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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Actions 10-05-20ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL INFORMAL SESSION OCTOBER 5, 2020 9:00 A.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 215 CHURCH AVENUE, S. W. AGENDA WHITE -BOYD 41889 - 100520 The City of Roanoke is a safe, caring and economically vibrant community in which to live, learn, work, play and prosper A vibrant urban center with strong neighborhoods set amongst the spectacular beauty of Virginia's Blue Ridge Call to Order -- Roll Call. Mayor Lea arrived late. Welcome. Vice -Mayor Joseph L. Cobb. NOTICE This morning's meeting will be televised live and replayed on RVTV Channel 3 following the 2:00 p.m. session on Thursday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 10 at 4:00 p.m.; and video streamed through Facebook Live at facebook.com /RoanokeVa. Council meetings are offered with closed captioning for the hearing impaired. ITEMS FOR ACTION: A communication from Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr., requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss the selection of candidates to be interviewed for the interim City Council Member position, pursuant to Section 2.2 -3711 (A)(1), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. (5 -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. BRIEFINGS: League of Older Americans - 15 minutes Age - Friendly City Survey and Action Plan Received and filed. At this point, Mayor Lea entered the meeting (9:08 a.m.). At 9:16 a.m., the Mayor declared the Council meeting in recess for a Legislative Committee meeting. At 10:18 a.m., the Mayor declared the Council meeting in recess for a Closed Meeting in the Council's Conference Room, Room 450, fourth floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building; and thereafter reconvened at 2:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber. FA ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION OCTOBER 5, 2020 2:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 215 CHURCH AVENUE, S. W. AGENDA The City of Roanoke is a safe, caring and economically vibrant community in which to live, learn, work, play and prosper A vibrant urban center with strong neighborhoods set amongst the spectacular beauty of Virginia's Blue Ridge 1. Call to Order - -Roll Call. Mayor Lea arrived late. The Invocation was delivered by Vice -Mayor Joseph L. Cobb. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Council Member William D. Bestpitch. Welcome. Vice -Mayor Cobb. The City Clerk announced the City Council Vacancy Candidates selected to be interviewed at 3:00 p.m.: Dr. John Randolph Clements Elizabeth Doughty Alvin L. Nash Luke W. Priddy Vivian Sanchez -Jones The Vice -Mayor announced that a public hearing would be held at 7:00 p.m., to hear the views of citizens with regard to the candidates to be interviewed for the City Council Vacancy. 3 NOTICE: This afternoon's Council meeting will be televised live and replayed on RVTV Channel 3 on Thursday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 10 at 4:00 p.m.; and video streamed through Facebook Live at facebook.com /RoanokeVa. Council meetings are offered with closed captioning for the hearing impaired. ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Council of the City of Roanoke is seeking applications for the following current vacancies and /or upcoming expirations of terms of office: Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals — one vacancy (Builder) City of Roanoke Finance Board — one vacancy Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board - seven vacancies Human Services Advisory Board — one vacancy Mill Mountain Advisory Board — two vacancies Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates — two vacancies Towing Advisory Board - one vacancy Youth Services Citizen Board - two vacancies (Student) Access the City's homepage to complete an online application for the abovementioned vacancies. The Council is accepting nominations for the 2020 Citizen of the Year. Forms are available online at www. roanokeva.gov /citizenoftheyear, and in the City Clerk's Office. Deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, October 9, 2020. 2. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: A proclamation declaring October 2020 as Arts and Humanities Month. Douglas Jackson, Arts and Culture Coordinator, celebrated Arts and Humanities Month by showing a video on art activities in the Roanoke Valley; followed by Vice -Mayor Cobb presenting a ceremonial copy of the proclamation declaring October 2020 as Arts and Humanities Month. 0 3. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. If deemed appropriate, matters will be referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to the Council. Jennifer West Parker, 624 Amor Drive, Cocoa, Florida appeared before the Council regarding her mother, June West who was murdered in Roanoke 40 years ago. 4. CONSENT AGENDA: (APPROVED 5 -0) All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by the Members of City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of the items. If discussion is desired, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. C -1 Minutes of the regular meetings of City Council held on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, Monday, September 21, 2020; and special meetings of City Council held on Friday, September 18, 2020. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Dispensed with the reading of the minutes and approved as recorded. C -2 A communication from the City Clerk advising of the vacancies on the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee, Roanoke Valley - Alleghany Regional Commission, Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Virginia's First Regional Industrial Facility Authority and Virginia Municipal League Economic Development Policy Committee, due to the resignation of Council Member Djuna L. Osborne, effective September 16, 2020. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Received and filed. C -3 A communication from the City Manager transmitting the FY2020 City Manager Transfer Report for the fourth quarter ended June 30, 2020. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Received and filed. C -4 Reports of qualification of the following individuals: Timothy R. Spencer as City Attorney for the City of Roanoke for a term of office commencing October 1, 2020 and ending September 30, 2022; 5 Shaleen Powell as a City representative of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, Board of Directors for a one -year term of office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021; and Christopher Link as a member (Citizen At- Large) of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals for a three -year term of office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Received and filed. REGULAR AGENDA: 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. 6. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. 7. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER: a. CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: • Strategic Plan Update - 20 minutes Received and filed. At 2:52 p.m., Mayor Lea entered the meeting. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: 1. Acceptance of the 2020 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to the Roanoke Police and Sheriff's Departments from the United States Department of Justice. Adopted Resolution No. 41889 - 100520 and Budget Ordinance No. 41890-100520. (6 -0) 2. Acceptance of the State and Local Government Financial Wellness Program Grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to establish or improve employee financial wellness programs. Adopted Resolution No. 41891 - 100520 and Budget Ordinance No. 41892-100520. (6 -0) 3. Appropriation of the FY 2020 — 2021 United Way funding for the Bank On Roanoke Valley Program. Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 41893 - 100520. (6 -0) 4. Repeal Budget Ordinance No. 41880 - 092120 in connection with an Agreement with Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia for wayfinding signs. Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 41894 - 100520. (6 -0) COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER. The City Manager offered the following comments: Dedication Ceremony for Historical Marker Last week, the City dedicated an historic marker on Wells Avenue recognizing the Hunton Life Saving and First Aid Crew – the first all -black volunteer rescue squad in the United States. This week we will be dedicating another historical marker, this time for the Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew: • Tuesday, October 6, at 11:30 a.m. • The event will be near the original location of the Crew, directly across the street from 321 Luck Avenue, S. W. (in the grassy strip). • Organized in May 1928 by Julian Stanley Wise, the Roanoke Life Saving and First Aid Crew is recognized as the first independent, all - volunteer rescue squad in the United States. • The dedication will be led by former Mayor Nelson Harris, to celebrate this group of people who provided vital services to our community. National Night Out Tuesday, October 6, is the date for this year's National Night Out, an annual community - building campaign that promotes public safety and neighborhood camaraderie. Roanoke will be participating in the celebration along with other communities and neighborhoods across the nation. • Due to COVID -19, activities will be structured differently this year. • Videos from first responders will be shared throughout the day on the Office of Neighborhood Services Facebook page. • Citizens are invited to "Pop In" at one of the neighborhood locations from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and use their creative talents to put positive messages to first responders on rocks, and chalk messages to community helpers on walkways and in parking lots at locations throughout the City. 7 • Details on neighborhood locations and other information about this event can be found on the Office of Neighborhood Services Facebook page. Roanoke Received HUD funds to Address Lead and Home Safety Hazards • Roanoke has been notified it will be awarded $3,718,733 in HUD funding to protect children and families from lead -based paint and home health hazards through the City's Lead Safe Roanoke Program. • This funding is part of nearly $165 million awarded nationwide to 44 state and local government agencies in 23 states. 8. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: NONE. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. 10. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE. 11. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: a. Inquiries and /or comments by the Vice -Mayor and Members of City Council. Council Member Price announced Points of Diversity will host a ceremonial dedication of a commemorative tree planted in the Gainsboro neighborhood as a symbol of healing from past racial injustices and hope for the future of an anti - racist Roanoke City. The event will be held outside of the Gainsboro Library on Monday, October 12, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. b. Vacancies on certain authorities, boards, commissions and committees appointed by Council. NONE. CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING. (6 -0) E•' AT 3:00 P.M. THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS WERE INTERVIEWED TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF OFFICE OF DJUNA L. OSBORNE ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2022. Dr. John Randolph Clements Elizabeth Doughty Alvin L. Nash Luke W. Priddy Vivian Sanchez -Jones 12. RECESSED - 5:10 P.M. THE COUNCIL MEETING WAS DECLARED IN RECESS FOR A CLOSED MEETING; AND THEREAFTER TO RECONVENE AT 7:00 P.M., IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, ROOM 450, NOEL C. TAYLOR MUNICIPAL BUILDING. E ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION OCTOBER 59 2020 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 215 CHURCH AVENUE, S. W. AGENDA Call to Order - -Roll Call. Mayor Lea was absent. The Invocation was delivered by Vice -Mayor Joseph L. Cobb. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Council Member Patricia White -Boyd. Welcome. Vice -Mayor Cobb. CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING. (5 -0) NOTICE: Tonight's Council meeting will not be televised live; however it will be recorded and replayed on RVTV Channel 3 on Friday, October 9 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, October 11 at 4:00 p.m.; and video streamed through Facebook Live at facebook.com /RoanokeVa. Council meetings are offered with closed captioning for the hearing impaired. lift A. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Receive views of citizens regarding the applicants interviewed, at 3:00 p.m., to fill the unexpired term of office of Djuna L. Osborne as a Member of Roanoke City Council. The candidates for consideration are Dr. John Randolph Clements, Elizabeth Doughty, Alvin L. Nash, Luke W. Priddy and Vivian Sanchez - Jones. Vice -Mayor Cobb acknowledged emails received in the City Clerk's Office in support of applicants; advised that an additional public hearing to hear the views of citizens would be held on Monday, October 19, at 2:00 p.m.; and the successful candidate would be appointed during the 7:00 p.m. meeting on Monday, October 19. B. ADJOURNED - 8:20 P.M. 11 SHERMAN P. LEA, SR. Mayor CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 215 CHURCH AVENUE, S.W., SUITE 452 ROANOKE, VIRGINIA 2401 1 -1 594 TELEPHONE: (540) 853 -2444 FAX: (540) 853 -1145 EMAIL: MAYORaiROANOKEVA.GOV October 5, 2020 The Honorable Vice -Mayor Joseph L. Cobb and Members of the Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Vice -Mayor Cobb and Members of Council: This is to request a Closed Meeting to discuss the selection of candidates to be interviewed for the interim City Council Member position, pursuant to Section 2.2- 3711(A)(1), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Sincerely, G� Sherman P. Lea, Sr. Mayor SPL:ctw E OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER N _l C.7aylor Mum( 'pal Building 7 C hurry Avenue. SW, Suite 36[, Roanoke. Virginia 24r ROANOKE wwwr Xoke www.roanokevagov September 21, 2020 Dear Community Members, The City of Roanoke's Community Vision: Roanoke is a safe, caring and economically vibrant community in which to live, learn, work, play and prosper. Our City is a vibrant urban center with strong neighborhoods set among the spectacular beauty of Virginia's Blue Ridge. One of my priorities as City Manager is to help our older neighbors feel safe to remain in their homes and have the choice to age in place. Our older neighbors are an asset to our community and make up a vital part of the fabric of our neighborhoods. In our Strategic and Comprehensive Plan and civic processes, we must include people of all ages and abilities and ensure that we are meeting the needs of our most vulnerable city residents -young and old. We need to continue to evaluate that the places where we live, work and play are accessible to all ages and abilities. We need to ensure that everyone has the opportunities for necessary for optimal aging to include social and civic engagement through our Community Engagement Office, access to health care and Health Services through our Healthy Roanoke Valley Initiatives, financial counselors through our Financial Empowerment Center and our myriad of services offered through our Pathways Hub offered by United Way of the Roanoke Valley and other community partners. The Age Friendly Roanoke Action Plan for 2021 -2023 will help us achieve that vision. It addresses each of the domains of livability identified by the World Health Organization and adopted by the AARP Network of Age - Friendly Communities, of which Roanoke is a member. The plan involves many improvements to the way City government recognizes and meets the needs of older adults and individuals with different abilities. There are opportunities for businesses, non - profits, civic and neighborhood organizations, community groups, and individuals to get involved as well. I hope you will have the opportunity to review the Executive Summary of the Age Friendly Roanoke Action Plan and think about how you may be involved in making Roanoke, a seven time All American City, a great place to not only to age in place but thrive in place. Sincer i Bob Co City Manager Acknowledgements Led by the Local Office on Aging and the unwavering support of the Roanoke City Council and the City Manager's Office, members of the Age - Friendly Roanoke leadership team developed Action Plan 2021 -2023. Leadership team members represented the City of Roanoke, AARP Virginia, Virginia Tech - Carilion School of Medicine, and the Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech. A special thanks to the Age - Friendly Roanoke stakeholders and regional partners for supporting this time intensive endeavor. Without their contributions, none of this would have been possible. R c A K F LOCAL OFFICE ON AGING A A 0 _U Virginia Tech Carilion Sch.)()I c7� Medicine Real Possibilities VZ7LIBERAL ARTS AND HUMAN SCIENCES CENTER FOR GERONTOLOGY Contents Letterfrom City Manager .............................................................................................. ............................... 2 Acknowledgements........................................................................................................ ............................... 3 What is an Age - Friendly Community? ............................................................................ ..............................5 Whatis Age - Friendly Roanoke? ...................................................................................... ..............................6 Roanoke's Older Population .......................................................................................... ............................... 7 ActionPlan Development .............................................................................................. ............................... 9 AARP8 Domains of Livability ..................................................................................... .............................10 2019 Neighborhood Survey ....................................................................................... .............................11 CityPlan 2040 ............................................................................................................ .............................13 Age - Friendly Roanoke Action Plan 2021 -2023 .............................................................. .............................14 Goal 1: Expand Understanding and Raise Awareness of Need .................................. .............................15 Goal 2: Build Community Capacity to Respond ......................................................... .............................16 Goal 3: Build Sustainable Relationships and Interventions ....................................... .............................17 Appendix A: Age - Friendly Roanoke Partner Organizations ........................................... .............................20 Appendix B: 2019 Neighborhood Survey Executive Summary ...................................... .............................22 4 What is an Age - Friendly Community? An age - friendly community is a livable community with • Policies, services, and public infrastructure that promote the health, well- being, and quality of life of older residents • Respect for the needs, opinions, and perspectives of older residents regardless of age, race, income, or health needs. • Safe, affordable, and accessible access to housing, transportation, and public spaces • Opportunities to build social relationships, volunteer, and engage in civic activities. An age friendly community is a good place to live and grow old! 5 What is Age - Friendly Roanoke? In December 2017, the City of Roanoke (City) became the fifth city in Virginia and the 202nd city in the nation to receive AARP's designation as an Age - Friendly Community. The city earned the recognition due to its ongoing support of local agencies and organizations that work hard to make Roanoke age - friendly. The award is especially meaningful because it represents the city's commitment to the future health of the city and a quality of life for residents across the lifespan. The AARP's Age - Friendly Community designation was sought through the Age - Friendly Roanoke initiative, which was formed out of increased regional interest in helping residents "age in place "; that is, remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible while receiving needed supports and services. To date, more than 25 partner agencies and organizations have donated time, resources, and expertise in launching Age - Friendly Roanoke. Members' shared interests in making Roanoke a good place to live and grow old has made the initiative's work possible. A list of Age - Friendly Roanoke partners is provided in Appendix A. The Local Office on Aging leads the Age - Friendly Roanoke mission with the encouragement of Roanoke's Mayor, City Council, and City Manager and support from AARP Livable Communities program. Mission Statement: The mission of Age - Friendly Roanoke is to facilitate collaborations between residents, organizations, and government agencies that result in the promotion of health, well- being, opportunity, and quality of life for older residents. Vision Statement: Build a community that is a great place to live and grow old regardless of age, race, income, or health needs. For more information about age - friendly communities visit the World Health Organization website https: / /www.who.int /ageing or AARP Livable Communities website https: / /www.aarp.org /livable- communities 11 Roanoke's Older Population The City of Roanoke is home to 29.7% of the Roanoke Valley's population yet occupies less than 2% of the land in the region. The city is an economic and educational hub in Virginia and serves as the gateway city into rural southwest Virginia. Nearly 15% of Roanoke's population of 99,348 residents are age 65 and older, which is similar to the demographics of the US population and slightly higher than Virginia's general population. In the past 50 years, Roanoke's population has become more diverse in race and culture. In 1970, the population was slightly less (92,115) and predominately White (80.7 %). Today, more than 55 unique languages are spoken in Roanoke. Despite the racial shift as shown below in today's estimates, older residents still tend to be less diverse in terms of race and ethnicity. Age White Black Asian Hispanic (any race) All ages 60.1% 28.3% 2.7% 5.8% 65+ 76.4% 30.8% 1.7% 1.1% 85+ 82.8% 15.5% 1.0% 0.5% Roanoke residents typically do not migrate to other areas of the state or country as they age. Yet, in the surrounding counties the in- migration of seniors is booming. Increasing numbers of retirees are moving into the region to take advantage of the low cost of living as well as the goods, services, and opportunities available in nearby Roanoke. The City of Roanoke is divided into 49 neighborhoods and older residents can be found living in each one. The neighborhoods with the largest percentage of residents age 65+ include Greater Deyerle (38 %), Southern Hills/ South Roanoke (25 %) and Franklin - Colonial (24 %). The neighborhoods with the fewest older residents are Hurt Park/ Mountain View /West End (5 %) and Downtown (3 %). Regardless of where older residents live or for how long, they face many of the same issues faced by yourger residents: • Poverty • Affordable housing • Access to public transportation • Having their voices heard Poverty frequently accompanies old age. Approximately 22% of Roanoke's population age 60+ live in poverty. Among non -White residents of the same age, 20% live in poverty. That information suggests that in late life, poverty is not necessarily a product of race. Even though 7 people may live longer and healthier lives, their retirement income may not always keep pace with inflation. As a result, household funds become scarce and residents slowly and steadily sink into poverty despite previously having led financially successful lives. As a result of being financally strapped due to inflation or rising healthcare costs, older homeowners can find themselves in a bind with not being able to maintain ther homes but not being able to move to a more affordable place either. Roanoke city planners have recognized the problem and the need for increased affordabe and transitional housing for older residents and are incorporating it into their next 20 year plan. Similarly, access to public transportation throughout the City and the region has been the focus of many discussions at the city and regional level. For older residents who no longer drive and live on a tight budget, public transportation is essential, yet frequently unavailable due to lack of or non - connecting transit routes. Another concern of many older residents is that they have no voice in decisions made for them or about them. Older adults come from diverse backgrounds and hold a range of beliefs, values, and opinions about the city and the neighborhoods in which they live. Their age should never be used as a tool to prevent them from speaking up on issues that matter to them. To address these and other issues related to poverty, health, and quality of life, several Roanoke area agencies have started to think and talk about livable communities for all ages - not just for youth. Organizations currently taking a lifespan approach in their work include • United Way of the Roanoke Valley's Healthy Roanoke Valley Plan • Roanoke Valley - Alleghany Regional Commission Livable Community Plan • City of Roanoke City Plan 2040 • City of Roanoke Senior Quality of Life Initiative • Local Office on Aging Strategic Plan Age - Friendly Roanoke includes stakeholders representing each of the above initiatives and looks forward to developing strong partnerships with them either individually or under the umbrella of a regional commission on aging. Either way, the community is poised to address the needs of older Roanokers! For more information about Roanoke's population demographics. Visit the following websites: https:// www .roanokeva.gov /DocumentCenter/ View / 13237 /Data- Data - Data - -- How-Roanoke-Stacks-Up- 2019 https: / /demographics.coopercenter.org https: / /www. census. gov/ quickfacts /roanokecityvirginiacounty Action Plan Development The Age - Friendly Roanoke's Action Plan 2021 -2023 was developed using four key resources: • AARP 8 Domains of Livability • Age - Friendly Roanoke 2019 Neighborhood Survey findings • City of Roanoke City Plan 2040 • The expertise and experiences of Age - Friendly Roanoke stakeholder and partner organizations By pulling in multiple resources with different but convergent perspectives on what age - friendly and livable community means in Roanoke, a more robust and targeted plan could be developed to help the city remain age - friendly. A summary overview of the first three resources follows. 9 AARP 8 Domains of Livability AARP's Livable Communities framework recognizes eight linked aspects of community life that frequently need to be addressed together. Age - friendly communities are encouraged to conduct assessments on whether a domain feature exists and if it is available, accessible, and affordable to everyone. Findings can then help communities identify and prioritize their efforts to become more age - friendly. The eight interconnected domains of livability informing the work of Age - Friendly Roanoke are represented in this graphic. COMMUNITIES Graphic https: / /nationalseniorsstrategy ca/ For more information about AARP's Livable Community initiative, visit httPs://www.aarp.org/livable- communities 10 Age - Friendly Roanoke 2019 Neighborhood Survey I LOCAL OFFICEONLaj In the winter of 2018 -2019, Age - Friendly Roanoke conducted a citywide survey of residents age 45+ to assess if the city was a good place to live and grow old and to identify specific issues the city and local organizations needed to work on to ensure Roanoke remained age - friendly. Survey questions addressed the availability, accessibility, and affordability of features within the 8 domains associated with livable communities. More information about the survey and its results can be found in Appendix B. Key Survey Findings Roanoke is a good place to live and grow old. • 83.3% rated the City as an excellent, very good, or good place to live and grow old. • 81.5% also rated their neighborhood was a good place to live and grow old. Household income predicted responses rather than age, race, or neighborhood. • Residents with low incomes responded less favorably towards the City and neighborhood than residents with high incomes, regardless of age, race, or neighborhood. • Even though the greatest number of low- income residents lived in the northwest section of Roanoke, their responses were similar to the responses of low- income residents from other areas of the City. Participant comments about the condition of the city are similar to the survey findings. As shown in the word cloud below, concerns over the condition and quality of sidewalks and the accessibility and affordability of housing and public transportation were raised the most. center walking housing r places stores spaces activities routes 11 Survey Recommendations for Moving the Age - Friendly Roanoke Initiative Forward Expand Understanding and Raise Awareness of Need Older adults are a diverse population with a wide range of