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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/11/2016 - City Council - Minutes - RegularUNAPPROVED MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 11, 2016 A work session of the Council of the City of Salem, Virginia, was held in the Council Chambers Conference Room, 114 North Broad Street, Salem, Virginia, on January 11, 2016, at 6:30p.m., there being present the following members of said Council, to wit: Byron Randolph Foley, John C. Givens, Jane W. Johnson, William D. Jones (absent), and James L. Chisom; with Byron Randolph Foley, presiding; together with Kevin S. Boggess, City Manager; James E. Taliaferro, II, Assistant City Manager and Clerk of Council (absent); Rosemarie B. Jordan, Director of Finance; Melinda J. Payne, Director of Planning and Economic Development; Benjamin W. Tripp, Planner, and Mary Ellen Wines, Zoning Administrator, 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. Tripp presented the Downtown Plan; and WHEREAS, Ms. Payne presented an economic development update; and WHEREAS, Council was updated on various topics throughout the City. WHEREAS, there were no other topics for discussion. There being no further business to come before the Council, the work session was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. ____________________________________ Mayor _____________________________________ Clerk of Council City Counci l M ee ting Monday, January 11, 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, John C. Givens, Vice-Mayor, Councilmembers: Jane W. Johnson, William D. Jones (absent), and James L. Chisom; Kevin S. Boggess, City Manager; James E. Taliaferro, II, Assistant City Manager and Clerk of Council (absent); Melinda J. Payne, Director of Planning and Economic Development; Rosemarie B. Jordan, Director of Finance; Charles E. Van Allman, Jr., City Engineer; Mike Stevens, Communications Director, Mary Ellen Wines, Zoning Administrator, Benjamin W. Tripp, Planner, 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 of the December 14, 2015, Salem City Council meeting. The work and regular session minutes of December 14, 2015, were hereby accepted. Absent: Jones 5.Old Business A.Vacation of Alley Receive report of viewers and consider ordinance on first reading permanently vacating a certain unimproved 12' alley located off Pyrtle Drive, 150' south of the Kimball Avenue intersection. (Viewers appointed at December 14, 2015, meeting.) The report of viewers was received. The viewers deemed that there would be no inconvenience in regards to closing said alley. It was noted that if approved, half of the alley would be deeded to each adjoining property owner. Vice-Mayor John Givens motioned to approve ordinance on first reading permanently vacating a certain unimproved 12' alley located off Pyrtle Drive, 150' south of the Kimball Avenue intersection. Jane Johnson seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Givens, Johnson Absent: Jones 6.New Business A.Downtown Plan Hold public hearing and consider adoption of Resolution 1276 regarding the Downtown Plan and for amending "The Comprehensive Plan for the City of Salem" to reflect the addition of the Downtown Plan. (Recommended approval, see Page 1 of the Planning Commission minutes.) Mayor Foley opened the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. Mr. Tripp appeared before Council stating that what Council has in their hands is a road map for the future of Downtown Salem. The process to create it began about a year ago, and from the beginning, set out to use a modern comprehensive approach to economic development, one that would be successful because of its collaboration, and decisive in its intent. Last fall, Salem City Council appointed a group of citizens and business owners to an Advisory Committee. Using surveys and stakeholder meetings, staff undertook a community visioning process to determine what kind of downtown residents wanted. The response was overwhelming. Salem residents really care about their downtown. 1,152 unique responses to one of the surveys were received, which was mailed to every single utility billing address in Salem. Overall staff reviewed 3,400 individual comments about downtown, the most of any plan the city has ever done. Staff sorted and cataloged these comments, and aggregated them into ten broad themes of consensus, which make up the body of the plan. Each Theme has Goals and Strategies about how to accomplish it. The first steps in this plan have already been taken. Funding has been set aside for the following strategies from the plan to get started: 1. A sign on Interstate 81, in both directions, identifying the exit for Downtown Salem. (140) 2. Directional Signs throughout downtown indicating to passersby where shopper parking is located. 3. Street Furniture at Library Square, and depending on budget, other city owned property in downtown. 4. Initial Funding for the “No Permit Fee Zone” for downtown. An incentive for locating there. 5. Further retail analysis of the downtown shopping district to identify marketing and customer base. 6. All-Day Tourist Parking available at the Salem Public Library. 7. Promotional Workshops on the use of the Historic Tax Credits available to downtown property owners. 