget was not relying upon the American Rescue Act funding as a balancing strategy. Following additional dialogue with regard to American Rescue Act funding, Council Member Bestpitch requested a briefing on the funding. The City Manager stated that information would be shared at the May 17 recommended budget presentation.  373 Vice-Mayor White-Boyd thanked the City Manager and Director of Finance for the informative presentation and received and filed the briefing. At 12:16 p.m., the Vice-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 2:00 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Vice- Mayor Patricia White-Boyd presiding. PRESENT: Council Members Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr., Stephanie Moon Reynolds, Vivian Sanchez-Jones, and Vice-Mayor Patricia White-Boyd-6. ABSENT: Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-1. The Vice-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 Alexander MacPhail, Rector, Christ Episcopal Church, Roanoke (participated by electronic means). The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Vice-Mayor Patricia White-Boyd. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: RESILIENCE WEEK: Council Member Moon Reynolds declared May 2- 8, 2021 as Resilience Week and presented the proclamation to Christine Gist, Prevention and Wellness Specialist, Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare. (See ceremonial copy of proclamation on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 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. Due to the recent increase and severity in COVID-19 cases in the City of Roanoke, out of an abundance of caution, the Roanoke City Council has determined that temporary changes are necessary. Roanoke City Council Members will continue to meet in person in City Council Chamber, observing all recommended safety protocols while members of 374 the community wishing to address the City Council during Hearing of Citizens Upon Public Matters are required to participate virtually or via email by contacting the City Clerk's Office at clerk@roanokeva.gov and (540) 853-2541, by 12:00 p.m., on May 3. The Council Chamber will not be accessible to the general public during the meeting. The meeting will continue to be broadcast via RVTV-3 and on the City's Facebook account. MISCELLANEOUS: Keith Pullen, 2336 Denniston Avenue, S. W., addressed the Council with regard to an attack against his First Amendment rights, liberties and religious speech. 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, March 15, 2021, was before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch 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: A YES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb and White-Boyd-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5401 BARNS AVENUE, N. W.: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, May 17, 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 lease 3.6 acres of City-owned property located at 5401 Barns Avenue, N. W., to Jared and Donna Green for agricultural uses, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  375 ... Council Member Bestpitch 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 White-Boyd-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) OATHS OF OFFICE-BUILDING AND FIRE CODE BOARD OF APPEALS- ROANOKE VALLEY-ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMMISSION: Reports of qualification of Helen Favor as a member (Engineer) of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals for a three-year term of office, commencing July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2024; and Peter Volosin as a Citizen representative of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission for a three-year term of office, commencing July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2024. (See Oath or Affirmation 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 Jeffrey and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb and White-Boyd-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) PURCHASE AND SALE OF PROPERTY: A communication from the City Attorney requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, May 17, 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 enter into a purchase and sales agreement with BH Media Group, Inc., successor in interest to Times-Word Corporation, authorizing the City Manager, along with the School Board of the City of Roanoke to acquire parcels from BH Media Group, Inc., was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) 376 Council Member Bestpitch moved that Council concur in the request of the City Attorney 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 White-Boyd-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: ROANOKE VALLEY REGIONAL CABLE TELEVISION PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2021 - 2022 BUDGET: Scott Ramsburg, Cable Access Director, Roanoke Valley Regional Transmittal Cable Television transmitted, by electronic communication means, the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 Budget. (See copy of communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Cobb offered the following resolution: (#42043-050321) A RESOLUTION approving the recommendation of the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee to approve the annual operating budget for Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 for the operation of the regional government and educational access station, Roanoke Valley Television (RVTV, Channel 3), and for the City to provide partial funding. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 657.) Council Member Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 42043-050321. The motion seconded by Council Member Jeffrey and adopted by the following vote: Following an overview of yearly activities performed by RVTV, Resolution No. 42043-050321 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb and White-Boyd-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.)  377 REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: NONE. ITEM RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: CITY MANAGER: NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS CHALLENGE AMERICA GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of the National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America Grant to support community driven projects at a minimum of two Roanoke River Greenway "gateway" locations for the southeast neighborhood. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution: (#42044-050321) A RESOLUTION accepting a National Endowment for the Arts ("NEA") Challenge America Grant, which Grant requires matching funds from the City; approving and confirming the application process for such NEA Grant; authorizing the City Manager to sign any documents required by the NEA to accept such Grant; and authorizing the City Manager to provide additional information, to take any necessary actions and to execute any additional documents needed to obtain, accept, receive, implement, administer, and use such funds. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 658.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 42044-050321. The motion seconded by Council Member Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb and White-Boyd-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) 378 Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance: (#42045-050321) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Federal Government National Endowment for the Arts Grant, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2021 - 2022 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 659.