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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/13/2021 - City Council - Minutes - RegularCity Council Meeting MINUTES Monday, September 13, 2021, 6:30 PM There will be no Work Session for the September 13, 2021 meeting. WORK SESSION A. No Work Session REGULAR SESSION 1. Call to Order A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Salem, Virginia was called to order at 6:30 p.m., there being present the following members to wit: Renée Ferris Turk, Mayor; James W. Wallace, III, Vice-Mayor; Council members: Byron Randolph Foley, William D. Jones (Mr. Jones had notified Staff that he would be late and arrived at 6:55 p.m.), and John Saunders; with Renée Ferris Turk, Mayor, presiding together with James E. Taliaferro, II, City Manager; Rob Light, Assistant City Manager and Clerk of Council; Rosemarie B. Jordan, Director of Finance; Chuck Van Allman, Director of Community Development; Mike Stevens, Director of Communications; and Jim Guynn, City Attorney. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Bid Openings, Awards, Recognitions Mayor Turk mentioned as a recognition that the Salem Kiwanis Club is celebrating the one hundredth year of service to the City of Salem and that she will be presenting a proclamation to them tomorrow. She expressed appreciation to anyone involved with this organization for their service to the community. 4. Consent Agenda A. Citizen Comments Comments from the public, limited to five minutes, on matters not already having a public hearing component that same meeting. The following have signed up to speak at this meeting: (1) John Breen, 142 Bogey Lane, Salem, VA 24153 (2) Tommy Faigle, 100 Kimball Avenue, Salem, VA 24153 1) John Breen, 142 Bogey Lane, appeared before Council. He expressed the need for Code changes and suggested that a committee be formed in which each Council member appoints two citizens with a goal to suggest areas that should be addressed and what changes would be preferred. He further recommended charging the Committee with ninety days to make its report to Council. 2) Tommy Faigle, 100 Kimball Avenue - Mr. Faigle notified the Deputy Clerk of Council that he would not be able to speak at the meeting after the agenda had been released. B. Minutes Consider acceptance of the minutes for the August 23, 2021, Work Session and Regular Meeting minutes and the September 2, 2021, Special Meeting minutes. The August 23, 2021, Work Session and Regular Meeting minutes and the September 2, 2021, Special Meeting minutes were approved as written. 5. Old Business A. Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance Consider ordinance on second reading for rezoning a portion of the property of Layman Candy Company, Inc., contract purchasers, and Lewis-Gale Medical Center, LLC, property owner, located at 2105 Apperson Drive (Tax Map # 281-1-2) from BCD Business Commerce District to LM Light Manufacturing District. (Approved on first reading at the August 23, 2021, meeting.) Randy Foley motioned to adopt ordinance on second reading for rezoning a portion of the property of Layman Candy Company, Inc., contract purchasers, and Lewis-Gale Medical Center, LLC, property owner, located at 2105 Apperson Drive (Tax Map #281-1-2) from BCD Business Commerce District to LM Light Manufacturing District. John Saunders seconded the motion. Ayes: Foley, Saunders, Turk, Wallace Absent: Jones B. Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance Consider ordinance on second reading for rezoning a portion of the property of Roanoke College Trustees, property owner, located at 232 North Broad Street (Tax Map # 87- 7-7), from CUD College and University District to RSF Residential Single-Family District. (Approved on first reading at the August 23, 2021 meeting.) John Saunders motioned to adopt ordinance on second reading for rezoning a portion of the property of Roanoke College Trustees, property owner, located at 232 North Broad Street (Tax Map #87-7-7), from CUD College and University District to RSF Residential Single-Family District. Randy Foley seconded the motion. Ayes: Foley, Saunders, Turk, Wallace Absent: Jones 6. New Business A. Salem City School Board Hold a public hearing and receive views of citizens and candidates regarding the appointment to fill the expiring terms for Nancy Bradley and Teresa Sizemore-Hernandez (as advertised in the September 2, 2021, issue of the Salem-Times Register.) Mayor Turk opened the public hearing. Nancy Bradley, 700 Beech Road, addressed Council first. She thanked City Council for the opportunity to serve on the Salem City School Board and stated that it had been an honor and a privilege to serve her community in this capacity. She acknowledged the deep sense of loss that was felt without the presence of Dr. Michael Chiglinsky and the support that she felt from him in the past. She thanked Council for the appointment of Teresa Sizemore-Hernandez to fill the unfinished term of Dr. Chiglinksy and commented that in a short period of time, and with a steep learning curve, she had become an integral and welcome member of the School Board. Dr. Bradley specifically cited her professional knowledge and parent perspective as assets in planning for in person learning, accepting the retirement of Dr. Alan Seibert, and the appointment of Dr. Curtis Hicks to the position of Division Superintendent. She continued to talk about the challenges that had been faced due to COVID over the past eighteen months and the accomplishments and successes that had occurred during this time. She stated how her background qualified her to serve on the School Board and asked Council