HomeMy WebLinkAboutMins 10/05/17 - 12/18/17Pr
t
ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR SESSION
October 5, 2017
ti rr. r
The Council of the City of Roanoke met in joint session with the Roanoke City
Planning Commission on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at 9:00 a.m., in the Council
Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church
Avenue, S. W., City of Roanoke, with Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., presiding, pursuant to
Chapter 2, Administration, Article II, City Council, Section 2 -15, Rules of Procedure,
Rule 1, Regular Meetings, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, and
pursuant to Resolution No. 40879- 070317 adopted by the Council on Monday, July 3,
2017.
PRESENT: Council Members William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra,
Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland, Anita J. Price, and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. -6.
ABSENT: Council Member David B. Trinkle -1
OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J.
Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk.
The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum.
ROANOKE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Karri B.
Atwood, Sarah Glenn, Lora J. Katz, Angela S. Penn, James E. Smith and Chair Kermit
Hale -6.
ROANOKE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Anthony
Russell -1.
Representing the Roanoke City Planning Commission: Chris Chittum, Director,
Planning, Building and Development; Ian Shaw, Agent, City Planning Commission;
Wayne Leftwich, Senior City Planner; and Tina Carr, Secretary.
Mayor Lea asked for a Moment of Silence in memory of the victims of the recent
mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada. He welcomed everyone to the meeting, and
thereafter, recognized Chairman Hale for comments.
2
Chairman Hale offered brief remarks; and then called on the Planning Staff for an
overview of the following items:
• Annual Report for Fiscal Year July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017
• Downtown Plan Update Status
• Upcoming Zoning Ordinance and City Code Text Amendments
• Comprehensive Plan Update Process
(See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Ian Shaw, Agent, City Planning Commission, reviewed the Commission's
activities over the prior fiscal year, noting that the Commission averaged about 20 cases
last year consisting of 11 rezonings four amendments to the Planned Unit Development
Plans, and five right -of -way vacations.
Wayne Leftwich, Senior City Planner, explained that staff had been working with
the Planning Commission on the Downtown Plan since June 2017, with big goals to
build strength, recognize the history, cultural, natural assets of the area, as well as fill in
the storefronts, connect sidewalks, enhance public spaces for residents, pets and other
recreational needs in an effort to celebrate the wonderful downtown area.
With regard to the upcoming Zoning Ordinance and City Code text amendments,
Chris Chittum, Director, Planning Building and Development, advised that the initial
thought was to rewrite the section on the Wireless Telecommunications Policy, but so '
far that was not needed, the changes within the section on signs was compliant, but
does not radically change the way signs were regulated in the City; and the homestays
and short-term rentals section was being fine -tuned and a registry would be created to
keep track of such businesses and operations.
He further advised that in updating the City's Comprehensive Plan several
initiatives have already begun, such as working with the Roanoke Valley - Alleghany
Regional Commission to develop a demographic profile for the City as well as each
neighborhood. He noted that a citizen planning academy, consisting of people
interested in planning was underway; and there was an ongoing Facebook group to
discuss different planning issues in an effort to build a group of citizens that would be
willing to help out in terms of the Comprehensive Plan throughout the next couple of
years.
He noted that discussion would be needed with regard to housing because it was
changing more dramatically than in previous decades and was a nationwide problem,
not just a City of Roanoke issue.
Vice -Mayor Price questioned if the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing
Authority would be consulted with regard to the housing pattern over the next 20 years;
whereupon, Mr. Chittum replied that the Housing Authority was indeed a stakeholder in
the process, especially with patterns of homeownership going down and the single
family home model becoming less and less attractive to the current generation.
Council Member Bestpitch encouraged everyone, in terms of transportation
options, to use the trolley system, identify the City's objectives of the Plan as well as
support and even incentivize the private sector objectives with regard to the
Comprehensive Plan.
Council Member Garland inquired how the City remained progressive and kept
the zoning compatible with changes and trends; whereupon, Mr. Chittum advised that
the whole idea was to enforce consistency and compatibility to deal with the new trends,
such as tiny homes.
Ms. Katz commented that the Comprehensive Plan presented an opportunity to
tap into the youth population with regard to community involvement in hopes of sparking
an interest in planning; whereupon, Vice -Mayor Price concurred in the comment and
expressed that it would be a great topic at an upcoming Youth Summit.
The City Manager expressed excitement to working with the planning staff on the
Comprehensive Plan and commended the leadership of the Director of Planning
Building and Development and Assistant City Manager for Community Development.
Following several accolades by the Council Members, Mayor Lea thanked the
Planning staff for their time and dedication to the challenges and issues that face the
City of Roanoke.
There being no further business, Chairman Hale thanked the Council for the
opportunity to discuss relevant topics and declared the Roanoke City Planning
Commission meeting adjourned at 10:03 a.m.
There being no further business, Mayor Lea declared the Council meeting in
recess at 10:03 a.m., to be reconvened in the Council Chamber.
At 12:03 p.m., the Council meeting was reconvened in the Council Chamber,
Mayor Lea presiding and all Members of the Council in attendance, with the exception
of Council Member Trinkle. The Mayor called attention to the following Items for Action:
L"'
VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEES: 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 was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted
by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD: A communication from Mayor Sherman P.
Lea, Sr., requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the 2017
Citizen of the Year Award, pursuant to Section 2.2 -3711 (A)(10), 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 was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
5
DISPOSITION OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTY: A communication from the City
` Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the
disposition of an approximately .3607 acres of City -owned property located at 120
Church Avenue, S. E., where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the
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 Dykstra moved that Council concur in the request of the City
Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
ACQUISITION OF INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY: A communication from
the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the
acquisition of interests in real property by the City for public purposes, whether in fee
simple and /or in leasehold, where discussion of the City's acquisition of interest in real
property in an open meeting would adversely affect the 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 Dykstra moved that Council concur in the request of the City
Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
0 •
The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum.
Mayor Lea asked for a Moment of Silence in memory of Thomas Cain who
passed away on June 29, 2017 and was memorialized on Saturday, September23,
2017 at Loudon Avenue Christian Church.
The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Keith S. Wagner, Minister,
Roanoke Church of Christ.
At this point, Council Member Dykstra entered the meeting (2:03 p.m.)
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by
Mayor Lea.
PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: NONE.
HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: NONE.
CONSENT AGENDA
The Mayor advised that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda are -�
considered to be routine by the Members of Council and will be enacted by one motion
in the form, or forms, listed on the Consent Agenda, and if discussion is desired, the
item would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately.
MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Tuesday,
September 5, 2017, was before the body.
(See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with
and approved as recorded. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
x
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: A communication from the City
Clerk advising of the resignation of Thomas T. Cullen as a Director of the Economic
Development Authority, effective immediately, was before the Council.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris moved that the resignation be accepted and the
communication be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member
Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote:
Lea -6.
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD: A communication from the
City Clerk advising of the resignation of Steven Stinson as a member of the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board, effective immediately, was before the Council.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris moved that the resignation be accepted and the
communication be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member
Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote:
Lea -6.
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
REGIONAL VIRGINIA ALCOHOL SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM POLICY
BOARD: A communication from the City Clerk advising of the vacancies on the
Regional Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program Policy Board and Court Community
Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board created by the
resignation of Samuel Roman as Deputy Police Chief of the City of Roanoke, serving as
the Police Chief designee, was before the Council.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
W
Council Member Ferris moved that the resignation be accepted and the
communication be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member
Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote:
Lea -6. AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
VISIT VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: A communication
from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Della Watkins as a City representative
of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge Board of Directors, effective immediately, was before
the Council.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris moved that the resignation be accepted and the
communication be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member
Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote:
Lea -6. AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION ANNUAL REPORT: A communication from the
Honorable William D. Broadhurst, Judge, Twenty -third Judicial Circuit of Virginia,
transmitting the Annual Report of the Board of Equalization for the Taxable Year July 1,
2017 - June 30, 2018, was before the Council.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris moved that the report be received and filed. The motion
was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote:
Lea -6. AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
11
ROANOKE CIVIC CENTER COMMISSION: Report of qualification of Samuel
Lionberger, III, as a member of the Roanoke Civic Center Commission for a three -year
term of office, commencing October 1, 2017 and ending September 30, 2020, was
before the Council:
(See Oath or Affirmation of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris moved that the report of qualification be received and
filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
REGULAR AGENDA
PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER:
CITY MANAGER:
BRIEFINGS: NONE.
ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION:
2016 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT PROGRAM: The City
Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance and
appropriation of funds from the 2016 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program to
purchase new self- contained breathing apparatus air packs and accessories for City
firefighters.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Irk
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution:
( #40968- 100517) A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of the 2016
Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program made to the City of Roanoke by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, and authorizing execution of any required
documentation on behalf of the City.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 346.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40968 - 100517.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following
vote:
Lea -6.
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance:
( #40969- 100517) AN ORDINANCE appropriating funding from the U. S.
Department of Homeland Security for a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant,
amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 Grant Fund
Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 346.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40969-
100517. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
13
BELMONT NEIGHBORHOOD: The City Manager submitted a written
communication recommending acceptance and appropriation of funds from the Virginia
Department of Historic Resources for survey and nomination of the Belmont
Neighborhood for inclusion on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National
Register of Historic Places.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution-
(#40970-100517) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of a Certified
Local Government grant from the Department of Historic Resources, and authorizing
the execution of necessary documents, upon certain terms and conditions.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 347.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40970 - 100517.
The motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price.
Following comments by Council Member Garland regarding the nomination and
encouraged neighborhood organizations to take advantage of monies that are available
each year, Resolution No. 40970 - 100517 was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
Council Member Ferris offered the following budget ordinance:
( #40971 - 100517) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the
Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) for the Belmont
Historic District Survey, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018
Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this
ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 348.)
M
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40971-
100517. The motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price and adopted by the following
vote:
Lea -6.
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
RECLASSIFY AND IDENTIFY RESPECTIVE REVENUES AND
APPROPRIATIONS: The City Manager submitted a written communication
recommending adoption of a budget ordinance to reclassify and identify respective
revenues and appropriations in connection with the FY2017 budget.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris offered the following budget ordinance:
( #40972 - 100517) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from grants,
donations, cost sharing, and other shared activities, amending and reordaining certain
sections of the 2016 - 2017 General Fund, Capital 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. 79, page 349.)
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40972-
100517. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the
following vote:
Lea -6.
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
AMENDMENT AND ENACTMENT OF THE EXTRATERRITORIAL ARREST
AGREEMENT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending
amendment and enactment of the Extraterritorial Arrest Agreement to delete Section 3
titled "notifications" as a result of the discontinuance of the Roanoke Area Criminal
Justice Information Network (RACJIN) system. .,
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
15
Council Member Ferris offered the following ordinance:
( #40973 - 100517) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager to execute an
Amendment to the Extraterritorial Arrest Agreement ( "Agreement ") among the City of
Roanoke, County of Roanoke, Town of Vinton, and City of Salem, to eliminate the
requirement of notice within forty -eight (48) hours of an extraterritorial arrest; authorizing
the City Manager to execute any and all documents necessary; and dispensing with the
second reading of this ordinance by title
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 350.)
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 40973 - 100517.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch.
Following comments by Council Member Ferris regarding the change in the
agreement to eliminate the requirement of notice within 48 hours of an arrest,
Ordinance No. 40973 - 100517 was adopted by the following vote:
Lea -8. AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
REGIONAL COLLISION REPORTING CENTER AGREEMENT AND FIRST
SUPPLEMENT: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending
execution of an extension of the Regional Collision Reporting Center Agreement and
First Supplement among the City of Roanoke, County of Roanoke and City of Salem.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris offered the following ordinance:
( #40974- 100517) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager to execute the
First Supplement amending a Regional Agreement among and between the City of
Roanoke, the County of Roanoke, and the City of Salem to provide tablets to the
Roanoke City Police Department, authorizing the extension of the original Agreement
for a five (5) year term, and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by
title.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 351.)
16
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 40974 - 100517.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER:
The City Manager offered the following comments:
CityWorks (X)po VII: This event starts today and sessions will be held through
October 7 in Grandin Village.
This is a national idea exchange and festival conference for anyone who is
passionate about the work of placemaking and creating stronger
communities.
As City Manager, I have been invited to participate in a Q &A with attendees.
Star City Reads Fall Festival: Saturday, October 7 from 11:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m. at Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, 2502 Melrose Avenue, N. W.,
Suite D. Event includes a Petting Zoo, Skechers Shoe giveaway, free books
for kids and other activities. In anticipation of this event, this week Roanoke
Public Libraries took delivery of 40,000 books from the First Book Foundation.
These books will be given to children who attend the festival.
Melrose Avenue Revitalization: An open forum will be held Monday,
October 9 at 6:00 p.m., at the Goodwill Campus on Melrose Avenue.
Residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in the City's Melrose-
Orange Target Area are invited to participate. Staff from the Department of
Planning Building and Development will showcase a neighborhood
development concept plan.
We encourage those who live and work in the Melrose- Orange Target area to
come out and give us your input on this plan.
'SolSmart Bronze' Award: Roanoke recently received this designation, which
is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative, indicating our
city is leading the region in solar best practices. A SolSmart designation is a
signal that the community is "open for solar business," helping to attract solar
industry investment and generate economic development and local jobs.
Roanoke is one of two cities in Virginia to receive this award (the other is
Charlottesville).
17
Kudos to our Sustainability staff for the work they have done to put Roanoke
in the spotlight for solar energy. We will be inviting them to attend a future
City Council meeting so that we can formally recognize their efforts to earn
this recognition.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE.
INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Council Member Ferris offered the
following resolution reappointing Duke Baldridge as a Director of the Economic
Development Authority for a four -year term of office ending October 20, 2021:
( #40975 - 100517) A RESOLUTION reappointing a Director of the Economic
Development Authority of the City of Roanoke to fill a four (4) year term on the Board of
Directors.
(For full text, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 352.)
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40975- 100517.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following
vote:
Lea -6. AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Council Member Ferris offered the
following resolution reappointing Vickie Bibee as a Director of the Economic
Development Authority for a four -year term of office ending October 20, 2021:
( #40976 - 100517) A RESOLUTION reappointing a Director of the Economic
Development Authority of the City of Roanoke to fill a four (4) year term on the Board of
Directors.
(For full text, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 353.)
IN
•
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40976 - 100517.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
MOUNTAIN VALLEY PIPELINE PROJECT: Council Member Ferris offered the
following resolution urging the Commonwealth of Virginia to ensure that the vital
interests of all localities within the Roanoke Valley are protected from increased
sediment load in the Roanoke River and its tributaries that will occur from the
development, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Mountain Valley Pipeline
Project:
( #40977 - 100517) A RESOLUTION urging the Commonwealth of Virginia to
protect the vital interests of localities within the Roanoke Valley affected by the
construction, operation, and maintenance of the Mountain Valley Pipeline project (MVP
Project) by (i) preventing any increase in baseline, or annual, sediment loading for the
Roanoke River or any of its tributaries as a result of the MVP Project; and (ii) holding
the developers, owners, and operators of the MVP Project financially responsible and
accountable to construct, operate, and maintain water quality improvements necessary
to mitigate any increased sediment loading.
(For full text, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 353.)
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40977 - 100517.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch.
After additional comments from Dwayne D'Ardenne, Stormwater Management
Manager, reiterating his reasons for approval of the measure and Council Members
regarding the need for the measure as a vital tool, Ordinance No. 40977 - 100517 was
adopted by the following vote:
Lea -6.
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
19
HISTORIC TAX CREDIT PROGRAM: .Council Member Ferris offered the
following resolution urging the President of the United States and the United States
Congress to continue the federal Historic Tax Credit program as a critical economic
development tool for states and localities throughout the United States:
( #40978 - 100517) A RESOLUTION urging the President of the United States and
the United States Congress to continue the federal Historic Tax Credit program.
(For full text, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 356.)
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40978- 100517.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra.
Following comments by Council Members Bestpitch, Ferris and Garland
regarding the benefits of the historic tax credits, Resolution No. 40978 - 100517 was
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
MOTION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
INQUIRIES AND /OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF
COUNCIL:
GREATER ROANOKE TRANSIT COMPANY BOARD: Council Member
Bestpitch called attention to a public hearing being conducted by the Greater Roanoke
Transit Company Board of Directors on Thursday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m., in the EOC
Conference Room, Room 159, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, to receive comments
regarding the proposal to adopt a revised passenger fare schedule, effective January 1,
2018.
20
ROANOKE VALLEY - ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMMISSION: Council Member
Bestpitch distributed a handout regarding Regional Leaders Survey Summary as
prepared by Southeast Regional Directors Institute; and he highlighted portions of the
meeting, noting the Commission appointed Vinton Town Mayor Bradley Grose as Chair
and Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Chairman Joe McNarmara as Vice -Chair
He also gave a brief update regarding the Regional Commission Summary Financial
Data, which document was shared during the Roanoke Valley - Alleghany Regional
Commission meeting. The City Manager announced the Roanoke Valley - Alleghany
Regional Commission 48th Annual Dinner will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2017
at The Ballast Point Brewing Company (Banquet Room), Botetourt County.
Council Member Ferris commented on his involvement in a focus group, adding
that the Roanoke Valley - Alleghany Regional Commission belongs to all local
governments and encouraged elected officials to learn more about the Commission in
order to be of assistance.
(See copy of Regional Leaders Survey Summary and Summary Financial Data on file in
the City Clerk's Office.)
TRAGIC EVENT IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Council Member Garland called
attention to the tragic event that occurred on October 2, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada,
when a gunman in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino opened fire on a concert.
AWARDS PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE
CONFERENCE: Mayor Lea called attention to certain localities in Virginia that received
various awards at the Annual Virginia Municipal League Conference in Williamsburg,
Virginia on October 2, 2017, and encouraged the City Administration to submit
nominations in the future. He also congratulated Vice -Mayor Price on her election as
the Virginia Municipal League President -Elect for 2017 -2018.
VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: Vacancies to be considered during Closed
Meeting.
At 2:52 p.m., the
Mayor declared the
Council meeting in recess for a
Closed
Meeting in the Council's
Conference Room,
Room 451, fourth floor, Noel C.
Taylor
Municipal Building.
At 3:55 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, Mayor
Lea presiding and all Members of the Council in attendance, with the exception of
Council Member Trinkle.
21
CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING: With respect to the Closed Meeting
just concluded Council Member Dykstra 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 was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL:
TOWING ADVISORY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming
expiration of the three -year term of office of Rick D. Clark as a (Law Enforcement)
member of the Towing Advisory Board ending October 31, 2017; whereupon, he
opened the floor for nominations.
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Lieutenant Jason
Holt.
There being no further nominations, Lieutenant Holt was appointed to replace
Rick D. Clark as a (Law Enforcement) member of the Towing Advisory Board for a term
of three years ending October 31, 2020, by the following vote:
FOR LIEUTENANT HOLT: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland,
Price, and Mayor Lea -6.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the
resignation of Ray Bemis, III, (Public Sector) ending June 30, 2018; and expiration of
the three -year term of office of Marcus Huffman (Citizen at Large) and the one -year
term of office of Kenai Hunt (Alternate Student/William Fleming High School) ended
June 30, 2017; as members of the Youth Services Citizen Board; whereupon, he
opened the floor for nominations.
