Roanoke Rapids public meetings in 2021

Audit Committee

The Roanoke Rapids Audit Committee is meeting to approve minutes from September and receive updates on the June 30, 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. They will also review audit reports on police cash and fees, foster child SSA and child support funds, and FY21 collections and remittances. The meeting is scheduled for December 20, 2021, at the Emergency Operations Center.

• Approval of minutes from September 1 meeting
• Update on audit results for June 30, 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
• Police Cash and Fees Audit Report for FY21
• Foster Child SSA and Child Support Funds audit
• APA review of FY21 collections and remittances

The Audit Committee received updates on the FY21 annual comprehensive financial report audit, which is still in progress pending GRTC's financials, and received and filed reports on police cash and fees, foster child SSA/child support funds, and APA review of FY21 collections. No formal votes were taken; all items were informational or received and filed.

• Approved minutes from September 1, 2021 meeting
• Received and filed Police Cash and Fees Audit Report – FY21
• Received and filed Foster Child SSA and Child Support Funds report
• Received and filed APA Review of FY21 Collections and Remittances report

City Council

This is a procedural agenda for the Roanoke Rapids City Council meeting. It provides links to the full agenda, reports, minutes from a prior meeting, and the action agenda. No specific items are listed in the text.

• Council Agenda and Reports (CAR 12-20-21.PDF)
• Minutes from 11-01-21 meeting (MINS 11-01-21.PDF)
• Council Action Agenda (AG 12-20-21.PDF)

The Roanoke City Council approved ordinances raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour for all public safety and non-public safety city employees, and authorized one-time payments of $1,500 to $2,000 for full-time public safety employees and $1,000/$500 for non-public safety full/part-time employees. The council also approved a $5,000 sign-on bonus for up to 25 police recruits, a firearm buyback program with the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition, and a contract amendment with Boxley Materials for asphalt overlays. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

• Approved minimum wage raise to $15/hr for public safety employees (7-0)
• Approved minimum wage raise to $15/hr for non-public safety employees (7-0)
• Approved $1,500 one-time payment to full-time public safety employees (7-0)
• Approved $2,000 one-time payment to full-time public safety employees (7-0)
• Approved $1,000/$500 one-time payments to non-public safety employees (7-0)
• Approved $5,000 sign-on bonus for 25 police recruits (7-0)
• Approved firearm buyback program with Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition (7-0)
• Approved asphalt contract amendment with Boxley Materials (7-0)

City Council

This is the agenda for the Roanoke Rapids City Council meeting on December 6, 2021. The agenda consists of links to the full agenda and reports, including the legislative program item 8.A. The notice clarifies that the full agenda only includes documents submitted before the deadline and that original documents are available for public inspection at the City Clerk's office.

• Council Agenda and Reports (CAR 12-06-21.PDF)
• Minutes from October 18, 2021 meeting (MINS 10-18-21.PDF)
• Item 8.A. Legislative Program (12-06-21 ITEM 8.A. LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM.PDF)
• Council Action Agenda (AG 12-06-21.PDF)

The Roanoke City Council adopted an ordinance amending the City Code to enhance sidewalk safety and access in the Downtown Services District, specifically addressing camping on public sidewalks and rights of way. The vote was 4-2, with Council Members Cobb and Moon Reynolds voting against. The Council also approved a resolution petitioning the General Assembly to amend the Roanoke Charter to reflect the change in election dates from May to November.

• Adopted Ordinance 42226-120621, amending Section 24-12 to restrict camping on public sidewalks and rights of way within the Downtown Service District (4-2 vote).
• Adopted Resolution 42210-120621, petitioning the General Assembly to amend the Roanoke Charter of 1952 to reflect the change in election dates.
• Approved acceptance of the FY2021 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant and corresponding budget ordinance.
• Approved acceptance of the FY2021 State Homeland Security Program Grant and corresponding budget ordinance.
• Approved acceptance of the National Endowment for the Arts American Rescue Plan Grant and corresponding budget ordinance.
• Approved acceptance of the National Endowment for the Arts Grants Arts Projects Award and corresponding budget ordinance.
• Approved acceptance of the 2022 Virginia Statewide Business District Resurgence Grant and corresponding budget ordinance.
• Approved acceptance of the Shuttered Venues Operators Grant and corresponding budget ordinance.

City Council

The scheduled meeting is a budget retreat for the City Council. The provided agenda text does not list specific items for discussion or decision beyond this retreat designation.

The Roanoke City Council met in a recessed session as a budget planning workshop, with no formal votes or decisions made. The City Manager, Finance Director, and Budget Manager presented overviews of the FY21 budget closeout, FY22 budget, and budget development priorities. Council members discussed these items and received an update on the Star City Strong Recovery Fund implementation. The meeting adjourned without any action items.