for the opportunity to continue to serve in this capacity. Alisa Burns, 2177 River Oaks Drive, spoke next on behalf of Dr. Nancy Bradley. She stated that she has served as a math teacher and tutor and is currently serving as one of the instructional coaches working with secondary students in grades six through twelve in support of students. She also is a parent of two students that attend West Salem. Ms. Burns stated that the perspective of Nancy Bradley as a parent and as an educator is invaluable to our School Board. She has known Dr. Bradley for about twenty years in the community but has gotten to know her better as she taught two of her three children. She pointed out that they took different paths through school and how this contributes to her perspectives. Dr. Bradley is a former teacher, a teacher of teachers, and a parent of a teacher. She believes that Dr. Bradley's experiences and perspective are especially valuable as we work to close social and academic gaps. Judith Painter, 1671 Kings Mill Drive, stated that she has been an eighth-grade teacher at Andrew Lewis for fifteen years. She has been in four different school districts over the past thirty years. She stated that it was wonderful to work under the leadership of Dr. Chiglinsky and Dr. Bradley as they felt that they were there to listen to the teachers. she commented that she taught all three of Nancy's children; therefore, she knew her as a parent in the schools. She said that Nancy is a lifelong educator and she mentioned experiences with her in her capacity of working with pre-service teachers and the importance of supporting new educators. Ms. Painter stated that Dr. Bradley embodies the spirit of the Salem education system of "a great education for all." She recommended that City Council select Nancy Bradley for the School Board. Deirdre Stevens, 528 Academy Street, was the fourth speaker to address Council on behalf of Nancy Bradley. She stated that she is a healthcare worker. She has known Nancy Bradley as a friend for sixteen years and stated that she felt the greatest gift Dr. Bradley has been that she is a great referee, a great mediator, and a great listener. She also shared that the importance of listening and not making decisions right away were assets that she contributes. She remarked that the choice of Curtis Hicks for superintendent was a good one. Pastor Hilton Jeffreys, 2125 Stone Mill Drive, appeared before Council. He shared that he has been here in the community for about fourteen years as a Pastor and has known Teresa Sizemore-Hernandez for about thirteen years. He said that Teresa is a very strong supporter of her community and schools. He met her when she was a PTA president at South Salem. Through her leadership she has helped to facilitate provision of bookbags, school supplies, and shoes for several of the Salem schools to struggling families. He admires that Teresa cares about the kids and the wellbeing of Salem. He commented that Teresa will be one of the few candidates that will always put the kids first. Teresa Sizemore-Hernandez, 309 Orchard Street, was the next speaker to address Council. She thanked Mayor Turk and Council for allowing her to speak again. She stated that they know her, and she is available to answer questions later. She thanked Council for the opportunity to serve out the remainder of Dr. Chiglinsky's term. She commented on the challenges that have been faced by the School Board during her first two months and what a strong, supportive group that the School Board is and how nice it is to see that this is a group that works together and considers all sides. She mentioned how busy and informative her first three months have been, but that it has confirmed for her that she is where she wants to be. Ms. Sizemore-Hernandez requested that Council appoint her again for a full term so that she can continue to serve and make a positive impact. She feels that with the loss of Dr. Chiglinsky and his wife and is also in the middle of a transition to a new superintendent and now is not the time for a lot of changes. Reappointing her as well as Dr. Bradley will give the Board the opportunity to continue working together through this pivotal transition time. As the only Board member that is a parent of a current City of Salem school student, she is very well connected with the parents and teachers in Salem. She also commented that because of the different perspectives she has with her own children that has a lot to offer on the vocational side. She commented on how the demographics in Salem are changing and becoming much more diverse. Her current position has given her experience in working with diverse groups of people. Macel Janoschka, 200 Bentwood Court, began by thanking the teachers that were present for all that they had done during COVID. She also thanked Dr. Hicks and Dr. Seibert for returning the students to school. She asked that Council reappoint Teresa Sizemore-Hernandez to the School Board for a full term and stated that Teresa has proven that she is committed to the school system. Ms. Janoschka remarked that Teresa is not afraid to ask questions when she needs clarification, and she has taken the time to meet with Central Office employees to learn more about how the schools operate. She has a big heart and is the epitome of a servant leader. She commented that we need more servant leaders, and that Teresa has not dropped other commitments but is continuing to balance being on the School Board with a full-time professional job, serving as chairman for carnival at South Salem and other roles and obligations. She also spoke in support of Nancy Bradley and remarked