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Stephanie Doyle,
Aaron Deane, and Briana Wilson.
22
There being no further nominations, Ms. Doyle was appointed to fill the unexpired
term of Ray Bemis, III, (Public Sector) ending June 30, 2018; Mr. Deane was appointed
to replace Marcus Huffman (Citizen at Large) for a term of office ending June 30, 2020;
and Miss Wilson was appointed to replace Kenai Hunt (Alternate Member/William
Fleming High School) for a term of office ending June 30, 2018, as members of the
Youth Services Citizen Board, by the following vote:
FOR MS. DOYLE, MR. DEANE AND MISS WILSON: Council Members
Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea -6.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved that the City residency for Ms. Doyle as a
(Public Sector) member of the Youth Services Citizen Board be waived in this instance.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and unanimously adopted.
COURT COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAM REGIONAL COMMUNITY
CRIMINAL JUSTICE BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the resignation of former
Deputy Police Chief Samuel Roman as the Chief of Police Designee of the Court
Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board for a term
of office ending June 30, 2019; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations.
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Captain Eric
Charles.
There being no further nominations, Captain Charles was appointed as the Chief
of Police Designee of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community
Criminal Justice Board to fill the unexpired term of office of former Deputy Police Chief
Samuel Roman ending June 30, 2019, by the following vote:
FOR CAPTAIN CHARLES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland,
Price, and Mayor Lea -6.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
BLUE RIDGE BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE BOARD: The Mayor called
attention to the expiration of the three -year term of office of Paula Prince as a City
Representative of the Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare Board of Directors ending
December 31, 2017. Inasmuch as Ms. Prince having served three consecutive terms of
office, she is not eligible for reappointment; whereupon, he opened the floor for
nominations.
23
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Daniel Karnes.
There being no further nominations, Mr. Karnes was appointed to replace Paula
Prince as a City representative of the Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare Board of
Directors for a term of office of three years, commencing January 1, 2018 and ending
December 31, 2020, by the following vote:
FOR MR. KARNES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price,
and Mayor Lea -6.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS: The Mayor called attention to the upcoming
expiration of three -year terms of office of Robert H. Logan, III, Bryan Musselwhite and
Frederick Bromm as members of the Board of Zoning Appeals ending December 31,
2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations.
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Robert H.
Logan, III, and Bryan Musselwhite.
There being no further nominations, Messrs. Logan and Musselwhite were
reappointed as members of the Board of Zoning Appeals for terms of office of three
years, each, ending December 31, 2020, by the following vote:
FOR MESSRS. LOGAN AND MUSSELWHITE: Council Members Bestpitch,
Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, and Mayor Lea -6.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
REGIONAL VIRGINIA ALCOHOL SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM POLICY
BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the resignation of former Deputy Police Chief
Samuel Roman as the Chief of Police Designee of the Regional Virginia Alcohol Safety
Action Program Policy Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he
opened the floor for nominations.
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Captain Eric
Charles.
24
There being no further nominations, Captain Charles was appointed as the Chief
of Police Designee of the Regional Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program Policy Board
to fill the unexpired term of office of former Deputy Police Chief Samuel Roman ending
June 30, 2020, by the following vote:
FOR CAPTAIN CHARLES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland,
Price, and Mayor Lea -6.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
ROANOKE CULTURAL ENDOWMENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The Mayor
called attention to the upcoming expiration of the initial two -year term of office of Patice
Holland as a Citizen at Large member of the Roanoke Cultural Endowment Board of
Directors ending December 31, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations.
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Patice Holland
There being no further nominations, Ms. Holland was reappointed as a Citizen at
Large member of the Roanoke Cultural Endowment Board of Directors for a term of
office of three years ending December 31, 2020, by the following vote:
FOR MS. HOLLAND: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, y
Price, and Mayor Lea -6.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
ROANOKE VALLEY BROADBAND AUTHORITY: The Mayor called attention to
the upcoming expiration of the four -year term of office of Michael McEvoy as the City's
Citizen at Large member of the Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority ending
December 12, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations.
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Michael McEvoy.
There being no further nominations, Mr. McEvoy was reappointed as the City's
Citizen at Large member of the Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority for a term of office
of four years ending December 12, 2021, by the following vote:
FOR MR. MCEVOY: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price,
and Mayor Lea -6.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
25
TOWING ADVISORY BOARD: Council Member Bestpitch moved that the City
residency requirement for Joseph Wood, who was reappointed as a (Tower) member of
the Towing Advisory Board at the September 18, 2017 Council meeting, be waived in
this instance. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and unanimously
adopted.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared
the Council meeting adjourned at 3:59 p.m.
APPROVED
ATTEST:
Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, MMC Sherman P. Lea, Sr.
City Clerk Mayor
26
ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR SESSION
October 16, 2017
2:00 p.m.
The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday,
October 16, 2017, 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. 40879 - 070317
adopted by the Council on Monday, July 3, 2017.
PRESENT: Council Members Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, John A.
Garland, Anita J. Price, David B. Trinkle, William D. Bestpitch 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; Daniel J. Callaghan,
City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk,
The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Walter L. Wood, former Pastor,
New Life Christian Ministries.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by
Mayor Lea.
PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
NATIONAL ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH: The Mayor declared the month
of October 2017 as National Arts and Humanities Month.
(See ceremonial copy of proclamation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Mayor Lea presented the ceremonial copy of the proclamation to Susan
Jennings, Arts and Culture Coordinator.
RED RIBBON WEEK: The Mayor declared the week of October 22 — 28, 2017
as Red Ribbon Week.
(See ceremonial copy of proclamation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
27
Mayor Lea presented the ceremonial copy of the proclamation to Karen Pillis,
Chair, Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition (RAYSAC).
NATIONAL LEAD POISONING PREVENTION WEEK: The Mayor declared the
week of October 22 — 28, 2017 as National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
(See ceremonial copy of proclamation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Mayor Lea presented the ceremonial copy of the proclamation to Ann Billings,
Program Manager, and Marla Robertson, Outreach Coordinator, LEAD Safe Roanoke.
HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: The Mayor advised that
City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. All matters would be
referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to Council, as he
may deem appropriate.
ERADICATING CRIME IN THE INNER -CITY NEIGHBORHOODS: Robert
Gravely, 3360 Hershberger Road, N. W., appeared before the Council and spoke about
eradicating crime in the inner -city neighborhoods.
CONSENTAGENDA
The Mayor advised that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda are
considered to be routine by the Members of Council and will be enacted by one motion
in the form, or forms, listed on the Consent Agenda, and if discussion is desired, the
item would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. He
called attention to three requests for a Closed Meeting.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held
on Monday September 18, 2017; recessed until Friday, September 22, 2017, was
before the body.
(For full text, see Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris moved that the minutes be dispensed with and approved
as recorded. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
Itwto
•
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD: A communication from Mayor Sherman P.
Lea, Sr., requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the 2017
Citizen of the Year Award, pursuant to Section 2.2 -3711 (A)(10), Code of Virginia
(1950), as amended, was before the Council.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris moved that the Council concur in the request of the
Mayor to convene in a Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion was seconded
by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEES: 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 2.23711 (A)(1), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. A list of current vacancies
is included with the agenda for this meeting, was before the body.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor to
convene in a Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by
Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
ACQUISITION OF INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY: A communication from
the City Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the
acquisition of interests in real property by the City for public purposes, whether in fee
simple and /or in leasehold, where discussion of the City's acquisition of interests in real
property in an open meeting would adversely affect the 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.)
29
Council Member Ferris moved that Council concur in the request of the City
Manager to convene in a Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion was
seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD: A communication from the City Clerk
advising of the resignation of Cheryl W. Hartman as a member of the Human Services
Advisory Board, effective September 29, 2017, was before the Council.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris moved that the resignation be accepted and the
communication be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member
Trinkle and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0
AUDITORS OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS: A communication from Martha S.
Mavredes, CPA, Auditor of Public Accounts, Commonwealth of Virginia, advising that
the Commonwealth collections and remittances of the Treasurer, Commissioner of the
Revenue, Sheriff, and Commonwealth's Attorney indicated for the year ended June 30,
2017, are in compliance with state laws, regulations and other procedures relating to the
receipt disbursement and custody of state funds, was before the Council.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris moved that the communication be received and filed.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0
30
OATHS OF OFFICE - ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD- ROANOKE VALLEY -
ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGY COMMITTEE -PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD -
ROANOKE CIVIC CENTER COMMISSION -VISIT VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS - PERSONNEL AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES COMMISSION -
ROANOKE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATES: Reports of qualification of the following
individuals were before the Council:
Bill Mason and Katherine Coffield Gutshall as members of the
Architectural Review Board for four -year terms of office, each, ending
October 1, 2021;
Neal Cummings as the City representative (Private Sector) of the
Roanoke Valley - Alleghany Regional Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy Committee for a three -year term of office ending
March 31, 2020;
Jared Rigby as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to
fill the unexpired term of office of Steve Stinson ending March 31, 2019;
Landon C. Howard as a member of the Roanoke Civic Center
Commission for a three -year term of office ending September 30, 2020; ^
Renee "Butch" Craft as a City representative of the Visit Virginia's Blue
Ridge Board of Directors for a one -year term of office ending June 30,
2018;
Jackie Clewis as a (Classified Service) member of the Personnel and
Employment Practices Commission for a term of office ending June 30,
2020; and
Christina Hatch as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates to
fill the unexpired term of office Scott Horchler ending June 30, 2019.
(See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris moved that the reports of qualification be received and
filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
31
REGULAR AGENDA
PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS:
AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY: Council Member David B. Trinkle and Aisha
Johnson, Assistant to the City Manager, highlighted the following topics with regard to
the Senior Quality of Life Initiative:
• Roanoke Work Group Timeline
• Roanoke Work Group Members
• Survey Format
• Survey Demographics
• Survey Data
• Where do we go from here; what does this all mean?
• Age Friendly Community Committee
• AARP Community Rankings
• AARP Roanoke Ranking
• AARP Roanoke Ranking Comparison
• Next Steps
(See copy of presentation, on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Trinkle explained that in October 2014, the Milken Institute
conducted surveys on the aging population and concluded that Roanoke was not a
good place to age and as a Geriatric Psychiatrist, he felt like the City should be more
proactive in attending to the needs of the aging community and hopefully move the
needle on some of the demographic data to show that the aging demographic was
actually an asset along with the growing younger population.
Ms. Johnson summarized the survey results, stating that the majority of the
people who completed the survey were females, with birth years from 1914 to 1967 and
household incomes of $10,000.00 to $29,000.00 annually. With regard to wants and
needs of the senior community, Ms. Johnson noted that 89 percent wanted reliable
transportation and accessible transportation to grocery stores, 69 percent to doctors
offices, 65 percent to worship services and 59 percent wanted accessible public
transportation.
Council Member Trinkle advised that the League of Older Americans and AARP
recently began an initiative in June 2017, identifying transportation as its focus area and
partnering with Blue Ridge Independent Living Center, City of Roanoke, United Way of
the Roanoke Valley, Roanoke Valley- Alleghany Regional Commission, Virginia
Commission on Aging, Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech Center of Healthy Aging.
32
He proposed that the Council endorse and support the Age Friendly Community
Committee made up of those partners and allow the Committee to come back early in
budget season with recommendations of things the locality can do to improve the
engagement and the livability of Roanoke for the seniors, adding that the proposal also
would be shared with the City of Salem and Roanoke County.
In closing, it was stated that the next steps for the initiative included seeking
designation as an AARP Network Age - Friendly Community, generate a City specific
score, resurvey the area to improve Milken Ranking, and the Age Friendly Community
Committee to present recommendations annually to municipalities.
Council Member Garland inquired if the score given was the rating of the health
conditions of the seniors; whereupon, Council Member Trinkle replied that even with a
growing population of healthcare providers, it still was an access and transportation
problem and many seniors do not have primary care. He pointed out that when seniors
get sick, their needs were greater and a big part of the initiative was improving access,
getting them to primary care and ensuring that they follow -up.
Council Member Bestpitch commented that it would be useful in the survey to
also ask in terms of demographics, how long have you lived in Roanoke, because their
health problems may have begun prior to moving to Roanoke; and pointed out that
many have come to Roanoke from other places to get the quality health treatment that
the City of Roanoke offers. He further commented that the City of Roanoke should be
promoted not just as a great place to come raise and family, but also as a great place to '
retire.
At the conclusion of the presentation, Mayor Lea thanked Council Member
Trinkle and Ms. Johnson for an informative presentation, noting it would be received
and filed.
2017 WRITER ON THE BUS PROGRAM: Susan Jennings, Arts and Culture
Coordinator, gave a presentation on the 2017 Writer on the Bus Program.
(See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Ms. Jennings called attention to a book written by Shari Dragovich, "The Thirty
Minute Neighborhood "; and introduced David Ramey, Jr., son of the gentleman for
whom the book was dedicated to. Ms. Dragovich shared a brief passage of her writing
with the Council.
33
Following comments by the Council Members and expressions of appreciation to
Ms. Dragovich, Mayor Lea advised that the presentation would be received and filed.
VIRGINIA STATEWIDE NEIGHBORHOOD CONFERENCE, INC.: Estelle H.
McCadden, President, Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference, Inc., shared
information with regard to the 2019 Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference being
held in Roanoke; and she requested financial assistance from the City.
(See copy of documents on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Following positive remarks regarding Ms. McCadden's commitment to
neighborhood issues, Council Member Bestpitch inquired what was being required by
the City to sponsor the 2019 Statewide Neighborhood Conference; whereupon, Ms.
McCadden called attention to the sponsorship information that was included in packets,
which had been distributed; and she indicated that SunTrust Bank had donated
$10,000.00 for the past three years, respectively.
There being no further discussion, Mayor Lea commented that it made the
Council proud to have Ms. McCadden attend the State and National meetings as well as
her commitment to the neighborhoods; and that the matter would be referred to the City
Manager for follow -up.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER:
CITY MANAGER:
BRIEFINGS: NONE.
ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION:
FRANKLIN ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: The City Manager submitted a
written communication recommending acceptance and appropriation of Virginia
Department of Transportation (VDOT) funds for the Franklin Road Improvement Project;
and execution of the VDOT Standard Project Administration Agreement.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Trinkle offered the following resolution:
34
( #40979- 101617) A RESOLUTION accepting the Virginia Department of
Transportation's ("VDOT ") award of funds to the City in the total amount of
$1,432,946.00 for the Franklin Road Improvements project; authorizing the City
Manager to execute a VDOT Standard Project Administration Agreement for Federal -
aid Projects and Appendix A; and authorizing the City Manager to take certain other
actions in connection with the above matters and project.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 358.)
Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40979 - 101617.
The motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
Council Member Trinkle offered the following budget ordinance:
( #40980 - 101617) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Virginia
Department of Transportation Funds to the Franklin Road Pedestrian Improvements
Project, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 Capital Projects
Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 359.)
Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40980-
101617. The motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
FY19 AND FY20 REVENUE SHARING PROGRAMS: The City Manager
submitted a written communication recommending authorization to submit an
application to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for funding of the FY19
and FY20 Revenue Sharing Programs to construct or improve the City's infrastructure
systems.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
35
Council Member Dykstra offered the following resolution:
(#40981-101617) A RESOLUTION supporting an application and authorizing the
City Manager to submit such application to the Virginia Department of Transportation
(VDOT) for funds from VDOT's Revenue Sharing Program in the amount of
$10,000,000.00 for FY 2019 and FY 2020 for certain projects; and authorizing the City
Manager to take certain actions in connection with such projects.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 360.)
Council Member Dykstra moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40981 - 101617.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle.
After in -depth discussion about the changes in the application cycle and
reduction of funds in connection with the VDOT Revenue Sharing Program, Resolution
No. 40981- 101617 was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
FY19 LOCAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IN TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVE
SET ASIDE /HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM: The City Manager
submitted a written communication recommending authorization to submit an
application to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for the FY19 Local
Assistance Program in Transportation Alternative Set Aside and additional Highway
Safety Improvement Program funds to construct or improve the City's infrastructure
systems.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution:
( #40982 - 101617) A RESOLUTION supporting an application and authorizing the
City Manager to submit such application to the Virginia Department of Transportation
(VDOT) FY19 Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set -Aside Program Funds for the
construction of the Tinker Creek Greenway project and the Highway Safety
Improvement Program Funds for the addition of the bicycle and pedestrian crossing
infrastructure at the intersection of Orange Avenue (Route 460) and Gainsboro Road;
and authorizing the City Manager to take certain actions in connection with such
application.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 361.)
36
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40982 - 101617.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
FY18 URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY GRANT: The City Manager
submitted a written communication recommending acceptance and appropriation of
funds in connection with the FY18 Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the
Virginia Department of Forestry to staff a part-time Urban Forestry Planner.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Vice -Mayor Price offered the following resolution:
( #40983 - 101617) A RESOLUTION accepting a FY 2018 Urban and Community
Forestry Grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry to fund a part-time Urban
Forestry Planner to work under the Urban Forester, and authorizing the execution of
any required documents in connection therewith, upon certain terms and conditions.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 362.)
Vice -Mayor Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40983 - 101617. The
motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle.
Following Council Member Bestpitch's concerns about the reduction in funds for
replacement of trees, Resolution No. 40983 - 101617 was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
Vice -Mayor Price offered the following budget ordinance:
(#40984- 101617) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the
Commonwealth of Virginia for the Urban and Community Forestry Grant, amending and
reordaining certain sections of the 2017 -2018 General and Grant Funds Appropriations,
and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 363.)
37
Vice -Mayor Price moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40984- 101617.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER.
The City Manager commented on the following:
Envision Roanoke
• Monday, October 30, 2017
• 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Virginia Western Community College, in the Fralin Multi- purpose Room.
• Citizens are invited to attend this event to discuss how the city can become a
cleaner, greener, and healthier place to live.
• Topics will include green living at its best - clean air and clean water,
renewable energy, alternative transportation, local foods, energy and water
conservation, safe products, and much more.
• The event is free but RSVP is required, space is limited. Deadline to register
is Wednesday, October 25, 2017.
• Contact Nell Boyle, Sustainability and Outreach Coordinator with the City of
Roanoke, at 540 - 853 -5430 or at nell.boyleC@roanokeva.gov.
Annual City Neighborhoods Potluck Dinner & Awards Celebration
Friday, November 10, 2017
• 6:00 p.m.
• Jefferson Center Fitzpatrick Hall
• This is an annual potluck dinner sponsored by the Roanoke Office of
Neighborhood Services and Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates, in
partnership with Roanoke City Council
• During the dinner, members of Roanoke City Council and Roanoke Arts
Commission will present the 2017 Neighborhood Partnership Awards from the
pool of submitted nominations.
W996
Williamson Road Branch Library Ribbon - Cutting Ceremony
• Monday, November 13, 2017
• 9:30 a.m.
• The renovated facility will nearly double the children's area, significantly
increase space offered for tutoring and meetings, and enhance the "Library to
Your Door" program offered to seniors and homebound patrons.