ideas, needs, wants, and expectations. It is not enough to listen to a handful of older residents and infer that they speak for all older residents. Therefore, it is essential to regularly invite and involve older residents when discussing issues that could potentially affect them. Build Community Capacity to Respond To effectively initiate change and sustain those changes, the right people representing the right organizations and government agencies need to be present. The development of roles for community partners that align with their own missions and initiatives is essential to ensure overarching Age - Friendly Roanoke success. Joining forces with other aging- focused groups can enhance access to resources and identify persons with needed expertise. At the helm, should be a designated person with strong working relationships with the city government to facilitate conversation, planning, and implementation of Age - Friendly Roanoke activities. As each Age - Friendly Roanoke initiative is identified or launched, the configuration of workgroups may shift to accommodate the focus of work. Still, a strong leadership team that works well with the city needs to remain in place. Initiate Sustainable Interventions Developing brand new programs or initiatives can be time - consuming and expensive. A first step towards affecting change could begin by building on current activities and programs already existing within neighborhoods and the city. Such initiatives may not currently have an aging component, but may be well- suited to reach older residents. For example, efforts to increase physical activity outdoors typically focus on children, young adults, and families, but can be "re- tooled" to include older adults. Working with current initiatives is also a good way to build partnerships that would otherwise be unknown. Measure Outcomes Measuring whether or not the city is becoming more age - friendly is essential but will be a challenge as no set standards for measures exist. Performance indicators do not have to include multi -level measures or percentages of use. Indicators can measure whether or not a product or service exists (e.g., a resource guide is published). The goal is to select indicators that are meaningful and can demonstrate that efforts are indeed moving the needle forward. 12 City Plan 2040 In developing Roanoke's next 20 -year plan, City Plan 2040, city planners utilized six themes from the American Planning Association's Best Practices for Comprehensive Plans. The themes help guide the creation of a sustainable environmental, social, and economic future that support a quality of life for residents of all ages. The six themes and the objectives associated with each theme align with AARP 8 Domains of Livability and the mission of Age - Friendly Roanoke. Livable Built Environment: "Ensure that all elements of the built environment, including land use, transportation, housing, energy, and infrastructure, work together to provide sustainable, green places for living, working, and recreation, with a high quality of life." Harmony with Nature: Ensure that the contributions of natural resources to human well -being are explicitly recognized and valued and that maintaining their health is a primary objective." Resilient Economy: "Ensure that the community is prepared to deal with both positive and negative changes in its economic health and to initiate sustainable urban development and redevelopment strategies that foster green business growth and build reliance on local assets." Interwoven Equity: "Ensure fairness and equity in providing for the housing, services, health, safety, and livelihood needs of all citizens and groups." Healthy Community: "Ensure that public health needs are recognized and addressed through provisions for healthy foods, physical activity, access to recreation, health care, environmental justice, and safe neighborhoods." Responsible Regionalism: Ensure that all local proposals account for, connect with, and support the plans of adjacent jurisdictions and the surrounding region." To review City Plan 2040 in more detail, visit www.planroanoke.org 13 Age - Friendly Roanoke Action Plan 2021 -2023 The goals and activities chosen for 2021 -2023 are essential steps towards building and strengthening collaborative and cooperative relationships between the City of Roanoke and Age - Friendly Roanoke partner organizations, and giving voice to Roanoke's diverse older population. The Age - Friendly Roanoke leadership team worked hard to create a plan that was not only mindful of the missions and goals of partner organizations, but also aligned with the strategic plans of the City of Roanoke so not to duplicate efforts. As a result, through the work of Action Plan 2021 -2023, the Age - Friendly Roanoke initiative is in a better position to become sustainable in supporting age - friendly activities and to help partner organizations keep Roanoke a good place to live and grow old. The three goals mirror three recommendations from the 2019 Neighborhood Survey report: Goal 1: Expand Understanding and Raise Awareness of Need Goal 2: Build Community Capacity to Respond Goal 3: Build Sustainable Relationships and Interventions The fourth survey recommendation," Measure Outcomes ", is embedded in each of the activities listed under each goal. Information about the livability domains addressed under each goal, the key partners leading activities, and a timeframe for engaging in activities (i.e., year 1, year 2, year 3) is provided under each goal. 14 Key Partners: Local AARP Chapter (lead) and Local Office on Aging Objective: Assemble and disseminate resources to advocate for the needs of future and current older residents at the local and state levels of government, industry, education, and healthcare. Activity Year 1: Identify existing local and regional reports and strategic plans and compile relevant information to support an age - friendly Roanoke. Outcome Measure: Track the name and number of resources collected and create a method for receiving updates. Activity Years 1 -2: Develop a multimedia resource packet using information collected for AFC stakeholders to use in their own advocacy efforts to educate the community about the needs and wants of older residents and to help keep those same issues in the forefront when decisions are being made. Outcome Measure: Conduct a brief content evaluation of the resource packet with AFC stakeholders and adjust the packet as needed before distribution. Activity Years 2 -3: Host a stakeholder information workshop to review the information packet and how materials can be used. Outcome Measure: Track the number of times AFC stakeholders utilize the packet of information created in Activity 1.2. with the dates and types of groups engaged in the presentation. Livability Domains Addressed s . w L:3 AARP 8 Domains of Livability City Plan 2040 15 Key Partner: Local Office on Aging (lead) Objective 1: Support the Local Office on Aging in creating a regional commission on aging. Activity Years 1 -3: Recruit members to represent the AFC on the commission planning team. Outcome Measure: Track the number of hours and type of work members contributed. Outcome Measure: Provide a quarterly status update on progress to the AFC leadership team Objective 2: Support the needs of typically overlooked older adults (e.g., LGBTQ, persons of color, immigrants, and grandparents raising grandchildren) across all domains of an age - friendly community. Activity Years 1 -3: Meet with local agencies /organizations/ providers to identify the needs of typically overlooked older adults. Outcome Measure: Track the name and number of agencies and individuals contacted and record needs. Activity Year 3: Generate and distribute a report based on information collected to help members of the regional commission on aging and AFC stakeholders keep identified concerns in the forefront when decisions are being made. Outcome Measure: Track the number of reports distributed and the number of times referenced in public documents. Livability Domains Addressed AARP 8 Domains of Livability City Plan 2040 16 Key Partners: Neighborhood Services (lead Obi. 1), Local Office on Aging (lead Obi. 2), Regional Commission (lead Obj, 3), and Roanoke Financial Fn-lpowerment Center (lead Obj, 4). Objective 1: Partner with Roanoke Neighborhood Services to identify resident needs and facilitate change by connecting stakeholder resources and people at the neighborhood level. Activity Years 1 -3: Recruit AFC stakeholders to work specifically with Neighborhood Services to identify needs at the neighborhood level. Outcome Measure: Provide a monthly update on unmet needs to the AFC leadership team for potential future AFC activities. Objective 2: Work with Planning and Building Development to identify resident needs and facilitate change through intervention plans and strategies of regional organizations. Activity Years 1 -2: Create a stakeholder workgroup to work specifically on improving accessibility of accessory dwelling units within the City. Outcome Measure: Provide a quarterly status update on progress to the AFC leadership team. Objective 3: Work with the Regional Commission to identify older resident transportation needs and facilitate change through intervention plans and strategies of transportation services. Activity Years 1 -3: Create a stakeholder workgroup to work specifically on improving accessibility to public transportation. Outcome Measure: Provide a quarterly status update on progress to the AFC leadership team. 17 Objective 4: Work with Roanoke Financial Empowerment Center to identify low- income residents age 50+ seeking free financial counseling. Activity Years 1 -3: Create a stakeholder workgroup to work specifically on identifying resources to support counseling efforts. Outcome Measure: Provide a quarterly status update on progress to the AFC leadership team. Livability Domains Addressed 11 i 13 [3 a I" AARP 8 Domains of Livability City Plan 2040 18 If you or your organization is interested in becoming part of the Age - Friendly Roanoke initiative, please contact Ron D. Boyd President & CEO Local Office on Aging, Inc. 4932 Frontage Road NW P O Box 14205 Roanoke, VA 24038 -4205 540 - 345 -0451 "Celebrating 47 years of helping older persons remain independent for as long as possible." 19 Appendix A: Age - Friendly Roanoke Partner Organizations Action Plan Lead Partners local Office on Aging The Local Office on Aging (LOA) is a non - profit, 501(c)3 organization "dedicated to helping older persons remain independent for as long as possible." The LOA strives to enhance the quality of life in the home, help individuals stay in their homes and avoid early institutionalization, provide support to caregivers of the elderly, and advocate for quality services, medical care, and housing for the elderly. To effectively carry out its mission, the LOA administers over 25 community services that provide nutrition, education, advocacy and socialization. It is funded by federal, state, and local governments, corporate and private foundations, United Way, Foundation for Roanoke Valley, donations and fund raising. The LOA serves the Fifth Planning District in the Commonwealth of Virginia, including Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig and Roanoke Counties and the cities of Covington, Roanoke and Salem. Roanoke Office of Neighborhood Services The Office of Neighborhood Services helps foster a sense of community by partnering with citizens to ensure high - quality services are provided, neighborhood groups are supported, and neighborhood issues are addressed and responded to in a timely manner. Neighborhood Services also serves as a liaison for connecting citizens to the information they need for improving their neighborhood and quality of life, and uses feedback received to keep city staff informed of their needs and those of their neighborhood. Building community begins at the neighborhood level for when residents get to know their neighbors, they become more informed, involved, and committed to their neighborhood and ultimately their city. By participating in Roanoke's neighborhood life and becoming actively engaged with your neighbors, you will also become an active partner with the City of Roanoke in the decisions being made about your neighborhood that ultimately may affect your quality of life and character of our community. Roanoke Financial Empowerment Center The Roanoke Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), offers professionally trained FEC counselors at no cost to help individuals and families manage their finances, pay down debt, increase savings, establish and build credit, and access safe and affordable mainstream banking products. At the core of the FEC model is the integration of counseling into other social services, such as housing and foreclosure prevention, workforce development, prisoner reentry, benefits access, domestic violence services, and more. Launched in July 2020, it will continue to expand its capacity to reach the low- income 50+ (L150 +) community by adding an Age - Friendly Financial Services Outreach Coordinator who will act as the entry point for seniors to the FEC. 20 Roanoke Valley - Alleghany Regional Commission - Transportation The Roanoke Valley- Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC) is involved in a number of transportation related planning programs. The RVARC provides staffing for the Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organziation, which develops four key documents that are the backbone of transportation planning and programming in the region — the Long- Range Transportation Plan, the Transportation Improvement Program, the Congestion Management Plan, and the Unified Planning Work Program. RVARC also manages Rural Transportation planning services for the region. While addressing issues associated with transit, pedestrian, bicycle, freight, rail, air and truck transportation, staff are tasked with providing planning services that also consider human, environmental, fiscal, and economic impacts in an equitable manner. AARP Local Chapters Roanoke features two independent AARP Service Chapters, which meet on a monthly basis promoting the ideals of the organization "to serve and not be served ". Membership is open to all AARP cardholders and both chapters feature educational programs, ongoing community engagement opportunities, and social fellowship throughout the course of the year. Advocating for persons age 50+ in the community is another key goal shared by those involved. AARP Eureka Chapter #514 holds mid -day meetings at the Eureka Library while AARP Southwest Roanoke Valley #4652 gathers for breakfast meetings at the Roanoker restaurant. For additional information visit httDs://www.aarp.org/giving-back/aarp-chapter-locator/ Partner Organizations AARP Virginia Alzheimer's Association Blue