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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/10/2008 - City Council - Minutes - Regular March 10, 2008 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Salem, Virginia, was held in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 114 North Broad Street, on March 10, 2008, at 7:30 p.m., there being present the following members of said Council, to wit: Howard C. Packett, John C. Givens, Jane W. Johnson, and John Christopher Clemens (Byron R. Foley – absent); with Howard C. Packett, Mayor, presiding; together with Kevin S. Boggess, City Manager; James E. Taliaferro, II, Assistant City Manager and Clerk of Council; Frank P. Turk, Director of Finance; Melinda J. Payne, Director of Planning and Economic Development; William L. Simpson, Jr., Assistant City Engineer; and Stephen M. Yost, City Attorney; and the following business was transacted: The minutes of the regular meeting of February 25, 2008, were approved as written. It was noted that Lt. Gary Franklin, Salem Fire and EMS Department; Patty Poage, Finance Department; Maureen Harrill, Library; Shatonna Stores, Treasurer’s Office; and Charles Wilkins, Salem Fire and EMS Department were present at this meeting of Council as part of the City’s Leadership Development Program. Mayor Packett requested that Council receive a presentation from Phillip F. Sparks, Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership, regarding the 2007 Report of Economic Development; and WHEREAS, Phillip F. Sparks, Assistant Director for Business Development, Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership, along with Beth Doughty, appeared before the Council to share the Partnership’s Activity Report for 2007; he stated that the RVEDP staff toured the City of Salem during the first quarter of 2007 with the Planning and Economic Develop staff for an update on sites, buildings, and regional infrastructure; he further stated that a labor analysis was undertaken to determine the availability of skilled labor sets within the Salem ITEM 1 PRESENTATION FROM PHILLIP F. SPARKS, ROANOKE VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP REGARDING 2007 REPORT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2 and regional labor market with the information obtained from the analysis being used to target industries in marketing efforts; Mr. Sparks stated that the Partnership had a total of 218 inquiries, 81 suspects (qualified leads), opened 20 new prospect files, and had 109 prospect events or visits in 2007; he further stated that there were seven (7) prospect visits in Salem, which ties with Alleghany County for the third highest number of visits among eight localities; there was one local expansion—Liberty Medical, which created 50 new jobs with an investment between $1 and $2 million dollars; he thanked Melinda Payne and her staff for their help with this expansion; he further stated that the Salem business park had 25 search “hits” on Fast Facility’s website, which is hosted by Area Development magazine; he further stated that Melinda Payne and her staff are a tremendous asset to the work the RVEDP does in Salem, whether it’s providing information for a prospect or updating the website building data; he stated that the Planning Department provides accurate and timely information to the partnership; Mr. Sparks stated that the RVEDP raised $6.9 million in 2007 in a fund raising effort to fund promotion over the next five years; he stated that the eight governments pledged $3.25 million and the business community committed to $3.52 million; he stated that the Wachovia Economic Group from Charlotte, NC, indicates that the viability of the economic expansion will greatly depend on how well the consumer and businesses navigate through four major headwinds: the housing slump, energy costs, a tightening credit environment, and a weakening job market; according to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership research department, the tightening credit environment coupled with rising energy costs has slowed inquiries; however, interest continues from well-capitalized companies, international companies, and companies with a presence in the commonwealth with facilities in other states wanting to downsize and consolidate some of its operations; he further stated that large service industries (i.e. warehousing and distribution operations) are in a 3 downward trend and the VEDP expects the trend to continue in the future; he stated that the RVEDP will continue to work to bring businesses to the area and to identify opportunities; Mr. Sparks stated that Beth Doughty rejoined the RVEDP this month as Executive Director and will be overseeing the expanded program of work that the RVEDP will undertake due to the successful fundraising campaign and he will continue to focus on traditional business recruitment; and WHEREAS, Beth Doughty appeared before the Council to go over the RVEDP plans for the future; she stated that 2007 was a tough year for economic development; she further stated that the world is changing and now is an opportunity for regions