• No formal decisions were made; the meeting was a workshop for open dialogue on budget planning.

City Council

This is the agenda for the Roanoke Rapids City Council meeting on November 15, 2021. The agenda consists of links to PDF documents, including the council agenda, reports, minutes from a prior meeting, and a briefing. No specific action items are listed in the text provided.

• Council Agenda and Reports (CAR 11-15-21.PDF)
• Minutes from 10-07-21 meeting (MINS 10-07-21.PDF)
• 2PM Briefing (11-15-21 2PM BRIEFING (2).PDF)
• Council Action Agenda (AG 11-15-21.PDF)

The Roanoke City Council held a regular session on November 15, 2021, approving several items including a proposed ordinance to ban camping on public sidewalks in the Downtown Service District, which will be considered for adoption on December 6, 2021. The Council also approved resolutions and ordinances for a Kids in Parks sign donation, naming a basketball court at Washington Park, and appropriating funds for the American Rescue Plan Act utility relief program. Multiple zoning changes, tax exemptions, and a property sale were also approved unanimously.

• Approved resolution accepting Kids in Parks TRACK Trail kiosk sign donation (7-0)
• Approved resolution naming basketball court at Booker T. Washington Park after Ricky Renell Wright (7-0)
• Approved ARPA utility relief MOU and budget ordinance for Western Virginia Water Authority (7-0)
• Approved budget ordinance for various educational programs (7-0)
• Approved ordinance to repeal and replace FEMA floodplain mitigation budget (7-0)
• Approved rezoning at O Cove Road to Institutional Planned Unit Development (7-0)
• Approved zoning code amendments for consistency with state law (7-0)
• Approved tax exemptions for Local Office on Aging and Blue Ridge Land Conservancy (7-0)

City Council

This agenda is largely procedural, providing links to the council agenda, reports, and action agenda for the November 1, 2021 meeting. It also includes a notice about how the full agenda is compiled and where original documents can be inspected. No specific policy items or decisions are listed in the text.

• Council Agenda and Reports (CAR 11-01-21.PDF)
• Minutes from September 20, 2021 (MINS 09-20-21.PDF)
• Council Action Agenda (AG 11-01-21.PDF)

The Roanoke City Council approved several grants, including the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, trail access funds, and Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program funds, along with an opioid-related settlement. They also scheduled public hearings for November 15 on tax exemptions, the 2022 HUD Annual Action Plan, a plastic bag tax, and a charter amendment. A briefing on proposed zoning code amendments was received and filed, with public hearings scheduled for November 8 and 15.

• Approved Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (6-0)
• Approved trail access funds for Roanoke River Blueway Access (6-0)
• Approved Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program funds (6-0)
• Approved opioid-related settlement with McKesson, Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen, Janssen (6-0)
• Scheduled public hearings for Nov 15 on tax exemptions, HUD plan, plastic bag tax, charter amendment (6-0)
• Accepted resignation of Stephen Grammer from Fair Housing Board (6-0)
• Reappointed Sherman P. Lea Jr. to Roanoke Cultural Endowment (6-0)
• Appointed members to Greenway Commission, Towing Advisory Board, Youth Services Board (6-0)

Audit Committee - RCPS

The Roanoke City Public Schools Audit Committee is meeting to receive the results of the independent audit of the June 30, 2021 annual financial report and school activity funds, presented by Brown Edwards & Company. The agenda also includes time for other business and adjournment.

• Presentation of audit results for the June 30, 2021 annual financial report
• Review of school activity funds audit
• Discussion of other business by committee and staff

The Audit Committee reviewed the results of the June 30, 2021 audit presented by Brown Edwards. The school division received an unmodified opinion on its financial statements, with no material weaknesses or instances of noncompliance reported. The committee also received updates on upcoming audits, including purchasing, gifted education, capital improvement planning, food services, and fixed assets.

• Received audit results with unmodified opinion on FY2021 financial statements
• Noted no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal controls
• Noted no instances of noncompliance to report
• Approved providing the audit presentation to other School Board members
• Scheduled next Audit Committee meeting for February 18, 2022

City Council

The provided text contains only procedural information and links to external files. The specific topics, decisions, or discussions for this meeting are not detailed in the source text.

The Roanoke City Council voted 4-3 to defeat a rezoning request for 0 Brandon Avenue, S.W., from R-7 to MXPUD, despite the Planning Commission's recommendation. The Council also adopted a resolution requesting Council Member Robert Jeffrey consider a leave of absence until criminal charges against him are resolved. Several routine items were approved, including grants, contracts, and easements.