that she is a huge asset and a tremendous resource for the School Board. Julie Parsons, 1104 Christy Circle, was the last speaker to address Council. She expressed her interest in serving on the Salem School Board and feels that she would bring a different perspective. She shared that she is a former Salem School employee and would bring knowledge of the Salem School system, she has children in the Salem School system, is well connected with the citizens of Salem, and is currently an employee of TAP as a crisis support specialist. Ms. Parsons spoke of ways in which her career experience connects with the school system and that this experience as well as her former time working for the school system would allow her to advocate for those that are unable to speak for themselves. She would also be able to share her knowledge with the School Board and welcome transparency with school employees. She expressed that as a School Board they would work collaboratively with the school system, the citizens, City Council and that the result would be a positive impact on the children. She expressed her feeling that the School Board needs to be more engaging with all departments of the school system, parents, and children. Mayor Turk closed the public hearing. She stated that there would be no further action this evening. Council will consider the applicants that have applied, the people that have come forward, and will make a decision in a timely manner as to who will be appointed. She stated that this decision would be made in the next couple of weeks. Mayor Turk thanked everyone that came forward for their interest, passion, and support. B. Public Comment Rules Consideration of any potential changes Council would like to make in the City’s current adopted public comment procedures at Council meetings. Mayor Turk stated that Council is currently considering potential changes in the City's current adopted Public Comment procedures at Council meetings. She opened discussion to any rules, guidelines, or suggestions that Council had for changes. Vice-Mayor Wallace stated that he would like to say that all citizens should have an opportunity to approach Council to speak at any Council meeting regardless of whether it is about something that has previously been spoken about. Mr. Saunders also expressed that he felt people should be able to speak at any Council meeting and that he did not have any changes to the rules that are in place. Mr. Foley said that he did not feel we should have any restrictions in place. Mayor Turk stated that she felt we should keep the guidelines we currently have in place but allow citizens to speak at every meeting. She felt that time guidelines are necessary to keep things from getting out of hand. The only two changes she would like to see are allowing citizens to speak at every meeting and adding a statement on the website that thanks citizens and encourages them to come forward and speak. Mr. Jones asked if they would allow Council members to speak as well. He felt it was necessary that Council members be allowed to speak also. Mr. Foley expressed that it was important that Council members be able to respond and clarify if a citizen brought up something that was not factual or shared incorrect information. Mayor Turk agreed that a response from Council was in order. Mr. Light read the rule as it reads currently: Rule #11 currently states that "Council members shall not discuss issues raised by the public except by the consent of the majority of the Council members present." James Wallace motioned to leave the existing rules in place but add the provision to allow citizens to speak at every Council meeting. John Saunders seconded the motion. Mr. Jones expressed concern that they need to make sure that Council members have the right to speak if they feel the need or had knowledge of information without the consent of the majority of Council. Mayor Turk suggested that they vote first on the first guideline and then move on to any other changes. A vote was held on the motion on the floor on the first guideline. Ayes: Foley, Jones, Saunders, Turk, Wallace. Randy Foley motioned that there are no limits on the number of speakers or on the time for speaking. William Jones seconded the motion. Mr. Wallace stated that he did not feel that this was a good idea. Mr. Saunders said that he felt we should leave the guidelines as they are. Mayor Turk commented that she felt there did need to be guidelines for time in order to avoid chaos at meetings. Ayes: Foley, Jones Nay: Saunders, Turk, Wallace Motion did not carry. William Jones motioned to strike guideline number eleven from the rules. John Saunders seconded the motion. Mr. Guynn suggested that many governing bodies have a time set aside at every meeting for the comments of the members of the governing body and he felt this was the way to address this issue. He said Council could have a time set aside at some point during each meeting for members of Council to comment that was a part of the agenda. He recommended that rule number eleven be modified to include a phrase such as: “except during your own Council comments..." Mr. Saunders stated that he would rather be able to respond immediately if a citizen was putting a falsehood out. Mr. Guynn suggested that the Council comment period could be immediately following the citizen comment period. Mr. Taliaferro remarked that if Council wanted to move forward with Council comment period at some point on the agenda that could be added and potentially make an addition and a deletion to number eleven to basically say that Council would not debate during the citizen comment period and that