that want to be successful to take a fresh look at development strategies, etc. and how they fit in today’s world; she stated the RVEDP will undergo a transformation to ensure that the RVEDP is still on the “cutting edge” in economic development; she stated that the main focus of the RVEDP will still be on recruitment, but it will also focus on being more efficient, more effective, and more technologically advanced; she went on to explain the changes planned on how the RVEDP will try to market the region; she thanked Council for its support of the RVEDP; THEREUPON, said presentation was received. Mayor Packett reported that Council at its regular meeting held on January 28, 2008, set this date, place, and time for a public hearing in accordance with Section 98-94 of The Code of the City of Salem, Virginia, to consider the issuance of Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for the next twelve (12) months beginning April 1, 2008; and WHEREAS, the Clerk of Council reported that notice of such public hearing was published in the February 28, 2008, issue of The Salem Times- Register, a newspaper published and having general circulation in the City of Salem; and ITEM 2 CERTIFICATES OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY FOR PUBLIC VEHICLES (TAXICABS) ISSUED TO QUALITY TRANSPORTATION COMPANY, INC.; AND YELLOW CAB SERVICES, INC. 4 WHEREAS, Mayor Packett reported that the following applications have been received by Council for issuance of Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for public vehicles: Quality Transportation Company, Inc. for five (5) public vehicles; and Yellow Cab Services of Roanoke, Inc. for forty (40) public vehicles; and WHEREAS, it was noted that the Salem Police Department reported that the two applicants for said certificates are of good character, they conduct their businesses in a satisfactory manner, and the applicants have proper insurance coverage for said vehicles; and WHEREAS, no person(s) appeared in opposition to said request; ON MOTION MADE BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENS, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS AND DULY CARRIED, Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for the operation of public vehicles (taxicabs) within the City of Salem are hereby issued to the following for the year beginning April 1, 2008: Quality Transportation Company, Inc. for five (5) public vehicles; and Yellow Cab Services of Roanoke, Inc. for forty (40) public vehicles -- the roll call vote: all present – aye. Mayor Packett reported that Council at its February 25, 2008, meeting continued an ordinance amending Chapter 106, Article II District Regulations, Section 106-202.3(A) of The Code of the City of Salem, Virginia, pertaining to establishing a minimum lot width in RSF Residential Single Family District; and WHEREAS, Councilman Clemens thanked staff for reviewing the changes and discussing the proposed changes with citizens; and WHEREAS, Mark Henrickson, 729 Virginia Avenue, appeared before the Council and stated that he had a meeting with staff this week; he stated that the meeting was very informative; he further stated that he feels the changes could be “tweaked” a little more, but he supports the proposed changes; and ITEM 3 ORDINANCE PASSED ON FIRST READING AMENDING CHAPTER 106, ARTICLE II DISTRICT REGULATIONS, SECTION 106- 202.3(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM LOT WIDTH IN RSF 5 WHEREAS, Vice Mayor Givens thanked Mr. Henrickson for his remarks at the last council meeting, and thanked staff for meeting with Mr. Henrickson regarding the proposed changes; and WHEREAS, Mr. Henrickson stated that he represents the Roanoke Regional Homebuilders and going forward, he would like for the builders and developers to continue to have an opportunity to meet with City staff so that the staff can see the builders’ and developers’ perspective; WHEREAS, no other person(s) appeared related to said request; ON MOTION MADE BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENS, AND DULY CARRIED, an ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REVISE, AND REORDAIN CHAPTER 106, ARTICLE II DISTRICT REGULATIONS, SECTION 106-202.3(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM LOT WIDTH IN RSF RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY DISTRICT ZONING,” was hereby passed on first reading -- the roll call vote: all present – aye. Mayor Packett reported that Council at its February 25, 2008, meeting continued an ordinance amending Chapter 106, Article II District Regulations, Section 106-204.3(A) of The Code of the City of Salem, Virginia, pertaining to establishing a minimum lot width in RMF Residential Multi-Family District; ON MOTION MADE BY COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENS, AND DULY CARRIED, an ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REVISE, AND REORDAIN CHAPTER 106, ARTICLE II DISTRICT REGULATIONS, SECTION 106-204.3(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM LOT WIDTH IN RMF RESIDENTIAL MULTI-FAMILY DISTRICT ZONING,” was hereby passed on first reading -- the roll call