• Rezoning at 0 Brandon Avenue from R-7 to MXPUD defeated (3-4)
• Adopted resolution requesting Council Member Jeffrey consider leave of absence (6-0, Jeffrey abstained)
• Approved Shuttered Venues Operators Grant funding acceptance (7-0)
• Approved FY 2021 asphalt overlays contract amendment with Boxley Materials (7-0)
• Approved encroachment permit for Virginia Western Community College sign (7-0)
• Approved school grant fund appropriations for educational programs (7-0)
• Approved alley vacation at 4th Street and Campbell Avenue (7-0)
• Approved closure by barricade of York Road for St. Elizabeth's Church (7-0)

City Council

This is a procedural agenda for the Roanoke Rapids City Council meeting on October 7, 2021. It consists of links to the full agenda and reports, including a revised ordinance under Item 7.A.3. No specific decisions or discussions are detailed in the agenda text itself.

• Revised ordinance under Item 7.A.3

The Roanoke City Council adopted a resolution declaring the need for emergency action on climate adaptation and increasing greenhouse gas reduction targets. It also accepted a $4 million Shuttered Venues Operators Grant to offset Berglund Center losses, approved a contract with Carilion Medical Center for outstationed eligibility workers, and created a Youth Athletics Review Board. All votes were 5-0 with the mayor and one council member absent.

• Adopted climate adaptation resolution declaring emergency action (5-0)
• Accepted $4M Shuttered Venues Operators Grant for Berglund Center (5-0)
• Approved contract with Carilion for outstationed eligibility workers (5-0)
• Created Youth Athletics Review Board via ordinance (5-0)
• Accepted VDEM hazardous materials grant and budget appropriation (5-0)
• Scheduled public hearings for easement conveyances (5-0)
• Confirmed meeting date change to October 7 (5-0)
• Certified closed meeting compliance (5-0)

City Council

This is a procedural agenda for the Roanoke Rapids City Council meeting on September 20, 2021. It provides links to the full agenda and action agenda PDFs, along with administrative notices about document availability and email subscriptions. No specific agenda items are listed in the text.

• Council Agenda and Reports (CAR 09-20-21.PDF)
• Council Action Agenda (AG 09-20-21.PDF)

The Roanoke City Council approved a rezoning request from BrightView, LLC to change 1345 Plantation Road, N.E. from Light Industrial to Institutional Planned Unit Development for an outpatient mental health and substance abuse clinic, with a 5-2 vote. The council also approved multiple traffic safety grants, a Shuttered Venues Operators Grant, and several real estate exchange amendments. A public hearing on the sale of city-owned property at 0 Norfolk Avenue was withdrawn by the City Manager.

• Approved rezoning of 1345 Plantation Road to INPUD for mental health clinic (5-2)
• Approved rezoning of 4807 Valley View Blvd to MXPUD (7-0)
• Approved 2020-2021 HUD CAPER resolution (7-0)
• Approved acceptance of DMV pedestrian safety grant and budget ordinance (7-0)
• Approved acceptance of DMV alcohol enforcement grant and budget ordinance (7-0)
• Approved acceptance of DMV occupant protection grant and budget ordinance (7-0)
• Approved acceptance of DMV speed enforcement grant and budget ordinance (7-0)
• Approved acceptance of Shuttered Venues Operators Grant and budget ordinance (7-0)

Audit Committee - RCPS

The Roanoke City Public Schools Audit Committee is meeting to review two completed audits: one of vehicle services and one of accounts payable. They will also set the meeting schedule for the rest of the 2021-22 school year and discuss any other business.

• Review of Vehicle Services audit report 21-105
• Review of Accounts Payable audit report 22-003
• Establish meeting schedule for remainder of 2021-22 school year

The Roanoke City School Board Audit Committee received and filed two audit reports: the Vehicle Services Audit and the Accounts Payable Audit. The vehicle audit found that fewer than half of monthly inspection reports were on file and that the division had not reviewed employee driving records, prompting plans to implement a driving record verification program. The accounts payable audit found controls sound, with minor issues related to gift card signatures. The committee also scheduled future meetings and re-elected Mark Cathey as chair.

• Received and filed Vehicle Services Audit report
• Received and filed Accounts Payable Audit report
• Scheduled future quarterly meetings for Nov 1, 2021, Feb 18, 2022, and May 19, 2022
• Re-elected Mark Cathey as Audit Committee Chair

City Council

The provided text contains only procedural information and links to documents rather than specific meeting topics. No decisions, proposals, or discussions are detailed in the source text.

The Roanoke City Council approved $20,000 in funding for FY 2021 public art projects, accepted several state grants including Virginia Department of Fire Programs funds, Surface Transportation Block Grant for the Greenway Connection along Riverland Road, and an Eviction Prevention Boost Planning Grant. The council also made appointments to various boards and commissions, accepted resignations, and approved a resolution designating delegates for the Virginia Municipal League meeting.

