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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/14/2016 - City Council - Minutes - Regular UNAPPROVED MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION November 14, 2016 A work session of the Council of the City of Salem, Virginia, was held in the Electric Department’s Conference Room, 730 West Main Street, Salem, Virginia, on November 14, 2016, at 5:30 p.m., there being present the following members of said Council, to wit: Byron Randolph Foley, Jane W. Johnson, William D. Jones, and James A. Martin, and James. L. Chisom; with Byron Randolph Foley, presiding; together with Kevin S. Boggess, City Manager; James E. Taliaferro, Assistant City Manager; Melinda J. Payne, Director of Economic Development; Benjamin Tripp, City Planner; and Mary Ellen Wines, Zoning Administrator; along with the Planning Commission members, Bruce N. Thomasson, Jimmy W. Robertson, Denise P. King, Vicki G. Daulton and Samuel R. Carter, III; and the following business was transacted: Mayor Foley reported that this date, place, and time had been set in order for the Council to hold a work session; and WHEREAS, Mr. Taliaferro gave a presentation on the the Zoning Ordinance map; and WHEREAS, Ms. Wines, presented some information on the Sign Ordinance; and WHEREAS, there was no further discussion to be had, Mayor Foley adjourned at 7:10 p.m. ____________________________________ Mayor _____________________________________ Clerk of Council City Council Meeting MINUTES Monday, November 14, 2016, 7:30 PM Council Chambers, City Hall, 114 North Broad Street, Salem, Virginia 24153 1. Call to Order A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Salem, Virginia, was called to order at 7:30 p.m., there being present the following members to wit: Byron Randolph Foley, Mayor, Councilmembers: Jane W. Johnson, William D. Jones, James A. Martin, and James L. Chisom; along with Kevin S. Boggess, City Manager; James E. Taliaferro, II, Assistant City Manager and Clerk of Council; Melinda J. Payne, Director of Economic Development; Rosemarie B. Jordan, Director of Finance; Charles E. VanAllman, Jr., Director of Community Development; Mike Stevens, Communications Director;and Stephen M. Yost, City Attorney. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Bid Openings, Awards, Recognitions 4. Consent Agenda A. Minutes Consider acceptance of the minutes from the October 24, 2016 Work Session and regular meetings and the Special meeting held on November 3, 2016. Received B. Financial Report Consider the acceptance of Statement of Revenues and Expenditures for two months ending August 31, 2016. Received 5. Old Business A. Water and Sewer Disposal Rates & Charges Consider ordinance on second reading amending Chapter 90, Article III, Sections 90-74, 90-128, and 90-212 and Article IV, Sections 90-236, 90-237 and 90-238(a) pertaining to water and sewer disposal and rates and charges. Mayor Foley noted for the benefit of the students in the audience, the first three items on the agenda were passed on first reading at the last meeting so they will not go into detail on these items this evening. William Jones motioned to adopt the ordinance on second reading amending Chapter 90, Article III, Sections 90-74, 90-128, and 90-212 and Article IV, Sections 90-236, 90-237 and 90-238(a) pertaining to water and sewer disposal and rates and charges. Jane Johnson seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Johnson, Jones, Martin B. Admissions Tax Consider ordinance on second reading amending Chapter 82, Article II, Sections 82- 210 (a) and (b) pertaining to Admissions Tax. Jane Johnson motioned to adopt the ordinance on second reading amending Chapter 82, Article II, Sections 82- 210 (a) and (b) pertaining to Admissions Tax. James Martin seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Johnson, Jones, Martin C. Vehicles for Hire Consider ordinance on second reading amending Chapter 98, Article II, Division 2, Section 98-126, pertaining to vehicles for hire. William Jones motioned to adopt the ordinance on second reading amending Chapter 98, Article II, Division 2, Section 98-126, pertaining to vehicles for hire. James Martin seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Johnson, Jones, Martin 6. New Business A. Conveyance of Property Hold a public hearing to consider the sale of a parcel known as 600 West Fourth Street, Salem, Virginia, Tax Map # 143-4-1, consisting of .30 acres. (As advertised in the November 3, 2016 issue of the The Salem Times.) Mr. Boggess noted this is a small triangular piece of property located at the corner of Fourth Street and Roanoke Street which the City has owned for a number of years and has leased to the owner of a used car lot for about 20 years. That business is no longer in operation, and therefore, the City is no longer receiving lease payments for the property. Staff has had discussions about the property and think it is the