vote: all present – aye. ITEM 4 ORDINANCE PASSED ON FIRST READING AMENDING CHAPTER 106, ARTICLE II DISTRICT REGULATIONS, SECTION 106- 204.3(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM LOT WIDTH IN RMF 6 Mayor Packett reported that Council at its regular meeting held on February 25, 2008, passed an ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 106, Article II District Regulations, Section 106-210.2(A); Article III Use and Design Standards, Section 106-314.2; and Article VI Definitions and Use Types, Section 106-602.13 of The Code of the City of Salem, Virginia, pertaining to allowing mixed-use structures in DBD – Downtown Business District zoning; ON MOTION MADE BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AND DULY CARRIED, the following ordinance was duly passed and adopted on second reading: (HERE SET OUT ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106, ARTICLE II DISTRICT REGULATIONS, SECTION 106-210.2(A); ARTICLE III USE AND DESIGN STANDARDS, SECTION 106-314.2; AND ARTICLE VI DEFINITIONS AND USE TYPES, SECTION 106-602.13 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO ALLOWING MIXED-USE STRUCTURES IN DBD) -- the roll call vote: all present – aye. Mayor Packett reported that Council at its regular meeting held on February 25, 2008, passed an ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 106, Article IV Development Standards, Section 106-402.13(A) of The Code of the City of Salem, Virginia, pertaining to interior landscaping standards for parking lots; ON MOTION MADE BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AND DULY CARRIED, the following ordinance was duly passed and adopted on second reading: (HERE SET OUT ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106, ARTICLE IV DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 106-402.13(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO INTERIOR LANDSCAPING STANDARDS FOR PARKING LOTS) -- the roll call vote: all present – aye. ITEM 5 ORDINANCE ADOPTED AMENDING CHAPTER 106, ARTICLE II DISTRICT REGULATIONS, SECTION 106- 210.2(A); ARTICLE III USE AND DESIGN STANDARDS, SECTION 106- 314.2; AND ARTICLE VI DEFINITION AND USE TYPES, SECTION 106- 602.13 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA , PERTAINING TO ALLOWING MIXED USE STRUCTURES IN DBD ITEM 6 ORDINANCE ADOPTED AMENDING CHAPTER 106, ARTICLE IV DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 106- 402.13(A) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO INTERIOR LANDSCAPING STANDARDS FOR PARKING LOTS 7 Mayor Packett reported that Council at its regular meeting held on February 25, 2008, passed an ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 106, Article IV Development Standards, Section 106-400.9(F) AND (G) of The Code of the City of Salem, Virginia, pertaining to minimum standards and improvements required; ON MOTION MADE BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AND DULY CARRIED, the following ordinance was duly passed and adopted on second reading: (HERE SET OUT ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106, ARTICLE IV DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 106-400.9(F) AND (G) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO MINIMUM STANDARDS AND IMPROVEMENTS REQUIRED) -- the roll call vote: all present – aye. Mayor Packett reported that Council at its regular meeting held on February 25, 2008, passed an ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 78, Article VI Requirements for Design Standards and Public Improvements, Section 78-636 of The Code of the City of Salem, Virginia, pertaining to storm water management; ON MOTION MADE BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AND DULY CARRIED, the following ordinance was duly passed and adopted on second reading: (HERE SET OUT ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 78, ARTICLE VI REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN STANDARDS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, SECTION 78-636 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO STORM WATER MANAGEMENT) -- the roll call vote: all present – aye. Mayor Packett reported that Council at its regular meeting held on February 25, 2008, passed an ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 78, ITEM 7 ORDINANCE ADOPTED AMENDING CHAPTER 106, ARTICLE IV DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 106- 400.9(F) & (G) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO MINIMUM STANDARDS AND IMPROVEMENTS REQUIRED ITEM 8 ORDINANCE ADOPTED AMENDING CHAPTER 78, ARTICLE VI REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN STANDARDS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, SECTION 78-636 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO STORM WATER MANAGEMENT ITEM 9 ORDINANCE ADOPTED AMENDING CHAPTER 78, ARTICLE VI REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN STANDARDS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, SECTION 78-607 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO LOT ORIENTATION 8 Article VI Requirements for Design Standards and Public Improvements, Section 78-607 of