Ridge Independent Living Center Carilion Clinic City of Roanoke Neighborhood Services City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation City of Roanoke Police Department City of Roanoke City Manager's Office Commonwealth Council on Aging Congressman Goodlatte's Office Council of Community Services County of Botetourt, VA Family Service of Roanoke Valley Habitat for Humanity - Roanoke Valley Home Instead Senior Care 21 InnovAge Virginia PACE - Roanoke Valley Jefferson College of Health Sciences Local Office on Aging RADAR Roanoke Public Libraries Roanoke Valley Allegheny Regional Commission Roanoke Valley Southern Christian Leadership Conference The Lifelong Learning Center United Way Roanoke Valley Valley Metro Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Roanoke City Council Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology Appendix B: 2019 Neighborhood Survey Executive Summary Executive Summary In December 2017, the City of Roanoke (City) earned AARP's designation as an Age - Friendly City (AFC), joining over 200 other communities nationwide achieving that honor. The 3 -year designation was awarded due to the City's ongoing support of and partnership with local organizations working to improve life for older residents. With the support of City Council, the Local Office on Aging (LOA) leads the local AFC leadership team, which includes representation from the City, Roanoke Valley - Alleghany Regional Commission, Blue Ridge Independent Living, AARP Virginia, Virginia Tech - Carilion School of Medicine, and the Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech. Survey Design In the winter of 2018 -2019, the AFC team conducted a City -wide survey of residents age 45+ to better understand how they perceived the City of Roanoke as a good place to live and grow old. AFC team members designed the survey to help identify specific issues that the City and AFC member organizations could work on to ensure Roanoke remains age - friendly. The effort coincided with the City's interest in boosting its ratings on the Milken Institute's Best Cities for Successful Aging List and AARP's Livability Index. Development of the survey was guided by a conceptual model (see Figure A) that includes factors that are known to influence how residents perceive the City and their neighborhoods as good places to live. AARP funded the survey and 53 survey questions on the physical environment (originating from the AARP national livability survey) were included. Good Place imnaaK. to Live as Those questions addressed the accessibility, T You Grow Olds availability, and condition of housing, ?— _ transportation, and public places around the City. An additional 23 questions were included - -- •' — "" —. - -- to gain insight into participants' neighborhoods, _ �''• A.,;,� how they interacted with their neighbors, and how they received information about_ 01-id-t happenings in their neighborhood and the City. ChwacWlocs - W "d'^ry r W fth S W.0— 4. The remaining questions asked about participants' characteristics. Opportunities for writing comments were also provided. Figure A. Survey conceptual model Recruitment Participants were recruited using multiple convenience sampling strategies (e.g., neighborhood activities, church gatherings, Next Door app users) to gain a representative sample of City residents by age, race, and household income. Participants were offered a $5 Wal -Mart gift card as an incentive to complete the lengthy survey and participants' names were entered into two cash prize drawings of $250 each if they desired to be included. Using those strategies, 376 surveys were collected online, and 247 surveys were collected during 12 planned site visits and personal outreach efforts by AFC team members. Participants The 623 participants were statistically representative of City residents and represented diversity in the City by age (age 45 -96; average 64.1 years), race (72% White, 24% Black), and household income (58% 22 reported household incomes over $30,000). More than half (63.7 %) of participants have called Roanoke home for more than 5 years and among them more than half (61 %) have lived in the City for over 15 years. Most participants (56.3 %) owned their own homes and 73.5% drove their own car as their primary means of transportation. Only 27.9% had rode public transit in the last year. Most participants reported being in good health (84.6 %) and rated the quality of their life as excellent, very good, or good (87.8 %). Survey Findings Roanoke is home and a good place to live and grow old. Given their long -term residency, it is not surprising that 83.3% of participants rated the City as an excellent, very good, or good place to live as they grow old. Similarly, 81.5% felt as strong about their own neighborhoods. Income. Household income was the consistent predictor of responses rather than age, race, or neighborhood. Specifically, participants with low incomes tended to respond less favorably towards the City and neighborhood than participants with high incomes, regardless of age, race, neighborhood, or quadrant. Even though the greatest number of participants with low incomes lived in the northwest quadrant of Roanoke, their responses aligned with the responses of low- income residents in other areas of the City. Predictive Models. The survey model was used as a guide to conduct multi -level statistical analysis to predict which survey items significantly explained what makes the City a good place to live and grow old. Nine items (listed below) were identified and fall under the focus areas of Outdoor Features, Housing, and Neighbor Relationships. The items included Outdoor Features • Well- maintained and safe parks • Public spaces with enough benches • Sidewalks that are in good condition, free from obstruction and are safe for pedestrian use and accessible for wheelchairs or assistive mobility devices Housing • Affordable housing options for adults of varying income levels such as older adult communities with shared facilities and outdoor space • Homes that are equipped with features such as a no -step entry, wider doorways, first floor bedroom and bath, grab bars in the bathroom • Well- maintained and safe low- income housing Neighbor Relationships • 1 feel respected by my neighbors. • If my neighbors knew I needed help, they would be willing to help me. • My neighbors know I am available to help them, if I know they need help. Participants' positive perceptions of City features and their interactions with their neighbors were directly related to their positive perception that the City is a good place to live and grow old. Also included in the resulting predictive model (see Figure B) is the notion that the neighborhood is a good place to live and grow old. Analysis revealed a strong positive connection between participants' beliefs that if their neighborhoods were good places to live and grow old, then the City was also a good place to live and grow old. Working with this underlying relationship is essential to affecting change as 23 neighborhoods play a significant role in promoting health, well- being, and quality of life across the lifespan and as such, are cornerstones for change within the larger City. Affordable % outdoor Features Huo sing Features City is a Good Place ( Respect Willingness to Help Neighborhood is a } Good Place Figure B. Factors that explain what makes the City a good place to live and grow old. Because the neighborhood /City connection was so strong, we also analyzed the survey data to predict which survey items predicted factors that made the neighborhood a good place to live and grow old. As might be expected, the results were astonishingly similar with one important distinction; transportation features replaced housing features. Transportation is likely more significant at the neighborhood level because people need access to the City from their homes. Neighborhood. Despite the significant role and importance of neighborhood across the findings, many participants struggled to identify their neighborhood from a list of 49 City- designated neighborhoods. Frequently, they only referenced a City quadrant such as southeast. The shift in perception of neighborhood from a defined local area to a region is assumed to be related to their heavy reliance on automobiles to access employment, stores, services, and opportunities. Quality of Life. Just like the neighborhood plays a significant role in predicting if Roanoke is a good place to live and grow old, personal health has a strong relationship with perceptions of quality of life and cannot be ignored. In controlling for health, we found that City features, neighborhoods, and neighbor relationships were significant in predicting a good quality of life. Features • Audio /visual pedestrian crossings • Public spaces with enough benches Neighborhood and Neighbor Relationships The City of Roanoke is a place for people to live as they grow old. I feel respected by my neighbors. I feel safe living in my neighborhood. Issues of safety, accessibility, and social connectedness are important to maintaining a quality of life, just as they are important to making the City of Roanoke a good place to live as one grows old. 24 Summary of Findings Participants reported being quite positive about Roanoke as a good place to live and grow old and the neighborhood played a strong supportive role in their perception of the City. Efforts to enhance the City (and neighborhoods) as a good place to live for older residents should target the specific City features and neighbor relationships identified by the predictive models. The findings also suggest that the biggest difference between participant responses was income and not age, race, or neighborhood. Participants with low incomes were significantly more likely to rate the City lower as a good place to live and grow old than participants with high incomes. Most older adults who are no longer working live on fixed incomes, which tend to be modest. The participants in this survey included many retirees and persons living on low- incomes representing neighborhoods throughout the City and in all City quadrants. Efforts to support an age - friendly City need to be mindful that low- income residents live in every neighborhood, even though they may be concentrated in some areas of the City. Lastly, the predictive findings align well with participant comments, which revealed concerns over the condition and quality of sidewalks and the accessibility and affordability of housing and public transportation. Thus, survey findings confirm what many residents already perceive to be the City's biggest challenges to remaining an age - friendly community. Areas of Focus for the City to Consider The following recommended actions steps are for the City to consider in maintaining Roanoke as an age - friendly city. Each activity is a direct response to the items identified in the predictive models: • Enhance current efforts to upgrade or install sidewalks and curbs that are lifespan friendly and can accommodate strollers, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices. • Install public benches throughout neighborhoods and parks. • Identify strategies (e.g., financial incentives, or need based programs) for retrofitting current housing stock to make homes more accessible and amenable for aging in place. • Revisit zoning regulations to ensure opportunities for integration of alternative living arrangements in a neighborhood. • Implement projects identified in the Transit Development Plan. • Include older public transportation users in the Public Transportation Advisory Committee and other public engagement opportunities. • Re- examine neighborhood boundaries and how City neighborhoods are defined. If the focus of age - friendly communities is to be at the neighborhood level, then a better grasp on where neighborhood boundaries lie is imperative before any interventions are planned. • Partner with naturally- occurring neighborhood groups or gatherings to build neighbor connections (e.g., resident councils, breakfast at Hardees group). Residents who attend clubs tend to be socially connected and active. Use them to connect neighbors (including more socially isolated residents) to neighborhood events. • Initiate neighborhood service activities. The activity can be purposeful such as litter clean -up or a simple meet and greet. Some neighborhood organizations already hold block parties, which are reportedly helpful in connecting neighbors. 25 Moving the Age - Friendly Roanoke Initiative Forward Affecting change to ensure that the City remains a lifespan- friendly or age - friendly city requires a collaborative community effort that includes organizing the narrative about age - friendly communities, the resources to support an age - friendly environment, and the people (i.e., residents, service agencies, organizations, and government leaders) to affect change at every stage. The message of what it means to be an age - friendly city needs to be articulated and included in every discussion about City and neighborhood planning. To ensure that the message remains vibrant, the following steps should be considered. Step 1: Expand Understanding and Raise Awareness of Need Older adults are a diverse population with a wide range of ideas, needs, wants, and expectations. It is not enough to listen to a handful of older residents and infer that they speak for all older residents. Therefore, it is essential to regularly invite and involve older residents when discussing issues that could potentially affect them. Step 2: Build Community Capacity to Respond To effectively initiate change and sustain those changes, the right people representing the right organizations and government agencies need to be present. The development of roles for community partners that align with their own missions and initiatives is essential to ensure overarching AFC success. Joining forces with other aging- focused groups, such as the Western and Central Virginia Chapter of the National Aging in Place Council, can enhance access to resources and identify persons with needed expertise. At the helm, should be a designated person with strong working relationships with the City government to facilitate conversation, planning, and implementation of AFC activities. As each AFC initiative is identified or launched, the configuration of workgroups may shift to accommodate the focus of work. Still, a strong leadership team that works well with the City needs to remain in place. Step 3: Initiate Sustainable Interventions Developing brand new programs or initiatives can be time - consuming and expensive. A first step towards affecting change could begin by building on current activities and programs already existing within neighborhoods and the City. Such initiatives may not currently have an aging component, but may be well- suited to reach older residents. For example, efforts to increase physical activity outdoors typically focus on children, young adults, and families, but can be "re- tooled" to include older adults. Working with current initiatives is also a good way to build partnerships that would otherwise be unknown. Step 4: Measure Outcomes Measuring whether or not the City is becoming more age - friendly is essential but will be a challenge as no set standards for measures exist. Performance indicators do not have to include multi -level measures or percentages of use. Indicators can measure whether or not a product or service exists (e.g., a resource guide is published). The goal is to select indicators that are meaningful and can demonstrate that efforts are indeed moving the needle forward. Summary Ultimately, developing a City -wide strategy to help Roanoke maintain its status as an age - friendly community will require ongoing examination of City policies, systems, and environment to ensure an equitable living experience for older residents. The recommendations provided in this report are offered to the City and the AFC leadership team to help them maintain Roanoke's age - friendly status. 