8. Funding for work on Virginia Main Street program activities. Additionally, city staff have submitted two grants, authorized by this body in October, to begin the streetscape improvements laid out in the plan. The picture that is on the cover of the plan gives the best idea of what it would look like. City Staff would like to recognize the artist, Robin Poteat. [applause]. She created this depiction as her contribution to the plan and downtown Salem. She has a studio in Library Square. The first grant is a Revenue Sharing application for 1,000,000 for College Avenue. The other is a Transportation Alternatives application to start on Main Street at Broad, and work East back to College. This is the heart of our downtown, and these two streets have the largest placemaking impact on it. They are both identified as Phase I priorities in the plan. Lastly, staff have been working with business owners to organize an association of downtown businesses and institutions, to work towards the betterment of Downtown Salem. The City cannot do this alone, but by working together in a coordinated manner, can affect the improvements all wish to see. Downtown is the heart of Salem. It represents the City's identity, not just to the citizens, but also to the region. By working together the City can build on the idea of what Salem means. Downtown can be used to propel the City's identity into the future. Commitment to building the kind of downtown that the community deserves is what is needed. City staff also recognized members of the Downtown Plan Committee [applause]. Having no further speakers, Mayor Foley closed the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. Councilwoman Johnson stated that having served on this committee she wanted to thank everyone for the amount of time and devotion that was put into this plan. It is very clear that there are a lot of people that deeply care about Salem. The level of participation was fantastic. She further thanked staff for putting together a beautiful plan. As a business owner in downtown she is very excited to see this in writing and to know that wonderful things are coming. Vice-Mayor Givens additionally thanked everyone involved and he hoped that everyone realizes that this is an ongoing project and will take time to complete. Councilwoman Johnson stated that she hoped this will encourage some entrepreneurship with the young people in our downtown as well, with the close proximity of Roanoke College. Ms. Payne stated that a letter was received from former Councilwoman Lisa Garst. It read as follows: Congratulations on the completion of your Downtown Plan for the City of Salem. This tremendous effort over the past 18 months has resulted in a plan which aligns with many of the strategies outlined in the region’s Partnership for a Livable Roanoke Valley Plan, which Salem City Council adopted on October, 13, 2014 via Resolution 1258. As an agency of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, The Partnership for a Livable Roanoke Valley supports the City of Salem’s Downtown Plan based on the following: ? Salem’s overall themes of Character and History are in alignment with our Livability Principles to “embrace both our traditions and new innovations to create economic vitality” and “bringing people together for a sense of community.” The following goals of Salem’s Downtown Plan are also in alignment with PLRV’s strategic goals: 1. SALEM’S GOALS (listed below) are in alignment with PLRV’s Plan Actions C.1, C.2, C.3 and C.4 related to “cultivating and marketing outdoor and cultural amenities…making the Roanoke Valley the most desirable place in Virginia to Live, Work and Play.” a. Hold More Events and Activities in Downtown b. Continue to Explore Options for a Hotel and Other Accommodations Downtown c. Create Places for People to Congregate d. Create a more “Village-Like” Atmosphere e. Promote Downtown f. Increase the Visibility of Downtown to Visitor’s and Participants of Sporting Events, Festivals, and Other Special Events REGIONAL commission 2. SALEM’S GOALS (listed below) are in alignment with PLRV’s Plan Action B.2 “Develop a marketing strategy to encourage alumni of our region’s colleges and universities to return to the area to visit, live or start a business:” a. Target a Younger Audience b. Create Activities for Young Adults c. Target Roanoke College Students with Programming and Events d. Work with “Cool” Businesses and Other Partners for On-Trend Experiences e. Consider Millennials and Youth When Creating a “Look” for Downtown 3. SALEM’S GOALS (listed below) are in alignment with PLRV’s Plan Action I.2 “Incentivize infill and redevelopment of existing commercial sites, brownfields, and greyfields, to protect our scenic beauty while also expanding economic opportunities:” a. Increase Financial Assistance to Businesses in Downtown b. Help Businesses Improve the Look of their Buildings c. Create Incentives for Rehabilitation, Renovation, and Adding Character a. Allow new residential construction on Clay Street and Calhoun Street, above first-floor commercial, to help to alleviate the problem of most buildings in downtown fronting on Main Street 4. SALEM’S GOALS (listed below) are in alignment with PLRV’s Plan Action K.2 “Increase the number of on and off-street bike trails, greenways, miles of sidewalks, bus routes and stops, and programs of ridesharing, vanpooling and carpooling:” a. Encourage Alternative Transportation b. Improve Transit Access in Downtown c. Emphasize Walkability and Connectivity We wish the City of Salem every success as you embark on this ambitious effort to improve livability for all of the residents of our region and we look forward to working with you to implement our shared goals and strategies. Sincerely, Lisa D. Garst, Director, Partnership for a Livable Roanoke Valley Mayor Foley thanked