City Council

585 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL-REGULAR SESSION October 7, 2021 9:00 a.m. The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Thursday, October 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 Joseph L. Cobb , Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr., Stephanie Moon Reynolds, Vivian Sanchez-Jones, and Patricia White-Boyd-5 . ABSENT: Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., and Council Member William D. Bestpitch-2 . 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. Vice-Mayor White-Boyd called for a Moment of Silence in honor of the late Clara S. Lea, wife of Mayor Sherman P. Lea , Sr. , who passed away on October 2, 2021. ITEMS FOR ACTION: CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE CHANGE: Council Member Jeffrey offered the following resolution with regard to the Council Meeting date change: (#42168-100721) A RESOLUTION confirming the changing of the date for the regular meeting of City Council from 9:00 a.m . and 2:00 p.m., on Monday, October 4, 2021, to 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. , on Thursday, October 7, 2021. (For full text of resolution , see Resolution Book No. 82 , page 59.) 586 Council Member Jeffrey moved the adoption of Resolution No. 42168-100721 . The motion seconded by Council Member Cobb . The City Attorney advised that due to several Members of Council attending the Virgin ia Municipal League Conference , which occurred on the original date of the City Council Meeting , the October 4 meeting had to be moved to Thursday, October 7; and the measures taken will conform with both City Code and the Freedom of Information Act. There being no comments and/or questions by the Council Members, Resolution No. 42168-100721 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and White-Boyd -5. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea and Council Member Bestpitch were absent. ) VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES , BOARDS , COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL : A communication from Vice-Mayor White- Boyd 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 Virg inia (1950) , as amended. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Cobb moved that Council concur in the request of the Vice- Mayor as above mentioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Sanchez-Jones and adopted by the following vote: AYES : Council Members Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds , Sanchez-Jones and White-Boyd-5 . NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea and Council Member Bestpitch were absent.) DISPOSITION OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of City-owned property located in the Northwest quadrant of the City, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950) , as amended.  587 (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office .) Council Member Moon Reynolds moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned . The motion seconded by Council Member Cobb and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds , Sanchez-Jones and White-Boyd-5. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea and Council Member Bestpitch were absent.) DISPOSITION OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of City-owned property located in the Williamson Road area , where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended . (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office .) Council Member Cobb moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned . The motion seconded by Council Member Moon Reynolds and adopted by the following vote : AYES: Council Members Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds , Sanchez-Jones and White-Boyd-5. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea and Council Member Bestpitch were absent.) 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. 588 BRIEFING : Downtown Stormwater Management Ian Shaw, Stormwater Manager, and Marcus Aguilar, Civil Engineer II, briefed the Council on downtown area flooding and highlighted the following information: • Introduction o Confluence of two streams o Atop a perennial stream and salt marsh o Flood of 1985 - 100 year+ storm o More recent events - ■ 2016 - three summer events ■ 2017 - one event ■ 2018 - two events (including Hurricane Michael) ■ 2021 - August 19 o Stream/storm drain mapping (2017) o Hydraulic monitoring (2018) o Hydraulic modeling (2019) o Flash Flood warning system (2020) o Preliminary engineering report and concept plans (2021) o Floodplain mapping and economic analysis (ongoing) • Economic Impact of Flooding o 301 Flood-prone structures o Assessed value of structures - $648 Million o Estimated value of contents - $78 Million o 50 year risk to structures and contents - $116 Million • Strategies o Infrastructure to reduce - not eliminate - potential for flooding o Flood proofing to reduce - not eliminate - potential damage from flooding • Community Flood Mitigation Infrastructure o Recommended projects ■ Conveyance - drain water out of core of CBD as quickly as possible ■ Storage - impound water upstream