City Council

543 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION September 7, 2021 9:00 a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Tuesday, September 7, 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 Patricia White-Boyd , William D. Bestpitch, Joseph L. Cobb , Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr., Stephanie Moon Reynolds, Vivian Sanchez- Jones and Mayor Sherman P. Lea , Sr., (arrived late)-7. ABSENT: None-0. The Vice-Mayor declared the existence of a quorum. OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell , Jr., City Manager; Timothy R. Spencer, City Attorney; and Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk. ITEM 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: AYES: Council Members Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds , Sanchez-Jones and Vice-Mayor White-Boyd-6. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea was absent when the vote was recorded.) 544 ITEMS LISTED ON THE 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL DOCKET REQUIRING DISCUSSION/CLARIFICATION AND ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE 2:00 P.M . AGENDA: NONE. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION BY THE VICE-MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: NONE . BRIEFING : Volatia Language Services Mobile App Access The City Manager advised that fo r quite some time staff has been working to ensure that everyone who calls the City of Roanoke was able to be active and participate in government and maintain services for E9-1-1 calls or routine activities and include sign language interpreters depending on the situation . He noted that the project included production of materials in English and outreach to Spanish speaking residents as the community seeks more ways to be inclusive; and introduced Katie Hedrick, Outreach Support Specialist to outline the most recent efforts underway. Ms. Hedrick explained that the City has been working to increase awareness and the way all citizens access the city. She pointed out that the City of Roanoke has contract services in two pieces , the first piece being Volatia an app acceptable by all Roanoke city employees to improve communication , public safety, libraries, planning and permitting , etc. She provided a demonstration of the app and noted that the second piece was a language proficient call-in line complete with an interpreter for approximately 826 languages available in about 30 seconds ; and currently 23 departments had been set up with seven additional departments in the process of being implemented . Following comments and accolades by several Council Members, the Vice- Mayor advised that the briefing would be received and filed . At 9:16 a.m ., the Vice-Mayor declared the Council meeting in recess for a Legislative Committee meeting in the Council Chamber. At this point, Mayor Lea entered the meeting and the Vice-Mayor relinquished the Chair (9 :17 a.m.). At 10:47 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.  545 At 2:00 p.m ., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Mayor Sherman P. Lea , Sr. , presiding . PRESENT: Council Members Patricia White-Boyd , William D. Bestpitch , Joseph L. Cobb, Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr. , Stephanie Moon Reynolds, Vivian Sanchez- Jones, 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. 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 Lea . PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS : NATIONAL DISABILITY VOTER REGISTRATION WEEK: Mayor Lea declared September 13 - 20 , 2021 as National Disability Voter Reg istration Week. (See ceremonial copy of proclamation on file in the City Clerk's Office .) Mayor Lea read and presented the proclamation declaring September 13 - 17, 2021 as National Disability Voter Registration Week to Karen Michalski-Karney, Executive Director, Blue Ridge Independent Living Center. 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, August 2, 2021 , was before the body. (See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office .) 546 Council Member Jeffrey moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with and approved as recorded . The motion seconded by Council Member Sanchez-Jones and adopted by the following vote : AYES : Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds , Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS : None-0. RESIGNATION-ROANOKE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATES: A commun ication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Rosheta Chase as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates , effective immediately, was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office .) Council Member Jeffrey moved that the resignation be accepted and the communication be received and filed . The motion seconded by Council Member Sanchez-Jones and adopted by the following vote : AYES : Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. RESIGNATION-ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Bill Hume as a member of the Architectural Review Board , effective October 1, 2021 , was before the Council. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office .) Council Member Jeffrey moved that the resignation be accepted and the communication be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Sanchez-Jones and adopted by the following vote : AYES : Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds , Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7 . NAYS: None-0. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE : Annual report of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke for the Fiscal Year ended June 30 , 2021 , was before the Council. (See copy of Annual Report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)  547 Council Member Jeffrey moved that the annual report be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Sanchez-Jones and adopted by the following vote: AYES : Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS : None-0. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ROANOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD: Annual report of the Roanoke Public Library Board for the Fiscal Year ended June 30 , 2021 , was before the Council. (See copy of Annual Report on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Jeffrey moved that the annual report be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Sanchez-Jones and adopted by the following vote : AYES: Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds , Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7 . NAYS: None-0. OATHS OF OFFICE-ROANOKE VALLEY-ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMMISSION-ROANOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD: Reports of qualification of Dawn Tanner Erdman as a Citizen representative of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission for a term of office ending June 30 , 2024; and Dorothy Yancey as a member of the Roanoke Public Library Board for a three-year term of office ending June 30 , 2024, were before the Council. (See Oath or Affirmation of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Jeffrey moved that the reports of qualification be received and filed. The motion seconded by Council Member Sanchez-Jones and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members White-Boyd, Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS : None-0. 548 REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE . PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: Public Art Update Doug Jackson, Arts and Culture Coordinator, briefed the Council on the FY 2021 Public Art projects and highlighted the following information: • Public Art Work Plan • Background : 2020-21 Accomplishments Funded with Percent for Art Fund • Reimagining Roanoke Sculpture Exhibition o Including 5 new works , 4 from regional artists • Purchases from three regional artists of color • One Art in Place partnership mural agreement executed and a pipeline built • Arches diversity story hours • Cleaned & repaired Sister Cities Sculptures • Purchased Art o Robert Pennix. Father Figure o Graphite, 2020 o From the Black Fatherhood Exhibition at the Harrison Museum o Bryce Cobbs. Gifts of Protection , Understanding , and Wisdom o Oil and Digital Prints, 2020 o Yulandra Livingston . Selections from "Workers " on view at the Eleanor 0. Wilson Museum at Hollins through 9/19 o Photographs, 2013 - 2014 o Josh Nolan. 210 Fourth Street, viewed from Campbell Avenue • 2020-21 Accomplishments o Partnerships o We Are Art Rap Cypher and Elementary School Project o Clean Streets Jingle Competition o Color your Corner: Signal Boxes o Inlet Art Project • Grants: Applied for four grants for public art projects - responses between November 21 - April 22  549 • 2021-22 Overview o Funded Projects Carried Forward o South Roanoke E-Branch ($3,000) o Art in Place fund ($7 ,000) projects in development o Approved by the Roanoke Arts Commission (RAC) August 17, 2021 - $20K new expenditures . o Projects for New Funding o Placemaking Project - SE Greenway Gateways ($10 ,000) o Matched with $1 OK from National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) o Partner Project: Art in Place Fund ($7 ,000 ) o Collection goals : 2-D art by artists of color and diverse backgrounds ($3 ,000) o Partner Projects - (No funding obligation from % for Art) o Color Your Corner (Transportation) o Melrose Bus Shelters (Community Development and Valley Metro) o Welcome to Roanoke Exhibition in the Municipal Building o Ongoing maintenance responsibilities • Summary • Total in Percent for Art Account $80 ,000 • Carried Forward o Art in Place Program $7,000 o E-Branch $3,000 $10 ,000 • FY 2022 Expenses o SE Greenway Gateways $10 ,000 o Art in Place Partnership Program $7 ,000 o 2-D Acquisitions $3,000 Total $20 ,000 Remaining- approximately $50 ,000 (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office .) Mr. Jackson explained that the Roanoke Arts Commission put a call out to artists to reimagine Roanoke and received approximately 56 responses ultimately working with about 9 artists , five within a two hour radius of Roanoke and with five pieces of art produced specifically for the show. He continued stating that in the hallway outside of the Council Chamber art would be on display on a rotating basis; and reminded the Council of the concept of piloting a public-private partnership to try to put more art, more frequently, categorize it, faster in public places. 550 In closing , Mr. Jackson requested City Council's concurrence in the Roanoke Arts Commission's recommendation for funding to cover the FY 2021 expenses, in the amount of $20 ,000.00 . Following remarks from several Members of City Council , Mayor Lea called for a voice vote to concur in the Roanoke Arts Commission's recommendation as abovementioned which was unanimously adopted . ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION : FY 2022 VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF FIRE PROGRAMS FUND GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of FY 2022 Virginia Department of Fire Programs grant funds. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Moon Reynolds offered the following resolution : (#42139-090721) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs FY22 Funds and authorizing the execution, and filing of appropriate documents to obtain such funds. (For full text of resolution , see Resolution Book No. 82 , page 23 .) Council Member Moon Reynolds moved the adoption of Resolution No. 42139- 090721. The motion seconded by Council Member Jeffrey and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds , Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. Council Member Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#42140-090721) AN ORDINANCE appropriating funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Fire Programs, 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. 82, page 23.)  551 Council Member Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No . 42140- 090721 . The motion seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote : AYES : Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS : None-0. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BLOCK GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of funds from the Surface Transportation Block Grant to be used for the Greenway Connection along Riverland Road Project. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office .) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution : (#42141-090721) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the Virginia Department of Transportation STBG Funds and authorizing the execution , and filing of appropriate documents to obtain such funds. (For full text of resolution , see Resolution Book No. 82 , page 24. ) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 42141 -090721 . The motion seconded by Council Member Cobb and adopted by the following vote : AYES : Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb, Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds , Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS : None-0. Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance : (#42142-090721) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Virginia Department of Transportation Funds to the Greenway Connection - Riverland project, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2021 - 2022 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations . (For ful l text of ordinance , see Ordinance Book No. 82 , page 25 .) 552 Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 42142- 090721 . The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote : AYES : Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS : None-0. 2021 EVICTION PREVENTION BOOST PLANNING GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommend ing acceptance of the 2021 Eviction Prevention Boost Plann ing Grant to be used by the Financial Empowerment Center in connection with eviction prevention in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office .) Council Member Moon Reynolds offered the following resolution : (#42143-090721 ) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the 2021 Cities for Financial Empowerment Eviction Prevention Boost Planning Grant and authorizing the execution , and filing of appropriate documents to obtain such funds . (For full text of resolution , see Resolution Book No . 82 , page 26 .) Council Member Moon Reynolds moved the adoption of Resolution No . 42143- 090721 . The motion seconded by Council Member Jeffrey and adopted by the following vote : AYES: Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7 . NAYS : None-0. Council Member Cobb offered the following budget ordinance: (#42144-090721 ) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Financial Empowerment Fund Amendment for eviction prevention of low and moderate income individuals , amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2021 - 2022 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 . 82 , page 27.)  553 Council Member Cobb moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 42144- 090721. The motion seconded by Council Member Sanchez-Jones and adopted by the following vote : AYES: Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION ORDINANCE : The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending amendment of the City Code to update and clarify the City's Fire Prevention and Protection Ordinance. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office .) Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance: (#42145-090721) AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining Section 12-19, Amendments, Article II , Fire Prevention Code , Chapter 12, Fire Prevention and Protection , Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended , to conform the numbering of various sections to the 2018 Statewide Fire Prevention Code ; providing for an effective date; and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance . (For full text of ordinance , see Ordinance Book No. 82 , page 28.) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 42145-090721. The motion seconded by Council Member Moon Reynolds and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds , Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: 554 The City Manager offered the following comments : Labor Day Week Trash Collection • City offices were closed on Monday, September 6, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. As a result , the Solid Waste Collection Schedule for collection of trash , bulk, brush , and "B" week single-stream recycling will be delayed one day throughout the week. Annual Neighborhood Awards • Nominations are now open for this year's program . • Recognizes and honors outstanding contributions, excellence and accomplishments achieved by neighborhood organizations and civic individuals. • Awards based on : o Making physical and/or social improvements to our neighborhoods, o Connecting neighbors and/or neighborhoods with one another, and o Building the capacity of a neighborhood organization to better serve our