• One critical goal of the project was to improve the energy- efficiency of the
building by incorporating a number of modern features such as LED light
fixtures, daylight harvesting, automatic lighting controls, and operable blinds.
CITY ATTORNEY:
REPEAL OF CHAPTER 4, AIRPORT, CODE OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE
(1979), AS AMENDED: The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending the
amendment of the City Code to repeal Chapter 4, Airport, and enact Chapter 4.1,
Airport, to explain and clarify the repeal of Chapter 4.
(For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance:
( #40985- 101617) AN ORDINANCE repealing Chapter 4, Airport, Code of the City
of Roanoke (1979), as amended, in its entirety; updating cross references, footnotes
and editor's notes accordingly; amending and reordaining the Code of the City of
Roanoke (1979), as amended by adding a new Chapter 4.1, Airport, Article I, In
General; providing for an effective date; and dispensing with the second reading of this
Ordinance by title.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 364.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 40985- 101617.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris.
In connection with the matter, the following individuals appeared before the
Council:
Bob Caudle, Jr., 4231 Belford Road, S. W., spoke about the infractions of rules
and regulations at the Airport and advised that City Cab was the contracted
transportation provider of the Airport. He urged the Council to put the tools in
place to ensure the enforcement of the transportation rules and regulations at the
Airport during daytime and evening hours.
39
Troy Larimer, 3800 Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, spoke about repealing
Chapter 4 of the City Code and commended the Council for relinquishing
responsibility to the Airport with regard to the rules and regulations.
Ben Early, 1415 Antrim Street, Salem, spoke about repealing Chapter 4 of the
Code and indicated it was unlawful for Roanoke - Blacksburg Regional Airport to
sell the public cab stand to City Cab.
Following an overview for the amendment of the City Code by the City Attorney,
Council Member Bestpitch noted his support of a work group being created as
suggested in a communication dated October 16, 2017 from the City Attorney regarding
regulation of taxicab fares within the City.
Mayor Lea recognized Tim Bradshaw, Executive Director, Roanoke - Blacksburg
Regional Airport, and Cynthia Lawrence, City representative Member, Roanoke
Regional Airport Commission, who were in attendance.
There being no additional comments by the Council Members, Ordinance No.
40985 - 101617 was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:
The Roanoke City School Board submitted a written report requesting appropriation of
funds for various educational programs; and the City Manager submitted a written report
recommending that Council concur in the request.
(For full text, see reports on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance:
( #40986 - 101617) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the
Commonwealth grants and the Schools general funds for various educational programs,
amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 School Grant Fund
Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 366.)
W
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40986-
101617. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE.
INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS: NONE.
MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
INQUIRIES AND /OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY
COUNCIL.
PROSPECTIVE BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY OR EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING
BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY: Mayor Lea called attention to a communication from the
City Manager requesting that City Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss a
Prospective business or industry, or the expansion of an existing business or industry,
where no previous announcement has been made of the business' or industry's
interests in locating or expanding its facilities in the community, pursuant to
Section 2.2 -3711 (A)(5), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris moved that the Council concur in the request of the City
Manager to convene in a Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion was
seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
41
DISPOSITION OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1950 BLUE HILLS
DRIVE, N. E.: Mayor Lea called attention to a communication from the City Manager
requesting that City Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of
approximately 12.032 acres of City -owned property located at 1950 Blue Hills Drive,
N. E., 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 Ferris moved that the Council concur in the request of the City
Manager to convene in a Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion was
seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
REGULATIONS OF TAXICAB FARES WITHIN THE CITY: Council Member
Ferris called attention to a communication from the City Attorney dated October 16,
2017, regarding regulation of taxicab fares within the City.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Following comments, he moved that the Council concur in the recommendation
as set forth in the abovementioned communication to establish a working group to
include City Administration, the Roanoke Police Department, taxicab operators, and
other constituencies to discuss an approach and make a recommendation to City
Council regarding the regulation of taxicab operations within the City. The motion was
seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and unanimously adopted.
BLACK HISTORY OF ROANOKE TOUR: Council Member Garland called
attention to a Black History of Roanoke Tour on Tuesday, October 24 from 9:30 a.m. —
1:30 p.m., at the Gainsboro Library.
VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL. To be discussed in Closed Meeting.
At 4:23 p.m., the Mayor declared the Council meeting in recess for a Closed
Meeting to be held in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451, fourth floor, Noel C.
Taylor Municipal Building; and thereafter to be reconvened in the Council Chamber.
At 7:00 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, Room
450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, with Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.,
presiding.
WA
PRESENT: Council Members Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, John A.
Garland, Anita J. Price, David B. Trinkle, William D. Bestpitch, and Mayor Sherman P.
Lea, Sr. -7.
ABSENT: None -0.
OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan,
City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk.
The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum.
The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Joseph Pjecha, Pastor, Faith
Alliance Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by
Mayor Lea.
CITY COUNCIL: 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 was
seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
COURT COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAM REGIONAL COMMUNITY
CRIMINAL JUSTICE BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the expiration of the three -
year term of office of the Honorable Jacqueline F. Ward Talevi as the General District
Court representative of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community
Criminal Justice Board ended June 30, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor for
nominations.
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of The Honorable
Francis Burkart, III, Presiding Judge, General District Court.
There being no further nominations, Judge Burkart was appointed to replace
Judge Jacqueline F. Ward Talevi as the General District Court representative of the
Court Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board for
a term of office ending June 30, 2020, by the following vote:
43
FOR JUDGE BURKART: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price,
Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea -7.
Council Member Bestpitch moved to waive the City residency requirement for the
Judge Burkart, as the General District Court representative of the Court Community
Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice Board, in this instance. The
motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and unanimously adopted.
VISIT VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The Mayor called
attention to the expiration of the one -year term of office of Douglas Robison ended
June 30, 2017; and the resignation of Della Watkins for a term of office ending June 30,
2018, as City representatives of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge Board of Directors;
whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations.
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the names of Shaleen T. Powell
and Meg Carter.
There being no further nominations, Ms. Powell was appointed to replace
Douglas Robison; and Meg Carter was appointed to fill the unexpired term of office of
Della Watkins as City representatives of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge Board of
Directors for terms of office, each, ending June 30, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR MS. POWELL AND MS. CARTER: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris,
Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and Mayor Lea -7.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
ROANOKE CITY SCHOOLS: Pursuant to instruction by the Council, the City
Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, October 16, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., or
as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the request of Roanoke City Public
Schools to amend the Planned Unit Development Plan for property located at 1525
Salem Avenue, S. W., bearing Official Tax Map No. 1210320, previously zoned to
INPUD, Institutional Planned Unit Development District, during the comprehensive
rezoning by the adoption of Ordinance 37269- 120505, on December 5, 2005, the matter
was before the body.
Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times
on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 and Tuesday, October 3, 2017.
(See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
'd
The Planning Commission submitted a written report recommending approval of
the rezoning request finding that the Original Application is consistent with the City's
Comprehensive Plan Hurt Park/Mountain View/West End Neighborhood Plan, and
Zoning Ordinance as an existing elementary school will be able to add a gymnasium in
a manner appropriate to the surrounding neighborhood.
(For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance-
(#40987-101617) AN ORDINANCE to rezone certain property located at 1525
Salem Avenue, S. W., bearing Official Tax Map No. 1210320, by amending a Planned
Unit Development Plan; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by
title.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 368.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 40987 - 101617.
The motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price.
Michael Woolwine, Vice - President, Hughes Associates, appeared in support of
the amendment.
The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the
matter. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed.
There being no comments and /or questions by the Council Members, Ordinance
No. 40987- 101617 was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
45
SHENANDOAH CABLE TELEVISION, LLC: Pursuant to instruction by the
Council, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, October 16,
2017, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the request of
Shenandoah Cable Television, LLC, to repeal existing conditions proffered as part of a
previous rezoning, and add new conditions on property located at 169 Carver Avenue,
N. E., from Downtown District, to Light Industrial District, with conditions, and while
doing so, repealing existing conditions proffered as part of a previous rezoning and
adding a new condition on the property at 169 Carver Avenue, N. E., bearing Official
Tax Map No. 2041816, the matter was before the body.
Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times
on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 and Tuesday, October 3, 2017.
(See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
The Planning Commission submitted a written report recommending approval of
the rezoning request finding that the Amended Application No.1 is consistent with the
City's Comprehensive Plan, Williamson Road Neighborhood Plan, and Zoning
Ordinance as the subject's property will be redeveloped for a use appropriate to the
surrounding area.
(For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris offered the following ordinance
( #40988 - 101617) AN ORDINANCE to rezone certain property located at 169
Carver Avenue, N. E., from D, Downtown District, with conditions, to 1 -1, Light Industrial
District, subject to certain conditions proffered by the applicant; and dispensing with the
second reading of this ordinance by title.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 369.)
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 40988- 101617.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle.
Ben Crew, Associate, Balzer & Associates, Inc., appeared before the Council in
support of the rezoning request.
The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the
matter. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed.
M
There being no comments and /or questions by the Council Members, Ordinance
No. 40988 - 101617 was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
OTHER BUSINESS:
THE BEST SOLUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE (CITIZENS' CLIMATE LOBBY)
Dr. David L. Dixon, III, and Ross Merriam, Members, Roanoke Valley Chapter of the
Citizens' Climate Lobby, presented a briefing regarding the following issues related to
climate change:
• Who Are We?
• Science is Conclusive
• The Challenges of Pricing Carbon
• The Best Solution: Carbon Fee & Dividend
• Impact of CFD
• Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI): Household Refunds Increase
• REMI: Real Disposable Personal Income by Region
• REMI: Job Growth
• REMI: Report Summary
• Climate Action Endorsements
• Our Ask
(See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Pastor Michael Duval, Journey Church, and Joy Sylvester Johnson, former
Executive Director, Roanoke Rescue Mission, also commented on the matter.
In connection with the presentation, Council Member Trinkle believed Roanoke
was doing enough in regards to changing the carbon footprint, monitoring the carbon
footprint, and implementing practices to battle climate change; and he was interested in
what other localities have done in support of climate control. In closing, he announced
that the Virginia Tech School of Medicine will be holding a Forum on Thursday, October
26 on environmental impacts, not just climate change, but on man -made problems in
the environment, such as the pipeline that will have a real medical perspective on the
health consequences on environmental changes.
47
Vice -Mayor Price concurred in Council Member Trinkle's comments and
reiterated that Roanoke has put in place initiatives to support climate control issues and
inquired whether the Climate Control lobbyist had engaged high school students and
asked for elaboration on efforts to create awareness amongst the youth; wherein, Ms.
Johnson responded that the agenda of the local chapter was attempting to create public
awareness from the grassroots standpoint and was seeking endorsements from
businesses; and in terms of the children, there was a lawsuit brought by the children's
trust co- sponsored by Citizens' Climate Lobby and children are leading the way in
grassroots efforts.
Council Member Ferris expressed concern about carbon tax and understood the
importance climate change and recognizing that something needs to be done.
However, he was not sure what the solution should be; consequently, he joined Council
Member Trinkle in perhaps a need for a Roanoke - centric approach and wanted his
colleagues to understand the political realities and would urge the legislators to study
the matter.
After commenting on the matter, Council Member Dykstra suggested that the
matter be referred to the City Attorney to examine this issue as a broader approach of
what the City is hoping to accomplish.
Following extensive discussion, and without objection by the Council, Mayor Lea
referred the matter to the City Manager and City Attorney for study and response to the
City Council.
HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTER: NONE.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared
the Council meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
APPROVED
ATTEST:
Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, MMC Sherman P. Lea, Sr.
City Clerk Mayor
W i •
•
ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR SESSION
November 6, 2017
• 11 u
The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday,
November 6, 2017, at 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor,
Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W., City of Roanoke, with
Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., presiding, pursuant to Chapter 2, Administration, Article II,
City Council, Section 2 -15, Rules of Procedure, Rule 1, Regular Meetings, Code of the
City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, and pursuant to Resolution No. 40879 - 070317
adopted by the Council on Monday, July 3, 2017.
PRESENT: Council Members Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland, Anita J. Price,
David B. Trinkle, William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra, and Mayor Sherman P. Lea,
Sr. -7.
ABSENT: None -0.
OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J.
Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk.
The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum.
Mayor Lea called for a Moment of Silence in recognition of tragedy that took
place on Sunday, November 5 in Sutherland Springs, Texas, when a gunman opened
fire during a morning worship service killing 26 church members, ages 17 months — 72;
and injuring 20 others.
ITEMS FOR ACTION:
VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEES: 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 Ferris moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor as
abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted
by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
DISPOSITION OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTY: A communication from the City
Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the
disposition of an approximately .75 acre portion of City -owned property located at 2424
Brambleton Avenue, S. W., where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect
the 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 Dykstra moved that Council concur in the request of the City
Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle.
The City Attorney advised that the Conflict of Interest Statement filed by Council
Member Garland with the City Clerk for the record is no longer applicable, adding that
Council Member Garland can participate in any discussions in connection with the
abovementioned matter.
There being no further comments, Council concurred in the request of the City
Manager by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT THE JOINT MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AND
THE ROANOKE REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 4,
2017, AT 9:00 A.M., IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, ROOM 450, NOEL C.
TAYLOR MUNICIPAL BUILDING: Mayor Lea asked that agenda items be provided to
City Clerk or City Manager.
ITEMS LISTED ON THE 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL DOCKET REQUIRING
DISCUSSION /CLARIFICATION AND ADDITIONS /DELETIONS TO THE 2:00 P.M.
AGENDA: NONE.
50
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL:
NONE,
BRIEFINGS:
Park Roanoke Downtown Parking Meter Pilot:
R. Brian Townsend, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, and
Wyatt Poats, General Manager, PARK Roanoke, gave an update on the On- Street
Meter Pilot Program, highlighting the following:
• Background
• Meter Pilot Areas
• Data From Ninety Day Period
• More Data
• Feedback From First Ninety Days
• Enforcement Observations
• Operational Responses
• Next Steps
(See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Following the presentation, Mr. Poats encouraged users to fill out online surveys
about the Meters and Pilot Program.
Council Member Garland stated that his first opportunity to use the meters was a
very pleasant experience and the process went off without a hitch. He wanted to clarify
concerns about the $55,000.00 that would be used to purchase seven meters currently
in the Pilot Program; whereupon, Mr. Townsend advised that the next steps were for the
City to pay $55,000.00 to keep the meters and to continue to educate users.
Council Member Dykstra commented that the meters seemed slow and
suggested having additional kiosk -style meters accessible to patrons in an effort to help
with the distance, noting that there was one meter per block.
Mayor Lea inquired about the limited handicap parking spaces in downtown;
whereupon, Mr. Townsend stated that there were sufficient assigned handicapped
spaces in the downtown area; however, under State Code, persons displaying a
handicap placard or tag can park in a timed space up to four hours, which provides a
number of opportunities for disabled persons.
51
At this point, Mayor Lea relinquished the Chair to Vice -Mayor Price and left the
meeting (9:45 a.m.)
Following comments by Council Members, and without objection by the Council,
Vice -Mayor Price advised that the update would be received and filed.
At 10:00 a.m., Vice Mayor Price declared the Council Meeting in recess for a
Closed Meeting to be held in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451; and
thereafter to be reconvened at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber.
At 2:00 p.m., the Council meeting was reconvened in the Council Chamber, with
Mayor Lea presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland, Anita J. Price,
David B. Trinkle, William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra and Mayor Sherman P. Lea,
Sr. -7.
ABSENT: None -0.
OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J.
Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk.
The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum.
Mayor Lea asked for a Moment of Silence in memory of tragedy that took place
on Sunday, November 5, 2017, in Sutherland Springs, Texas, when a gunman opened
fire during a morning worship service killing 26 church members, ages 17 months — 72,
and injuring 20 others; and also in memory of Dr. Edward Murphy, former President and
CEO of Carillon, who passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Without objection,
the City Attorney was instructed to prepare the proper measure memorializing
Mr. Murphy for adoption by the Council at a future meeting.
The Invocation was delivered by Mayor Lea.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by
Mayor Lea.
PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: NONE.
HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: The Mayor advised that
City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. All matters will be
referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to Council, as he
may deem appropriate.
52
NOTIFICATION OF NEIGHBORHOOD MATTERS: Chris Craft, 1501 East Gate
Avenue, N. E., appeared before the Council and expressed concern regarding the lack
of notification of matters of mutual interest to the neighborhood organization presidents.
MISCELLANEOUS: Robert Gravely, 3360 Hershberger Road, N. W., appeared
before the Council to reiterate the importance of God's time.
CONSENTAGENDA
The Mayor advised that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda are
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 was
desired, the item would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered
separately. He called attention to Item C -4: A communication from the Assistant City
Manager for Community Development transmitting a report of the Department of
Libraries Summer Reading Program for Fiscal Year 2017; and C -5: An Annual Report of
the Market Building Foundation for Calendar Year 2016, being removed from the
Consent Agenda and considered separately.
MINUTES OF ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL: Minutes of the regular meetings of
City Council held on Thursday, October 5, 2017; and Monday, October 16, 2017, were ^+
before the body.
(See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Trinkle moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with
and approved as recorded. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
SALE OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTY: A communication from the City Manager
requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, November 20,
2017, 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 sale of approximately
12.032 acres of City -owned property located at 1950 Blue Hills Drive, N. E., to Humm
Kombucha, LLC, to construct and operate a Kombucha Brewery and Packaging, was
before the body.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
53
Council Member Trinkle moved that Council concur in the request of the City
Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
ROANOKE ARTS COMMISSION: A communication from the City Clerk advising
of the resignation of Amy Moorefield as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission,
effective immediately, was before the Council.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Trinkle moved that the resignation be accepted and the
communication be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member
Dykstra and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
OATHS OF OFFICE -YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD -BLUE RIDGE
BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE BOARD OF DIRECTORS -PARKS AND RECREATION
ADVISORY BOARD - ROANOKE CULTURAL ENDOWMENT- ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY -BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS - TOWING ADVISORY
BOARD -COURT COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAM REGIONAL COMMUNITY
CRIMINAL JUSTICE BOARD - REGIONAL VIRGINIA ALCOHOL SAFETY ACTION
PROGRAM POLICY BOARD: Reports of qualification of the following individuals were
before the Council:
Aaron Deane as a (Citizen at Large) member of the Youth Services
Citizen Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2020;
Daniel E. Karnes as a City representative of the Blue Ridge Behavioral
Healthcare Board of Directors for a three -year term of office commencing
January 1, 2018 and ending December 31, 2020;
54
Jolan Yow as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to fill
the unexpired term of office of Ssunny Shah ending March 31, 2018;
Patice Holland as a City representative of the Roanoke Cultural
Endowment Board Directors for a three -year term of office ending
December 31, 2020;
Vickie Bibee as a Director of the Economic Development Authority of the
City of Roanoke, Virginia, for a four -year term of office ending October 20,
2021;
Bryan A. Musselwhite as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a
three -year term of office ending December 31, 2020;
Lieutenant Jason Holt as a (Law Enforcement) member of the Towing
Advisory Board for a three -year term of office ending October 31, 2020;
and
Captain Eric Charles to fill the unexpired term of office of former Deputy
Police Chief Samuel Roman as the Chief of Police Designee of the Court
Community Corrections Program Regional Community Criminal Justice —+
Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2019; and the Regional Virginia
Alcohol Safety Action Program Policy Board for a term of office ending
June 30, 2020, respectively.