of CBD and release at controlled ■ Maintenance - provide safe access to tunnel system for long -term operation o Estimated Budget ■ Six projects at $44 Million • Additional 15 - 20 acre footprint for flood storage at $35 - 40 Million • Proposed Solutions o FY23/24 -Salem Ave. at 1st "L Tunnel" ■ Estimated Cost= $1.4M  589 ■ Improve flow and surface drainage at critical intersection with 390' of SD ■ Improve maintenance access ■ Re-align tunnels from below Roanoke Times loading lot ■ Minimal Utility Conflicts ■ Traffic Disturbance o FY27/28 - Shenandoah Ave . Diversion Tunnel ■ Estimated Cost = $4.SM ■ Divert runoff from northwest further downstream (920' of SD) ■ Alleviate pressure at Warehouse Row junction, 1St@ Salem ■ Tie-in to Norfolk Tunnel using old pedestrian tunnel below Shenandoah Ave. ■ Coordination with WVWA ■ Traffic Disturbance to Shenandoah o FY 27/28 - Campbell Ave . Upper WS Improvements ■ Estimated Cost= $9.SM ■ Retain runoff in green infrastructure and small ponds in Campbell Ave. corridor ■ Strong benefit:cost ratio ■ Could alleviate local flooding issues ■ Some potential land issues ■ Traffic Disturbance o FY23/24 - Maintenance Access Upgrades ■ Estimated Cost = $3.71 VI ■ Construct 9 vaults on tunnels to allow safe access and maintenance ■ 4/9 vaults would be built as part of other proposed projects ■ Would allow for sediment and debris removal , structural repairs ■ Would not reduce flooding , but critically important for long-run operations o FY32 - NS Rail Diversion Basin ■ Estimated Cost= $4.3M ■ Retain some runoff from railroad yards, divert to: ■ 5 - CCBC Wet Pond OR ■ 3 - Shenandoah Diversion Tunnel o FY33 - Luck Ave. Upper WS Improvements ■ Estimated Cost= $20.1 M ■ Store runoff south of downtwon in underground ponds and permeable pavement ■ Only realistic project in southern drianage area ■ Relatively low benefit:cost • Property Owner Mitigation o Higher precision maps allow for building specific risk analysis ■ Flood frequency- depth- damage -risk relationships ■ Structural flood - proofing ■ Elevation of contents o Experimental flood alert system may provide early warning • Summary and Next Steps 590 o Historical flooding, cost to "do-nothing" - $116 Million o Measures to Reduce Impacts ■ Community Infrastructure - $80 - 85 Million ■ Property owner mitigation capacity - $TBD o Funding and Timing Challenges ■ Conveyance - proceeding ■ Small Storage - incremental approach?? ■ Larger Storage - funding/land?? (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office .) Mr. Shaw advised that downtown was built over a marsh and a few streams that flow in the airport area , down around the 1-581 corridor and more importantly, underneath downtown were a series of tunnels over 100 years old; and spoke of the recent flood events in the area and how the Stormwater Division , had been working on the details of the drainage system underneath downtown and with Virginia Tech to install sensors in the tunnels to monitor the levels of rain . Mr. Aguilar reviewed the proposed projects and noted that the previous maps used by the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) were old and they were currently updating the flood maps using the hydraulic model to remap the FEMA flood plain to provide a higher level of detail as to flood depths and flood areas. Council Member Cobb inquired as to efforts made for ongoing mitigation for flood areas outside of the downtown; whereupon , Mr. Shaw advised that there had been outreach to at risk property owners, some flood proofing and redevelopment with better building materials, but in terms of large infrastructure there had not been any projects, luckily because there had not been any highly intense thunderstorms between 2018 and 2021 . Following discussion of the matter and in response to inquiry with regard to erosion of the roads , Mr. Shaw advised that it would be best to address property or damage to structure as it occurred and take proper measures to maintain it over time. Following comments by several Council Members, the Vice-Mayor thanked Messrs. Shaw and Aguilar for the informative presentation, received and filed the briefing. At 9:57 a.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 2:00 p.m. , in the Council Chamber.  591 At 2:00 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, with Vice- Mayor Patricia White-Boyd , presiding. PRESENT: Council Members Joseph L. Cobb, Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr., Stephanie Moon Reynolds, Vivian Sanchez-Jones, and Patricia White-Boyd-5. ABSENT: Mayor Sherman P. Lea , Sr. , and Council Member William D. Bestpitch-2. 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. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Alexander MacPhail, Pastor, Christ Episcopal Church. Vice-Mayor White-Boyd called for a Moment of Silence in honor of the late Clara S. Lea , wife of Mayor Sherman P. Lea , Sr. , who passed away on October 2, 2021 . The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Vice-Mayor White-Boyd . PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: Mark Jamison , Director, Public Works, recognized and presented a City Star to John Rowland, Maintenance Technician II , Department of Transportation, for taking brave action to save a child found alone in the street. VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE-INNOVATION AWARD: Council Member Cobb presented the Innovation Award received at the recent Virginia Municipal League Annual Conference in recognition of the City of Roanoke's Star City Reads Program to Sheila Umberger, Director of Libraries. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: NONE. 592 CONSENT AGENDA The Vice-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 wou ld be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. CONVEYANCE OF EASEMENTS : A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council schedule two public hearings to be held on Monday, October 18, 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 may determine, to consider the conveyance of a 25 foot access easement across property located in Roanoke County; and conveyance of a 25 foot utility easement to Appalachian Power Company across City-owned property in Roanoke County to provide service to property owned by Jack and Ann Wimmer, was before the body. (See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Moon Reynolds moved that Council concur in the request of the City Manager as abovementioned. The motion seconded by Council Member Jeffrey and adopted by the following vote : AYES : Council Members Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds , Sanchez-Jones and White-Boyd-5. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea and Council Member Bestpitch were absent.) OATHS OF OFFICE-PERSONNEL AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES COMMISSION-FAIR HOUSING BOARD-BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS- ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: Reports of qualification of the following individuals were before the Council: Julie Wagner as a member (Citizen at Large) of the Personnel and Employment Practices Commission for a three-year term of office ending June 30 , 2024; Alyshia Merchant as a member of the Fair Housing Board to replace Amar Bhattarai for a term of office ending March 31, 2024;  593 Tracy Jernigan Brown as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals to fill the unexpired term of office of Antwyne U. Calloway ending December 31, 2022 ; Stephen Feather as a member of the Architectural Review Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Bill Hume, commencing October 2, 2021 and ending October 1, 2023 ; and Bill Mason and Byron Dickson as members of the Architectural Review Board for four-term of office , each , commencing October 2, 2021 and ending October 1, 2025 . (See Oath or Affirmation of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office .) Council Member Moon Reynolds moved that the reports of qualification be received and filed . The motion seconded by Council Member Jeffrey and adopted by the following vote : AYES : Council Members Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and White-Boyd-5. NAYS : None-0. (Mayor Lea and Council Member Bestpitch were absent.) REGULAR AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE . PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: CITY MANAGER: 594 BRIEFING: Roanoke Regional Partnership Strategic Plan - Thrive John Hull , Executive Director, Roanoke Regional Partnership, updated the Council on the activities of the organization for 2021 and highlighted the following information: • Successes • Lead Pipeline • Pandemic Job Recovery • Product Development • 2016 - 2021 Strategy Accomplishments • About the Planning Process: Project Timeline • Thrive 2027 Vision o Strategic plan overview o Goals and recommendations o Talent Attraction and Workforce Development o Commercial Real Estate and Infrastructure o Placemaking and Livability (See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office .) Mr. Hull provided an overview of 2021 reporting that the Partnersh ip experienced two expansions, 265 jobs, $48 million in capital investment, a 70 percent increase in project activity proving that there continued to be strong interest in locating in the Roanoke Region of Virginia . Following discussion with regard to the above-mentioned activities , Mr. Hull presented the 2027 Thrive Five-Year Strategic Plan for Economic Development to the Council , noting that the Roanoke Region has a thriving innovative and growing economy inclusive of diverse business and talent, with quality sites , advanced infrastructure and an array of natural and cultural lifestyle amenities and activities. He concluded by reviewing the four critical areas of the Strategic Plan and reminded the Council of the upcoming GO Outside Festival scheduled for October 15 - 17, 2021. Following questions from the Council Members, the Vice-Mayor thanked Mr. Hull for a great presentation , received and filed the briefing.  595 ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION : VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FUNDS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of "Pass-Thru" funds from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to reimburse the Hazardous Materials Response Team. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office .) Council Member Moon Reynolds offered the following resolution : (#42169-100721) A RESOLUTION accepting the Emergency Management Hazardous Materials grant made to the City from the Virgin ia Department of Emergency Management upon certain terms and conditions, and authorizing the execution any required documentation on behalf of the City. (For full text of reso lution, see Resolution Book No. 82 , page 60 .) Council Member Moon Reynolds moved the adoption of Resolution No. 42169- 100721. The motion seconded by Council Member Cobb and adopted by the following vote : AYES: Council Members Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and White-Boyd-5 . NAYS : None-0. (Mayor Lea and Council Member Bestpitch were absent.) Council Member Jeffrey offered the following budget ordinance: (#42170-100721) AN ORDINANCE appropriating funding from the United States Department of Transportation through the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) for hazardous materials emergency responses and training and development, 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 61.) 596 Council Member Jeffrey moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 42170- 100721. The motion seconded by Council Member Moon Reynolds and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and White-Boyd-5 . NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea and Council Member Bestpitch were absent.) OUTSTATIONED ELIGIBILITY WORKERS: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of a contract between the City of Roanoke and Carilion Medical Center for placement of Outstationed Eligibility Workers · at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Cobb offered the following resolution : (#42171-100721) A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract between the City of Roanoke on behalf of its Department of Social Services ("City") and Carilion Medical Center ("Carilion") , for the placement by the City of four (4) Outstationed Eligibility Workers ("OEW"), as well as an onsite OEW supervisor, at Carilion's Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents required by such contract. (For full text of resolution , see Resolution Book No. 82, page 62.) Council Member Cobb moved the adoption of Resolution No. 42171-100721. The motion seconded by Council Member Sanchez-Jones and adopted by the following vote: AYES : Council Members Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and White-Boyd-5. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea and Council Member Bestpitch were absent.)  597 Council Member Moon Reynolds offered the following budget ordinance: (#42172-100721) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia and Carilion Medical Center for outstationed eligibility workers, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2021 - 2023 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance . (For full text of ordinance, see Ord inance Book No. 82 , page 63 .) Council Member Moon Reynolds moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 42172-100721. The motion seconded by Council Member Jeffrey and adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb, Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds , Sanchez-Jones and White-Boyd-5. NAYS : None-0. (Mayor Lea and Council Member Bestpitch were absent.) YOUTH ATHLETICS REVIEW BOARD: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending amendment of the City Code in connection with the newly created Youth Athletics Review Board. (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Cobb offered the following ordinance : (#42173-100721) AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining Section 2-297 of Division 2, Permanent Committees, Article XIV Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees Generally, Chapter 2, Administration, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended to add Section 2-307; establishing an effective date; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. (For full text of ordinance , see Ordinance Book No. 82 , page 64.) Council Member Cobb moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 42173-100721. The motion seconded by Council Member Sanchez-Jones. The City Manager advised that the permanent advisory board would be involved in the review of youth recreation sports delivered throughout the City, in partnership with other providers in the area to allow direct involvement by the citizens in the operation of those activities. 598 There being no questions and/or comments by the Council Members, Ordinance No. 42173-100721 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and White-Boyd-5. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea and Council Member Bestpitch were absent.) SHUTTERED VENUES OPERATORS GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending repeal and replacement of Budget Ordinance No . 