26 Real Possibilities THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE City of Roanoke, Virginia has created an action plan for becoming more age - friendly under the criteria established by AARP and has been renewed as a member of The Network of Age- Friendly States and Communities THIS CERTIFICATION IS VALID UNTIL October 7, 2023 Nancy A. LeaMond, Chie Advocacy and Engagement Officer COMMUNITY, STATE AND NATIONAL AFFAIRS AARP I WASHINGTON, D.C. The AARP Network of Age- Friendly States and Communities is a program of the AARP Livable Communities initiative and an independent affiliate of the World Health Organization Global Network for Age - Friendly Cities and Communities.``" AA".org /AgeFriendly x4Cl�iil�lOil V. <I T1ONAL AR7S AND H[JI 'V/T/ES AWAY// RI:AS, lot mon ih,m /o o 111, tltutull o/ (), lolwl. /hl, /WC;t rrrn,lrc,�(1 41, %allo11ul Irl, '110 11'111'1litic, 1 /mIlh /11 '11, '11d rullllnd or "'4111c411hons ,1114 0 MIIMI IN( >. ,t0urr. rN(l //1, 1 tti1"4/ SY41/cc ('un11c," 11 HERE IS. ill(, of t. 41u(i )1, Iurlin� 111/,1,. ,lum 0hu111' I i'llol 41rt�, mltrh 411 ih, 41(z NnlIII'li ",1 n ialom aild nur"maliun o/ lucun'1141114/. If HERE IS, /h,, Immaimic, /1('1/I r, sId"WN '10 1"'i /rr, uI O,LI! 0 /n, i W rill I q)hN( lh,' 111,14171 0110 , Ith ,, „I mo pcopl, Iu ,1 /),Y /,Y IIIIINC 11n1,'1l1,'1 It IIERE. IS, ', (r , , „nuun . 4111� (110 '1111111411 (I' NI II/c, ,,vn rul, 4111 , ,liunrl,,l V)4 milliocu of (!/h ill 111' ,n , n W,I) IfIIERE.IS, Illy <ih :, ,nis 4111,1 hltttr,111i1i,',- 1,/(11ccl lI11111,11,:1 ,UNI 11ulltro4it ,t/ ulcuti Oil I l/ C 110mding !ho'"11111t14111(l itntur41/n r 41!'///41 < hi s 141 rotliilua" /n,l)irill", , 11.��u�lt1;. <wli lrl<vu1l; 'tr% mol(, 01I, to rhil" N' Ih,' //1,,11,4, ,141,1 , hulhw,r, n/ th" ( W 1/)- 1 <I ,,,141,(, 1111, : '1101 It HERE AS, the 'o� '1iul himl(IIIIII,, CONIH,, Mid cm-1, /I ih, Ill ..l ,.1, I I Ro'1ro /c (iii-,v1. 1tlrnvrliu� nl,ltl lditol u, / /ilc�, b,vr, /il, (Wd rn mmilu/1 111CN1 n1,pm liNlmc, VOW' THEREFORE. 1. Wl, rul,ln P Lca. .Sr , Il(n o1 OI III, ( 7h „I Roalwl,, . I It "ini'. r'lt 'ltml its cilCcil, 141 ( cl, llr'1r, p omw(. 0111,11411 N(11)(11( in '11"11,1 , ul/1tr'l urlirul, , in Ih, 11„'1,,,1„ 1 ,111, 1, ,10, It, n h1 /,r,), 1'iN1 lhvuhcr _ "I'll doot("'lto'l 1/11) ,�r,(u. ccr,w -IIMC I/l- .Itu,rlc' ('in ,r, A41unt10tl 111, llnrlt'11itic.r .1/o11 /h_ „It' /1'11/1., ,nl,l dIC .5-I1 Ul /hr (in ..I R0„r1uG, (III, IiNI (IM „) 0' ,,otto 1/1111, 1"41r /u a //1,,//1,111,1(1114/ „1,1111 t I J /77:.57 (,rrli41 I .11cCm Cil” (lcrk CECELIA F. MCCOY, CMC City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S. W., Suite 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011 -1536 Telephone: (540) 853 -2541 Fax: (540) 853 -1145 E -mail: clerk@roanokeva.gov October 5, 2020 The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mayor Lea and Members of Council: CECELIA T. WEBB, CMC Deputy City Clerk This is to advise that Djuna L. Osborne has tendered her resignation as an Elected Official representative of the Regional Cable Television Committee, Roanoke Valley - Alleghany Regional Commission, Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Virginia's First Regional Industrial Facility Authority and Virginia Municipal League Economic Development Policy Committee, effective, September 16, 2020. Sincerely, O',� "j. ! Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC Q City Clerk CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: October 5, 2020 Subject: FY2020 City Manager Transfer Report Background: Under City Code Section 2 -121, the Director of Finance shall report quarterly to City Council any City Manager Transfers in excess of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) between funds, as well as between project and program accounts in the capital project fund and grant fund. Recommended Action: Receive and file the attached City Manager Transfer report for the 4th quarter ended dune 30, 2020. Robert Cowell City Manager Distribution: Sherman M. Stovall, Deputy City Manager W. Brent Robertson, Asst. City Manager for Community Development Transfer Number CMT20 -00045 Date 4/11/2020 CMT20 -00055 4/20/2020 CMT20 -00059 4/20/2020 CMT20 -00065 4/21/2020 CMT20 -00069 4/21/2020 CMT20 -00070 4/21/2020 CMT20 -00074 4/23/2020 CMT20 -00075 4/23/2020 City of Roanoke, Virginia Report of City Manager Transfers Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Unaudited) Explanation Move funding from Capital Project Contingency and Court Conversion Project Acct for 4 projects originally slated for FY19 yr end funding back to Transfer to Capital Projects Fund FY20 COVID -29 Expenditure Reduction (Electoral Board) FY20 COVID -19 EXPENDITURE REDUCTIONS (ECO DEVELOP) Mid -year expenditure reductions for Parks and Recreation due to COVID-19 tax revenue loss FY20 Covid -19 Expenditures Reductions ( City Manager/ Membership and Affiliations) Mid -year expenditure reductions for Libraries due to COVID-19 tax revenue loss Reallocation of Ban Funds for needed projects Budget reduction for Sheriffs Office due to revenue decline related to COVID -19. From To Amount CONTINGENCY & Miscellaneous 435,000 APPROP FROM TRANSFER TO CAP GENERAL REVENUE PROJECTS FUND 2,975,000 Various accounts including Temp wages, Miscellaneous 143,633 Admin supplies, Approp from 2020 GOB /BAN postage... Miscellaneous 122,500 Various accounts including IMD INC Performance agreement, Miscellaneous 101,483 Roanoke River Investments... Miscellaneous 166,290 Various accounts including Temp wages, program activities... Miscellaneous 154,953 Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge and City Works XPO Miscellaneous 435,000 Various accounts including Temp wages, Fees for Prof serv, Publications and Subs Miscellaneous 143,633 Approp from 2020 Approp from 2020 GOB /BAN GOB /BAN funds funds 100,000 Various accounts including Xerox lease, Electric, Food.... Miscellaneous 101,483 Transfer Number Date CMT20 -00076 4/23/2020 CMT20 -00077 4/23/2020 C M T20 -00081 4/24/2020 CMT20 -00090 5/12/2020 C M T20 -00091 5/12/2020 CMT20 -00092 5/12/2020 CMT20 -00093 5/12/2020 City of Roanoke, Virginia Report of City Manager Transfers Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Unaudited) Explanation From To Amount Various accounts Budget reduction for Dept of including tech maint Technology due to revenue contracts, maint decline related to COVID -19. equipment.... Miscellaneous 169,274 Budget reduction for Fleet Management due to revenue decline related to COVID -19. Vehicular Equipment Miscellaneous 1,245,845 Budget reductions for Various accounts Transportation (Streets) due to including Temp wages, revenue decline related to COVID- Admin supplies, 19. chemicals, postage... Miscellaneous 187,129 To correct State Grant Funds appropriated and ensure all Patterson Drainage Capital Projects are adequately Improv & Windsor Deyerle Drainage Improv & funded. Drainage Improv Glade Crk Stream Rest. 262,500 To correct State Grant Funds Sample Crown Point Wilton /Mill View Drainage appropriated and ensure all Drainage Improv & Improv, Fire Station #7 Capital Projects are adequately Downtown Jefferson 2 Drainage Improv & Salem funded. Drainage Improv Ave /3rd St Drainage Improv 267,000 To correct State Grant Funds Sunrise Drainage Improv, appropriated and ensure all Sweetbrier Drainage Deyerle Drainage Improv, Capital Projects are adequately Improv & Cove /22nd Sweetbrier Drainage Improv funded. Drainage Improv & 24th St Drainage Improv 365,571 To correct State Grant Funds appropriated and ensure all Greenlee Drainage Windsor Drainage Improv & Capital Projects are adequately Improv & Victoria Sunrise /Oakland Drainage funded. Drainage Improv Improv 136,502 City of Roanoke, Virginia Report of City Manager Transfers Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Unaudited) Transfer Number Date Explanation To shift revenue from Operating Expense account to individual project accounts to match expenses shifted from Operating Expenses to individual project CMT20 -00097 5/14/2020 accounts To transfer funds from the Shenandoah Capital Project to the newly established PWSC Improvements - Decant Pad and CMT20 -00098 5/14/2020 Pole Barn 1. Place FY20 maintenance funding into the sidewalk maintenance CMT20 -00100 5/18/2020 account Related to charge backs to other departments. Two expenses will also be moved from 2555 to CMT20 -00101 5/21/2020 3038. Transfer total of $325k to Firestation No 7. $253k now and $80k upon release from CMT20 -00109 6/10/2020 purchasing. Transfer unused FY20 Paving operating funds to a multi -year CMT20 -00110 6/10/2020 account. Transfer unused funds from various DoT capital projects to Contingency to be used for CMT20 -00114 6/12/2020 expenses related to COVID -19 From Contractual Services Shenandoah Drainage Improv Capital Projects fund To Roxell Mabry Drainage Improv & Shenandoah Drainage Improv PWSC Decant Pad & Pole Barn 1 Capital Projects fund Technology Maintenance Citywide Tech Maint Contracts Contracts 10th Street Widening Fees for Professional Sery Approp From Gen Revenue Fire Station #7 Amount 118,066 100,000 300,000 250,000 253,000 Approp From Gen Revenue 677,279 Gen Revenue - Coronavirus Exp 496,841 City of Roanoke, Virginia Report of City Manager Transfers Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Unaudited) Transfer Number Date Explanation From To Amount Move E911 Wireless funds into capitalizable DoT account to be used for nine (9) additional Intrado Power911 positions at the new Blue Hills E911 E -911 Upgrages E911 Communications CMT20 -00117 6/19/2020 Communication Center. Hard /Software C Center Technology FY20 398,270 To correct VDOT Revenue Sharing State Grant Funds appropriated and ensure all Capital Projects are adequately CMT20 -00124 6/30/2020 funded Downtown Jefferson 2 Garden City Curb and Gutter 120,254 TO CORRECT VDOT REVENUE Cove /Dansbury Drainage SHARING STATE GRANT Franklin Rd Bridge Improv, 24th Str Drainage FUNDS APPROPRIATED AND Replacement, Garden Improv, Sample /Crown Point ENSURE ALL CAPITAL City Curb and Gutter & Drainage Improv & PROJECTS ARE ADEQUATELY Garnand Branch Tria Sunrise /Oakland Drainage CMT20 -00125 6/20/2020 FUNDED Drainage. Improv 156,217 Notes: Under City Code section 2 -121, the City Manager has authority to make transfers of any amount within or between funds during the fiscal year and after June 30th to ensure proper expenditure reporting and budgetary controls for the prior fiscal year. The scope of this report is limited to transfers in excess of $100,000 between funds and between project/program accounts in the Capital Project Fund and Grant Fund. CMT's marked with an asterisk denotes that multiple lines of monies transferred amounted to be above the $100,000. All CMT's not marked with an asterisk have at least a single line item that amounted to over $100,000. Oath or Affirmation of Office Commonwealth of Virginia, City of Roanoke, to -wit: I, Timothy R. Spencer, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as the City Attorney, according to the best of my ability. So help me God. O .SPENCER The foregoing oath of office was taken, sworn to, and subscribed before me by "'K ` Timothy R. Spencer this 47 day of � 2020. Brenda S. Hamilton, Clerk of the Circuit Court CO ESTE BRE D AMILTON, CLEF �. y De uty Cler By ,:� - =�� ' , Clerk CEC'ELIA F. MCCOI', CJIC Cite Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S. W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011 -1536 Telephone: (540) 853 -2541 Fax: (540) 853 -1145 E-mail: clerk(a roanoke%a.hoc October 6, 2020 Landon C. Howard, President Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge 101 Shenandoah Avenue, S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24016 -2044 Dear Mr. Howard: CECELIA T. NVEBB, CMC Depute Cih Clerk This is to advise you that Shaleen Powell has qualified as a City representative of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, Board of Directors for a one -year term of office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021. Sincerely, LAt 0,91 Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk Oath or Affirmation of Office Commonwealth of Virginia, City of Roanoke, to -wit: 1, Shaleen Powell, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as a City representative of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, Board of Directors for a one -year term of office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021, according to the best of my ability. (So help me God) SHALEEN POWE L The foregoing oath of office was taken, sworn to, and subscribed before me by Shaleen Powell this o71 s day of 2020. Brenda S. Hamilton, Clerk of the Circuit Court B5C4,4_, Clerk CECELIA F. 11CCOY, CMC City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue, S. XV., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia 24011 -1536 Telephone: (540) 853 -2541 Fax: (540) 853 -1145 E-mail: clerk(i roanoke%a.goc October 6, 2020 Tina Carr, Secretary Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals Roanoke, Virginia Dear Ms. Carr: CECELIA T. WEBB, CHIC Deputx Cih Clerk This is to advise you that Christopher Link has qualified as a member (Citizen -at- Large) of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals for a three -year term of office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023. Sincerely, YyLe ��T Cecelia F. McCoy, MMC City Clerk Oath or Affirmation of Office Commonwealth of Virginia, City of Roanoke, to -wit: I, Christopher Link, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as a member (Citizen -At- Large) of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals for a three -year term of office, commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023, according