• Approved $20,000 for FY 2021 public art projects as recommended by the Roanoke Arts Commission.
• Accepted FY 2022 Virginia Department of Fire Programs grant funds via Resolution No. 42139-090721 and Budget Ordinance No. 42140-090721.
• Accepted Surface Transportation Block Grant funds for the Greenway Connection along Riverland Road via Resolution No. 42141-090721 and Budget Ordinance No. 42142-090721.
• Accepted 2021 Eviction Prevention Boost Planning Grant via Resolution No. 42143-090721 and Budget Ordinance No. 42144-090721.
• Adopted Ordinance No. 42145-090721 amending the Fire Prevention and Protection Ordinance to conform to the 2018 Statewide Fire Prevention Code.
• Adopted Resolution No. 42146-090721 designating Joseph L. Cobb as Voting Delegate and Stephanie Moon Reynolds as Alternate for the Virginia Municipal League Urban Section Meeting.
• Appointed Byron Dickson and Stephen Feather to the Architectural Review Board, Julie Wagner to the Personnel and Employment Practices Commission, Kianna Price Marshall and Robert Arrington to the Roanoke Civic Center Commission, and Margaret Washburn to the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates.
• Accepted resignations of Rosheta Chase from Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates and Bill Hume from the Architectural Review Board.

Audit Committee

The Roanoke Rapids Audit Committee is meeting to review and discuss several audit reports, including the annual simplified comparative report, council expenditures, and the clerk of circuit court audit. The committee will also receive an update on the PCI project and consider its annual report.

• Approval of minutes from June 2 meeting
• Annual Simplified Comparative Report - 2021
• Council Expenditures Audit - FY21
• Clerk of Circuit Court Audit 2020-21
• PCI Project Update - September 2021

The Audit Committee received and filed the Annual Simplified Comparative Report for 2021, which highlighted the City's lower cost of living but also lower incomes and housing values, and noted limited capacity to raise tax rates. The Committee also received and filed the Council Expenditures Audit (no findings), the Clerk of the Circuit Court Audit (good results), and the Annual Report for FY21, which noted two performance audits and challenges with PCI implementation. The PCI project update indicated progress but missed quarterly goals, with an October 2021 go-live target and a November 18, 2021 fallback date.

• Received and filed Annual Simplified Comparative Report 2021
• Received and filed Council Expenditures Audit FY2021 (no findings)
• Received and filed Clerk of the Circuit Court Audit
• Received and filed Annual Report of Audit Committee FY2021
• Received and filed PCI Project Update

City Council

The provided text contains only procedural information and links to external documents. No specific council actions, discussions, or decisions are detailed in the source text.

The Roanoke City Council approved the permanent vacation of Ferndale Drive and adjacent right-of-way, incorporating the land into adjoining school properties for security and staff parking. The council also denied an appeal by Robert and Elizabeth Bohr to replace historic wood windows with vinyl at 442 King George Avenue, upholding the Architectural Review Board's decision but granting until September 1, 2022, to apply for a new certificate. Several grants and appointments were approved, and a closed meeting was certified.

• Approved vacation of Ferndale Drive and right-of-way (6-0)
• Denied Bohr appeal, upheld ARB decision, allowed until Sept 1, 2022 for new application (5-1)
• Accepted Victim/Witness Program Grant and budget ordinance (6-0)
• Accepted Virginia Domestic Violence Victim Fund Grant and budget ordinance (6-0)
• Approved school grant fund appropriation for educational programs (6-0)
• Adopted resolution supporting American Rescue Plan funding for Virginia tourism (6-0)
• Appointed Marc Nelson to two industrial facility authorities (6-0)
• Appointed Elda Stanco Downey to Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge board (6-0)

City Council

This is a procedural notice for the August 2, 2021 City Council meeting. The full agenda and reports are provided as scanned PDF attachments, with no specific items listed in the text. The notice explains how to access documents and contact the City Clerk's office.

• Council Agenda and Reports PDF (CAR 08-02-21.PDF)
• Minutes from July 6, 2021 meeting (MINS 07-06-21.PDF)
• Council Action Agenda PDF (AG 08-02-21.PDF)

The Roanoke City Council held a joint meeting with the School Board, then approved several grant acceptances and appointments. It accepted grants for youth and gang violence assessment, gun violence intervention, EMS training, and a fire seminar, and authorized an opioid settlement MOU. The council also appointed members to boards and commissions.