would open up Council to be able to speak during the Council comment period. Mr. Saunders stated again that he felt Council should be able to respond immediately in the case of false information being shared by a citizen. William Jones motioned to strike guideline number eleven from the Public Comment rules. John Saunders seconded the motion. Ayes: Foley, Jones, Saunders, Turk, Wallace Mr. Taliaferro stated that if Council would like to add Council comment period to the agenda it could be added after Citizen Comments or toward the end of the agenda. Council agreed to take this under consideration and think about where they might like to include this. C. Appropriation of Funds Consider request to amend the School Grants Fund as approved by the School Board on August 10, 2021. Audit - Finance Committee The School Grants Funds budget was amended for fiscal year 2021-2022 by the School Board at their meeting on August 10, 2021. The Board amended the School Grants Fund budget to increase revenues and expenditures by $3,863,206. They received notification from the Virginia Department of Education that they were awarded an allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) specific to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III Fund (ESSER) for $3,760,004. They also received notification that they were awarded $73,202 for a Goodwill’s YouthBuild Roanoke grant. In addition to these grants, they were awarded a $30,000 grant from VDOE for Jobs for Virginia Graduates. Appropriation changes totaling $3,863,206 are to be made to the School Grants Funds. James Wallace motioned to approve the School Board’s appropriation changes of $3,863,206 be made to the School Grants Funds. Randy Foley seconded the motion. Ayes: Foley, Jones, Saunders, Turk, Wallace D. The Village at North Mill - Phase 4 Consider setting bond for physical improvements and erosion and sediment control for The Village at North Mill - Phase 4. Audit - Finance Committee The City Engineer’s office has reviewed the estimate for physical improvements and erosion and sediment control for The Village at North Mill – Phase 4. James Wallace motioned that the project be bonded in the amount of $68,300.00 for a time frame for completion set at twelve (12) months. John Saunders seconded the motion. Ayes: Foley, Jones, Saunders, Turk, Wallace E. Amend Financing Agreement for 2004 Borrowing Receive report and approve Resolution 1407 to amend financing agreement with Virginia Resource Authority for 2004 borrowing. Audit - Finance Committee The City issued Taxable General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds, Series 2004 in a maximum principal amount of $11,052,222 to fund sewer rehabilitation work. The City has received a letter from the Virginia Resources Authority (VRA) that the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has authorized a reduction of the Cost of Funds on this Series 2004 borrowing from 3% to 1%. The Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Resource Authority offered a rate reduction to the prevailing market rate. Implementation of this rate reduction will require an amendment to the Financing Agreement and an allonge to the bond. The estimated annual savings from this rate reduction will be $184,755. This savings will impact the Sewer Fund. James Wallace motioned to adopt Resolution 1407 and allonge to accept the rate reduction being proposed by VRA for the Series 2004 borrowing. Randy Foley seconded the motion. Ayes: Foley, Jones, Saunders, Turk, Wallace F. Reimbursement Resolution Receive report and consider adoption of Resolution 1408 authorizing reimbursement from proposed fiscal year 2022 borrowing. Audit - Finance Committee The City intends to borrow funds during fiscal year 2022 to finance the renovations of Moyer Sports Complex. Due to the timing of this project, funds may be expended prior to the debt issuance. In order to ensure that the City can be reimbursed from the bond proceeds, a reimbursement resolution needs to be adopted giving the City the ability to reimburse any funds expended for this project prior to closing on the borrowing. The impact of this resolution will be to allow the City to reimburse our accounts for any funds expended for any projects included in the proposed borrowing. James Wallace motioned to adopt reimbursement resolution 1408 allowing the City to be reimbursed from bond proceeds once a borrowing is completed during fiscal year 2022. Randy Foley seconded the motion. Ayes: Foley, Jones, Saunders, Turk, Wallace G. Boards and Commissions Consider appointments to various boards and commissions. Mayor Turk remarked that Council had received several applications. Mr. Foley stated that he felt Council needed to be able to have time to review the applications and interview candidates prior to making a decision. Council agreed that they would like to have time to review the applications with City Staff and interview applicants. Mr. Foley clarified that these applications are for the Greenway Commission. Mr. Taliaferro commented that interviews could be done by either the full Council or by one or two of the Council members. Mr. Foley also suggested that it would be a good idea to get with some of the current representatives on the Greenway Commission to see what skillset and background is needed. Mayor Turk commented that it would be good for one or two Council members to be involved in the interview process and indicated that they should contact Mr. Taliaferro if interested in this and that Mr. Taliaferro would handle scheduling and acquiring information from the Greenway Commission. 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m.