to the best of my ability. (So help me God.) _ y HER LINK The foregoing oath of office was taken, sworn to, and subscribed before me by Christopher Link this �day of 020. Brenda S. Hamilton, Clerk of the Circuit Court '"y " BYE7, LPL k/ - `Clerk Roanoke Star City Strong Strategic Plan Update Response - Recovery - Resiliency Council Presentation 10/5/2020 ROANOKE Photo Credit: Patrick Perkins Strategic Plan Update and FY22 Budget Planning - A Framework • Listen • Learn • Discuss • Present • Act Retreat - Takeaways • Emphasize Action - 2 Years - Response, Recovery, Resiliency • Equity Orientation • Strengthened Linkage to Budget • Enhanced Performance Measures • Greater Recognition of Inter - relatedness of Strategies • Acknowledgement of Challenging Fiscal Environment r Y 014 .. • .y4 Retreat - Takeaways Education • Greater emphasis on link between economic opportunities in community with students/ curriculum Community Safety • Enhancement of non - policing components • Enhancement of policing - gangs, community engagement, SRO's, etc. • Jail Operations/ Turn -over in Sheriff Human Services • Anti - Poverty Orientation • Increased Focus on Substance Use and Suicide Infrastructure • Increased focus on equity in investments • Additional financial resources Retreat - Takeaways Good Government • Board & Commission composition equity • Increased Board & Commission reporting/ engagement • Enhanced neighborhood engagement/ coordination • Enhanced leadership development - youth and diversity Livability • Revamped youth recreation sports • Zoning & Equity Economy • Focus on economic inclusion • Strengthen local entrepreneurship ecosystem • Realistic/ Actionable plan for Village Centers • Enhance Economic Development model /New ED Director Next Steps • Working Groups • Draft Strategies • Budget Planning Retreat • Draft Strategic Plan • Strategic Plan Adoption Questions? IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 5th day of October, 2020. No. 41889 - 100520. A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of a grant from the FY 2020 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program made to the City of Roanoke by the United States Department of Justice; and authorizing execution of any required documentation on behalf of the City. BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows: The City of Roanoke does hereby accept the Grant from the United States Department of Justice pursuant to the FY 2020 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, in the total amount of $46,336 with (i) $27,801 to the Police Department to support its bicycle patrol program, and (ii) $18,535 to the Roanoke City Sheriffs Department to purchase additional facility cameras to be utilized in the Roanoke City Jail to improve officer safety and accountability. No local match is required for this grant; such grant being more particularly described in the City Council Agenda Report dated October 5, 2020. 2. The City Manager is hereby authorized to execute and file, on behalf of the City, any documents setting forth the conditions of the grant in a form approved by the City Attorney. The City Manager is further directed to furnish such additional information as may be required by the United States Department of Justice in connection with acceptance of the foregoing Grant. ATTEST: City Clerk. R- Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant- FY2020 10.05.20.doc m-( IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 5th day of October, 2020. No. 41890 - 100520. AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Federal government, Department of Justice, for the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2020 -2021 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that the following sections of the 2020 -2021 Grant Fund Appropriations be, and the same are hereby, amended and reordained to read and provide as follows: Appropriations Sheriff — Other Equipment Police — Overtime Police — FICA Police — Other Equipment Revenues Byrne JAG Sheriff Technology Improve FY21 Byrne JAG Police Bike Patrol FY21 35- 140 - 5932 -9015 $18,535 35- 640 - 3687 -1003 19,323 35- 640 - 3687 -1120 1,478 35- 640 - 3687 -9015 7,000 35 -140- 5932 -5932 . 18, 535 35- 640 - 3687 -3687 27,801 Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of the City Charter, the second reading of this ordinance by title is hereby dispensed with. ATTEST: City Clerk. J. wu C, CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: October 05, 2020 Subject: FY 2020 Edward Byrne Memorial justice Assistance Grant Program Background: The United States Department of Justice distributes funding directly to local law enforcement agencies through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. Justice Assistance Grant programs fund many types of initiatives and are intended to improve officer safety. On September 18, 2020, the United States Department of Justice awarded the City of Roanoke $46,336 through its FY 2020 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. The application for the grant specified that the Police Department would receive $27,801 to support its bicycle patrol program and the Sheriff's Office would receive $18,535 to purchase additional facility cameras to be utilized in the Roanoke City Jail to improve officer safety and accountability. Recommended Action: Accept the FY 2020 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program described above and authorize the City Manager to execute the grant agreement and any related documents; all such documents to be approved as to form by the City Attorney. Adopt the accompanying budget ordinance to appropriate funding and establish revenue estimates consisting of accounts for the Police Department in the amount of $27,801 and for the Sheriff's Office in the amount of $18,535 into accounts to be established by the Director of Finance in the Grant Fund. --------------------------- Robert S. Cowell, Jr. City Manager Distribution: Council Appointed Officers Sherman Stovall, Deputy City Manager Amelia C. Merchant, Director of Finance Sam Roman, Chief of Police The Honorable Tim Allen, Roanoke City Sheriff `f i^ IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 5th day of October, 2020. No. 41891 - 100520. A RESOLUTION authorizing the acceptance of the State and Local Government Financial Wellness Program Grant from Wells Fargo Foundation, and authorizing the acceptance, execution, and filing of appropriate documents to obtain such funds. BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows: The City of Roanoke hereby accepts funding of the State and Local Government Financial Wellness Program Grant from Wells Fargo Foundation in the total amount of $50,000, no local match is required. 2. The City Manager is hereby authorized to accept, execute, and file on behalf of the City of Roanoke any and all documents required to obtain such funding. All such documents to be approved as to form by the City Attorney. 3. The City Manager is further directed to furnish such additional information as may be required in connection with the acceptance of the foregoing funding or with such project. ATTEST: 1�.G�.LQLaLJ v • 4� City Clerk. T,1 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 5th day of October, 2020. No. 41892 - 100520. AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Wells Fargo Foundation through the International Public Management Association For Human Resources and the National Association of State Treasurers' Foundation for the State and Local Financial Wellness Grant Program, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2020 -2021 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that the following sections of the 2020 -2021 Grant Fund Appropriations be, and the same are hereby, amended and reordained to read and provide as follows: Appropriations Fees For Professional Service Publications and Subscriptions Administrative Supplies Wellness Reimbursement Revenues State and Local Government Financial Wellness Grant FY21 35- 340 - 8340 -2010 $ 25,040 35- 340 - 8340 -2040 19,200 35- 340 - 8340 -2030 3,760 35- 340 - 8340 -3055 2,000 35- 340 - 8340 -8340 50,000 Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of the City Charter, the second reading of this ordinance by title is hereby dispensed with. ATTEST: City Clerk. G� CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: October 5, 2020 Subject: State and Local Government Financial Wellness Grant Program Background: A new national initiative, funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation, has awarded a total of $1 .4 million in grants to 24 state and local government jurisdictions to establish or improve employee financial wellness programs. The City of Roanoke is one of the recipients of the grant. This grant initiative is a collaboration between the Center for State and Local Government Excellence (SLGE), the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA -HR), the National Association of State Treasurers' Foundation (NASTF), and Wells Fargo. Over a one -year period, the City of Roanoke will receive $50,000 to expand its current financial literacy education and security offerings to its employees and their families. The City of Roanoke will utilize the grant funding to integrate the individual components of our current offerings into a formal "cradle to grave" Financial Literacy Program that will be delivered both electronically and via group and individual sessions. The funding will provide the following: one -on -one financial counseling to City employees through Freedom First Enterprises; a financial learning platform that will provide digital financial education on demand; legal advisory services to ensure that the financial program offerings meet all compliance requirements and are in the best interest of employees; marketing campaign resources; and employee incentives for the program. There is no cash match requirement associated with this award. Recommended Action: Accept the State and Local Government Financial Wellness Program Grant described above and authorize the City Manager to execute the grant agreement and any related documents; all such documents to be approved as to form by the City Attorney. Adopt the accompanying budget ordinance to establish a revenue estimate in the amount of $50,000 in grant revenue and appropriate funding in the same amount into accounts to be established by the Director of Finance in the Grant Fund. --- - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - - -- Robert S. Cowell, fir. City Manager Distribution: Council Appointed Officers Sherman M. Stovall, Deputy City Manager Amelia C. Merchant, Director of Finance Angelia G. Vernon, Director of Human Resources 2 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 5th day of October, 2020. No. 41893 - 100520. AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the United Way of Roanoke Valley to transition program management from Bank on Roanoke Valley to the City to improve the financial stability of low to moderate income residents, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2020 -2021 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that the following sections of the 2020 -2021 Grant Fund Appropriations be, and the same are hereby, amended and reordained to read and provide as follows: Appropriations 35- 310 - 8331 -1002 $ 1,676 Salaries City Retirement 35- 310 - 8331 -1105 588 401H Savings 35- 310 - 8331 -1117 36 FICA 35- 310 - 8331 -1120 274 Dental Insurance 35- 310- 8331 -1126 28 52 Life Insurance 35- 310 - 8331 -1130 498 Health Insurance Premium HSA 35- 310 - 8331 -1185 Program Activities 35- 310 - 8331 -2066 12,910 Advertising 35- 310 - 8331 -2015 750 Training and Development 35- 310 - 8331 -2044 438 Administrative Supplies 35- 310 - 8331 -2030 1,750 Business Meals and Travel 35- 310 - 8331 -2144 500 Revenues Bank on Roanoke Program FY20 35- 310 - 8331 -8331 19,500 Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of the City Charter, the second reading of this ordinance by title is hereby dispensed with. ATTEST: City Clerk. a' R�x CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: October 5, 2020 Subject: Budget Ordinance for the FY 2020 -2021 United Way funding for the Bank On Roanoke Valley Program Background: On February 18, 2020, Council passed Resolution No. 41668 - 021820 which authorized the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding ( "MOU ") with the United Way of Roanoke Valley ( "UWRV ") for program management and funding of the Bank On Roanoke Valley ( "BORV ") program. Pursuant to the above listed Resolution and MOU, $19,500 UWRV funding is being given to the City to pay for program management and funding of the BORV for 2020-2021. Considerations: City Council action is needed to accept funding in the amount of $19,500 from UWRV. This funding will fund part of the salary of the Financial Stability Specialist as well as BORV activities. Recommended Action: Adopt the accompanying budget ordinance to establish a revenue estimate in the amount of $19,500 and appropriate $19,500 into accounts established in the Grant Fund by the Director of Finance. '!� - - - - -- --------------- - - - -- Robert S. Cowell, fir. City Manager Attachment Distribution: Council Appointed Officers W. Brent Robertson, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Amelia C. Merchant, Director of Finance Brandon Meginley, Financial Stability Specialist of"" IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 5th day of October, 2020. No. 41894 - 100520. AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Community Catalyst Funds through the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia for the Regional Wayfinding Project, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2020 -2021 Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that the following sections of the 2020 -2021 Grant Fund Appropriations be, and the same are hereby, amended and reordained to read and provide as follows: Appropriations Fees For Professional Service Capital Project Contingency Fund Transfer to Grant Fund Revenues Regional Wayfinding Project FY20 Regional Wayfinding Project FY20- Local 35- 310 -8335 -2010 $ 75,000 08- 530 - 9575 -9220 (25,000) 08- 530 - 9712 -9535 25,000 35- 310 - 8335 -8335 50,000 35- 310 - 8335 -8336 25,000 Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of the City Charter, the second reading of this ordinance by title is hereby dispensed with. ATTEST: J. 