• Accepted FY2021 Four-For-Life EMS grant (7-0)
• Accepted FY2022 Conference and Education Assistance Program grant (7-0)
• Accepted Youth and Gang Violence Community Assessment Program grant (7-0)
• Accepted Gun Violence Intervention Program grant (7-0)
• Authorized execution of Virginia Opioid Abatement Fund MOU (7-0)
• Appointed Tracy Jernigan Brown to Board of Zoning Appeals (7-0)
• Reappointed Amanda McGee to Board of Zoning Appeals (7-0)
• Appointed Karla Christian to Roanoke Public Library Board (7-0)

City Council

This is the agenda for the Roanoke Rapids City Council meeting on July 19, 2021. It consists of linked PDF documents for the Council Agenda and Reports, a 2PM briefing, and the Council Action Agenda. The agenda is procedural, providing access to reports and communications submitted to the City Clerk before the deadline; no specific items are listed in the text.

• Council Agenda and Reports (CAR 07-19-21.PDF)
• 2PM Briefing (07-19-21 2PM BRIEFING.PDF)
• Council Action Agenda (AG 07-19-21.PDF)

The Roanoke City Council voted to rename Lee Plaza, with the portion adjacent to 3rd Street S.W. becoming Henrietta Lacks Plaza and the portion adjacent to 2nd Street S.W. becoming Freedom Plaza. The council also approved multiple grants, including $18,761 for child abuse prevention, $80,498 for homeless solutions, and $51,393 for Continuum of Care, along with a $33,555,000 bond issuance for public improvements. Additionally, the council authorized a firearm buyback program with the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition and approved the acquisition of property for Fire Station No. 2.

• Approved Resolution No. 42121-071921 renaming Lee Plaza to Henrietta Lacks Plaza and Freedom Plaza.
• Approved Resolution No. 42101-071921 and Budget Ordinance No. 42102-071921 accepting $18,761 for the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Program.
• Approved Resolution No. 42105-071921 and Budget Ordinance No. 42106-071921 accepting $80,498 for the Virginia Homeless Solutions Program.
• Approved Resolution No. 42107-071921 and Budget Ordinance No. 42108-071921 accepting $51,393 for the 2020 Continuum of Care Grant.
• Approved Resolution No. 42118-071921 and Budget Ordinance No. 42119-071921 authorizing $33,555,000 in General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds.
• Approved Ordinance No. 42114-071921 authorizing participation in a firearm buyback program with the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition.
• Approved Ordinance No. 42112-071921 authorizing acquisition of property for the Fire Station No. 2 Project.
• Approved Resolution No. 42113-071921 naming the plaza near Barnhardt Creek Bridge as Liz Belcher Plaza.

City Council

This is a procedural notice for the July 6, 2021 City Council meeting. The full agenda consists of scanned reports and communications submitted before the deadline; no specific items are listed in the text provided. The original documents are available for public inspection at the City Clerk's office.

• Agenda and reports available as PDFs (CAR 07-06-21.PDF, AG 07-06-21.PDF)
• Minutes from June 21, 2021 meeting included (MINS 06-21-21.PDF)
• Public inspection at Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, VA

The Council approved resolutions and budget ordinances allocating funds to human services and arts agencies for FY2021-22, including authorizing a contract for performance audits. It also accepted a resignation, filled vacancies, and reappointed members to various boards and commissions. The meeting included a briefing from the Mill Mountain Zoo and a closed session to discuss vacancies.

• Approved Resolution No. 42095-070621 for Human Services Advisory Board funding allocations and contract with Council of Community Services for audits.
• Approved Budget Ordinance No. 42096-070621 to transfer funding to Human Services Committee agencies.
• Approved Resolution No. 42097-070621 for Roanoke Arts Commission funding allocations to arts and culture agencies.
• Approved Budget Ordinance No. 42098-070621 to transfer funding to Art Commission agencies.
• Accepted resignation of Charles Wilson from Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates.
• Reappointed Bill Mason to Architectural Review Board, Lew Bishop to Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare, Betty Jean Wolfe to Board of Zoning Appeals, Duke Baldridge to Economic Development Authority, Erika J. Bergen to Human Services Advisory Board, Drew H. Kepley to Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Michael McEvoy to Roanoke Valley Broadband Authority, and Sunni Purviance and Rosheta Chase to Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates.
• Appointed Stuart Trinkle to Personnel and Employment Practices Commission, Jordan Bell to Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates, and Dorothy Yancey to Roanoke Public Library Board.
• Approved Ordinance No. 42094-070621 to become a DMV Select Office.

City Council

This is a procedural agenda for the Roanoke Rapids City Council meeting. The council will review the ARPA report and budget ordinance, but no specific action items are listed in the provided text.