appropriate time to go ahead and hold a public hearing to consider selling the property to get it back on the tax rolls and into productive use. He noted that three potential purchasers have expressed interest in the property, and we have one written bid. However, all we are doing this evening is holding a public hearing to receive any public comments. If we move forward, then any purchase contracts would be brought back before City Council for a decision. Mayor Foley opened the public hearing and asked if anyone would like to speak. There was no response, and the public hearing was closed. Mr. Yost, City Attorney, noted that City Council is directing the City Manager to continue with his marketing efforts as has already been done, and to report back to City Council with any proposals. James Martin motioned to direct City administration to entertain any definitive proposals and to bring any such proposals back to City Council for action related to the sale of a parcel known as 600 West Fourth Street, Salem, Virginia, Tax Map # 143-4-1, consisting of .30 acres. William Jones seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Johnson, Jones, Martin B. Conveyance of Property Hold a public hearing to consider the sale of a parcel known as 630 Union Street, Salem, Virginia, Tax Map # 160-11-2, consisting of 1.4032 acres. (As advertised in the November 3, 2016 issue of the The Salem Times.) Mr. Boggess noted this request is similar to the previous item. This is an undeveloped piece of property that the City has owned for quite some time, which is located behind the gas station/Little Caesars Pizza on Fourth Street. The City would like to hold a public hearing tonight so that we can negotiate with prospective buyers and bring any proposals back to City Council for consideration. At this point, we do not have any active prospects for this piece of property, but we have made some improvements to it in terms of raising the elevation to get it a little higher out of the flood zone. Mayor Foley opened up the public hearing and asked if anyone would like to speak. There was no response, and the public hearing was closed. William Jones motioned to direct City administration to entertain any definitive proposals and to bring any such proposals back to City Council for action related to the sale of a parcel known as 630 Union Street, Salem, Virginia, Tax Map # 160-11- 2, consisting of 1.4032 acres. Jane Johnson seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Johnson, Jones, Martin C. Tourism Zone Ordinance Consider ordinance on first reading establishing Tourism Zones. Benjamin Tripp, City Planner, and Carey Harveycutter, Director of Tourism, appeared before City Council in support of the request. Mr. Tripp noted the ordinance Council has in front of them establishes Tourism Zones within the City of Salem, which are shown on the maps provided in the packet. He further noted that the main point of doing this is that properties would qualify as potential economic development projects in those zones for the Virginia Tourism Development Financing program, which provides GAP financing and some matching of incentives on the City's part. Mr. Harveycutter noted that it also involves us going forward with a tourism plan for the City of Salem. It is interesting that this comes about when the State Tourism conference is in Roanoke this week. He further noted that he had some discussions with the State office earlier today. Further, this will be a tool that we can use to attract more people into the City of Salem. Jane Johnson noted that she appreciated them researching this and finding these alternative forms of funding which are available to us. James Martin noted that he thinks it is great to be able to draw the boundaries on the map to clearly identify what areas we are talking about. This will make it easier and more conducive to have conversations with prospective investors, etc. He asked if anything specific comes to mind on the kinds of opportunities or what we could potentially offer. Mr. Tripp noted some of the other communities fast track site plan approval, they may have different signage rules, they may waive permit fees or application fees, etc. There is some regulatory flexibility and some relaxation of other regulations. In addition to this, the City could develop incentives specific to certain types of development. Further, we would develop a list of needs for each of these areas. This would be a document available to the public and developers. Mr. Harveycutter noted we are not obligated for each area to be the same so in the different zones we could offer different things. It is a very broad policy & procedure set forth by the Virginia Tourism. Mr. Martin noted that this clarified it for him. He noted that he thought it was important to be flexible in what we can offer to find the right incentive or right package for the kind of development that we want. Mr. Harveycutter noted that staff