community. • The deadl ine to nominate someone is Friday, November 5. Nominations may be submitted at roanokeva .gov/neighborhoodawards. Free Training for Neighborhood Organizations • This fall , the City will offer "Taking Your Organization to The Next Level ," a free course led by Program Consultant Steve Hixon , designed to help neighborhood associations learn leadership development and other skills. • This training , facilitated by the City's HUD Community Resources Division and the Office of Neighborhood Services , will consist of six virtual classes to be held over three months. • The deadline to register is Friday, September 10. • More information can be found on the City's website homepage, under "Read About Roanoke" Roanoke Will Celebrate Welcoming Week • The week of September 10 - 19, the City of Roanoke will host its 4th annual Welcoming Week, along with many local partners . • Under the theme "Belonging Beg ins With US ," the City will hold several events . • The opening ceremony will be held on Friday, September 10, at 11 :30 a.m., here in the Council Chamber. • Other events include a 5K Fun Run/Roanoke Runs for Refugees, a Scavenger Hunt and vendor fair, an International Soccer Cup , Salsa lessons, and the Roanoke World Tour of Food . • A full list of local events, times, and locations can be found at roanokeva.gov/welcomingroanoke  555 The City Manager introduced Lauren Waldron , new Citizen Engagement Manager for the Office of Communications. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS : VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE: Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution designating the Honorable Joseph L. Cobb as the Voting Delegate , and the Honorable Stephanie Moon Reynolds as Alternate Voting Delegate for the Annual Virginia Municipal League Urban Section Meeting on Sunday, October 3, 2021 , in Leesburg , Virginia : (#42146-090721) A RESOLUTION designating a Voting Delegate and Alternate Voting Delegate for the meetings of the Urban Section of the Virginia Municipal League. (For full text of resolution , see Resolution Book No . 82 , page 30 .) Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 42146-090721. The motion seconded by Vice-Mayor White-Boyd and adopted by the following vote: AYES : Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb, Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS : INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: RECOGNITION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY: Mayor Lea recognized the City Attorney's commitment to the study of opioid addiction; acknowledged his appointment to the Opioid Abatement Board by Governor Northam and noted that many others across the State were serving in that capacity in the fight against opioids. 556 VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES , BOARDS , COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming expiration of the four-year term of office of Katherine Gutshall as a member (Certified Architect) of the Architectural Review Board ending October 1, 2021 ; whereupon , he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Byron Dickson . There being no further nominations, Mr. Dickson was appointed to replace Katherine Gutshall as a member (Certified Architect) of the Architectural Review Board for a four-year term of office commencing October 2, 2021 and ending October 1, 2025 , by the following vote : FOR MR. DICKSON : Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb, Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the resignation of Bill Hume as a member (Certified Architect) of the Architectural Review Board ending October 1, 2021 ; whereupon , he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Stephen Feather. There being no further nominations, Mr. Feather was appointed as a member (Certified Architect) of the Architectural Review Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Bill Hume ending October 1, 2023 , by the following vote : FOR MR. FEATHER: Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb, Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds , Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. PERSONNEL AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES COMMISSION : The Mayor called attention to the expiration of the three-year term of office of Colleen Burns as a member of the Personnel and Employment Practices Commission ended June 30 , 2021 ; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Julie Wagner.  557 There being no further nominations, Ms. Wagner was appointed to replace Colleen Burns as a member of the Personnel and Employment Practices Commission for a term of office ending June 30, 2024, by the following vote: FOR MS. WAGNER: Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. ROANOKE CIVIC CENTER COMMISSION: The Mayor called attention to the expiration of the three-year terms of office of Michael L. Dame and Stephen Willis as members of the Roanoke Civic Center Commission ending September 30 , 2021 ; whereupon , he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Kianna Price Marshall and Robert Arrington . There being no further nominations, Ms. Price Marshall was appointed to replace Michael L. Dame and Mr. Arrington to replace Stephen Willis as members of the Roanoke Civic Center Commission for three-year terms of office, each , commencing October 1, 2021 and ending September 30 , 2024, by the following vote : FOR MS. PRICE MARSHALL AND MR. ARRINGTON : Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. ROANOKE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATES: The Mayor called attention to a vacancy created by the resignation of Rosheta Chase as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates ending September 30 , 2021 ; whereupon , he opened the floor for nominations. Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Margaret Washburn . There being no further nominations, Ms. Washburn was appointed as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates to fill the unexpired term of office of Rosheta Chase ending September 30, 2021 ; and for an additional two-year term of office ending September 30 , 2023 , by the following vote: FOR MS . WASHBURN: Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch, Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. 558 LEGAL COUNSEL - ACTUAL OR PROBABLE LITIGATION : A communication from the City Attorney requesting that the Council convene in Closed Meeting to consult with legal counsel pertaining to actual or probable litigation regarding specific legal matters requiring legal advice and the discussion of strategy of negotiation of a potential agreement involving the City, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 , (A)(?) and (13) , Code of Virginia (1950) , as amended . (See motion 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 Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES : Council Members White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7 . NAYS : None-0. At 3:09 p.m ., the Council Meeting was declared in recess for a Closed Meeting in the Council's Conference Room , Room 450 , fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building. At 3:28 p.m., the Council Meeting reconvened with Mayor Lea presiding and all Members of the Council in attendance . CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING : With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded , Council Member Jeffrey 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 White-Boyd , Bestpitch , Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds , Sanchez-Jones and Mayor Lea-7. NAYS: None-0.  559 There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared the regular meeting in recess at 3:29 p.m. , until Thursday, September 9, 2021 , at 1:00 p.m ., Fitzpatrick Hall, the Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Avenue , S. W ., for a Council Strategic Planning Work Session . The Recessed Meeting of Roanoke City Council was called to order on Thursday, September 9, 2021 , at 1:00 p.m ., Fitzpatrick Hall , the Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Avenue , S. W ., with Vice-Mayor White-Boyd presid ing. PRESENT: Council Members Patricia White-Boyd , William D. Bestpitch , Joseph L. Cobb , Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr., Stephanie Moon Reynolds , Vivian Sanchez- Jones (arrived late) and Mayor Sherman P. Lea , Sr. (arrived late)-7. ABSENT: None-0. Vice-Mayor White-Boyd 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. OTHERS PRESENT: Clarence Grier, Deputy City Manager; W . Brent Robertson , Assistant City Manager; Amelia C. Merchant; Director of Finance ; and Angela O'Brien , Chief Strategy Officer. Vice-Mayor White-Boyd welcomed everyone to the City Council Strategic Workshop and stated the purpose for the session was to hold the Annual Council Strategic Planning Work Session. The City Manager opened up the session by providing an overview of the day stating that the Council would participate in a communication workshop led by Cortex Leadership Consulting to assist the Council in attaining a greater knowledge of self and others and the ability to interact effectively with people . He introduced Lynda and Allen Foster of Cortex Leadership Consulting . At this point, Mayor Lea entered the meeting (1:12 p.m.) and the Vice-Mayor relinquished the Chair. Lynda and Allen Foster actively engaged with the Council discussing personality styles , traits and strategies to efficiently and effectively work with others . 560 At this point, Council Member Sanchez-Jones entered the meeting (1 :17 p.m .). The Fosters' touched on information highlighting behaviors, driving forces and integration and provided tips for each personality identified . At 3:08 p.m., the communication workshop concluded ; whereupon, W . Brent Robertson , Assistant City Manager for Community Development and Michael Clark, Director, Parks and Recreation updated the Council on youth athletics and highlighted the following information : Youth Athletics Refresh • Overview • Philosophy, Values and Purpose • Governance and Implementation • Conduct and Ethics • Engagement and Communications • Current Situation • Continuous Improvement Mr. Clark advised that the philosophy of youth sports was to provide an enjoyable experience for each youth participant, while developing character, skills, sportsmanship , and to promote good will among all teams and individuals and explained that although sports were competitive by nature, the intentions were to place less emphasis on winning and more on promoting lifetime physical activity and health for each participant. He continued by quoting the purpose statement for the new program "With a renewed focus on interwoven equity, the City of Roanoke will endeavor to educate, equip , and empower community youth sports leaders , volunteers , and parents so all children and families can enjoy the lifelong benefits of team sports." He concluded by explaining the implementation through a competitive proposal process , the City would seek public solicitation for community organizations that offer recreational-based youth team sports; and noted that staff would award one provider or contractor may provide multiple offerings in one zone, as well as offerings in multiple zones . Following discussion , the City Manager provided a description of the agenda for the September 10, 2021 workshop discussion. There being no additional comments by the