(See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Trinkle moved that the reports of qualification be received and
filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES SUMMER READING PROGRAM: A
communication from the Assistant City Manager for Community Development
transmitting a report of the Department of Libraries Summer Reading Program for Fiscal
Year 2017, was before the Council.
(See communication and report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
55
Council Member Garland commented on the Success of the Program for Fiscal
Year 2017 and commended the City libraries and Roanoke City Public School system
on the 2017 Summer Reading Program participants Continues to Rise Statistics and
Increase in Attendance for 2017.
Council Member Dykstra moved that the communication be received and filed.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
MARKET BUILDING FOUNDATON: An Annual Report of the Market Building
Foundation for Calendar Year 2016, was before the Council.
(See report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Following comments by Council Member Garland and continued dialogue
regarding accomplishments and challenges for the future of the Market Building,
Council Member Dykstra moved that the report be received and filed. The motion was
seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
REGULAR AGENDA
PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS:
SOCCER COMPLEX: Andrew Gentiluomo, a representative of Valley AFC; and
Cindy Pasternak, Vice - President, Riverdale Farm Neighborhood Association, appeared
before the Council to provide an update regarding a plan soccer complex to be located
in the southeast area of Roanoke City.
Ms. Pasternak expressed excitement about the complex and felt that it was
beneficial for the southeast community as well as the entire Roanoke Valley.
56
Mr. Gentiluomo highlighted the following items:
• History of Valley AFC
• Furthering Our Mission
• Keys to Youth & Economic Development
• Soccer Complex Project Details
• Future Soccer I Athletic Complex 1555 13th Street Southeast
• Capital Costs
• Youth Sports Industry
• Key Statistics
• US Youth Soccer
• Sport Complex Potential Impact (Assumption of a 14 field complex)
Sponsorships /Partnerships
(See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Mr. Gentiluomo explained that the space was anticipated to be made of synthetic
and grass fields of different sizes for youth and adults; intended for multi -sport or
tournament use along with picnic, playground areas and a mile long walking trail along
the perimeter. He noted that the capital cost for the project was approximately $7.5
million.
Council Member Dykstra commended Mr. Gentiluomo for the informative
presentation and inquired if the land acquisition and field development was already
completed and if the fields were currently being used; whereupon, he advised that when
the land was purchased, the space was nicely graded out from the flood mitigation and
Phase II would add three game playable and three practice fields.
Following additional discussion of the playing fields, Council Member Garland
inquired as to what was being asked of the City of Roanoke with respect to the project.
Mr. Gentiluomo replied that he was essentially requesting an investment and
momentum for the project in the hopes of funding it through public - private partnership.
Pursuing dialoging with regard to the potential impact for the region; Mayor Lea
thanked Ms. Pasternak and Mr. Gentiluomo for the presentation and advised that it
would be received and filed.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER:
CITY MANAGER:
BRIEFING$: NONE.
57
ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION:
STATE HOMELAND SECURITY FY17 GRANT: The City Manager submitted a
written communication recommending acceptance and appropriation of the State
Homeland Security FY17 Grant funds from the Virginia Department of Emergency
Management to purchase communication equipment for use by the Roanoke Police
Department Tactical Response Team.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution:
( #40989 - 110617) A RESOLUTION accepting the FY 2017 State Homeland
Security Program Grant to the City from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency, and authorizing execution of any required
documentation on behalf of the City.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 371.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40989 - 110617.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Price and adopted by the following vote:
Lea -6.
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was not present when the vote was recorded.)
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance:
( #40990 - 110617) AN ORDINANCE appropriating funding from the United States
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Commonwealth of Virginia
Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) for the purchase of protective
equipment, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 Grant Fund
Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 372.)
mil,
•
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40990-
110617. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
REIMBURSEMENT FUNDS FROM THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: The City Manager submitted a written communication
recommending acceptance of reimbursement funds from the Virginia Department of
Emergency Management in connection with assistance to the State of Texas affected
by the Hurricane.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution:
(#40991- 110617) A RESOLUTION accepting the Virginia Department of
Emergency Management Emergency Mutual Aid Compact Grant to the City from the
Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and authorizing execution of any
required documentation on behalf of the City.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 373.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40991 - 110617.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
59
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance:
( #40992 - 110617) AN ORDINANCE appropriating funding from the Virginia
Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) from the Emergency Mutual Aid
Compact (EMAC) for the purpose of providing funds for Firefighter hazardous swift
water rescue services, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018
Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this
ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 374.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40992-
110617. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
ROANOKE RIVER FLOOD REDUCTION PROJECT: The City Manager
submitted a written communication recommending acceptance of non - federal funds in
connection with the Roanoke River Flood Reduction Project Financial Closeout.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution:
( #40993 - 110617) A RESOLUTION authorizing acceptance of a refund check in
the amount of $138,229.00 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District
(USACE) from the Roanoke River Flood Reduction Project to the City, and authorizing
the City Manager to execute any necessary documents, provide any additional
information, and to take any necessary actions in order to obtain, accept, receive,
implement, use, and administer such grant funds.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 375.)
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40993 - 110617.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra.
In response to Council Member Garland's inquiry about use of the anticipated
funds from the financial closeout of the Roanoke River Flood Reduction Project, the
Assistant Manager for Operations acknowledged that the funds would be, appropriated
to the Stormwater Division to assist with stormwater projects.
We
There being no further questions and /or comments by the Council Members,
Resolution No. 40993 - 110617 was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
Council Member Ferris offered the following budget ordinance:
( #40994- 110617) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (USAGE) to Fees for Professional Services, amending and
reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 Stormwater Project Fund Appropriations,
and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 375.)
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40994-
110617. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
PHASE II OF THE TINKER CREEK GREENWAY TRAIL PROJECT: The City
Manager submitted a written communication recommending acceptance and
appropriation of funds from the Virginia Department of Transportation Urban Funds
Program in connection with Phase II of the Tinker Creek Greenway Trail Project.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution:
( #40995 - 110617) A RESOLUTION accepting Urban Transportation Funds from
the Virginia Department of Transportation to help fund both the engineering and
construction of the second phase of the Tinker Creek Greenway Trail; and authorizing
execution of any required documents on behalf of the City in connection with such funds
under certain conditions.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page376.)
61
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40995 - 110617.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance:
( #40996- 110617) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Virginia
Department of Transportation Funds to the Tinker Creek Greenway Trail project,
amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 Capital Projects Fund
Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 377.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40996-
110617. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
CITY'S TELEPHONE REPLACEMENT PROJECT: The City Manager submitted
a written communication recommending appropriation of Department of Technology
Fund Retained Earnings in connection with the City's Telephone Replacement Project.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance:
(#40997-110617) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Capital
Project Retained Earnings to the Telephone Replacement System project, amending
and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 Capital Projects Fund
Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 378.)
62
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 40997-
110617. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
ENCROACHMENT PERMIT AT 2417 GUILFORD AVENUE, S. W.: The City
Manager submitted a written communication recommending authorization of an
Encroachment Permit at 2417 Guilford Avenue, S. W.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance:
(#40998- 110617) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the continuance of an existing
encroachment pursuant to Section 15.2 -2011, Code of Virginia (1950) as amended,
caused by the property located at 2417 Guilford Road, S. W., Roanoke, Virginia,
designated as Official Tax Map No. 1550219, extending into a portion of the City's right -
of -way of an unimproved alley, upon certain terms and conditions, and dispensing with
the second reading of this ordinance by title.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 379.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 40998 - 110617.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
ROANOKE RIVER "BRIDGE THE GAP" GREENWAY PHASE II PROJECT: The
City Manager submitted a written communication recommending execution of
Amendment No. 5 to the Contract with Crouch Engineering, Inc., for additional
professional services for the Roanoke River "Bridge the Gap' Greenway Phase II
Project.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
63
Vice -Mayor Price offered the following resolution:
( #40999 - 110617) A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager's issuance and
execution of additional amendments to the City's contract with Crouch Engineering, Inc.,
for additional professional services for the Roanoke River 'Bridge the Gap' Greenway,
Phase II, Segment 1 and 2, from Bridge Street to Aerial Way Drive; and authorizing the
City Manager to take such actions and execute such documents as may be necessary
to provide for the implementation, administration, and enforcement of such contract, as
amended.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 381.)
Vice -Mayor Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 40999 - 110617. The
motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle.
Following response by the Assistant City Manager for Operations regarding the
justification for the increase in the length of time for completion of Project, being the
complex scope of services and challenges, Resolution No. 40999 - 110617 was adopted
by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER.
Sherman M. Stovall, Assistant City Manager for Operations, shared the following
comments:
Grand Opening and Ribbon- Cuttina Ceremony for Earth Fare:
November 8 at 6:30 a.m. at 2203 Franklin Road, S. W.
• Earth Fare, an organic and natural foods grocery store, is part of the
Ivy View site on Franklin Road, adjacent to the new Mellow Mushroom
restaurant and the Carilion Institute for Orthopedics and
Neurosciences.
• It is a great addition to our retail offerings in the city, and will enhance
the synergy of other economic development activities along the
Franklin Road corridor and the adjacent South Jefferson
redevelopment area.
�75
Lmu
Neighborhoods' Harvesting of the Fruits Potluck Dinner and Awards
Celebration:
November 10 at 6:00 p.m., in the Jefferson Center's Fitzpatrick Hall
• This program recognizes and honors outstanding contributions and
accomplishments achieved by neighborhood organizations and individuals.
• The event is free and everyone is invited to attend. However, each participant
is asked to bring a special dish to share, and confirm their attendance by
registering.
• Online registration is available at www. roanokeva .gov /neighborhoodawards,
select the "Register Today" link, or you may call the Office of Neighborhood
Services at 540 - 853 -5210 to register.
November 13 at 9:30 a.m., this event is open to the public
• In addition to expanding this library's book collection to 32,000 items, we have
completed everything the community said they wanted in the design
meetings:
• new computers
• family restrooms
• a children's area
• a community meeting room
• study rooms
• a dedicated teen area
• convenient drive -up book drop access, and more.
• Special activities are planned for opening week, including a visit from New
York Times bestselling author Matt de la Pena. He will be participating in an
event on Wednesday, November 15 at 6:00 p.m. and signing books at the
event.
"Elmwood on Ice"
• Ice Skating and ice sliding in the middle of Downtown Roanoke return on
November 22.
• Skating Rink and Ice Slide time is unlimited on the day you purchase your
ticket.
• Parking will be available around Elmwood Park, including in the Elmwood
Park Garage and Lot which are free weekdays after 5:00 p.m. and on
weekends.
• There will be a holiday schedule on days when Roanoke City Public Schools
are out.
• Hours and admission information are available at www.downtownroanoke.org
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE.
65
INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS:
PROPOSED 2018 CITY OF ROANOKE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM: Council
Member Ferris submitted a written report recommending adoption of the Proposed 2018
City of Roanoke Legislative Program, adding that the Council and School Board will
hold a joint meeting on Monday, November 20, 2017, at 3:30 p.m., to present the 2018
Legislative Program to the Senators and Delegates of the Virginia General Assembly.
(For full text, see copy of report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution:
( #41000 - 110617) A RESOLUTION adopting and endorsing a Legislative
Program for the City to be presented to the City's delegation to the 2018 Session of the
General Assembly; and authorizing the City's legislative liaison to advocate the
positions of the City with respect to matters presented during the 2018 Session of the
General Assembly.
(For full text, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 382.)
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41000 - 110617.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch.
Council Member Ferris pointed out that Resolution No. 41 00 - 11 061 7 also
authorizes the City's Legislative Liaison to advocate on all matters that arise during the
2018 Session of the General Assembly that may affect the interests of the City; and with
respect to matters that are not specifically included in the 2018 Legislative Program, the
City's Legislative Liaison shall first advise the Chair or Vice -Chair of the Legislative
Committee and the City Manager of the particular matter and the position that the City
should advocate and shall receive the consent of the Chair or Vice -Chair of the
Legislative Committee and the City Manager to proceed.
There being no further comments by the Council Members, Resolution No.
41000 - 110617 was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
MOTION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
i
KOM
INQUIRIES AND /OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF
COUNCIL:
HEALTHCARE EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS: Within Reach 2017 Program
scheduled for Monday, November 20 at 6:00 p.m., at 2 Riverside Circle, S. W., Room
M203, which will include Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Virginia Western
Community College, and Virginia Tech's Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health
program to help area students understand what health care educational offerings
available in the Roanoke and New River Valleys, to realize that a health care career is
within their reach.
NEIGHBORHOODS' HARVESTING OF THE FRUITS POTLUCK DINNER:
Annual City Neighborhoods Harvesting of the Fruits' Potluck Dinner and Awards
Celebration on Friday, November 10 at the Jefferson Center in Fitzpatrick Hall at
6:00 p.m.
VIETNAM WAR 50TH ANNIVERSARY: A Massed Band Concert commemorating
the Vietnam War 50`"Anniversary was held on Sunday, November 4, 2017 at the Salem
Civic Center in Salem, Virginia. Hosted by the Roanoke Valley Vietnam War 50th
Anniversary Committee, the event will be free to the public and feature
performances of popular songs from the 1960 -70s from each of the high school
bands in Roanoke, Roanoke County and Salem, as well as patriotic selections —.
performed by a massed band under the direction of Maestro David Stewart Wiley.
In commemoration of the Vietnam War 5& Anniversary, a social event will be
held at 7:00 p.m. on November 17, 2017, at the Vinton War Memorial in Vinton, Virginia,
to honor Vietnam Veterans, their families, and partners who have supported the 50th
Anniversary commemorative events. Veterans of the Vietnam War are those who
served in the U.S. military between November 1, 1955 and April 30, 1975. The event
will include light hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and music. Admission will be free, but
tickets will be required for entrance. Vietnam veterans will be eligible for two tickets, one
for themselves and one for a guest. Tickets are available at the following locations:
The City of Salem Department of Parks & Recreation, 620 Florida St., Salem,
540 - 375 -3057.
• The Vinton War Memorial, 814 E. Washington Ave., Vinton, 540 - 983 -0645.
Roanoke County Parks and Recreation's Brambleton Center, 3738
Brambleton Ave., Roanoke, 540- 772 -7529.
VETERANS DAY PARADE: Veterans Day Parade on November 11 at
11:00 a.m., Parade route on Williamson Road, Bullitt Avenue and Franklin Road. S. W.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB DINNER: Boys and Girls Club Annual Serving the Kids
First Dinner to celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at The
Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center.
67
BIG LICK SOUP: Big Lick Soup event held on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at
6:00 p.m., at 5 Points Music Sanctuary.
YOUTH (X)PO: Youth (X)po was held at the CoLab on Saturday, November 4,
2017, from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Approximately 30 area high school students were in
attendance to learn about the issues that matter in their community and how to become
engaged more effectively.
2017 CIAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP EDUCATION DAY: The 2017 CIAA
Football Championship Education Day scheduled for Friday, November 10, 2017 at the
Salem Civic Center in Salem, Virginia. The event will allow students the opportunity to
learn more about the importance of furthering their education and to explore and
discover the exciting programs and experiences CIAA colleges and universities have to
offer. Students will hear from speakers and sponsors during an opening program,
followed by a college fair with CIAA institutions and other vendors.
The 2017 CIAA Football Championship Game — Virginia State vs. Fayetteville
State on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 4:30 p.m., at the Salem Football Stadium in
Salem, Virginia;
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 was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch and
Dykstra 6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Mayor Lea abstained from voting inasmuch as he was not present during the Closed
Meeting.)
•
••
VACANCIES ON VARIOUS AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEES:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: The Mayor called attention to the
resignation of Thomas Cullen as a Director of the Economic Development Authority for
a term of office ending October 20, 2018; whereupon, he opened the floor for
nominations.
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Matthew Fink.
There being no further nominations, Mr. Fink was appointed as a Director of the
Economic Development Authority to fill the unexpired term of office of Thomas Cullen
ending October 20, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR MR FINK: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch,
Dykstra and Mayor Lea -7.
ROANOKE ARTS COMMISSION: The Mayor called attention to the resignation
of Amy Moorefield as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission ending June 30,
2018; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations.
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Janet Carty.
There being no further nominations, Ms. Carty was appointed as a member of
the Roanoke Arts Commission to fill the unexpired term of office of Amy Moorefield
ending June 30, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR MS CARTY: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch,
Dykstra and Mayor Lea -7.
HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the
expiration of the four -year term of office of Hollie Young as a member of the Human
Services Advisory Board ending November 30, 2017; whereupon, he opened the floor
for nominations.
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Vivian
Sanchez - Jones.
There being no further nominations, Ms. Sanchez -Jones was appointed to
replace Hollie Young as a member of the Human Services Advisory Board for a term of
four years ending November 30, 2021, by the following vote:
FOR MS SANCHEZ- JONES: Council Members Ferris, Garland, Price, Trinkle,
Bestpitch, Dykstra and Mayor Lea -7.
9
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared
the Council meeting adjourned at 3:51 p.m.
APPROVED
ATT. ESTT,
Stephanie M. Moon Reyno s, M Sherman P. Lea, Sr.
City Clerk Mayor
W
ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR SESSION
November 20, 2017
2:00 p.m.
The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday,
November 20, 2017, 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 ll,
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. 40879 - 070317
adopted by the Council on Monday, July 3, 2017.
PRESENT: Council Members John A. Garland, Anita J. Price, David B. Trinkle,
William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris 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; Daniel J. Callaghan,
City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk.
The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Steven E. Hall, Pastor, Roanoke
Valley Bible Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by
Mayor Lea.
PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: NONE.
HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: The Mayor advised that
City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. All matters would be
referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to Council, as he
may deem appropriate.
MISCELLANEOUS: Robert Gravely, 3360 Hershberger Road, N. W., appeared
before the Council and spoke about his termination as a City employee.
AMTRAK: Barbara Duerk, 2607 Rosalind Avenue, S. W., appeared before the
Council and encouraged more people to walk, bicycle, and suggested Valley Metro use
natural gas, and that benches be added to the Amtrak train platform for patrons.
71
CONSENTAGENDA
The Mayor advised that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda are
considered to be routine by the Members of Council and will be enacted by one motion
in the form, or forms, listed on the Consent Agenda, and if discussion is desired, the
item would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. He
called attention to a request of the City Manager for City Council to convene in Closed
Meeting to discuss the disposition of approximately 12.10 acres of City -owned property,
being three parcels located at 2839, 2903, and 0 Peters Creek Road, N. W., where
discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating strategy of the
public body, pursuant to Section 2.2 -3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held
on Monday November 6, 2017, was before the body.