will work to identify certain areas in each of those zones that would be highlighted that we will look for attractive tenants. Mayor Foley asked about the maps. If a developer came to the City about a parcel which is adjacent to the district, then will it have to be drawn into the district? He asked if it should be inclusive as possible at this point. Mr. Tripp noted that they have tried to be inclusive and the zones are probably a bit broader than might be absolutely necessary for this reason. We would want to amend the map in this case. William Jones asked if there was a time table on the request. Mr. Tripp noted there is not a time table but property would have to be within the zone in order to be eligible for the State financing program. Mr. Harveycutter noted it is his understanding that before we can enter into an agreement the zone has to be there before we talk to a developer. James Martin motioned to adopt the ordinance on first reading establishing Tourism Zones. Jane Johnson seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Johnson, Jones, Martin D. 4127 West Main & 113 Corporate Boulevard Consider approval of an agreement to convey property situated in Roanoke County, Virginia, Tax Map #054.04-01-10.00-0000 known as 4127 West Main Street, Salem, Virginia, approximately 14.841 acres along with Tax Map # 149-1-4, known as 113 Corporate Blvd., Salem, Virginia, consisting of 2.187 acres, owned by the City of Salem, for property described as Part of Lots 8 and 32, Old Town Plat, Tax Map # 122-6-8, known as 8 West Main Street, Salem, Virginia. Mr. Boggess noted much like Items A & B earlier, the City has held public hearings on the sale of the two properties indicated; however, in this case, this will be a swap of property rather than a direct sale. As Council is aware, the downtown development plan identified particular pieces of property that the City would like to see redeveloped or developed within the downtown area, one of those being the West Salem Auto Body Shop building. Staff entered into an agreement with the property owner, Richard Bishop, whereby the City would consider swapping the two parcels of City-owned property identified. In exchange he would give us the West Salem Body Shop property. So this is what is proposed in the contract before Council this evening. This has to come to Council for ratification and approval and is the final step in the process leading up to closing and the actual swap of the properties. Mayor Foley noted for those in attendance the location of the properties. The first piece of property is what most people refer to as the old Water Treatment plant, which is west of the City in Roanoke County close to Glenvar High School. The other piece is located across from the Salem Football stadium near the new Salem Montessori School. These will be swapped for the West Salem Auto Body Shop located on West Main Street which is next to Ridenhour Music and across from the BTO yogurt shop. Mr. Boggess noted the body shop property will be in one of our tourism zones. So this building will be one we can consider for some of the deficiencies in our downtown plan and potentially developing the property with partners, private sector money, etc. As City Council knows, we have identified in downtown in particular the idea of a boutique hotel, brew pub or brewery type of operation, retail and restaurant, all being critical things we would like to see developed in our downtown. After the purchase closes, then it will come back to City Council, the Economic Development staff, Planning Commission, and others to help us decide how to partner and move this project into a development phase. William Jones asked if all three properties are being sold "as is." Mr. Boggess noted that this was correct. This will be a straight up swap with no money exchanging hands. He stated a question came up earlier with regards to the City giving up 14+ acres for one building in downtown. But, it is worth mentioning particularly with the Glenvar property that this is an old water plant. And while it is 14 acres of industrial property, it has a large liability because of the existing water plant buildings that are on the property. It really cannot be sold and marketed until the demolition is completed. The City has estimates anywhere from $200,000 to $400,000 just to clear the property to get it ready for development. This affects the value of the property and he knows that Council took this very seriously as they were considering the appropriateness of the swap. And, again, the idea of our focus on downtown and getting a key piece of property was very important to us. James Martin noted that he wanted to applaud the efforts of City staff and the due diligence that has gone into putting these pieces together. He also appreciates Mayor Foley's leadership in working with the parties involved. He believes that this is a positive step for the City and appreciates all the work that went