42158-092021 , adopted September 20, 2021 , accepting the Shuttered Venues Operators Grant and authorizing the establishment of a revenue estimate and appropriation of funds . (For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Council Member Moon Reynolds offered the following budget ordinance: (#42174-100721) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Business , Nonprofits, and Venues Act amended by the American Rescue Plan Act, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2021 - 2022 Enterprise Fund - Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance . (For full text of budget ordinance , see Ordinance Book No. 82 , page 67.) Council Member Moon Reynolds moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 4217 4-100721 . The motion seconded by Council Member Sanchez-Jones . The City Manager advised that the grant would offset losses of the Berglund Center due to the COVID-19 pandemic and noted that a similar appropriation would be coming soon and in total , the City would receive $4 million for use in the facility. There being no comments and/or questions by the Council Members, Budget Ordinance No. 42174-100721 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and White-Boyd-5. NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea and Council Member Bestpitch were absent.)  599 COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: The City Manager offered the following comments : Treasurer's Office Announces Temporary Closings • Beginning October 7 through October 26 , this office will be closed to the public on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. • During these closings , as well as on evenings and weekends, Treasurer's Office employees will receive training for a new tax and treasury system , and test the system in preparation for its launch . • Payments will continue to be processed as received through the mail (Roanoke City Treasurer's Office , P.O . Box 1451 , Roanoke , VA, 24007) and the Treasurer's Office drop-box (checks or money orders only), as well as online. Vaccine Center at Valley View • VDH has been using Berglund Center, Salem Civic Center, and other locations for vaccination clinics . • They announced today that they are consolidating these into a single , state-run community vaccination center, opening October 14, at Valley View Mall in the former Sears location . • Appointments will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. , Monday through Saturday. • The Center will be open six days a week - offering all doses (first, second , th ird) . • Information available at vaccinatevirginia.gov REPORTS OF COMMITTEES : NONE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS : NONE. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS : CLIMATE ADAPTATION : Council Member Moon Reynolds offered the following resolution expressing the need for emergency action regarding climate adaptation : (#42175-100721) A RESOLUTION declaring the need for emergency action regarding climate adaptation , enhancing current cl imate action plans and increasing greenhouse gas ("GHG") reduction targets. (For full text of resolution , see Resolution Book No. 82 , page 68.) Council Member Moon Reynolds moved the adoption of Resolution No. 42175- 100721 . The motion seconded by Council Member Jeffrey. 600 The City Manager explained that the resolution addressed the need to accelerate actions around greenhouse gas emissions and the proper course of action was to proceed without haste towards the update of the City's Climate Action Plan . Following discussion by the Council Members, Resolution No. 42175-100721 was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and White-Boyd-5 . NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea and Council Member Bestpitch were absent.) MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS : INQUIRIES AND/OR COMMENTS BY THE VICE-MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: ANNUAL VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE : Council Members Cobb , Moon Reynolds and Jeffrey shared highlights of the recently attended Virginia Municipal League Annual Conference held on October 3 - 5, 2021 , in Leesburg, Virginia , noting great sessions such as Solar Energy, Social Media and the American Rescue Plan Act. VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES , BOARDS , COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL : NONE . CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING : With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded , Council Member Moon Reynolds moved that each Member of City Council certify to the best of his or her knowledge that: (1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in any motion by which any Closed Meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered by City Council. The motion seconded by Council Member Jeffrey and adopted by the following vote: AYES : Council Members Cobb , Jeffrey, Moon Reynolds, Sanchez-Jones and Wh ite-Boyd-5 . NAYS: None-0. (Mayor Lea and Council Member Bestpitch were absent.)  601 There being no further business to come before the Council , Vice-Mayor White- Boyd declared the regular meeting adjourned at 3:28 p.m. APPROVED ATTEST: ~✓- ~ Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk ~/SP-:8~{ f Vice-Mayor