(For full text, see Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved that the minutes be dispensed with and
approved as recorded. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
DISPOSITION OF APPROXIMATELY 12.10 ACRES OF CITY -OWNED
PROPERTY: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council convene
in Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of approximately 12.10 acres of City -owned
property, being three parcels located at 2839, 2903, and 0 Peters Creek Road, N. W.,
where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating strategy of
the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2 -3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as
amended, was before the body.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved that Council concur in the request of the City
Manager to convene in a Closed Meeting as abovementioned. The motion was
seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
72
ENTERPRISE ZONE ONE AND ITS SUBZONE B: A communication from the
City Manager requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday,
December 18, 2017, 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 boundary
amendments to Enterprise Zone One A and its Subzone B, was before the body.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved that Council concur in the request of the City
Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
CHANGES TO THE STORMWATER FEE CODE: A communication from the
City Attorney requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday,
December 18, 2017, 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 changes to
the stormwater fee code to allow application of partial payments to the oldest overdue
bill on a real estate tax bill, was before the body.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved that Council concur in the request of the City
Attorney as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
PROPOSED VOTER PRECINCT REALIGNMENT: A communication from the
City Attorney requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday,
December 18, 2017, 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, on a proposed voter
precinct realignment, was before the body.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
73
Council Member Bestpitch moved that Council concur in the request of the City
Attorney as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
CITIZENS' CLIMATE LOBBY: A communication from the City Manager in
response to the request from Citizens' Climate Lobby for a resolution supporting federal
legislation to impose a carbon fee for the use of carbon -based fuels and establish
dividends distributable to consumers, was before the Council.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved that the communication be received and filed.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0,
FY 2018 CITY MANAGER TRANSFER REPORT: A communication from the
City Manager transmitting the FY 2018 City Manager Transfer Report, was before the
Council.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved that the communication be received and filed.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
74
MEETING WITH CAB COMPANIES: A communication from the Assistant City
Manager for Community Development regarding a meeting with cab companies on
Monday, October 30, 2017, in response to a request of City Council, was before the
body.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved that the communication be received and filed.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0,
RESIGNATION OF WAYNE BOWERS AS A CITY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
WESTERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL FACILITY AUTHORITY: A
communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Wayne Bowers as a
City representative of the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority,
effective immediately, was before the Council.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved that the resignation be accepted and the
communication be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council
Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
RESIGNATION OF ANTWYNE U. CALLOWAY AS A MEMBER OF THE
ROANOKE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATES: A communication from the City Clerk
advising of the resignation of Antwyne U. Calloway as a member of the Roanoke
Neighborhood Advocates, effective immediately, was before the Council.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
75
Council Member Bestpitch moved that the resignation be accepted and the
communication be received and filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member
Trinkle and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
OATHS OF OFFICE -YOUTH SERVICES CITIZEN BOARD -BOARD OF ZONING
APPEALS -VISIT VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Reports of
qualification of the following individuals were before the Council:
Brianna Wilson as a member (Alternate Student/William Fleming High
School) of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a term of office ending
June 30, 2018;
Robert H. Logan, III, as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a
three -year term of office ending December 31, 2020; and
Meg Carter as a City representative of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge
Board of Directors to fill the unexpired term of office of Della Watkins
ending June 30, 2018.
(See Oaths or Affirmations 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 was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
REGULARAGENDA
PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE.
Forl
[1X1
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS:
REIMBURSEMENT FOR BEING A LICENSED AGENCY OF DMV ( "DMV
SELECT "): The City Treasurer submitted a communication recommending acceptance
and appropriation of funds received for reimbursement for being a Licensed Agency of
DMV ( "DMV Select ").
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris offered the following budget ordinance:
( #41001 - 112017) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the U.S.
Department of Transportation through the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of
Motor Vehicles to be a License Agent called a DMV Select Office, amending and
reordaining certain sections of the Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the
second reading by title of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 384.)
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41001-
112017. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra.
In response to being a Licensed Agency of DMV Select, the City Treasurer
provided an overview of the DMV Select services offered in the Office of the City
Treasurer.
Following commendations to the Treasurer and staff by Council Member
Garland, Budget Ordinance No. 41001- 112017 was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER:
CITY MANAGER:
77
BRIEFINGS:
FY17 Year End (Unaudited) Results
Amelia C. Merchant, Acting Director of Finance, gave an update on the FY2017
Year -End, highlighting the following items:
• Key Themes of Fiscal 2017
• Revenues below budget by $4.95 million or 1.74%
• Expenditures below budget by $6.88 million or 2.4%
• FY 2017 Year -End Summary
• Local Tax Summary
• Other Revenue Summary
• Total Revenue Summary
• Disciplined Expenditure Management
• Mid -year expenditure reductions based on projected local tax performance
• Prudent management of contingency and operational funding
• Expenditure Summary
• Uses of Year -End Funding
• City Unassigned General Fund Balance Exceeds Police Target of 10%
• In Conclusion
• FY2017 was a challenging year
• Mid -year local tax revenue projection correction within 0.27% of actual
year -end revenues
• Strong expenditure control
• Increase of Fund Balance level
(For full text, see copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
filed. Following comments, the Mayor advised that the update would be received and
Financial Report for the Period Ended October 31 2017
Amelia C. Merchant, Acting Director of Finance, gave an overview of the
Financial Report for the period ended October 31, 2017, highlighting the following items:
• FY18 General Fund Overview
• Lodging Tax Revenue Through October
• Personnel (Salary/Benefit) Lapse Through October
• Worker Compensation
• Public Safety Overtime Through October
• Comprehensive Services Act (CSA)
•
• Residential Juvenile Detention
• Solid Waste Tipping Fees
• Fleet Parts
• City Performance Stable Through September
(For full text, see copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Following inquiries and comments by the Council Members, the Mayor advised
that the update would be received and filed.
ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION:
BYRNE JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT: The City Manager submitted a written
communication recommending acceptance and appropriation of the Byrne Justice
Assistance Grant funds from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to
support the Positive Action in Roanoke Project.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution:
( #41002- 112017) A RESOLUTION accepting federal Byrne Justice Assistance
Grant (JAG) program funding made to the City in collaboration with Family Service of
Roanoke Valley, from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services in
connection with the "Positive Action in Roanoke" project, and authorizing execution of
any required documentation on behalf of the City.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 385.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41002- 112017.
The motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price.
In response to an inquiry for an overview of the program, Karen Pillis, Director of
Youth Development, Family Service of Roanoke Valley, advised that the Positive Action
Program was housed in the Boys & Girls Clubs, Presbyterian Community Center, West
End Center and several other after school centers. She noted that the current grant
would allow for expansion of the program into the housing development neighborhood
community rooms.
She further advised that the program serves approximately 66 children and was
founded on the principle that children cannot learn from the academic offerings provided
in schools if their emotional learning and social skills were not up to par
79
Council Member Bestpitch highlighted many of the positive programs Roanoke
City Public Schools' have to offer prior to Grade 3 and stated that with the Positive
Action Program beginning at Grade 3, children are offered many of the opportunities
needed early in life to realize their full potential going forward.
Mayor Lea concurred in the comments of Council Member Bestpitch and advised
that another aspect of the program was increasing the positive knowledge and skills of
the parents through communication and relationship building activities which were
critical.
There being no further comments and /or inquiries by the Council Members,
Resolution No. 41002 - 112017 was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trickle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following budget ordinance:
( #41003 - 112017) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the U.S.
Department of Justice Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, as provided by
the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for the Positive Action Program,
amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 Grant Fund
Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 386.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41003-
112017. The motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
FY2018 BULLETPROOF VEST PARTNERSHIP GRANT: The City Manager
submitted a written communication recommending acceptance and appropriation of
funds received from the United States Department of Justice for the FY 2018 Bulletproof
Vest Partnership Grant Award for use by the Police and Sheriff's Departments.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
• '
Council Member Ferris offered the following resolution:
( #41004- 112017) A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the FY18
Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Award made to the City by the United States
Department of Justice, and authorizing execution of any required documentation on
behalf of the City.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 387.)
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41004 - 112017.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Trickle and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
Council Member Ferris offered the following budget ordinance:
( #41005- 112017) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Federal -
government, Department of Justice, for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant,
amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 Grant Fund
Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 388.)
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41005-
112017. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
ENCROACHMENT PERMIT AT THE WILLIAMSON ROAD /HERSHBERGER
ROAD INTERSECTION: The City Manager submitted a written communication
recommending authorization of an Encroachment Permit at the Williamson
Road /Hershberger Road intersection to install two cameras on the mast arms.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
•
Council Member Trinkle offered the following ordinance:
( #41006- 112017) AN ORDINANCE allowing an encroachment requested by the
Williamson Road Area Business Association, Inc., to install and maintain private
security cameras onto the mast arms of the City's traffic signal poles located in the
City's public right -of -way along the intersection of Williamson Road and Hershberger
Road, upon certain terms and conditions, and dispensing with the second reading of
this ordinance by title.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 388.)
Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41006-112017.
The motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
At 3:32 p.m., Mayor Lea declared the Council Meeting in recess.
At 3:35 p.m., a joint meeting of the Council, Roanoke City School Board and
Area Legislators was called to order to discuss the 2018 Legislative Program, with
Mayor Lea presiding and all Members of the Council in attendance.
STATE LEGISLATORS PRESENT: Senator David Sutterleh, Delegates Sam
Rasoul, Gregory Habeeb, and Chris Head.
SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES PRESENT: Mark K. Cathay, William B.
Hopkins, Jr., Elizabeth C. S. Jamison, Laura D. Rottenborn, and Chairman Annette M.
Lewis -5.
SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES ABSENT: Lutheria H. Smith and Richard M.
Willis, Jr. -2.
OTHERS PRESENT: Rob Catron, Legislative Liaison; Dr. Rita D. Bishop,
Superintendent, Roanoke City Public Schools; Timothy R. Spencer, Assistant City
Attorney and Legal Counsel to Roanoke City Public Schools; and Cindy H. Poulton,
Clerk to the Roanoke City School Board.
Mayor Lea welcomed the area legislators and School Board Members in
attendance and advised that Senator John Edwards was unable to attend the meeting.
E:7+
Chairman Lewis thanked Mayor Lea and Council Member Ferris for their efforts
and their delegation from the Roanoke region for its support of the Roanoke City Public
Schools; further noting that several of the Trustees could not attend the meeting due to
work conflicts.
Council Member Ferris, Chair, Legislative Committee, thanked the legislators for
their leadership in the General Assembly and their willingness to work together. He
pointed out that the City tried to incorporate by reference those items listed in the VML
Legislative Agenda.
The Legislative Liaison highlighted the following 2018 Legislation Priorities:
2018 Legislative Priorities:
The City requests its legislative delegation to patron and support the following
legislative initiatives:
1. Authorize localities to adopt ordinances limiting smoking within designated
areas of outdoor public spaces.
This proposal requires an amendment to the Virginia Clean Air Act
(Sections 15.2 -2820 through 15.2- 2833).
2. Authorize treasurers and localities to retain third party collection services to
collect any delinquent amount due a locality, including local taxes and fees,
and reduce the delinquency period from six (6) months to three (3) months
before collections activities may be commenced with the use of third party
collection agencies. State Code currently limits the ability of the treasurer or
director of finance in the use of third party collection agencies and also
requires that such obligations be delinquent for at least six (6) months before
such collection activities may be initiated. One fee affected by these
limitations is delinquent parking citations.
This proposal requires amendments to Sections 58.1- 3919.1 and 58.1 -3934.
3. Authorize localities and school districts to establish the school year start date.
The City enjoys an exception that allows Roanoke Public Schools to start
before Labor Day. Flexibility in establishing the school start is critical to the
education of the children. This flexibility allows school districts to coordinate
programs and educational opportunities.
This proposal requires amendments to Chapter 22.1.
(For full text, see copy of 2018 Legislative Program on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
AM•
With regard to smoking in the Elmwood Amphitheater, Senator Sutterlein advised
that when the Smoking Bill that passed the Senate last year, it actually failed the first
time and was revisited with the Lieutenant Governor breaking the tie, but was not as
broad as the proposed Bill and the previous Bill was specifically for smoking in an open -
air amphitheater. He stated that if the intention was to go broad, he would not be in
support of the Bill and planned to vote against it once again. He offered his support of
the third priority to allow the School Division to set their own calendar.
As dialogue ensured Senator Sutterlein reiterated his opposition to prohibiting
smoking in an open -air space in public.
Following remarks from the Council Members and area Legislator, School Board
Trustee Hopkins announced that November was 'Take Your Legislator to School
Month ", and the School Division would be hosting a legislator event on Thursday,
November 30 at 8:00 a.m.; and it was also announced that a Pilot Program entitled
"Breakfast and Books" was being held at the Hurt Park Elementary School through
December 16 2017.
In conclusion, Mayor Lea expressed appreciation to the area legislators and
School Board Trustees for attending and offering productive comments and wished
everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
At 4:34 p.m., the Mayor declared the Council Meeting in recess.
At 4:48 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber for
continuation of the 2:00 p.m. session with Mayor Lea, presiding, and all Members of the
Council in attendance.
COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER.
The City Manager shared the following comments:
Drumstick DASH Family 5K Walk and Run
• November 23 starting at 9:00 a.m. This race is a family - friendly event held
each year on Thanksgiving morning to benefit the Roanoke Rescue Mission.
• The route will wind through downtown Roanoke, starting at Williamson and
Franklin Roads, and end on the historic Roanoke City Market.
• This event has more than a dozen local sponsors, with Union Bank & Trust as
the lead sponsor.
Dickens of a Christmas
• This is everyone's favorite holiday event, held on the first three Fridays in
December every year.
• This year, Dickens is celebrating its 35th anniversary.
•
• On Dec. 1, the City of Roanoke Christmas Tree Lighting will be held at
6:15 p.m., with other activities running from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Due to Franklin Road Bridge construction and detour route along Jefferson
Street, it will be necessary for this year's Christmas Parade to be moved to
Saturday, December 9 at 6:00 p.m.
• On December 8 instead of the parade — the Dickens Winter Carnival will be
held from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• On December 15 Dickens will feature the RVSPCA Pet Costume Contest at
6:30 p.m.
• More information is available at www.downtownroanoke.org
"Elmwood on Ice" is open for business
• We encourage citizens to make time for ice skating and ice sliding in
Elmwood Park between now and January 28, 2018.
• The Skating Rink and Ice Slide time is unlimited on the day you purchase
your ticket.
• Parking is available around Elmwood Park including in the Elmwood Park
Garage and Lot, which are free weekdays after 5:00 p.m. and all weekend.
• Hours and admission information are available at www.downtownroanoke org
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: Roanoke City School Board submitted
a written report requesting appropriation of funds for various educational programs; and
the City Manager submitted a written report recommending that Council concur in the
request.
(For full text, see reports on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Vice -Mayor Price offered the following budget ordinance:
( #41007- 112017) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from Federal and
Commonwealth grants and the Schools general funds for various educational programs,
amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 School Grant Fund
Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 390.)
Vice -Mayor Price moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41007 - 112017.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE.
INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Council Member Trinkle offered the
following resolution appointing Matthew Fink as a Director of the Economic
Development Authority to fill the unexpired term of office of Thomas Cullen ending
October 20, 2018:
(#41008-112017) A RESOLUTION appointing a Director on the Board of
Directors of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, Virginia to fill
the remaining portion of an unexpired four (4) year term on its Board of Directors.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 394.)
Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41008- 112017.
The motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
MOTION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
INQUIRIES AND /OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF
COUNCIL:
RELEASE OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTY AT 2750 HOOVER STREET, N. W.:
Council Member Ferris moved that the City Manager be authorized to submit the
appropriate request to the City Planning Commission to release City -owned property at
2750 Hoover Street, N. W., bearing Official Tax Map No. 2430601, a portion of the Villa
Heights Park; and vacate the right of the City to maintain and operate and the right of
the public to use the Recreation Center Parcel portion of the Park, and execute such
other documents and take such other actions as are necessary to effectuate, implement
and administer the request to the Planning Commission to vacate and release of the
City's right to maintain and operate and the right of the public to use the Recreation
Center Parcel portion of the Park, in accordance with applicable law. The motion was
seconded by Vice -Mayor Price.
•
• •
Council Member Dykstra advised of a personal interest in the abovementioned
matter, and read the following Statement of Conflict of Interest into record:
"STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
I, Michelle L. Dykstra, state that I have a personal interest in this motion
presented today regarding the authorization of the City Manager to file an application
with the City Planning Commission seeking to vacate and release City -owned property
located at 2750 Hoover Street, N. W., bearing Official Tax Map No. 2430601 (the
"Recreation Center Parcel ") as a public park and a part of Villa Heights because my
employer, Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Virginia, Inc., has an interest in a lease
transaction with Restoration Housing, a Virginia corporation, that has entered into a
contract to purchase the Recreation Center Parcel from the City. The lease transaction
would be between Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Virginia, Inc. and Restoration
Housing, or its permitted assignee. Therefore, pursuant to Virginia Code Section
2.2 -3112, 1 must refrain from participation in this matter. I ask that the City Clerk accept
this statement and ask that it be made a part of the minutes of this meeting.
Witness the following signature made this 201" day of November 2017.
S /Michelle L. Dykstra
Michelle L. Dykstra
Member of Council"
(See Statement of Conflict of Interest on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
The Assistant City Manager for Community Development advised that the
Council authorized the contract of sale of the real estate back in August 2017 and
Restoration Housing has asked the City of Roanoke to accelerate the potential closing
of the property because of the potential changes in the Federal Historical Tax Credit
Program that may take place as part of the tax bills currently circulating in both the
House of Delegates and Senate. He noted that to effectuate closing prior to
December 31, and assuming an affirmative action by the Council, the buyer would
assure it has effective ownership prior to January 1, 2018; and based on pending
legislation they could proceed with the project under the current tax credit allocations
and in essence be grandfathered, a very critical financial component to their successful
renovation of the building and addition to the receipt of the insurance proceeds that the
City has obtained on the building.
• M
„ There being no questions and /or comments by the Council Members, the
abovementioned motion was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Dykstra abstained from voting.)
ANNUAL OLD SOUTHWEST PARLOR TOUR OF HOMES: The 381 Annual Old
Southwest Parlor Tour of Homes on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. —
9:00 p.m.; and Sunday, December 3, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.
MEN'S HEALTH MONTH: November 2017 declared as Men's Health Month
(known as Movember).
ROANOKE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL: Congratulations to Roanoke Catholic
High School on its VISAA Division III State Championship Football Game on
November 17, 2017,
VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: NONE.
At 5:04 p.m., the Mayor declared the Council Meeting in recess for a Closed
Meeting to be held in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451, fourth floor, Noel C.
Taylor Municipal Building; and thereafter to be reconvened at 7:00 p.m., in the Council
Chamber.
At 7:00 p.m., the Council Meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, , with
Mayor Lea presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members John A. Garland, Anita J. Price, William D.
Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.-6.
ABSENT: Council Member David B. Trinkle -1.
The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum.
OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J.
Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk.
rein*
• •
The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Dova C. Hensley, Pastor, First
Church of the Brethren.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by
Mayor Lea.