'Pulot City Clerk. b COUNCIL CITY AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: October 5, 2020 Subject: Repeal of Budget Ordinance No. 41880- 092120, adopted by Roanoke City Council on September 21, 2020 for funding an Agreement with Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia for Wayfinding Signs Background: By Budget Ordinance No. 41880- 092120, adopted by Roanoke City Council (City Council) on September 21, 2020, City Council authorized Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge sponsored study of enhancing the wayfinding signs within the jurisdictions of its member localities to facilitate better identification and location of regional attractions. As a result of the study, a Regional Wayfinding Program has been developed. Due to inexperience the original Budget Ordinance was not appropriately created. Ordinance No. 41880- 092120 contained several errors that included missing appropriations. Considerations: In order to correct these errors, City staff recommends that Budget Ordinance No. 41880- 092120, be repealed, and the City Council adopt a new budget ordinance to transfer, as intended, the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia (Foundation) funding, in the amount of $50,000, to support the installation of wayfinding signs. This funding will be matched with $25,000 in City of Roanoke funds. Recommended Action: Adopt the accompanying budget ordinance to repeal Budget Ordinance No. 41880- 092120 adopted by City Council on September 21, 2020 and to establish a revenue estimate in the amount of $75,000 consisting of $50,000 in grant revenue and $25,000 in local match to be transferred from the Capital Projects Contingency fund and appropriate funding in the same amount into accounts to be established by the Director of Finance in the Grant Fund. ------ - - - - -- Robert S. Cowell, Jr. City Manager Distribution: Council Appointed Officers Sherman M. Stovall, Deputy City Manager Amelia C. Merchant, Director of Finance The Roanoke Times Roanoke, Virginia Affidavit of Publication CITY OF ROANOKE - CLERKS OFFICE Attn Cecelia Webb 215 CHURCH AVE SW ROOM 456 ROANOKE, VA 24011 Account Number 6007932 Date September 24, 2020 Date Category Description Ad Size Total Cost 09/30/2020 Any- Virginia ROA NOTICE OF VACANCY ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL AND NOT 3 x 0.00 IN 1,309.80 Publisher of the Roanoke Times I, (the undersigned) an authorized representative of the Roanoke Times, a daily newspaper published in Roanoke, in the State of Virginia, do certify that the annexed notice NOTICE OF VACANCY ROANOK was published in said newspapers on the following dates: 09/24/2020 The First insertion being given ... 09/24/2020 Newspaper reference: 0001136924 Billing Representative Sworn to and subscribed before me this Thursday, September 24, 2020 1 Notary Public Kimberly B. Harris State of Virginia County of Hanover My Commission expires NOTARY PUBLIC Commonwealth of Virginia Notary Registration Number 356753 '-,.Ommission Expires January 31, 2021 THIS IS NOT A BILL. PLEASE PAY FROM INVOICE. THANK YOU THE RoA�NTOKE TIMES Order Confirmation roanoke.com m Order# 0001136924 Your Community. Your Times. Nf)T1CF OP VACANCY ROANOKL CITY COUNCIL AND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Council of the City of Roanoke is seeking applicants for a vacancy on Council, the term of office which will run through December 31, 2022. Council will fill the vacancy by appointment. Applicants must submit a written statement of interest, which shall include the applicant's full name, physical place of residence within the City of Roanoke, and the identity of the voter precinct within the City of Roanoke at which the applicant votes. The statement of interest shall also provide that the applicant agrees to be interviewed before City Council on October 5, 2020, if so selected. Applicants must be residents of the City and eligible to vote in the City of Roanoke. Statements of Interest must be delivered in hand to the City Clerk at Room 456, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia or sent via email to the City Clerk at clerkFroanokeva.gov with the City Clerk by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2020. On October 5, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be considered, City Council v, -111 Innow1cc the applicants sdl cted ton interviews. On October 5, 2020, at 3:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be reached, City Council will conduct public interviews of the applicants selected for interviews. The public is invited to submit proposed questions for the applicants by tiling proposed written questions in the Office of the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m., Noon, on October 5, 2020. Questions will be asked by Council Members only and Council Members may ask any such questions as, in its discretion, it deems advisable. On October 5, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be reached, Council will hold a public hearing to hear the views of citizens on the applicants who were interviewed. The public hearing will be held in the City Council Chamber, Fourth Floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia. City Council will announce its appointment during the 2:00 p.m. session of City Council on Monday, October 19, 2020. Due to the COVID -19 pandemic disaster, City Council may conduct the interviews and this public hearing through electronic communication means without a quorum of City Council physically present in the Council Chamber, as permitted by law. Please contact the City Clerk at (540)853 -2541 or clerkc. roanokeva.gov by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2020, to register to speak at the public hearing. The City Clerk will provide you with information to access the public hearing if conducted by electronic communication means and present your views. If you are a person with a disability who needs accommodations for this hearing, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 853 -2541, by 12:00 p.m., Noon, on October 1, 2020. GIVEN under my hand this 24th day of September, 2020. Cecelia E McCoy, City Clerk. 09/24/2020 9:09:43 am Page 2 of 2 NOTICE OF VACANCY ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL AND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Council of the City of Roanoke is seeking applicants for a vacancy on Council, the term of office which will run through December 31, 2022. Council will fill the vacancy by appointment. Applicants must submit a written statement of interest, which shall include the applicant's full name, physical place of residence within the City of Roanoke, and the identity of the voter precinct within the City of Roanoke at which the applicant votes. The statement of interest shall also provide that the applicant agrees to be interviewed before City Council on October 5, 2020, if so selected. Applicants must be residents of the City and eligible to vote in the City of Roanoke. Statements of Interest must be delivered in hand to the City Clerk at Room 456, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia or sent via email to the City Clerk at clerkLroanokeva.gov with the City Clerk by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2020. On October 5, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter maybe considered, City Council will announce the applicants selected for interviews. On October 5, 2020, at 3:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be reached, City Council will conduct public interviews of the applicants selected for interviews. The public is invited to submit proposed questions for the applicants by filing proposed written questions in the Office of the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m., Noon, on October 5, 2020. Questions will be asked by Council Members only and Council Members may ask any such questions as, in its discretion, it deems advisable. On October 5, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be reached, Council will hold a public hearing to hear the views of citizens on the applicants who were interviewed. The public hearing will be held in the City Council Chamber, Fourth Floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia. City Council will announce its appointment during the 2:00 p.m. session of City Council on Monday, October 19, 2020. Due to the COVID -19 pandemic disaster, City Council may conduct the interviews and this public hearing through electronic communication means without a quorum of City Council physically present in the Council Chamber, as permitted by law. Please contact the City Clerk at (540)853- 2541 or clerk(curoanokeva.ov by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2020, to register to speak at the public hearing. The City Clerk will provide you with information to access the public hearing if conducted by electronic communication means and present your views. If you are a person with a disability who needs accommodations for this hearing, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 853 -2541, by 12:00 p.m., Noon, on October 1, 2020. GIVEN under my hand this 24th day of September, 2020. Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk. NOTE TO PUBLISHER: Publish in full once in the Virginia Section of The Roanoke Times on Thursday, September 24, 2020. Send publisher's affidavit and bill to: Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk Room 456, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24011 -1536 [EXTERNAL] City Council 10/5 at 7pm Meeting - Citizen Participation Statement Elda Stanco Downey clerk 10/05/2020 04:41 PM "Elda Stanco Downey" <elda @roanokespanish.com> clerk @roanokeva.gov - -- - �' �- This message has been replied to and forwarded. CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. Dear Ms McCoy, I hope this message finds you well. I would like to participate in tonight's meeting, to speak on behalf of Ms. Vivian Sanchez -Jones for the City Council seat vacancy. Unfortunately, I am not able to attend in person, and thus respectfully submit my comment as a statement via email. I would appreciate it if this statement is presented to Mayor Lea, Vice Mayor Cobb, City Councilwoman Price, City Councilman Bestpitch, City Councilwoman Davis, and City Councilwoman White -Boyd for their review. Please find the statement attached. Thank you very much for your time and assistance. I am available via this email, or at 540- 904 -8126. All the best, Dr. Elda Stanco Downey Private Citizen City Council Appointee to the Roanoke Valley - Alleghany Regional Commission Citizen Member of the Star City Strong Recovery Fund Task Force Dr. Elda Stanco Downey ROANOKE SPANISH 1327 Grandin Road, SW Roanoke, VA 24015 540.904.8126 www.roanokespanish.com NOTICE: This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient or believe that you have received this email in error, please do not print, copy, disseminate, retransmit or otherwise use the information, but rather, notify the sender immediately that you have received this communication in error, and delete the copy you received. [I MAG El [IMAGE][IMAGE] D- City Council Vivian Sanchez- Jones.pdf [EXTERNAL] Vacancy on City Council Dave Harrison to clerk 10/01/2020 04:48 PM r "Dave Harrison" <dgh @cox.net> < clerk @roanokeva.gov> Please respond to <dgh @cox.net> Dave Harrison [EXTERNAL] Vacancy on City Council CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. I am a resident of the City of Roanoke and write to support the application of Luke Priddy to fill the vacancy on City Council created by the resignation of Djuna Osborne. David Harrison "Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public." - Cornel West .° [EXTERNAL] Luke Priddy - City Council Vacancy �# Rose Brinson tc, clerk 10/02/202005:20PM i "Luke Priddy" "Rose Brinson" <rosebrinson @gmail.com> clerk @roanokeva.gov "Luke Priddy" <1Ukewpriddy(Pgmail.com> ._i Rose Brinson [EXTERNAL] Luke Priddy - City Council Vacancy i CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. Dear Madam Clerk, This letter is in support of Luke Priddy to fill the vacancy on City Council. I am Senator John Edwards' administrative assistant during General Assembly sessions, and that has afforded me the pleasure of getting to know and working with Luke for the last two years. Luke is a very bright, energetic young man and a quick learner. As you can imagine, the fast pace of Session can be challenging, but Luke has handled the pace and pressures with a calm demeanor, organization, and the ability to connect and work with others. His unique niche is his grasp and knowledge of rules and procedures. This has helped navigate some technical issues in a speedy and effective manner. Luke respects the protocol and decorum of the Senate, and carries himself in a professional manner. The Roanoke City Council would be greatly served to have Luke Priddy as a member and representative of the citizens of Roanoke. Sincerely, Rose Brinson Rose [EXTERNAL] FW: Bus Terminal Location, David Foster 40 barbgary clerk, bob.cowell, sherman.lea 10/04/2020 09:48 AM bill.bestpitch, anita.price, michelle.dykstra, loseph.cobb, trish.white -boyd <barbgary@cox.net> <clerk @roanokeva.gov >, <bob.cowell @roanokeva.gov >, <sherman.lea @roanokeva.gov> �?'o3; . keva gov-- < =fi'�I heilf (�y 5� i�i1 C(,`3r1r;k�1V y`)V Ct 7 Cfb ,Y `C?81J +ov> CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. TO: City Clerk City Manager Mayor and Members of Roanoke City Council RE: Planning the FUTURE for Roanoke. Infrastructure needed to support our location between the New River, the James River, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail. Beth Doughy has the contacts to lead a group of visionaries that know how to brand Roanoke as cool and hip. She knows the players in the business community and can add economic development to the city of Roanoke's success. Roanoke is the HUB for Southwest Virginia. Promote Roanoke as the catalyst center for business, transportation, cultural amenities, financial institutions, education opportunities, recreational opportunities, social services and MORE! Planning documents and goals should be supported. Multi Modal transportation is an achievable objective. Beth can help provide the skills needed to move Roanoke forward. Barbara N. Duerk https• / /roanoke com /opinion /columnists /foster -tlic- best - place- for -a- new - bus - station /article 1408 elfd- 3312- 5b2a- b70d- 7aefl43b4a0c.html Barbara N. Duerk CONNECT NOW 2607 Rosalind Ave., S.W. Roanoke, VA 24014 540 -580 -1621 barbgary(r cox.net "Challenging YOU TO CHALLENGE YOURSELF" f. t: [EXTERNAL] John Randolph Clements Scott Moir t() clerk "Scott Moir" <kscottmo @cox.net> clerk @roanokeva.gov Scott Moir [EXTERNAL] John Randolph Clements 10/04/2020 07:40 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. My name is Keith Scott Moir and I'm a Roanoke City resident living at 2317 Martin Ln SW. I'm writing to support Dr. Clements' application to serve on city council. I've known Dr. Clements for many years and worked alongside him to win the bid for the Ironman 70.3 Virginia's Blue Ridge race to this area. The race was his idea and, despite MANY obstacles put in his path, he was relentless in his efforts to get the race; he would not accept that we would