The Code of the City of Salem, Virginia, pertaining to lot orientation; ON MOTION MADE BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AND DULY CARRIED, the following ordinance was duly passed and adopted on second reading: (HERE SET OUT ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 78, ARTICLE VI REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN STANDARDS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, SECTION 78-607 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO LOT ORIENTATION) -- the roll call vote: all present – aye. Mayor Packett reported that Council at its regular meeting held on February 25, 2008, passed an ordinance on first reading amending Chapter 78, Article VI Requirements for Design Standards and Public Improvements, Section 78-600 of The Code of the City of Salem, Virginia, pertaining to suitability of land for subdivision; ON MOTION MADE BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AND DULY CARRIED, the following ordinance was duly passed and adopted on second reading: (HERE SET OUT ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 78, ARTICLE VI REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN STANDARDS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, SECTION 78-600 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO SUITABILITY OF LAND FOR SUBDIVISION) -- the roll call vote: all present – aye. Mayor Packett requested that Council consider setting bond for physical improvements and erosion and sediment control for The Enterprise Center – Phase II at The St. John Place; and WHEREAS, Vice Mayor Givens, Chairman of Council’s Audit-Finance Committee, reported that the Committee reviewed the performance bond for ITEM 10 ORDINANCE ADOPTED AMENDING CHAPTER 78, ARTICLE VI REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN STANDARDS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, SECTION 78-600 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, PERTAINING TO SUITABILITY OF LAND FOR SUBDIVISION ITEM 11 BOND AND TIME LIMIT SET FOR PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS AND EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL FOR THE ENTERPRISE CENTER – PHASE II OF THE ST. JOHN PLACE 9 physical improvements and erosion and sediment control for The Enterprise Center – Phase II at The St. John Place and recommends bond be set at $9,592 with a time limit of twelve (12) months for completion; ON MOTION MADE BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AND DULY CARRIED, the performance bond for physical improvements and erosion and sediment control for The Enterprise Center – Phase II at The St. John Place was hereby set at $9,592 with a time limit of twelve (12) months for completion -- the roll call vote: all present – aye. Mayor Packett requested that Council consider appointments to fill vacancies on various boards and commissions; ON MOTION MADE BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENS, AND DULY CARRIED, David E. Derr was hereby reappointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a five-year term, said term will expire March 30, 2013 -- the roll call vote: all present - aye. Mayor Packett requested that Council consider a contract for the sale of property located at 758 Roanoke Street, Tax Map #142 -1-2.1, and a portion of the property located at 756 Roanoke Street, Tax Map #142 -4-1; and WHEREAS, the City Attorney stated that a public hearing was held related to the sale of the property at Council’s January 8, 2007, meeting; he further stated that this is a contract to sell a 0.844-acre parcel to Wilkinson Development Corporation for a cash consideration of $275,000 with closing to be held on or before June 30, 2008; he further stated that there is a repurchase option in the contract that states if the development does not take place, the City can purchase the property back for the same amount of money if the development has not been completed within two years; and ITEM 12 DAVID E. DERR REAPPOINTED TO THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS S1 CONTRACT APPROVED FOR THE SALE OF A 0.844-ACRE PARCEL OF CITY- OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 758 ROANOKE STREET (TAX MAP #142-1- 2.1) AND A PORTION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 756 ROANOKE STREET (TAX Map #142-4- 1) TO WILKINSON DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $275,000 10 WHEREAS, Andy Taliaferro questioned the location of the property; and WHEREAS, Vice Mayor Givens stated that the property is located at the corner where Spring Street joins Roanoke Street; ON MOTION MADE BY VICE MAYOR GIVENS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CLEMENS, AND DULY CARRIED, the contract with Wilkinson Development Corporation for the purchase of a 0.844-acre parcel of City-owned property located at 758 Roanoke Street (Tax Map # 142-1-2.1) and a portion of the property located at 756 Roanoke Street (Tax Map #142 -4-1) in the amount of $275,000 was hereby approved -- the roll call vote: all - aye. There being no further business to come before the Council, the same on motion adjourned at 7:59 p.m.