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 was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the
following vote:
Lea -6. AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Vice -Mayor Price offered the following resolution
recognizing Nicole Harris as the 2017 Citizen of the Year:
( #41009 - 112017) A RESOLUTION naming and honoring Nicole Lynn Harris as
the City of Roanoke's 2017 Citizen of the Year.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 395.)
Vice -Mayor Price moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41009 - 112017. The
motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra.
Mayor Lea pointed out that as the 2017 Citizen of the Year, Ms. Harris was
presented a Key to the City and personalized engraved plaque at the 2017 Annual
Roanoke Neighborhoods' Harvesting of the Fruits Potluck Dinner and Awards
Celebration on November 10, 2017 at the Jefferson Center.
MOO
Following positive accolades to Ms. Harris for her many contributions and
services to her neighbors to improve the southeast quadrant and improve the special
quality of life in the City of Roanoke, Resolution No. 41009 - 112017 was adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
The Mayor presented Ms. Harris with a ceremonial copy of the resolution.
ANNUAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK ART CONTEST WINNERS: The Mayor
recognized and presented Certificates of Achievement to the 13th Annual Fire
Prevention Week Art Contest winners.
COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTERS PROGRAM: The Mayor recognized and
presented Certificates of Achievement to 21 graduates of the Community Health
Promoters Program.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CRANDALL PROVIDENCE BUILDING: Pursuant to Resolution No. 25523
adopted by the Council on Monday, April 6, 1981, the City Clerk having advertised a
public hearing for Monday, November 20, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as
the matter may be heard, on the request of Crandall Providence Building to rezone
property located at 813 Franklin Road, S. W., from MX, Mixed Use District, to MXPUD,
Mixed Use Planned Unit Development District, the matter was before the body.
Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times
on Tuesday, October 31, 2017, and Tuesday, November 7, 2017.
(See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
The City Planning Commission submitted a written report recommending
approval of the rezoning request, finding that the Original Application is consistent with
the City's Comprehensive Plan, Old Southwest Neighborhood Plan, and Zoning
Ordinance as an existing building will be able to be used in a manner appropriate to
the surrounding neighborhood.
(For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Lem
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance:
(#41010-112017) AN ORDINANCE to rezone certain property located at 813
Franklin Road, S. W., from MX, Mixed Use District, to MXPUD, Mixed Use Planned Unit
Development District; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 397.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41010 - 112017.
The motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price.
David Crandall, Agent, appeared before the Council in support of the rezoning.
The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the
matter. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed.
There being no questions and /or comments by the Council Members, Ordinance
No. 41010 - 112017 was adopted by the following vote:
Lea -6. AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
GREATER ROANOKE TRANSIT COMPANY: Pursuant to Resolution No. 25523
adopted by the Council on Monday, April 6, 1981, the City Clerk having advertised a
public hearing for Monday, November 20, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as
the matter may be heard, on the request of Greater Roanoke Transit Company to
vacate an alley between and parallel to 11th Street, S. E., and 12th Street, S. E.,
approximately 10 feet in width and extending perpendicular from the southern edge of
Campbell Avenue, S. E., approximately 175 feet to the northern edge of Kirk Avenue,
S. E., the matter was before the body.
Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times
on Tuesday, October 31, 2017, and Tuesday, November 7, 2017.
(See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
The City Planning Commission submitted a written report recommending
approval of the request for vacation of the right -of -way, finding that the Original
Application is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan and the Belmont - Fallon
Neighborhood Plan, subject to the following conditions:
91
The Greater Roanoke Transit Company shall submit a subdivision plat to the
Agent for the Planning Commission, receive all required approvals of, and record
the plat with the Clerk of the Circuit Court for the City of Roanoke. Such plat shall
combine all properties which would otherwise dispose of the land within the
right —of -way to be vacated in a manner consistent with law, and retain
appropriate easements for the installation and maintenance of any and all
existing utilities that may be located within the right -of -way, including the right of
ingress and egress.
Upon meeting all conditions to the granting of the application, the Greater
Roanoke Transit Company shall deliver a certified copy of this ordinance for
recordation to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Roanoke, Virginia, indexing the
same in the name of the City of Roanoke, Virginia, as Grantor, and in the name
of the petitioner, and the names of any other parties in interest who may so
request, as Grantees. The Greater Roanoke Transit Company shall pay such
fees and charges as are required by the Clerk to effect such recordation.
Upon recording a certified copy of this ordinance with the Clerk of the Circuit
Court of the City of Roanoke, Virginia, the Greater Roanoke Transit Company
shall file with the Engineer for the City of Roanoke, Virginia, the Clerk's receipt,
demonstrating that such recordation has occurred.
(For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance-
(#41011-112017) AN ORDINANCE permanently vacating, discontinuing and
closing a public right -of -way in the City of Roanoke between and parallel to
11th Street, S. E., and 12th Street, S. E., and perpendicular to, and between,
Campbell Avenue, S. E., and Kirk Avenue, S. E., as more particularly described
hereinafter; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 398.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41011- 112017.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris.
Sherman M. Stovall, Vice - President of Operations, Greater Roanoke Transit
Company, appeared before the Council in support of the alley vacation.
The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the
matter. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed.
92
Council Member Bestpitch commented on the public hearing held on Thursday,
October 26, 2017 by the Greater Roanoke Transit Company Board of Directors with
regard to a proposed rate increase from $1.50 to $1.75 for the general bus fare. He
noted that many citizens attended the public hearing and understood the need for an
increase and were very complimentary of Valley Metro exclaiming that the buses
generally ran on time, clean and the drivers were very friendly and helpful to patrons as
they rode the buses.
There being no further inquiries and /or comments by the Council Members,
Ordinance No. 41011 - 112017 was adopted by the following vote:
Lea -6. AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
HUM KOMBUCHA, LLC: Pursuant to instructions by the Council, the City Clerk
having advertised a public hearing for Monday, November 20, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., or as
soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on a proposal of the City of Roanoke to
consider the sale of property located at 1950 Blue Hills Drive, N. E., consisting of
approximately 12.042 acres, more or less, together with all improvements thereon, to
Humm Kombucha LLC, an Oregon limited liability company, for the construction and
operation of a brewery and packaging facility, the matter was before the body.
Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times
on Friday, November 10, 2017.
(See publisher's affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
The City Manager submitted a written report recommending execution of the
agreement subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
(For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
93
Council Member Dykstra offered the following ordinance:
( #41012 - 112017) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager to execute a
Contract for Purchase and Sale of Real Property (the "Contract ") between the City of
Roanoke, Virginia (the "City'), and Humm Kombucha LLC, an Oregon limited liability
company, qualified to transact business in the Commonwealth of Virginia (the "Parent "),
and its subsidiaries or affiliates that may be created to own and /or operate the Facility
described below (together, such subsidiaries and affiliates are "Subsidiaries' and the
Parent and the Subsidiaries together, jointly and severally, are the "Buyer'), to sell to
the Buyer certain real property located at 1950 Blue Hills Drive, N. E., Roanoke, Virginia
24012, consisting of approximately 12.042 acres, more or less, together with all
improvements thereon, designated as Official Tax Map No. 7230103 (the "Property "),
for the construction and operation of a brewery and packaging facility (the "Facility "),
upon certain terms and conditions; authorizing the City Manager to accept a
Nonnegotiable Promissory Note (the "Promissory Note') from the Buyer in the principal
amount of $943,400.00 obligating the Buyer to pay the City, subject to the terms of the
Promissory Note, the principal amount together with accrued interest at the rate of one
percent (1 %) per annum, as set forth in the Promissory Note; authorizing the City
Manager to execute a Deed of Trust between the City and the Buyer in which the Buyer
will grant a first priority Deed of Trust on the Property to the City to secure payment and
performance of the Promissory Note by the Buyer, as required by the terms of the
Contract; authorizing the City Manager to execute such further documents and take
such further actions as may be necessary to accomplish the above matters; and
dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 400.)
Council Member Dykstra moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41012-112017.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris.
Wayne Bowers, Director, Economic Development; and Beth Doughty, Executive
Director, Roanoke Regional Partnership, appeared before the Council in support of the
proposal.
The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the
matter. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed.
The City Manager welcomed the City of Roanoke's newest business Humm
Kombucha and thanked the Economic Development staff and Roanoke Regional
Partnership for their efforts to bring the business to the City.
MA
Following positive comments by several Council Members welcoming the
business to the Roanoke Valley and stressing the importance of creating quality jobs in
the City of Roanoke, along with thanking the Roanoke Regional Partnership and
Economic Development Authority for their efforts, Ordinance No. 41012 - 112017 was
adopted by the following vote:
Lea -6. AYES: Council Members Garland, Price, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
OTHER BUSINESS:
At this point, Vice -Mayor Price left the Council Chamber (7:55 p.m.)
HUMM KOMBUCHA, LLC: The City Manager submitted a written report
recommending execution of a Commonwealth's Development Opportunity Fund
Performance Agreement among the City of Roanoke, the Economic Development
Authority of the City of Roanoke, and Humm Kombucha, LLC (for itself and its
subsidiaries and affiliates) for construction and operation of a brewery and packaging
facility to be located at 1950 Blue Hills Drive, N. E.
(For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Dykstra offered the following ordinance-
(#41013-112017) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the proper City officials to
execute a Commonwealth's Development Opportunity Fund Performance Agreement
(the "Performance Agreement ") among the City of Roanoke, Virginia (the "City'), the
Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, Virginia (the "EDA "), and
Humm Kombucha LLC (the "Parent "), an Oregon limited liability company, authorized to
transact business in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and its subsidiaries or affiliates that
may be created to own and /or operate the Facility described below (together, such
subsidiaries and affiliates are "Subsidiaries" and the Parent and Subsidiaries together,
jointly and severally, are "Humm "), that provides for a grant in the amount of
$150,000.00 subject to certain undertakings and obligations by the parties in connection
with the development of City -owned property located at 1950 Blue Hills Drive, N.E.,
Roanoke, Virginia 24012 ( "Property ") that Humm will acquire for the construction and
operation of a brewery and packaging facility (the "Facility "); authorizing the City
Manager to accept the COF Grant, defined below, with the requirement that Humm
achieve certain Local Incentives as described in the Performance Agreement and to
take such actions and execute such documents as may be necessary to provide for the
95
implementation, administration, and enforcement of the Performance Agreement; and
dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 404.)
Council Member Dykstra moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41013 - 112017.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and Mayor Lea -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Vice -Mayor Price was not present when the vote was recorded.) (Council Member
Trinkle was absent.)
Council Member Dykstra offered the following budget ordinance:
( #41014 - 112017) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding for the Humm
Kombucha Commonwealth's Development Opportunity Fund Grant Performance
Agreement project, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018
Capital Projects Fund Appropriations and dispensing with the second reading by title of
this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 406.)
Council Member Dykstra moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41014-
112017. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and Mayor Lea -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Vice -Mayor Price was not present when the vote was recorded.) (Council Member
Trinkle was absent.)
•
tRA
HUMM KOMBUCHA, LLC: The City Manager submitted a written report
recommending execution of a Performance Agreement regarding an Operation Period
Economic Development Grant among the City of Roanoke, the Economic Development
Authority of the City of Roanoke, and Humm Kombucha, LLC (for itself and its
subsidiaries and affiliates) for construction and operation of a brewery and packaging
facility to be located at 1950 Blue Hills Drive, N. E.
(For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Dykstra offered the following ordinance:
( #41015 - 112017) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the proper City officials to
execute a Performance Agreement Regarding Operation Period Economic
Development Grant among the City of Roanoke, Virginia (the "City "), the Economic
Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, Virginia (the "EDA "), and Humm
Kombucha LLC (the "Parent "), an Oregon limited liability company, authorized to
transact business in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and its subsidiaries or affiliates that
may be created to own and /or operate the Facility described below (together, such
subsidiaries and affiliates are "Subsidiaries' and the Parent and Subsidiaries together,
jointly and severally, are "Humm "), that provides for grants estimated to be $155,251.00
subject to certain undertakings and obligations by the parties in connection with the
development of City -owned property located at 1950 Blue Hills Drive, N. E., Roanoke,
Virginia 24012 ( "Property ") that Humm will acquire for the construction and operation of
a brewery and packaging facility (the "Facility "), authorizing the City Manager to take
such actions and execute such documents as may be necessary to provide for the
implementation, administration, and enforcement of such Performance Agreement; and
dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 407.)
Council Member Dykstra moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41015- 112017.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Garland, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, and Mayor Lea -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Vice -Mayor Price was not present when the vote was recorded.) (Council Member
Trinkle was absent.)
97
HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: The Mayor advised that
City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. All matters would be
referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to Council, as he
may deem appropriate.
SOUTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD: Terry Huxhold, 1125 16 °1 Street, S. E.,
appeared before the Council with regard to recent fires in the southeast neighborhood
and expressed concern about abandoned homes in the neighborhood, adding that
dilapidated structures were a safety hazard for the community.
At this point, Vice -Mayor Price re- entered the Council Chamber (8:02 p.m.).
He urged City Council to address issues of blighted properties and trash /debris.
He also suggested a surcharge on real estate taxes for abandoned properties.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared
the Council meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
APPROVED
ATTEST:
Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, MMC Sherman P. Lea, Sr.
City Clerk Mayor
•
ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR SESSION
December 4, 2017
9:00 a.m.
The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday,
December 4, 2017, at 9:00 a.m., in the Council Chamber, Room 450, fourth floor,
Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W., City of Roanoke, with
Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., presiding, pursuant to Chapter 2, Administration, Article II,
City Council, Section 2 -15, Rules of Procedure, Rule 1, Regular Meetings, Code of the
City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, and pursuant to Resolution No. 40579- 070317
adopted by the Council on Monday, July 3, 2017.
PRESENT: Council Members Anita J. Price, David B. Trinkle, William D.
Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra, Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland and Mayor
Sherman P. Lea, Sr. -7.
ABSENT: None -0.
OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J.
Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk.
The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum.
ITEMS FOR ACTION:
VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEES: 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 Trinkle moved that Council concur in the request of the Mayor
as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0.
We
DISPOSITION OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTY: A communication from the City
Manager requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the
disposition of an approximately .3607 acres of City -owned property located at 120
Church Avenue, S. E., where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the
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 Dykstra moved that Council concur in the request of the City
Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch
and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland and
Mayor Lea -7.
NAYS: None -0
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 MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL:
NONE.
Joint Meetina of Council and the Roanoke Reaional Airport Commission
Mayor Lea welcomed everyone to the meeting and, recognized Cynthia.
Lawrence, Chair, Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, for comments; and thereafter,
called on Tim Bradshaw, Executive Director, Roanoke - Blacksburg Regional Airport,
who highlighted the following items:
• ROA Airline Service
• US Airline Hubs
• Peer Markets
• Statistics
• RDA Funding Sources for Capital Projects
• Current Projects
• Future Projects (Large)
• ROA Funding Sources for Air Service Development and Promotion
(See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
100
With regard to airline service Mr. Bradshaw advised that the Airport has
approximately 57 carriers and two cargo carriers, Fed Ex and UPS averaging 40 daily
arrivals and departures.
With regard to the loss of the Detroit flight back in 2014, Council Member Ferris
inquired as to what would have to happen to get that service back; whereupon,
Mr. Bradshaw advised that the Airport was applying for a grant to incentivize Delta to
return.
He further advised that the Airport may be in danger of losing the second
American airlines flight to LaGuardia due to low performance standards.
In response to an inquiry with regard to engagement with the regional partners in
marketing the Airport, Brad Boettcher advised that although the Airport is engaged with
the community partners, such as Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge and the Roanoke Regional
Partnership, the challenge is that the Airport does not set the fares or the schedules, the
carriers do.
At 9:45 a.m., Mayor Lea relinquished the Chair to Vice -Mayor Price and left the
meeting.
Discussion ensued with regard to current capital projects; whereupon, Mr.
Bradshaw mentioned the Airport was working on a walkway canopy, sealcoating both
runways, tunnel lighting replacement, a Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC),
various sealcoats for roads and parking lots, and a Runway Approach Obstruction
Survey; and noted that the Airport was going to build a combined rental car facility next
to the Terminal that will free up many spaces in the parking lot.
In response to an inquiry from Council Member Trinkle about the cab companies,
Mr. Bradshaw commented that rules and regulations were implemented to regulate the
cab service and currently nine companies provide limousine, cab and hotel shuttle
services which were working well. He noted that the taxi cab concession and limousine
service would be up for bid again in September 2018 and that the parking lot shuttle
was running again due to construction.
In response to questions by Council Member Ferris regarding funding from the
Federal Aviation Association (FAA) and Virginia Aviation Fund, Chairman Lawrence felt
confident about the FAA funding, but not as much with the public aviation funding
because of uncertainties in the funding formula.
Vice -Mayor Price thanked the Commission and airport staff for their time and
dedication and reiterated that future meetings should be held on a regular basis.
101
Following comments by the Council and Airport Commissioners, Chairman
Lawrence thanked the Council for the opportunity for open dialogue, asked the Council
to be champions for their efforts as they begin to formulate a taskforce and strategy, to
continue reaching out to colleagues and municipal leaders in the region and encourage
their participation.
Chairman Lawrence declared the, Roanoke Regional Airport Commission
meeting adjourned; and Vice -Mayor Price declared the Council meeting in recess at
10:39 a.m., respectively.
At 10:52 a.m., the Council meeting was reconvened in the Council Chamber, with
Vice -Mayor Price presiding.
BRIEFINGS:
Roanoke Prevention Alliance 2017 Youth Survey Presentation
Dr. Paula Prince, Board Member, Roanoke Prevention Alliance, gave a 2017
Youth Survey presentation, highlighting the following items:
• Middle School 30 -Day Substance Use — 2007 -2017
• High School 30 -Day Substance Use — 2007 -2017
• Past 30 -Day Use
• Summing it up:
• Middle School Depression /Suicide
• High School Depression /Suicide
• Summing it up:
• Drug -Free Communities
• Teen drinking is not the norm
• Project Sticker Shock
(For full text, see copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Dykstra left the meeting during closing remarks by Dr. Prince
regarding Summing it up — Middle School Depression /Suicide (11:07 a.m.)
Following the presentation, Council Member Garland was dismayed regarding
the suicide statistics; wherein Dr. Prince encouraged the community to take every
opportunity to support the youth and /or youth activities.
Council Member Bestpitch suggested youth participation at Council Meetings and
that groups such as the Youth Services Advisory Board, community groups, and faith
groups focus on the positive happenings.
102
At this point, Mayor Lea reentered the meeting (11:21 a.m.) and the Vice -Mayor
relinquished the Chair back to the Mayor.
Following comments by the Council, Mayor Lea thanked Dr. Prince for the
informative update and advised that the presentation would be received and filed.
At 11:28 a.m., the Council Meeting was declared in recess for a Closed Meeting
to be held in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451; and thereafter to be
reconvened at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber.
At 2:00 p.m., the Council meeting was reconvened in the Council Chamber, with
Mayor Lea presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members Anita J. Price, David B. Trinkle, William D.
Bestpitch, Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. -7.
ABSENT: Council Member Michelle L. Dykstra -1.
OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J.
Callaghan, City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk.
The Mayor declared the existence of a quorum.