Council , Mayor Lea recessed the meeting at 4:46 p.m.  561 The Recessed Meeting of Roanoke City Council was called to order on Friday, September 10, 2021 , at 9:00 a.m., Fitzpatrick Hall , the Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Avenue , S. W., with Mayor Lea presiding . PRESENT: Council Members Patricia White-Boyd , William D. Bestpitch , Joseph L. Cobb , Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr. , Stephanie Moon Reynolds, Vivian Sanchez- Jones 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. OTHERS PRESENT: Clarence Grier, Deputy City Manager; W. Brent Robertson , Assistant City Manager; Amelia C. Merchant; Director of Finance; and Angela O'Brien , Chief Strategy Officer. Mayor Lea remarked that the purpose of the recessed meeting was to discuss the Strategic Plan and provide feedback to the City Manager. The City Manager reviewed each of the strategic priorities and noted that each priority would be grounded in the following values : • Equity - All regardless of location, race , sexual orientation , gender identity, or ability will have access to equal opportunity for successful outcomes; • Community Engagement and Inclusion - Intentional involvement of citizenry in the direction and actions of their government; • Well-Being - physical and social environment that promotes healthy outcomes for all residents regardless of their location ; and • Creativity - innovation in programming and addressing opportunities and confronting challenges. He continued highlighting information providing an overview of the following organizational strategic initiatives: • Complete transition from Budgeting for Outcomes to Budgeting for Equitable and Empowering Outcomes • Further Operational Organizational Diversity and Inclusion • Initiate Capital Improvement Programs Redux. • Initiates Enhancement of Performance Measures And Indicators • Further Operationalize Succession Planning • Modernize and Further Refine Workplace Policies 562 • Gun Violence - Whole of Government Response • Community Engagement Refresh • Economic Restructuring • Workforce Internal/Wellbeing • Workforce External/Mental Health The City Manager stated that the Strategic Planning Process represented an update to the previously adopted Strategic Plan , formally adopted for a two-year period in 2019 - prompted by the need to address recovery from COVID-19 and the intentional advancement of equity and well-being within the community. He noted that the process used in the development of the plan was an enhancement in crafting the previous version and was built upon the framework of: • Listen • Learn • Discuss • Present • Act He explained each step in the process pointing out that in listening to the community regarding the City's seven Priorities , the feedback was used to progress on priorities and sought outcomes, achieved by virtual conversations involving focus groups led by Council with attendees around each of the seven priorities ; learning from the community and staff about each of the seven priorities was occurred during the most recent Council Strategic Plan retreat; thirdly the Council discussed what they learned regarding each of the seven priorities; presenting the draft strategic plan and items that warrant further development, for example , it was determined through the first three steps that a change in strategy related to Youth Sports was warranted and thus a working group was established that addressed this initiative directly; and the final step in the process was acting upon any revisions in priorities and strategies. He further advised that the process was designed to be responsive to the discussion held by Council in the adoption of the FY21 budget; timely and meaningful - bridging the political call for action and the necessary bureaucratic work of devising legislation and formulating budgets .  563 The City Manager continued with the presentation by reviewing the Strategic Areas of Importance and the mission of each area : • Education - Foster an environment for lifelong learning which encompasses cradle to career and beyond through shared services and community involvement. • Community Safety - Foster a community where citizens feel safe and they and their property are safe in their homes, businesses and neighborhoods. • Human Services - Foster a caring community that uses an equitable regional and collaborative approach to encourage preventative measures, intervention services , and self-sufficiency white providing a social safety net for citizens . • Infrastructure - Maintain and build qual ity infrastructure that supports healthy residential neighborhoods, successful commercial areas, and accessible public facilities and amenities. • Good Government - Provide exceptional and competitive government services that are collaborative , transparent, responsive , and innovative. • Livability - Enhance Roanoke's exceptional vitality as an attractive , diverse, cultu rally inclusive, vibrant and active city in which to live, learn , work and play. • Economy - Cultivate a thriving business environment and innovative workforce opportunities to ensure the prosperity of our community, recognizing our role in both the regional and global economies. Following discussion with regard to emerging strategic issues and opportunities, the City Manager concluded the workshop by briefly touching on the efforts of the Star City Strong Recovery and Resiliency Advisory Panel and preliminary recommendations . There being no further business to come before the Council , the Mayor declared the Recessed Meeting adjourned at 4:04 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: C~J.~~ Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk L~,4. Sherman P. Lea , Sr. Mayor