• Review of 06-30-21 ARPA Report
• Review of 06-30-21 Budget Ordinance

The Roanoke City Council held a special meeting and public hearing on June 30, 2021, to receive citizen comment on appropriating $32,288,335.50 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. After hearing one speaker, the Council unanimously adopted Budget Ordinance No. 42093-063021, which appropriates the funds for accounting purposes without expending them yet. City Manager Robert Cowell explained that the funds are for lost public sector revenue and that community engagement and spending recommendations will come in later meetings.

• Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 42093-063021 to appropriate $32,288,335.50 in ARPA funds (7-0).
• Held a public hearing on ARPA fund appropriation; one speaker, Will Bulloss of Western Virginia Water Authority, expressed interest in working with the City.
• Noted that the second half of ARPA funds (over $32 million) is expected in about one year.
• Scheduled further discussion on community engagement and spending recommendations for the July 6 and July 19 Council meetings.

City Council

The City Council is holding a regular meeting. The agenda consists of linked documents, including the council agenda, action agenda, and minutes from a prior meeting. No specific items are listed in the text provided.

• Council Agenda and Reports (CAR 06-21-21.PDF)
• Minutes from 06-07-21 meeting (MINS 06-07-21.PDF)
• Council Action Agenda (AG 06-21-21.PDF)

The Roanoke City Council unanimously approved the FY 2021-2022 budget ordinances, including the General Fund and other fund appropriations, reaffirmed the real estate tax rate, and adopted a new pay plan with salary adjustments. The Council also approved multiple fee amendments for solid waste, fire prevention, and stormwater utility, and endorsed the FY 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program update. All votes were 7-0.

• Adopted FY2022 annual appropriations for General, Stormwater, Civic Facilities, Parking, Risk Management, School, and School Food funds (7-0)
• Reaffirmed real property tax rate via Budget Ordinance 42080-062121 (7-0)
• Adopted Pay Plan effective July 1, 2021, with salary adjustments and merit increases (7-0)
• Endorsed FY2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program update and appropriated funding (7-0)
• Amended Fee Compendium for solid waste, downtown compactors, fire prevention reinspections, fire code permits, and fire inspections (7-0)
• Amended stormwater utility fee rate with phase-in period (7-0)
• Accepted donation of two police canines from DePaco family/Summit Nutritionals (7-0)
• Appropriated $500,000 from private partner for transit station relocation and deappropriated unissued bonds (7-0)

City Council

This agenda is largely procedural, providing links to the full agenda packet, council action agenda, and minutes from prior meetings. No specific items for decision or discussion are listed in the text itself.

• Council Agenda and Reports (CAR 06-07-21.PDF)
• Minutes from May 3 and May 17, 2021
• Council Action Agenda (AG 06-07-21.PDF)

The Roanoke City Council accepted a Hazard Mitigation Grant from FEMA to acquire and demolish the former Cee Breeze Nursing Home property, which is prone to flooding. The council also approved several other items, including accepting $795,643 from the Western Virginia Water Authority for utility work on the Melrose Avenue Streetscape project, and made multiple appointments to boards and commissions. The meeting included a budget briefing for FY 2022, with discussion of tree planting and Cultural Endowment funding, but no final budget vote was taken.

• Adopted Resolution No. 42065-060721 accepting Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds (6-0)
• Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 42066-060721 appropriating FEMA funds for Cee Breeze Nursing Home demolition (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 42067-060721 accepting $795,643 from Western Virginia Water Authority for Melrose Avenue utility work (6-0)
• Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 42068-060721 appropriating Western Virginia Water Authority funds (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 42069-060721 accepting Financial Empowerment Center Implementation Grant (6-0)
• Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 42070-060721 appropriating Financial Empowerment Fund (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 42071-060721 amending stormwater utility late payment penalties (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 42072-060721 changing public service corporation tax due date to December 5 (6-0)

Audit Committee

The Roanoke Rapids Audit Committee is meeting to approve prior minutes, review the external audit plan for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, and hear follow-ups on the Division of Human Services, Solid Waste Management early release time, and a PCI project update. The agenda includes several informational items and a period for other business.

• Approval of minutes from March 3 meeting
• External audit plan for year ended June 30, 2021, presented by Brown Edwards & Co
• Follow-up on Division of Human Services - Adult and Family Services
• Solid Waste Management early release time discussion
• PCI project update

The Roanoke City Council Audit Committee met on June 2, 2021, and received and filed the external audit plan for FY2021, which includes five significant audit areas and a high-risk auditee designation requiring examination of at least 40% of federal expenditures. The committee also received and filed follow-up reports on the Division of Human Services and Solid Waste Management, noting improved documentation in the former and increased early release hours in the latter. An update on the PCI tax and treasury system implementation was received and filed, with a new target go-live date of October 2021. No formal votes were taken; all items were received and filed.