The Invocation was delivered by Vice -Mayor Price.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by
Mayor Lea.
PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
PROJECT LIFESAVER: Mayor Lea recognized Sheriff Tim Allen and six
deputies for their participation in the Project Lifesaver Program.
HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: The Mayor advised that
City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. All matters will be
referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to Council, as he
may deem appropriate.
MISCELLANEOUS: Martin Jeffrey, 421 Fairfax Avenue, N. W., appeared before
the Council regarding the sale /purchase of properties in historic Gainsboro.
HOMICIDES IN THE NORTHWEST COMMUNITY: Robert Gravely, 3360
Hershberger Road, N. W., appeared before the Council and expressed concern about
the recent homicides in the northwest community.
103
CONSENT AGENDA
The Mayor advised that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda are
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 was
desired, the item would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered
separately.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held
on Monday, November 20 2017, was before the body.
(See Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Trinkle moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with
and approved as recorded. The motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Dykstra was absent.)
SALE OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTY: A communication from the City Manager
requesting that Council schedule a public hearing to be held on Monday, December 18,
2017, 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 sale of approximately
1.2016 acres of City -owned property located at 201 Carver Avenue, N. E., to RYT,
L.L.C., to expand the existing wrecker sales, installation and service business located at
210 Carver Avenue, N. E., was before the body.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Trinkle moved that Council concur in the request of the City
Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Dykstra was absent.)
104
CITY MARKET BUILDING: A communication from the Assistant City Manager
for Operations in response to an inquiry from Council Member John A. Garland with
regard to the operation of the City Market Building, was before the body.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Trinkle moved that the report be received and filed. The motion
was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Dykstra was absent.)
BLUE RIDGE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION: A communication from
Kathy B. Smith, Program Manager, Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District,
notifying the Council of the nomination of Byron Brooks to replace George Pace as a
Director (At- Large) of the Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District Board of
Directors, effective January 1, 2018, was before the body.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Trinkle moved that the communication be received and filed.
The motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Dykstra was absent.)
OATHS OF OFFICE -COURT COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAM
REGIONAL COMMUNITY CRIMINAL JUSTICE BOARD - ROANOKE ARTS
COMMISSION— BUILDING AND FIRE CODE BOARD OF APPEALS- ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY —VISIT VIRGINIA'S BLUE RIDGE -HUMAN SERVICES
ADVISORY BOARD: Reports of qualification of the following individuals were before
the Council:
105
The Honorable Francis Burkhart, III, as the General District Court
representative of the Court Community Corrections Program Regional
Community Criminal Justice Board for a term of office ending June 30,
2020;
Janet Carty as a member of the Roanoke Arts Commission for a term of
office ending June 30, 2018;
Jeffrey S. Shawver as a Property Management representative of the
Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals for a three -year term of office
ending June 30, 2020;
Matthew Fink as a Director of the Economic Development Authority of the
City of Roanoke for a term of office ending October 20, 2018;
Shaleen T. Powell as a City representative of the Visit Virginia's Blue
Ridge Board of Directors for a term of office ending June 30, 2018; and
Vivian Sanchez -Jones as a member of the Human Services Advisory
Board for a four -year term of office ending November 30, 2021.
(See Oaths or Affirmations of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Trinkle moved that the reports of qualification be received and
filed. The motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Dykstra was absent.)
REGULARAGENDA
PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER:
CITY MANAGER:
106
BRIEFINGS: NONE.
ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION:
GREATER ROANOKE TRANSIT- COMPANY: The City Manager submitted a
written communication recommending approval of a fare increase for the Greater
Roanoke Transit Company, effective January 1, 2018.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following resolution:
( #41016 - 120417) A RESOLUTION approving /establishing a revised passenger
fare schedule for the Greater Roanoke Transit Company (GRTC), dba Valley Metro;
and authorizing the City Manager to take any necessary action to accomplish the
implementation of such fare schedule.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 409.)
Council Member Bestpitch moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41016-120417.
The motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price.
Following comments by Council Members Bestpitch and Ferris, Resolution No.
41016 - 120417 was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Dykstra was absent.)
COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER.
The City Manager shared the following comments:
Fall Leaf Collection Continues
• Solid Waste crews will collect leaves in city neighborhoods during the weeks
of December 4 - 7, and December 11 - 17.
107
Roanoke has retained its National Flood Insurance Program Community
Rating
• The Stormwater Division recently received notification from FEMA confirming
that the City of Roanoke will remain at a Class 7 rating in the National Flood
Insurance Program Community Rating System.
• The floodplain management and flood mitigation activities implemented by the
city will continue to qualify flood insurance policyholders in the community for
a 15 percent discount in premium costs for NFIP policies issued or renewed
in Special Flood Hazard Areas.
Downtown Winter Activities
• Dickens of a Christmas
The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting last Friday was a big hit with attendees.
Still to come:
• December. 8 — the Dickens Winter Carnival
• December 9 — Christmas Parade
• Dec.ember15 —The RVSPCA Pet Costume Contest
• Elmwood on Ice
o Enjoy ice skating and ice sliding in Elmwood Park between now and
January 28, 2018.
• More information about Dickens and Elmwood on Ice is available at
www. downtown roa no ke.oM
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE.
INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OR ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS: NONE.
MOTION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
INQUIRIES AND /OR COMMENTS BY THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF
COUNCIL:
NEIGHBORHOODS: Discussion regarding homicides in the northwest
community; and public safety of the citizens in the community.
CHURCHES: Hill Street Baptist Church and Roanoke College will present "The
History of the Civil Rights Era in Roanoke" at Hill Street Baptist Church from 6:00 p.m. -
B:00p.m. on Friday, December 8.
108
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 was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Dykstra was absent.)
HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD: The Mayor called attention to the
resignation of Cheri Hartman as a member of the Human Services Advisory Board for a
term of office ending November 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for
nominations.
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Jash Bansal.
There being no further nominations, Mr. Bansal was appointed as a member of
the Human Services Advisory Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Cheri Hartman
ending November 30, 2020, by the following vote:
FOR MR. BANSAL: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland
and Mayor Lea -6.
(Council Member Dykstra was absent.)
ROANOKE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATES: The Mayor called attention to the
resignation of Antwyne U. Calloway as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood
Advocates ending June 30, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for nominations.
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Michael Cherry, II.
There being no further nominations, Mr. Cherry was appointed as a member of
the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates to fill the unexpired term of office of Antwyne U.
Calloway ending June 30, 2020, by the following vote:
109
FOR MR. CHERRY: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland
and Mayor Lea -6.
(Council Member Dykstra was absent.)
WESTERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL FACILITY AUTHORITY: The
Mayor called attention to the resignation of Wayne Bowers (Economic Development
Director) as the Roanoke City appointee of the Western Virginia Regional Industrial
Facility Authority ending February 4, 2020; whereupon, he opened the floor for
nominations.
Council Member Bestpitch placed in nomination the name of Robert S. Cowell,
Jr., City Manager.
There being no further nominations, Mr. Cowell was appointed as the Roanoke
City appointee of the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority to fill the
unexpired term of office of Wayne Bowers ending February 4, 2020, by the following
vote:
FOR MR. COWELL: Council Members Price, Trinkle, Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland
and Mayor Lea -6.
(Council Member Dykstra was absent.)
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lea declared
the Council meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
APPROVED
ATTEST:
rn vy�
Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, MC Sherman P. Lea, Sr.
City Clerk Mayor
110
ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL - REGULAR SESSION 1
December 18, 2017
2:00 p.m.
The Council of the City of Roanoke met in regular session on Monday,
December 18, 2017, 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 Vice -
Mayor Anita J. Price, 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. 40879- 070317 adopted
by the Council on Monday, July 3, 2017.
PRESENT: Council Members David B. Trinkle, William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L.
Dykstra, John A. Garland, and Vice -Mayor Anita J. Price -5.
ABSENT: Council Member Raphael E. Ferris and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. -2.
(2:00 p.m. Session only)
The Vice -Mayor declared the existence of a quorum.
OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan,
City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk.
The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Jesse L. Bass, Pastor, New
Covenant Assembly of God.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by
Vice -Mayor Price.
PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
BLACK VETERANS SOCIETY OF VIRGINIA: Recognition of the United Black
Veterans Society of Virginia (UBVS of VA) for their meritorious and honorable military
service.
Following comments by Members of Council, Vice -Mayor Price presented letters
from the Office of the Mayor to James Clinton Hurt, Sr., and Maurice Elliott Bingham,
along with City gifts.
(See copy of letters on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
3
111
SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS FROM VIRGINIA ENERGY EFFICIENCY COUNCIL:
Recognition of the Department of General Services on receiving two sustainability awards
from the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council and the United States Department of Energy
SunShot Initiative.
Vice -Mayor Price presented the sustainability awards to Michael Shockley,
Director of General Services and Sustainability; and Nell Boyle, Sustainability Outreach
Coordinator.
HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: The Vice -Mayor advised that
City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. All matters would be
referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to Council, as he
may deem appropriate.
HOUSING: Martin D. Jeffrey, 421 Fairfax Street, N. W., appeared before the
Council to request an investigation of the status of an alleged agreement regarding
properties behind the Wometco Bottling Company being reserved for lower- income
single - family housing.
MISCELLANEOUS: Robert Gravely, 3360 Hershberger Road, N. W., appeared
C before the Council to remind all that the Government is required to support its citizens.
Mr. Gravely was advised that the Administration has responded to previous
remarks regarding activities and programs supported by the City of Roanoke in an effort
to address poverty.
The Administration was instructed to ensure that Mr. Gravely received a copy of
the communication.
DOWNTOWN ROANOKE: Dr. M. Rupert Cutler, 204 South Jefferson Street,
Suite 4, S. W., appeared before the Council to comment on the Downtown Roanoke 2017
Plan.
(See copy of remarks on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
C
112
CONSENTAGENDA
The Vice -Mayor advised that all matters listed under the Consent Agenda are
considered to be routine by the Members of Council and will be enacted by one motion in
the form, or forms, listed on the Consent Agenda, and if discussion is desired, the item
would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. She called
attention to a request of the City Manager that Council convene in Closed Meeting to
discuss the disposition of publicly -owned property located at 13 Church Avenue, S. E.,
where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating strategy of
the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2 -3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as
amended.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on
Monday, December 4, 2017, was before the body.
(For full text, see Minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Dykstra moved that the minutes be dispensed with and approved
as recorded. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice -Mayor
Price -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.)
DISPOSITION OF PUBLICLY -OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 13 CHURCH
AVENUE, S. E.: A communication from the City Manager requesting that Council
convene in Closed Meeting to discuss the disposition of publicly -owned property located
at 13 Church Avenue, S. E., where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect
the negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2 -3711 (A)(3), Code of
Virginia (1950), as amended, was before the body.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
01
113
Council Member Dykstra moved that Council concur in the request of the City
Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and
` adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice -Mayor
Price -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR BUDGET DEVELOPMENT: A communication
from the City Manager recommending adoption of the Calendar of Events for Budget
Development Activities for Fiscal Year 2018 — 2019, was before the Council.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Dykstra moved that Council concur in the request of the City
Manager as abovementioned. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and
adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice -Mayor
Price -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.)
ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS SUPPORTED BY THE CITY OF ROANOKE IN
AN EFFORT TO ADDRESS POVERTY: A communication from the Assistant City
Manager for Operations in response to a request from a citizen with regard to the activities
and programs supported by the City of Roanoke in an effort to address poverty, was
before the Council.
(See communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
114
Council Member Dykstra moved that the communication be received and filed. y
The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice -Mayor
Price -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.)
AUDIT COMMITTEE MINUTES: Minutes of the Audit Committee held on
Wednesday, September 6, 2017, was before the Council.
(See minutes on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Dykstra moved that the Minutes be received and filed. The motion
was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice -Mayor
Price -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.)
OATHS OF OFFICE - ROANOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD: Report of
qualification of Jeanne Bollendorf as a member of the Roanoke Public Library Board for
a three -year term of office ending June 30, 2018, was before the Council.
(See Oath or Affirmation of Office on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Dykstra moved that the report of qualification be received and
filed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following
vote:
AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice -Mayor
Price -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.)
115
pREGULAR AGENDA
PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE.
PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS:
NAMING OF THE TENNIS COURT AT RIVER'S EDGE: John P. Fishwick
appeared before the Council to request that the tennis court at River's Edge be renamed
to honor local tennis great Camis Poindexter.
(See presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
He shared information about the local tennis player, advising that Mr. Poindexter
was a tennis trail blazer in the City of Roanoke and the first African American to enter and
win the Roanoke City County tennis tournament in 1964; and presented a vast amount of
information on Mr. Poindexter and his contributions to the City of Roanoke.
In closing, Mr. Fishwick urged the Council to authorize a meeting with the City
Manager to strategize a proposal to present to Council in the near future; and he
suggested that the City host a public ceremony to dedicate the tennis court to Mr.
C Poindexter.
Following remarks by the Council, the matter was referred to the City Manager for
review, response and report back to the Council.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER:
CITY MANAGER:
BRIEFINGS: NONE.
ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION:
ROANOKE CENTRE FOR INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY: The City Manager
submitted a written communication recommending Appropriation of funds for construction
of sign addition at the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
r�
116
Council Member Trinkle offered the following budget ordinance:
( #41017 - 121817) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding for the Roanoke Centre
for Industry and Technology sign addition project, amending and reordaining certain
sections of the 2017 -2018 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations and dispensing with the
second reading by title of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 410.)
Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 41017-
121817. The motion was seconded by Council Member Dykstra and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice -Mayor
Price -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.)
HUD'S OFFICE OF LEAD HAZARD CONTROL AND HEALTHY HOME'S FY 2017
GRANT AWARD: The City Manager submitted a written communication recommending
acceptance of HUD's Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Home's FY 2017 grant
award.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Dykstra offered the following resolution:
(#41018-121817) A RESOLUTION accepting a grant from the Department of
Housing and Urban Development to the City, and authorizing execution of any required
documents on behalf of the City in connection with such grant, under certain conditions.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 411.)
117
GCouncil Member Dykstra moved the adoption of Resolution No. 41018 - 121817.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice -Mayor
Price -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.)
Council Member Dykstra offered the following budget ordinance:
(641019- 121817) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Lead Hazard Control Grant,
amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 - 2018 Capital Projects and Grant
Funds Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 412.)
Council Member Dykstra moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No.
41019 - 121817. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by
the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice -Mayor
Price -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.)
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY FUND
PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT: The City Manager submitted an additional
communication recommending execution of a Commonwealth of Virginia Development
Opportunity Fund Performance Agreement among the City of Roanoke, Economic
Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, Virginia, and PowerSchool Group, LLC,
for improvement and equipping of offices located at 110 Franklin Road, S. E.
(For full text, see communication on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
0
118
Council Member Trinkle offered the following ordinance: 0
(#41020- 121817) AN ORDINANCE authorizing the proper City officials to execute
a Commonwealth's Development Opportunity Fund Performance Agreement (the
"Performance Agreement ") among the City of Roanoke, Virginia (the "City"), the
Economic Development Authority of the City of Roanoke, Virginia (the "EDA "), and
PowerSchool Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, authorized to transact
business in the Commonwealth of Virginia ( "PowerSchool"), that provides for a grant in
the amount of $250,000 subject to certain undertakings and obligations by the parties in
connection with making capital investments consisting of building up -fit and tenant
improvements to existing offices located at 110 Franklin Road, S. E., Roanoke, Virginia
(the "Facility"); authorizing the City Manager to accept the COF Grant, defined below, and
to take such actions and execute such documents as may be necessary to provide for
the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the Performance Agreement; and
dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by title.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 413.)
Council MemberTrinkle moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41020 - 121817. The
motion was seconded by Council Member Garland.
Council Member Bestpitch elaborated on the significance of this investment to the
City of Roanoke, especially in light of the fact that PowerSchool Group, LLC, is a local
company based in Roanoke who choose to continue enjoying Roanoke's quality of life
and is among three other companies who have made economic development
announcements to invest nearly $23.5 million in our city and approximately 250 additional
jobs with wages above the median income for the city. He commended Wayne Bowers,
Director of Economic Development, and staff forthe great work done to attract businesses
to the city and their work with Beth Doughty, Executive Director, Roanoke Regional
Partnership and team for bringing these opportunities to the city. Council Member
Bestpitch stated it was important for the city's young adults to recognize the employment
opportunities that will become available in the near future and for them to pursue the
correct training and education to acquire these specific jobs. He thanked Wayne Bowers
for all he had done during his tenure with the City of Roanoke and expressed well wishes
on his upcoming retirement.
7
.r
119
Following sentiments by Council Member Dykstra, Ordinance No. 41020 - 121817
was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice -Mayor
Price -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.)
Council Member Trinkle offered the following budget ordinance:
(#41021- 121817) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the
Commonwealth of Virginia through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Authority for a Development Opportunity Fund Grant, amending and reordaining certain
sections of the 2017 - 2018 Capital Projects and Grant Funds Appropriations, and
dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 415.)
Council Member Trinkle moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No.
41021 - 121817. The motion was seconded by Council Member Garland and adopted by
the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice -Mayor
Price -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.)
COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER.
The City Manager shared the following comments:
City Notifies Property Owners about Solid Waste Collection Fee
• This weekend, those who own property in the City of Roanoke received
information in the mail explaining the new Solid Waste Collection Fee.
• The information included a sample bill and a list of Frequently Asked Questions
about the fee.
• It also explained that the first billing will be in January for half of the yearly fee.
It will be mailed to property owners on a separate bill and will have a due date
of February 15, 2018.
120
Thereafter, the Solid Waste Collection fee will be included as a separate item
on the real estate tax bills property owners receive in the fall and spring of each
year, or — for property owners whose real estate taxes are paid through their
mortgage escrow — they will likely see a subsequent adjustment in their escrow
payments to offset the Solid Waste Collection fee.
The city has already received a few citizen inquiries regarding eligibility
requirements for the elderly and disabled tax free. This information is available
through the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue, at 853 -2523 or online
at www.roanokeva.gov /revenue, on the left side of the page click on Real
Estate.
220 Off -Ramp to Downtown at Franklin Road Will Re -Open
• Work to construct new bridge foundations for the Franklin Road Bridge
Replacement project is near completion.
• As a result, the northbound 220 off -ramp to downtown at Franklin Road is
scheduled to re -open for the Friday morning commute on December 22.
• The construction project began in January 2017 and remains scheduled for
completion in late 2018.
City Closings for the Upcoming Holidays
• Offices will be closed on Monday, December 25 for the Christmas Holiday, and
on Monday, January 1 for the New Years holiday.
• As a result of these closings, the City's Solid Waste Collection schedule will be
delayed one day throughout the Christmas and New Years weeks:
• Monday trash, brush, bulk, and recycling will be collected on Tuesday
• Tuesday trash, brush, bulk, and recycling will be collected on Wednesday
• Wednesday trash, brush, bulk, and recycling will be collected on Thursday
• Thursday trash, brush, bulk, and recycling will be collected on Friday
Christmas week will be "A" Week recycling; New Years week will be "B" week
recycling.