everyone involved with the creation of this plan. It was a monumental task and hopefully most if not all of the proposed ideas will come to fruition. Jane Johnson motioned to adopt Resolution 1276 regarding the Downtown Plan and for amending "The Comprehensive Plan for the City of Salem" to reflect the addition of the Downtown Plan. Vice-Mayor John Givens seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Givens, Johnson Absent: Jones B.Zoning Ordinance Amendment Hold public hearing and consider ordinance on first reading to enact and amend Chapter 106, Article II District Regulations, Sections 106-210.2(A)(5), 106- 210.3(B)(1), 106-212.2 (B)(5), 106-212.3(B)(1), 106-218.2(B)(6), 106-218.3(C)(1), 106-218.3(C)(2), 106-220.2(B)(6), and 106-220.3(C)(1), 106-220.3(C)(2), Article III Use and Design Standards, Sections 106-310.19, 106-312.3, Article IV Development Standards, Sections 106-404.17(E) and 106-404.17(F), Article VI Definitions and Use Types, Sections 106-602.9, and 106-602.11, pertaining to breweries and microbreweries, site development regulations, and definitions. (Advertised in the December 24, and 31, 2015, issues of the Salem Times Register. Recommended approval, see Page 6 of the Planning Commission minutes.) Mayor Foley opened the public hearing at 7:44 p.m. Mrs. Wines appeared before Council stating that the changes Council has before them are a collection of amendments from City Staff over the last couple of years. As a result of the Use Not Provided For permit for Parkway Brewery and as part of the Downtown Plan it is proposed that the Microbrewery use be added to the Downtown Business District and the Transitional Business District with Microbreweries being defined as an establishment engaged in the production of beer with a significant commercial component, such as a restaurant or retail store. Also, the Brewery use be added to the Light Manufacturing District and Heavy Manufacturing District with Brewery being defined as an establishment primarily engaged in the production of beer for distribution. Continuing with the downtown changes the front yard setback in both Downtown Business District and Transitional Business District will be amended to a zero setback with the exception of twenty feet if using for patio-style outdoor dining. An increase to the height restrictions in theLight and Heavy Industrial Districts is proposed. The current maximum height of forty-five feet is limiting and a determent to industrial expansion so a new maximum of seventy feet is proposed. Finally, the addition of the Athletic Instruction Services definition. It was inadvertently left off of the original ordinance that was approved and in order to amend the actual City Code this definition must be included and approved. Mr. James Martin of 720 Doyle Street appeared before Council inquiring if there was any specific businesses lined up or if the changes were for any specific business opportunities within the City. Mr. Boggess replied that the changes were being made primarily for business development opportunities. Generally it has been a request or some interest in a specific location, so rather than the City not being prepared for such a request, this is an effort to get ahead of the possibilities as well as some corrections. Mr. Martin stated that in observation of the moving parts with the plan and the zoning changes it sounds like there really is some coordination to put the pieces in place to jump-start some of this development activity. Having no further speakers, Mayor Foley closed the public hearing at 7:50 p.m. Mayor Foley further clarified that these changes are in anticipation of some things that may be hindrances and there will be others moving forward to encourage economic development. Vice-Mayor John Givens motioned to approve ordinance on first reading to enact and amend Chapter 106, Article II District Regulations, Sections 106-210.2(A)(5), 106-210.3(B)(1), 106-212.2 (B)(5), 106-212.3(B)(1), 106-218.2(B)(6), 106-218.3(C) (1), 106-218.3(C)(2), 106-220.2(B) (6), and 106-220.3(C)(1), 106-220.3(C)(2), Article III Use and Design Standards, Sections 106-310.19, 106-312.3, Article IV Development Standards, Sections 106-404.17(E) and 106- 04.17(F), Article VI Definitions and Use Types, Sections 106-602.9, and 106-602.11, pertaining to breweries and microbreweries, site development regulations, and definitions. Jim Chisom seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Givens, Johnson Absent: Jones C.Voting Precinct Hold public hearing and consider ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 26, Article II, Section 26-38(b), of THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, regarding Precinct A or Conehurst precinct. (Advertised in the December 28, 2015, and January 4, 2016, issues of The Roanoke Times.) Mayor Foley opened the public hearing at 7:52 p.m. Mr. Boggess explained that the current Conehurst precinct was housed at Lakeside Baptist Church and they no longer wish to host so they asked the City to consider moving the precinct to another location. It does fall within the sphere of the Civic Center. There will be a total of five precincts voting at the Civic Center. There will be another parlor set aside on election day. The Community Room can be separated into three rooms and there are two parlors being utilized. Each voting district precinct must have separate room which is one of the reasons it is not held in the arena. There has been some interest in changing the code to allow that so that ultimately even more precincts can utilize the Civic