• Approved minutes from March 3, 2021, with a correction (2-0)
• Received and filed external audit plan for FY2021
• Received and filed follow-up report on Division of Human Services
• Received and filed report on Solid Waste Management early release time
• Received and filed PCI project update

City Council

This is the agenda for the Roanoke Rapids City Council meeting on May 24, 2021. The agenda consists of a linked PDF of the Council Action Agenda and reports submitted before the deadline. No specific items are listed in the text provided, so the meeting's content is not detailed here.

• Council Action Agenda AG 05-24-21.PDF

The Roanoke City Council held two public hearings on May 24, 2021, for the recommended FY2021-2022 budget of $307,630,000 and a proposed real estate tax rate increase. No decisions were made; the Mayor stated there would be no discussion or action during or after the hearings. Six residents spoke on the budget, and no one spoke on the tax increase.

• Held public hearing on FY2021-2022 budget (no action taken)
• Held public hearing on proposed real estate tax rate increase (no action taken)

City Council

This is a procedural agenda for the Roanoke Rapids City Council meeting. The council will review the Mill Mountain Trail Plan and approve minutes from previous meetings. No substantive decisions or discussions are listed.

• Mill Mountain Trail Plan review
• Approval of minutes from April 5 and April 19 meetings

The Roanoke City Council adopted an ordinance imposing a $0.05 tax on disposable plastic bags provided by grocery, convenience, and drugstore retailers, effective January 1, 2022. The council also approved several other actions, including accepting HUD grants for homeless assistance, amending the concrete contract, rezoning properties on Shenandoah Avenue, adopting the Mill Mountain Trails Plan, leasing city-owned land for agriculture, and purchasing BH Media properties for school administrative offices. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

• Adopted disposable plastic bag tax ordinance (7-0)
• Accepted $140,422 HUD Continuum of Care grant for Homeless Assistance Team (7-0)
• Accepted $49,070 HUD Continuum of Care grant for Coordinated Assessment System (7-0)
• Approved rezoning at 4557 and 4549 Shenandoah Ave NW to Commercial-General (7-0)
• Adopted Mill Mountain Trails Plan 2021 Amendment to City Plan 2040 (7-0)
• Authorized lease of 3.6 acres at 5401 Barns Ave NW for agricultural use (7-0)
• Approved purchase of BH Media properties at 201 Campbell Ave SW, 207 Salem Ave SW, and 0 Salem Ave SW (7-0)
• Appointed Diane Casola, Mark Cathey, and Michael Cherry II as School Board Trustees (7-0)

City Council

This agenda is largely procedural, providing links to the full agenda, reports, and minutes. It notes that the full agenda contains only items submitted before the deadline and that original documents are available for public inspection. No specific action items are listed in the text.

• Council Agenda and Reports (CAR 05-03-21.PDF)
• Minutes from 03-15-21 (MINS 03-15-21.PDF)
• Council Action Agenda (AG 05-03-21.PDF)

The City Council met jointly with the School Board to hear a presentation on the 'Equity in Action - Destination 2030' proposal, including a plan to purchase property on Campbell Avenue for $5,850,000 to create a career and technical education center at the former Ruffner Middle School. No formal action was taken on the proposal; it was received and filed. Later, the Council approved several routine items, including resolutions for the RVTV budget, an NEA grant, and the HUD Annual Plan, and made appointments to boards.

• Received and filed schools' Destination 2030 proposal (no vote)
• Approved resolution to convene closed meeting on vacancies (6-0)
• Approved resolution to convene closed meeting on personnel matter (6-0)
• Approved minutes of March 15, 2021 meeting (6-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for lease of 5401 Barns Ave. property (6-0)
• Approved RVTV FY 2021-2022 budget resolution (6-0)
• Accepted NEA Challenge America Grant and appropriated funds (6-0)
• Approved 2021-2022 HUD Annual Plan resolution (6-0)

City Council

This agenda is procedural, providing links to the Council Agenda and Reports and the Council Action Agenda as PDF documents. It notes that the full agenda includes only materials submitted before the deadline and directs the public to the City Clerk's office for original documents. No specific items for decision or discussion are listed in the text.

• Council Agenda and Reports (CAR 04-19-21.PDF)
• Council Action Agenda (AG 04-19-21.PDF)

The Roanoke City Council approved the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission's 2021-2022 operating and capital budget and the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority's annual budget, both unanimously. It also accepted a Summer Food Program grant, authorized wayfinding kiosks downtown, confirmed Clarence Grier as Deputy City Manager, and approved amendments to the HUD Consolidated Plan. The proposed 5-cent disposable plastic bag tax was tabled to May 17, 2021, for further information.