Snow Season Approaches
• In anticipation of the cold weather season, citizens recently received copies of
the City's Snow Removal Information brochure in the mail. The publication
includes:
• a list of communication tools for citizens to access during snow events
• an explanation of the city's process for snow removal
• phone numbers for reporting power outages, problems with water mains
Citizens are reminded that during a winter weather event, calls or texts to 911
should be reserved for medical, fire, or police emergencies only.
11
121
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: The Roanoke City School Board
submitted a written report requesting appropriation of funds for various educational
programs; and the City Manager submitted a written report recommending that Council
concur in the request.
(For full text, see reports on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Garland offered the following budget ordinance:
(#41022- 121817) AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from Federal grants for
various educational programs, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2017 -
2018 School Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title
of this ordinance.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 418.)
Council Member Garland moved the adoption of Budget Ordinance No.
41022 - 121817. The motion was seconded by Council Member Trinkle and adopted by
the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice -Mayor
Price -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE.
INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS:
122
AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES: Council Member Bestpitch offered the following
resolution endorsing the principles and objectives of Age Friendly Communities in
creating, promoting and sustaining livable communities for people of all ages:
(#41023- 121817) A RESOLUTION endorsing the AARP Network of Age - Friendly
Communities and the World Health Organization Global Network of Age - Friendly Cities
and Communities; authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute an application to
join the AARP Network of Age - Friendly Communities and the World Health Organization
Global Network of Age - Friendly Cities and Communities; and authorizing the Mayor and
City Manager to take such other actions and execute such other documents in support of
this application.
(For full text of resolution, see Resolution Book No. 79, page 418.)
Following brief remarks by Council Member Trinkle that AARP was a well -
organized entity that represents all the stakeholders that clearly have a desire to improve
aging in Roanoke, engagement of senior citizens, improve access and mental health and
increase longevity rates as well as change the institute ratings of Roanoke; adding that
the City of Roanoke was the first in the area to execute the program and he looked forward
to working with AARP in the future. -.
Council Member Bestpitch inquired as to whether a Council member being an
AARP member created a conflict of interest in connection with the adoption of the
resolution. The City Attorney noted he would research the inquiry and respond back to
the Council.
There being no additional questions and /or remarks by the Council Members,
Resolution No. 41023 - 121817 was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice -Mayor
Price -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.)
MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
INQUIRIES AND /OR COMMENTS BY THE VICE -MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF
COUNCIL:
123
GIRL SCOUTS: Recognition of the Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council at a
future Council meeting.
VACANCIES ON CERTAIN AUTHORITIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY COUNCIL: NONE.
At 3:30 p.m., the Vice -Mayor declared the Council Meeting in recess for a Closed
Meeting to be held in the Council's Conference Room, Room 451, fourth floor, Noel C.
Taylor Municipal Building; and thereafter to be reconvened in the Council Chamber.
At 4:08 p.m., the Council meeting was reconvened in the Council Chamber,
Vice -Mayor Price presiding, and all Members of the Council in attendance, with the
exception of Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea.
CITY COUNCIL: With respect to the Closed Meeting just concluded, Council
Member Garland 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 was
seconded by Council Member Bestpitch and adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Trinkle, Bestpitch, Dykstra, Garland, and Vice -Mayor
Price -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Ferris and Mayor Lea were not present when the vote was recorded.)
At 4:09 p.m., the Vice -Mayor declared the Council meeting in recess until 7:00 p.m.
At 7:00 p.m., the Council meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber, Room 450,
fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, with Vice -Mayor Price presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members William D. Bestpitch, Michelle L. Dykstra,
Raphael E. Ferris, John A. Garland, Anita J. Price and Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.
(arrived late) -6.
ABSENT: Council Member David B. Trinkle-1.
The Vice -Mayor declared the existence of a quorum.
C OFFICERS PRESENT: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager; Daniel J. Callaghan,
City Attorney; and Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds, City Clerk.
124
The Invocation was delivered by Council Member William D. Bestpitch.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by
Vice -Mayor Price.
At this point, Mayor Lea entered the meeting and the Vice -Mayor relinquished the
Chair (7:03 p.m.).
PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
FIRST RESPONDERS: The Mayor recognized Roanoke City First Responders for
their recent service associated with civil unrest and natural disasters in Charlottesville,
Texas (Hurricane Harvey), and Florida (Hurricane Erma).
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
ZONING: Pursuant to Resolution No. 25523 adopted by the Council on Monday,
April 6, 1981, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, December 18,
2017, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the request of
Star City Lodging, LLC, to rezone property located at 536 Orange Avenue, N. E., 0 0
Orange Avenue, N. E, 0 Williamson Road, N. E., 0 Short Street, N.W., 0 Louisiana
Avenue, N. E., 0 Louisiana Avenue, N. E., 0 Louisiana Avenue, N. E., 0 Louisiana
Avenue, N. E., designated as Official Tax Parcel Nos. 3020203, 3020207, 3020209,
3070909, 3041712 - 3041714, respectively, and 3042223, from Commercial General
District to Mixed Use Planned Unit Development, subject to development in substantial
conformity with a MXPUD development plan revision dated November 16, 2017, and
Commercial General District, subject to conditions restricting vehicular access to existing
access points and requiring cross access and parking agreements for the subject zoning
parcel, the matter was before the body.
Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times
on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, and Tuesday, December 5, 2017.
(See publishers affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
125
The City Planning Commission submitted a written report recommending approval
of the rezoning request, finding that the Amended Application No. 1 is consistent with the
City's Comprehensive Plan, Williamson Road Area Plan, and Zoning Ordinance as the
property will be redeveloped for an active use appropriate to the surrounding area.
(For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris offered the following ordinance:
( #41024 - 121817) AN ORDINANCE to rezone certain property located at 536
Orange Avenue, N. E., 0 (zero) Orange Avenue, N. E., 0 (zero) Williamson Road, N. E.,
0 (zero) Short Street, N. W., and 0 (zero) Louisiana Avenue, N. E., from CG, Commercial -
General District, to MXPUD, Mixed Use Planned Unit Development District, subject to a
certain condition, and CG, Commercial General District, subject to certain conditions, all
of such conditions proffered by the applicant; and dispensing with the second reading of
this ordinance by title.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 419.)
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41024 - 121817. The
motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price.
Ben Crew, an associate, Balzer and Associates, appeared before the Council in
support of the petitioner.
The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the
matter. There being none, he declared the public hearing closed.
There being no questions and /or comments by the Council Members, Ordinance
No. 41 024 - 1 21 81 7 was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price and Mayor
Lea -6.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
At this point, Council Member Dykstra left the meeting due to having a personal
conflict of interest regarding the following public hearing matter (7:25 p.m.).
126
ZONING: Pursuant to Resolution No. 25523 adopted by the Council on Monday,
April 6, 1981, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, December 18,
2017, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the request of
the City of Roanoke to vacate a portion of Villa Heights Park and to release the public's
right to use a portion of Villa Heights Park, such portion being the entirety of real property
owned by the City of Roanoke located at 2750 Hoover Street, N. W., and designated as
Official Tax Map No. 2430601, the matter was before the body.
Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times
on Tuesday, November 28, 2017; and Tuesday, December 5, 2017; and in the Roanoke
Tribune on Thursday, December 14, 2017.
(See publishers' affidavits on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
The City Planning Commission submitted a written report recommending approval
of the rezoning request, finding that the application for vacation of and release of the
public's right to use a portion of Villa Heights Park, such portion being the entirety of real
property owned by the City of Roanoke located at 2750 Hoover Street, N. W., and
designated as Official Tax Map No. 2430601, is a reasonable request.
(For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris offered the following ordinance:
(#41025- 121817) AN ORDINANCE vacating a portion of Villa Heights Park as a
public park for recreational and open space uses and releasing the public's right to use a
portion of Villa Heights Park; authorizing the City Manager to execute documents and to
take any and all actions necessary to effect City Council's intent as evidenced by the
adoption of this Ordinance; and dispensing with the second reading of this Ordinance by
title.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 421.)
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41025 - 121817. The
motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Price.
The Mayor pointed out that Council Member Dykstra acknowledged a personal
conflict of interest at a previous Council Meeting and therefore was out of the Council
Chamber.
J
127
C The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the
matter.
Martin Jeffrey, 421 Fairfax Avenue, N. W., appeared before the Council to inquire
about the purchase of the Villa Heights Park property and expressed concern about
minimizing public space in favor of development or private interest to the neighborhoods.
He insinuated that at least one northwest based proposal was sent to the City; and noted
concern as to the handling of the matter.
In a response to an inquiry as to the purchaser of the property and use, the City
Manager acknowledged that the purchaser was Restoration Housing; and R. Brian
Townsend, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, pointed out that
Restoration Housing intent is to acquire and fully renovate the property, and thereafter,
lease the property to the Boys and Girls Club for use as an additional satellite facility
similar to its 9th Street, S.E. business.
For background purposes, Mr. Townsend elaborated further regarding the City's
exhaustive efforts to sell the property.
There being no additional speakers, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
There being no additional comments by the Council Members, Ordinance No.
41025- 121817 was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Ferris, Garland, Price and Mayor Lea -5.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent; and Council Member Dykstra abstained from
voting.)
At this point, Council Member Dykstra reentered the meeting (7:39 p.m.).
NEW DOWNTOWN PLAN 2017: Pursuant to Resolution No. 25523 adopted by
the Council on Monday, April 6, 1981, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing
for Monday, December 18, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may
be heard, on a request of the City of Roanoke to consider an amendment to Vision 2001-
2020, the City's Comprehensive Plan, to replace the Outlook Roanoke Update adopted
in 2002 with the new Downtown Plan 2017, the matter was before the body.
Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times
on Tuesday, November 28, 2017; and Tuesday, December 5, 2017.
(See publishers' affidavit on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
128
The City Planning Commission submitted a written report recommending an
amendment to Vision 2001 -2020, the City's Comprehensive Plan, to replace the Outlook
Roanoke Update adopted in 2002 with the new Downtown Roanoke 2017 plan dated
December 18, 2017.
(For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Ferris offered the following ordinance:
(#41026- 121817) AN ORDINANCE approving the Downtown Roanoke 2017 Plan;
replacing the Outlook Roanoke Update; and amending Vision 2001 -2020, the City's
Comprehensive Plan, to include such Downtown Roanoke 2017 Plan; and dispensing
with the second reading of this ordinance by title.
(For full text, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 423.)
Council Member Ferris moved the adoption of Ordinance No. 41026- 121817. The
motion was seconded by Council Member Bestpitch.
Wayne Leftwich, Senior Planner, presented an overview of the replacement of the
Outlook Roanoke Update adopted in 2002 with the new Downtown Plan 2017 and pointed
out that the process began in 2013. He thanked the City Planning Commission for their
time, effort, comments as well as the public and the stakeholders involved with the Plan;
and noted upon approval, the graphics and a web based plan would be finalized.
(See copy of presentation on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the
matter; whereupon, the following individuals spoke with regard to the matter.
Martin Jeffrey, 421 Fairfax Avenue, N. W., appeared before the Council and
expressed concern regarding the lack of City support in the northwest quadrant, additional
minority homeownership in the Gainsboro neighborhood, alleged impact of the Plan in
the area, the inconvenience of parking garages, and use of credit cards for on- street
parking meters.
01
129
D. Frederick Gusler, Director of Redevelopment and Revitalization, Roanoke
Redevelopment and Housing Authority, appeared before the Council and advised that the
Housing Authority was looking at the downtown area for some form of affordable or
workforce housing in the future, adding it was not the Housing Authority's intent to build
large public housing developments, but to disburse public and affordable housing
throughout areas of the City where under representation exists and where poverty can be
deconcentrated. He also commented that it was not necessary to keep the South
Jefferson Plan since it now has its own development area and redevelopment plan and
was no longer part of downtown Roanoke.
There being no further speakers, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
Council Member Bestpitch commented on the Plan, and called attention to the
following typographical and grammatical errors, and concluded he hoped minority
businesses would take advantage of some of the properties and opportunities that exist
within the City:
On page 17 and the matrix on page 54, change "Virginia Blue Ridge" to
"Virginia's Blue Ridge ";
On page 17, change "complimented" in line 4 to "complemented ";
C On page 40, change the reference of Elmwood Park at Franklin Road and Elm
Avenue" to "Jefferson Street and Elm Avenue';
On page 45, change "Neighborhood's Connections" to "Neighborhoods'
Connections "; and
On page 45, change the reference to testing of parking meters to "testing has
been completed and meters have been installed in three sections of the
downtown"
Council Member Garland commented on the new Plan and agreed with Council
Member Bestpitch that a taskforce be developed with the appropriate stakeholders in
Gainsboro and other adjoining neighborhood groups, to discuss matters of mutual interest
in the Gainsboro area.
Following comments by the Council, Council Member Bestpitch moved that
Ordinance No. 41026 - 121817 be amended to reflect the abovementioned errors. The
motion was seconded by Council Member Ferris and adopted by the following vote:
Lea -6.
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price and Mayor
NAYS: None -0.
C(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
130
REALIGNING THE BOUNDARIES OF VOTER PRECINCTS AND REDUCING
THE NUMBER OF VOTER PRECINCTS WITHIN THE CITY: Pursuant to instructions by
the Council, the City Clerk having advertised a public hearing for Monday, December 18,
2017, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, to consider adopting
an ordinance realigning the boundaries of voter precincts and reducing the number of
voter precincts within the City, as authorized by the provisions of Section 24.2 -306, Code
of Virginia (1950), as amended, to reduce the number of voter precincts within the City of
Roanoke, Virginia, from (a) 21 voter precincts and 1 central absentee voter precinct
located at the office of the General Registrar, 317 Kimball Avenue, N. E., to (b) 20 voter
precincts and 1 central absentee voter precinct located at the Office of the General
Registrar, 317 Kimball Avenue, N. E., effective December 31, 2017, the mater was before
the body.
Legal advertisement of the public hearing was published in The Roanoke Times
on Monday, December 4, 2017; and Monday, December 11, 2017; and in the Roanoke
Tribune on Thursday, December 14, 2017.
(See publishers' affidavits on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
The City Attorney submitted a written report recommending consideration of a
proposed ordinance to implement the proposed realignment of the current voter precincts
of 21 local voter precincts and one central absentee voter precinct at the Office of the
General Registrar to 20 local voter precincts and one central absentee voter precinct at
the Office of the General Registrar.
(For full text, see report on file in the City Clerk's Office.)
Council Member Bestpitch offered the following ordinance:
(#41027- 121817) AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining Section 10 -35,
Voter Precinct No. 10 Old Southwest - Wasena Precinct — Boundaries; Section 10 -37,
Voter Precinct No. 11 Raleigh Court Precinct — Boundaries; and Section 10 -49, Voter
Precinct No. 17, Lee-Hi Precinct — Boundaries of Article II, Election Districts? Voting
Precincts and Places, Chapter 10, Elections, of the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979)
as amended; repealing Section 10 -51, Voter Precinct No 18 Virginia Heights Norwich
Precinct — Boundaries; and Section 10 -52, Same — Polling Place- of Article II, Election
Districts: Voting Precincts and Places, Chapter 10, Elections, of the Code of the City of
Roanoke (1979) as amended; amending and reordaining Section 10 -53, Voter Precinct
131
CNo. 19 Summit Hills Precinct — Boundaries; Section 10 -54, Same — Polling Place;
Section 10 -55, Voter Precinct No. 20, Forest Park Precinct — Boundaries; Section 10 -56,
Same — Polling Place; Section 10 -57, Voter Precinct No. 21, Eureka Park Precinct.—
Boundaries; Section 10 -58, Same — Polling Place; and Section 10 -59, Voter Precinct
Mao; of Article II, Election Districts Voting Precincts and Places, Chapter 10, Elections,
of the Code of the City of Roanoke (1979) as amended; providing for an effective date;
and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title.
(For full text of ordinance, see Ordinance Book No. 79, page 424.)
Andrew Cochran, General Registrar, appeared before the Council in support of the
proposed ordinance, adding this was an opportunity to fix the alignment by making it
easier for people to vote.
The City Attorney offered a brief overview /background for the adoption of the
proposed measure as abovementioned.
The Mayor inquired if there were persons present who wished to speak on the
matter; whereupon, the following individuals spoke with regard to the matter.
Peggy Blankenship, 2316 Russell Avenue, S. W., representing the Norwich
neighborhood, appeared before the Council to request that the residence in the Norwich
neighborhood be allowed to vote in Precinct 11 (Raleigh Court) or Precinct 17 (Lee -Hi),
which would be a shorter distance than Precinct 10 (Old Southwest - Wasena), being the
proposed precinct located at Highland Park School.
Mr. Callaghan pointed out that Ms. Blankenship's request would be a substantive
change which would require an additional public hearing and would not be effective until
December 31, 2018. He suggested that the Council adopt the proposed measure that
would take effect on December 31, 2017; and thereafter consider Ms. Blankenship's
request in 2018.
Martin Jeffrey, 421 Fairfax Avenue, N. W., appeared before the Council and
expressed concern regarding the impact of the removal of the Ruffner precinct and
requested an impact analysis as to how said change has impacted voters.
Brenda Hale, President of the Roanoke Branch NAACP, appeared before the
Council in support of the ordinance and added it was paramount that members and other
citizens of the community are registered and encouraged to vote. In closing, she thanked
Council Member Bestpitch for speaking on a recent radio show and conveying pertinent
information to the larger audience; and to Mr. Cochran for listening to the citizens and
arriving at a viable plan.
132
Barbara Evans, 1710 Memorial Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council as a
Roanoke Neighborhood Advocate representative to the Norwich neighborhood. She ti
urged Council to revisit the issue of relocating the voting precinct for the Norwich
neighborhood next year.
There being no further speakers, Mayor Lea declared the public hearing closed.
Following extensive discussion of a realignment of certain voter precincts within
the City, Ordinance No. 41027 - 121817, was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Bestpitch, Dykstra, Ferris, Garland, Price and Mayor
Lea -8.
NAYS: None -0.
(Council Member Trinkle was absent.)
(Pursuant to Paragraph 4 of Ordinance No. 41027 - 121817, the Voter Precinct Map
shall be recorded in the official minutes of City Council.)
134
HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: The Mayor advised that City
Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard; and that all matters would be
referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to Council, as he
may deem appropriate.
RECENT SHOOTINGS IN THE CITY: Jordan Bell appeared before the Council to
discuss recent shootings in the City and to offer his assistance to help reduce the number
of homicides in the upcoming year.
Mr. Bell was encouraged to become involved in community initiatives and by
volunteering in the Roanoke City Schools as a mentor to 3rd grade students.
CITY COUNCIL INFORMAL SESSION: Mayor Lea wished everyone a very happy
holiday season and a prosperous New Year and reminded everyone that the Roanoke
City Council Informal Session commences on January 2, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., instead of
9:00 a.m.
There being no further business, Mayor Lea declared the regular meeting
adjourned at 9:48 p.m.
APPROVED
ATTEST
�;f �
Stephanie M. Moon Reynolds,jC Sherman P. Lea, Sr.
City Clerk Mayor