into making it happen. Other Council members agreed with Mr. Martin. Mr. Yost noted that the motion will simply be to approve the contract as presented. William Jones motioned approval of an agreement to convey property situated in Roanoke County, Virginia, Tax Map #054.04-01-10.00-0000 known as 4127 West Main Street, Salem, Virginia, approximately 14.841 acres along with Tax Map # 149-1-4, known as 113 Corporate Blvd., Salem, Virginia, consisting of 2.187 acres, owned by the City of Salem, for property described as Part of Lots 8 and 32, Old Town Plat, Tax Map # 122-6-8, known as 8 West Main Street, Salem, Virginia. James Chisom seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Johnson, Jones, Martin E. Boards and Commissions Consider appointments for various boards and commissions. Mayor Foley asked about the other Council appointments needed for the different Committees. Mr. Boggess noted if they wanted to do it this evening they could or they can wait until the next meeting. Mayor Foley noted he thought they should go ahead with these appointments also. Mr. Boggess noted that they would be appointing one member to the Economic Development Committee and one member to the Audit Finance Committee. William Jones motioned to appoint James Martin to the Audit Finance Committee and James Chisom to the Economic Development Committee. Jane Johnson seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Johnson, Jones, Martin Jane Johnson motioned to reappoint David Wells to the Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare with a term ending December 31, 2019; Bobby Russell replacing Gregory Hamilton for the remaining of his term ending December 31, 2018; to reappoint Cheryl Wilkinson to the Community Policy & Management Team and Cathy Brown to replace Donna Dent as an alternate; and to reappoint Deputy Chief Matt Rickman to the Western Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council with a term ending December 31, 2019. James Chisom seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Johnson, Jones, Martin F. Appropriation of Funds Consider request to amend School Grant Fund budget as approved by the School Board on October 11, 2016. Audit - Finance Committee William Jones noted the Audit Finance Committee met earlier today. The School Grant Fund budget was amended for fiscal year 2016-17 by the School Board at their meeting on October 11, 2016. Budget amendments totaling $382,412 were made to increase the revenue and expenditure budgets in the Grant Fund. The Grant Fund was increased due to the new grant award notifications, carry-forward amounts and adjustments to the actual amounts received for grants. Appropriation changes totaling $382,412 need to be made to the School Grants Funds. The committee reviewed the request and recommends Council approve the School Board's appropriation changes of $382,412 to the Grants Fund. He asked Finance Director Rosie Jordan to explain the request. Mrs. Jordan noted that the money is going for several different grants. After the school year starts, a lot of the estimates that are in the budget are just that. As the schools receive notification of the actual grant amount or if they get notification of new grants that were not included in the budget or amounts that were not spent in the prior year because their fiscal year of that grant is different than our fiscal year. These are the carryover amounts. So each year in the fall as these amounts become known to the school board, they go back and amend the budget. There always is a balanced amendment - same amount of revenue and same amount of expenditure with no change to the bottom line. It balances the budget out. At this point, there is $382,412 in additional revenue and expenditures that needs to be appropriated in the Grants fund for the schools. William Jones motioned to amend School Grant Fund budget as approved by the School Board on October 11, 2016. Jane Johnson seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Johnson, Jones, Martin G. 2017 Administrative Calendar Consider adoption of the 2017 Administrative Calendar. Jane Johnson motioned the adoption of the 2017 Administrative Calendar. William Jones seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Johnson, Jones, Martin H. Appointment of Vice-Mayor Consider appointment to fill an unexpired term for Vice-Mayor. (Term will end June 30, 2018.) James Martin noted that he wanted to nominate Bill Jones for appointment to the Vice Mayor position. He got to know Mr. Jones through the campaign cycle and saw his energy and how he is working with the citizenry and his grasp of the business the Council is doing. James Martin motioned the appointment of Bill Jones to fill the unexpired term for Vice-Mayor (Term will end June 30, 2018). James Chisom seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Jones, Martin Nays: Johnson 7. Closed Session 8. Adjournment There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.