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 42045- 050321. The motion seconded by Council Member Jeffrey and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb and White-Boyd-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) 2022 HUD ANNUAL PLAN: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending consideration and approval of the 2021 -2022 HUD Annual Plan. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Moon Reynolds offered the following resolution: (#42046-050321) A RESOLUTION approving the 2021 - 2022 Annual Update ("Annual Update") to the 2020 - 2024 Five Year Consolidated Plan and authorizing the City Manager, or the City Manager's designee, to submit the approved Annual Update to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") for final review and approval, and authorizing the execution of all necessary documents pertaining to such Annual Update. (For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 81, page 660.) Council Member Moon Reynolds moved the adoption of Resolution No. 42046- 050321. The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch. Council Member Moon Reynolds inquired as to why Apple Ridge Farm did not receive funding and the overall criteria for receiving funding and the amount to be allocated; whereupon, the City Manager briefly explained the process and noted that more detailed information could be provided in an one on one conversation.  379 Following further discussion of the matter, Council Member Moon Reynolds suggested that more information be submitted to the Council by the end of day on Friday, May 7; whereupon, the City Manager replied in the affirmative and he was happy to provide the information. There being no additional questions and/or comments by the Council Members, Resolution No. 42046-050321 was adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb and White-Boyd-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: The City Manager offered the following comments: Campaign for Grade-Level Reading announced last week that it has named Roanoke, Virginia and its Star City Reads initiative as a 2021 Bright Spot community. • The Campaign is highlighting communities that developed exemplary or innovative responses to the COVID-19 crisis. • The first week after Virginia's shutdowns began, Roanoke Public Libraries staff began recording and posting virtual storytimes on its Facebook and lnstagram pages, and on its You Tube channel. More than 150 storytime and craft videos have been shared with Roanoke children. • In June, they collaborated with Feeding Southwest Virginia to offer our Feed and Read program curbside so children could receive free, nutritious meals and early learning activities at the same time from the same place. • Since the summer of 2020, the Libraries distributed more than 8,400 themed learning kits. Roanoke will celebrate "Kids to Parks Day" in May • Parks and Recreation will host a scavenger hunt that can be completed in any City playground on Saturday, May 15, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. • Not only will this have kids getting active, learning about their parks, and expressing their creativity, they'll also have a chance to win some prizes. • More information can be found at PlayRoanoke.com. 380 May is Neighborhood Month """"" • Roanoke's neighborhood groups are planning events throughout May to celebrate this special month. ~ ·""' • Some events are still being developed at this time, but those already scheduled include yards sales, cookouts, and Fun Days. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: NONE. INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: NONE. 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 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 Moon Reynolds and adopted by the following vote: A YES: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb and White-Boyd-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent.) COURT COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAM REGIONAL COMMUNITY CRIMINAL JUSTICE BOARD: The Vice-Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the three-year term of office of the Honorable Charles N. Dorsey as a 23rd Judicial Circuit City representative of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board ending June 30, 2021; whereupon, she opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Charles N. Dorsey.  381 There being no further nominations, Mr. Dorsey was reappointed as a 23rd Judicial Circuit City representative of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board for a three-year term of office commencing July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2024, by the following vote: FOR MR. DORSEY: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb and White-6. (Mayor Lea was absent.) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: The Vice-Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the four-year term of office of Vickie H. Bibee, as a Director of the Economic Development Authority ending October 20, 2021; whereupon, she opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Ollie Howie. There being no further nominations, Mr. Howie was appointed to replace Vickie H. Bibee as a Director of the Economic Development for a four-year term of office commencing October 21, 2021 and ending October 20, 2025, by the following vote: FOR MR. HOWIE: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb and White-6. (Mayor Lea was absent.) PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD: The Vice-Mayor called attention to the expiration of the three-year term of office of Sue Williams, as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board ended March 31, 2021; whereupon, she opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Elvir Berbic. There being no further nominations, Mr. Berbic was appointed to replace Sue Williams, as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for a term of office ending March 31, 2024, by the following vote: FOR MR. BERBIC: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb and White-6. (Mayor Lea was absent.) YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD: The Vice-Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the resignation of Crystal Hall as a member of the Youth Services Citizen Board ending June 30, 2021; whereupon, she opened the floor for nominations. 382 Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Douglas Pitzer. There being no further nominations, Mr. Pitzer was appointed as a member of the Youth Services Citizen Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Crystal Hall ending June 30, 2021, by the following vote: FOR MR. PITZER: Council Members Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones, Bestpitch, Cobb and White-6. (Mayor Lea was absent.) There being no further business to come before the Council, Vice-Mayor White-Boyd declared the regular meeting adjourned at 2:50p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: -, C~d. itldMd t-%A-IPII 1 Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC Patricia White-;oy(- City Clerk Vice-Mayor •• ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION May 17, 2021 2:00p.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday, May 17, 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, Joseph L. Cobb, Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr., and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-7. ABSENT: None-0.