not get this event. And this event is going to be huge for our community going forward. I also know that Dr. Clements serves on the board for Roanoke /Blacksburg Regional Airport. In that capacity he is also tenacious in creating ways to bring more flights (more business, more tourism) to the area. I strongly endorse Dr. Clements' application for him to serve on Roanoke City Council. Keith Moir [EXTERNAL] Randy Clements for city council Kimberley Patterson to clerk 10/04/2020 08:11 PM r rc,r "Kimberley Patterson" <kimberleybpatterson @gmail.com> clerk @roanokeva.gov Kimberley Patterson [EXTERNAL] Randy Clements for city council CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. My family has known Randy for over 10 years, and we would greatly appreciate his input and insight on the city Council. Thank you for considering! Kimberley & Phillip Patterson Sent from my iPhone [EXTERNAL] John Randolph Clements Sarah Gregory to clerk "Sarah Gregory" <scgregory09 @gmail.com> clerk @roanokeva.gov Sarah Gregory [EXTERNAL] John Randolph Clements 10/04/2020 09:26 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. To Whom it may concern: As a Roanoke City resident, I am writing in support of Dr. Randy Clements' application for City Council. I work with Dr. Clements at Carilion Clinic. He is an asset to our community both in terms of healthcare and business development. Feel free to reply to this message if additional information is needed. Regards, Sarah Gregory Sent from my iPhone To the Honorable Mayor Sherman Lea Sr. and Council Members: First and foremost, I must apologize for not appearing in person to make my recommendation to fill the vacant Council Member seat. I am considered a high risk due to the impact of the COVID -99 social restriction. It is my pleasure to strongly recommend Alvin Nash for the vacant Council Member seat with the City of Roanoke. I am Rosana Anderson, a Community Leader and retiree from Total Action Against Poverty. I have over forty years of experience working in re -entry and community development and have seen many returning citizens become model citizens within their communities. I also had the pleasure of working with a group of dedicated staff. During my tenure at the TAP organization Alvin Nash is one individual I have worked with who uniquely stands out. I first met Alvin Nash when he was fourteen years old and I immediately knew that he would become a great leader one day. Years later, having the opportunity to work at the same agency, I watched his understanding of community development and Involvement grow far more than that of his peers. It was not just his technical skills that impressed me: however, Alvin Nash was a joy to work with because of his amazingly positive attitude and well - rounded abilities. His positive attitude and driven abilities were also necessary and valued not just by myself, but by his peers, who often relied on him to get the job done. During our time together, Alvin Nash displayed great talents in networking, public speaking, decision making, critical thinking, professionalism and hard work. I am absolutely confident that Alvin Nash will be a great fit serving as Council Member. Not only will he bring the kind of skills and experiences you're looking for in a Council Member, but he will also quickly become an asset in the task to serve the citizens of Roanoke and the Commonwealth. If you need more information or specific examples, please do not hesitate to contact me at 540.400.0859. As a recommendation letter likely only provides a snapshot of his talents and achievements, I would be happy to further elaborate on my time working with him. Sincerely, Rosana Anderson Page 1 of 1 Re: [EXTERNAL] FFILL UNEXPIRED COUNCIL SEAT Joseph Cobb to: mccaddenmamac 10/05/2020 07:06 AM Cc: Susie McCoy Hide Details From: Joseph Cobb /Employees /City_of Roanoke To: < mccaddenmamac @aol.com> Cc: Susie McCoy/Employees /City_of Roanoke @City_of Roanoke Dear Estelle, Thank you for writing in support of appointing Vivian Sanchez -Jones for the vacant position on City Council. We are reviewing applicants today and will announce this afternoon which applicants we'll interview. We'll make sure your email is part of the public hearing tonight. Grateful, Joe Joe Cobb Vice Mayor, Member of City Council 540 - 580 -9645 - - - - -< mccaddenmamac @aol.com> wrote: - - - -- To: sherman.lea @roanokeva.gov, joseph.cobb @roanokeva.gov, bill. bestpitch @roanokeva.gov, anita.price @roanokeva.gov, michelle.davis @roanokeva.gov, trish.white -boyd @roanokeva.gov From: < mccaddenmamac @aol.com> Date: 10/03/2020 11:08PM Cc: mccaddenmamac @aol.com Subject: [EXTERNAL] FFILL UNEXPIRED COUNCIL SEAT CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. Good evening Mayor and Council Members Because of COVID -19 and my age and health reasons I cannot attend the meeting at 7 P. M. for the public hearing to express my views on MY suggestion for the unexpired seat. I would like for you to consider the following person -- Vivian Sanchez - Jones. My reasons are: DIVERSITY: She is Hispanic - well needed on our council Continues to work with the under represented Hispanic community to help them fell that they are citizens Help to make us feel deserving of the ALL AMERICAN CITY STATUS Represents a section of the city that we need --- N. E. Has qualified background and experience that would serve the citizens well Let's step outside of our comfort zone and get more people involved in the decision making process for the city. Thanks for listening. Estelle H. McCadden 2128 Mercer Ave. N. W. Roanoke, VA 24017 540 -342 -2763 file: / / /C:/Users /cfmccoy /AppData/Local /Temp /notes56C3C9 /—web3772.htm 10/5/2020 A0 [EXTERNAL] Dr. Randy Clements �. tzernie Senders clerk 10/05/2020 09:01 AM "bernie Sanders" <worldchampion2010 @aol.com> clerk @roanokeva.gov CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. Please consider Dr. Clements as a worthy, well qualified and exemplary advocate of our Roanoke Valley. Thank you, in advance, for your every consideration for his inclusion to the Roanoke City Council. Bernie Sanders Sent from my iPhone [EXTERNAL] Dr. Randy Clements Vincent Slusser clerk 10/05/2020 09:55 AM "Vincent Slusser" <vincentslusser @gmail.com> clerk @roanokeva.gov CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. I vote for Dr. Randy Clements. I appreciate it that he helped bring the Ironman race to Roanoke. I hope he gets the position. Thank you. [EXTERNAL] City Council appointment- Luke Priddy Corinne O'Shaughnessy ` ; clerk 10/05/2020 10:02 AM "Corinne O'Shaughnessy" <oshaugcn @gmail.com> clerk @roanokeva.gov This message has been forwarded. CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. To whom it may concern, I am writing to support the appointment of Luke Priddy to Roanoke City Council. Luke has always been a "people person." He is someone that has never met a stranger. He was one of the first people I met when I moved to Roanoke City two years ago; he went out of his way to make sure I felt welcome in the community. He introduced me to so many wonderful aspects of Roanoke City living, from floating the Roanoke River to experiencing different breweries and restaurants downtown. He truly has a love for this city, and it shows through his interactions with the people and places he frequents. Luke has a way about him that puts people at ease and allows for them to have open and honest conversations. He is never critical, and is always accepting of different viewpoints. I absolutely believe Luke would be an asset to the Roanoke City Council. Corinne O'Shaughnessy, Au.D., CCC -A, FAAA Clinical Audiologist Carillon Clinic Audiology .. [EXTERNAL] Luke Priddy for City Council Barber, Kelly clerk @roanokeva.gov 10/05/2020 10:35 AM "Barber, Kelly" <knbarber @radford.edu> "clerk @roanokeva.gov" < clerk @roanokeva.gov> CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. To whom it may concern, I cannot attend the meeting this evening, but I wanted to reach out in support of Luke Priddy being appointed to Council for the city of Roanoke. Luke is one of the first individuals I met when I moved to Roanoke last year. He was very knowledgeable and to this day has provided many recommendations about things to do and places to eat around town and ways to be involved in the community. He is active on the parks and rec advisory board and frequents the river and local bodies of water kayaking with friends. He clearly passionate about Roanoke and wants to be more involved. He has an outgoing personality and would be a positive influence for the council. I would be happy to answer any other questions, Kindly, Kelly Barber October 1st, 2020 RE: Letter of Recommendation for Luke Priddy To Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Councilmembers Anita J. Price, Michelle L. Davis, Joseph L. Cobb, William D. Bestpitch, and Patricia White -Boyd, and City Clerk Cecelia "Susie" F. McCoy I am incredibly excited to offer my support for a great friend and an amazing public servant, Luke Priddy, to fill the City Council seat vacated by former Councilmember Djuna Osborne. Where do I even begin? Luke has done so much to fight for the interests of LGBTQ+ folks and young people across the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia. His current experience as State Senator John S. Edwards' chief of staff has given him a foot in the door into the sometimes troubled realm of politics by taking on special interests in Richmond. However, it's What got Luke to where lie is today that really amazes me as an outside observer to his aspiring stardom in politics. Luke's resolve to fight for the inclusion of the voices of young people in the political world is demonstrated by when he co- founded the Roanoke Young Democrats. In speaking as an LGBTQ+ young person and President of a Young Democrats club chapter myself, Young Democrats clubs serve as a beacon and safe space by which young people, and oftentimes young LGBTQ+ people, can network and organize with one another in sometimes unsafe home, academic, and professional environments. But his advocacy for young people and LGBTQ+ folks never stopped there. He fought against the Marshall - Newman Amendment to the Virginia Constitution in 2006 and helped document the lives of LGBTQ+ people in rural Virginia in his role in Southwest Virginia LGBTQ+ History Project. Young people and LGBTQ+ people in the realm of civic engagement should be inspired by his accomplishments, because Luke's are born from his personal experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in the realm of politics. And despite this hyper - partisan world we live in, Luke has always risen above the noise, remembered the communities that helped to build him into the person he is and does everything lie can to make those communities better. The City of Roanoke will be a far better place with Luke as one of your companions on City Council. Sincerely, Luther D. Forbes I He /Him/His President I College Democrats at James Madison University PS: This letter is not an organization endorsement of Luke Priddy by the JMU College Democrats, just a personal letter of support by Luther D. Forbes. [EXTERNAL] Luke Priddy City Council u # Melanie Crovo clerk 10/05/2020 12:13 PM luke.w.priddy "Melanie Crovo" <melcrovo @gmail.com> clerk @roanokeva.gov luke, ti.C�riC<ii� i.urnaiLcom CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. Dear Council Members, I would like to recommend Luke Priddy to be appointed to the council position vacated by Ms. Osborne. I have had the pleasure of serving on the Parks and Rec Advisory Board with Mr. Priddy and have been impressed with his performance. Not only does he read all of the documents prior to the meetings but he also performs addition research on individual points and serves as a resource regarding how state laws may affect our ability to implement certain ideas. My partner and I run a small business in SE Roanoke and we have found Luke is interested in finding solutions to the challenges we face. I have noticed he is active in the community and seems to care about citizens from all walks of life. He is articulate when he speaks and most of all, he listens. He will serve the citizens of Roanoke well. Please contact me if you have any questions. Melanie Crovo, DVM Owner of Furry Friends Vet Clinic and partner in Chillin' Shaved Ice .. [EXTERNAL] LUKE PRIDDY ~ Dotsy Clifton - clerk 10/05/2020 12:38 PM "Dotsy Clifton" <dotsy.clifton @gmail.com> clerk @roanokeva.gov CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. I wish to speak in support of Luke Priddy to fill the seat vacated by the resignation of Djuna Osborne. Luke graduated from UVa with a Bachelor's Degree in American Government. In addition to wisdom thus garnered, Luke has practical political experience from having successfully worked for both Senators John Edwards and Mark Warner. Mr. Priddy's youth and vision would provide strong additions to the Council. I know Luke to be a person folks can count on, a person of integrity, a man who knows Roanoke well, and just the right person for the job! I hope Council's vote will be to appoint him. Thank you. Dotsy S. Clifton [EXTERNAL] Luke Priddy and James Settle Sherman Lea, Anita Price, bill.bestpitch, Jahn Garland 10/05/2020 12:50 PM michelle.davis, Joe Cobb, Trish white -boyd "John Garland" <johnaubreygarland @gmail.com> "Sherman Lea" <mayor @roanokeva.gov >, "Anita Price" <anita.price @roanokeva.gov >, bill.bestpitch @roanoke.va.gov, michelle.davis @roanokeva.gov, "Joe Cobb" <joecobbforroanoke @ gmail.com>, "Trish white -boyd" <twhiteboyd @yahoo.com> CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. Please accept this email as my endorsement for these two candidates to fill Djuna's vacancy. Luke for his political experience and near acceptance as the Democratic ticket for City Council. James for his long term service to the neighborhoods. I know you can only pick one among a very good list of candidates. I wish you all the best. Sincerely, John Garland John A. Garland, PE 540 -537 -4581 My name is Jason Overstreet, citizen of Roanoke City for 5 years, and I would like to offer my positive experiences with Luke Priddy. I first met Luke around two years ago through functional fitness classes in downtown Roanoke. Our friendship has grown over the two years and I have learned numerous things about Luke as a person. His love for the city of Roanoke and his desire to help make Roanoke the most it can be is limitless. During our kayaking adventures on the Roanoke River, the genuine enthusiasm from him about Roanoke City parks was incredible. I think the best quality that would make him a great council person is his natural ability to encourage people to be the best person they can be. If Luke were to be appointed on city council, the city will gain a great asset in their quest to meet their goals and objectives.