Center. Mayor Foley inquired if this was applicable to all levels of elections. Mr. Boggess replied yes, that every local, primary, etc. this location would apply. New voter registration cards will be mailed so every registered voter in this district would be notified prior to the March primary. Having no further speakers, Mayor Foley closed the public hearing at 7:54 p.m. Vice-Mayor John Givens motioned to approve ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 26, Article II, Section 26-38(b), of THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, regarding Precinct A or Conehurst precinct. Jane Johnson seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Givens, Johnson Absent: Jones D.Conv eyance of Property Hold public hearing to consider the conveyance of City of Salem real property designated as a 0.13405 acre tract located at 3733 Ellen Drive, Tax Map 055.10- 03-47.00-0000, in the County of Roanoke. (Advertised in the January 4, 2016, issue of The Roanoke Times.) Mr. Boggess stated that this is property in Roanoke County. It is property that was acquired by the City many years ago when the City acquired a water system. Part of that water system was located on this property. That system has long since been abandoned. The City has looked at the property and have found no need for the City to retain this residential piece of property in Roanoke County. Staff suggests, if Council so desires, to approve the sale of this property and direct the City Manager to receive sealed bids on this property. Council may choose to place a reserve sale amount as well. Mayor Foley opened the public hearing at 7:56 p.m. Having no speakers, Mayor Foley closed the public hearing at 7:56 p.m. Vice-Mayor Givens inquired as to the assessment of the property. Mr. Boggess replied that his suggestion would be to take the Roanoke County assessment which was $11,700 and that would be the reserve price. If all the bids came in under that amount then the property would not be sold and staff would look into other methods of sale. Vice-Mayor suggested $15,000. Mayor Foley asked Legal Counsel if the reserve amount had to be stated in the motion. Mr. Yost stated yes if Council wanted to hold City Administration to that reserve price. Vice-Mayor John Givens motioned to approve the conveyance of City of Salem real property designated as a 0.13405 acre tract located at 3733 Ellen Drive, Tax Map 055.10-03-47.00-0000, by sealed bid, with reserve of $15,000 in the County of Roanoke. Jim Chisom seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Givens, Johnson Absent: Jones E.Mason Creek Greenway Consider awarding a contract for design of a portion of the Mason Creek Greenway. (Audit-Finance Committee) Vice-Mayor Givens stated that the Committee reviewed the proposal for the Mason Creek (GE) Greenway design and possible preliminary work on the portion between East Main Street and the southern end of the Hanging Rock Trail. The estimated cost to design and build the .45 mile trail is $900,000. There is a proposed contract with Anderson and Associates to design the trail segment for $122,540. The City has $344,000 in funding remaining from the Mason Creek Greenway and other funds for this project. This Committee recommended approval of the contract with Anderson and Associates to design the trail segment for $122,540. Mr. Boggess added that the $122,540 for a $900,000 project is a relatively high engineering cost but it is because of the unique location and the number of utilities that are located within that. It is an incredibly difficult half mile section, but there is justification for a fairly high engineering cost. Mayor Foley asked if in turn does that drive up the building cost as well, if the $900,000 is a low estimate. Mr. Van Allman replied that it is a moderate level of expectation. Vice-Mayor Givens indicated that visited the site and noticed that from Main Street north for about a quarter of a mile, Kessler Mill is wider. He inquired if it would be possible to use part of that street for the walking trail. Mr. Van Allman replied that it is required to have a clear zone between traffic and pedestrians and that usually involves a guard rail system. That is not a choice the City likes to make. The other issue is drainage. The drainage is very problematic and further towards the right-of-way is utility issues. Vice-Mayor John Givens motioned to award contract for the design of a portion of the Mason Creek Greenway to Anderson and Associates for $122,540. Jane Johnson seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Givens, Johnson Absent: Jones F.Berglund Ford Consider setting bond for erosion and sediment control measures and landscaping for the Berglund Ford Expansion project. (Audit-Finance Committee) Vice-Mayor Givens stated that the Committee reviewed the estimate for erosion and sediment control measures and landscaping for the Berglund Ford Mazda project. This Committee concurs with the Engineering Department’s recommendation that bond be set in the amount of $6,040.00 with a time limit of twelve (12) months for completion. He explained that the showroom and parts/service office will be combined into a larger showroom area. Vice-Mayor John Givens motioned to set bond for erosion and sediment control measures and landscaping for the Berglund Ford Expansion project in the amount of $6,040.00 for a time frame of completion set at twelve (12) months. Jim Chisom seconded the motion. Ayes: Chisom, Foley, Givens, Johnson Absent: Jones 7.Closed Session 8.Adjournment Meeting adjourned 8:02 p.m.