• Approved Roanoke Regional Airport Commission 2021-2022 budget (7-0)
• Approved Roanoke Valley Resource Authority 2021-2022 budget (7-0)
• Accepted Summer Food Program Grant from Virginia Dept. of Education (7-0)
• Authorized encroachment for 5 wayfinding kiosks downtown (6-0, Mayor absent)
• Confirmed Clarence Grier as Deputy City Manager (7-0)
• Approved amendment to 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan for CDBG-CV3 funds (7-0)
• Tabled disposable plastic bag tax to May 17, 2021 (6-1)
• Relocated polling places for Precincts 5 and 9 (7-0)

City Council

The Roanoke City Council held a regular session on April 5, 2021, approving the revised FY2021-2022 budget development schedule and accepting several grants, including the Southwest Virginia Regional Employment Coalition Grant, Fire Prevention and Safety Grant, Swift Water Rescue Team Grant, HAZMAT Materials Grant, and Project Outside Fund Grant. The council also received briefings on 2020 crime statistics and the FY2022 budget process, and conducted interviews for three upcoming School Board vacancies. Additionally, the council reappointed numerous members to various boards and commissions.

• Approved revised budget schedule for FY2021-2022, setting public hearings for May 24 and budget adoption for June 21.
• Accepted Southwest Virginia Regional Employment Coalition Grant from VDSS to maintain TANF services.
• Accepted FY2019 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant from FEMA for fire safety trailer upgrades.
• Accepted VDEM Swift Water Rescue Team Grant for equipment and supplies.
• Accepted VDEM HAZMAT Materials Grant for hazardous materials response and training.
• Accepted Project Outside Fund grant from Roanoke Outside Foundation for Roanoke River Greenway repairs.
• Authorized additional contract amendment for Wasena Bridge Replacement Project design.
• Authorized additional change order for Roanoke River Greenway Bridge across Barnhardt Creek construction.

City Council

The Roanoke City Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting firearms in municipal facilities, with a substitute version removing a gun show exemption and adding a parade exception, by a 6-1 vote. The council also approved numerous other items including grants, easements, and a property sale, and established a Gun Violence Prevention Commission.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 42020-031521 prohibiting firearms on city property (6-1)
• Established Gun Violence Prevention Commission via Ordinance No. 42012-031521 (7-0)
• Appointed nine members to Gun Violence Prevention Commission via Resolution No. 42013-031521 (7-0)
• Approved $500,000 VDOT grant for 9th Street multimodal improvements (7-0)
• Authorized up to $11M in General Obligation Public Improvement Refunding Bonds (7-0)
• Approved sale of Warehouse Row properties to JRM Real Estate Ventures, LLC (7-0)
• Expanded Williamson Road Area Service District to include 135 properties (7-0)
• Accepted Virginia Brownfields Assistance Fund grant for Walker Machine site (7-0)

Audit Committee - RCPS

The Roanoke City Public Schools Audit Committee is meeting to review a compliance report on federal grant expenditures for FY2020, which was delayed due to late guidance for COVID Relief Funds testing. They will also discuss preliminary planning for the FY21 financial audit, including partner rotation, and areas for the FY22 internal audit plan.

• Compliance report on federal grant expenditures for FY2020
• Discussion of FY21 financial audit planning, including partner rotation
• Preliminary planning for FY22 internal audits

The Roanoke City School Board Audit Committee met and received the FY20 federal awards compliance report, which noted an $88 payroll cost error from CARES funding that management has already addressed. The committee discussed, but took no formal action on, rotating audit partner roles and potential future audits, including a consultant to review policies and practices. No formal votes were taken at this meeting.

• Received and filed FY20 federal awards compliance report
• Discussed rotating audit partner roles; no action taken
• Discussed potential FY22 internal audits; no action taken
• Discussed potential consultant for policy review; no action taken

Audit Committee

The Roanoke City Council Audit Committee will hear a presentation from Brown Edwards & Company on the results of the financial audit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. The committee will also review a follow-up audit on Fire-EMS action plans and receive a briefing on the PCI project. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and other routine business.

• Presentation of audit results for FY2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports
• Fire-EMS audit follow-up to verify effectiveness of action plans from 2019 audit
• PCI project overview briefing for new committee members
• Approval of minutes from last audit committee meeting

The Audit Committee received and filed the FY20 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report audit results, which included an unmodified opinion. The external auditors reported a material weakness in year-end financial statement preparation and two significant deficiencies, along with findings on unallowable CARES Act spending and late financial disclosure statements. The committee also received follow-up reports on the Fire/EMS audit and the PCI tax system project, and discussed options for improving the financial reporting process.

• Approved the minutes from the December 21, 2020 meeting as written.
• Received and filed the FY20 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report audit results.
• Received and filed the Fire/EMS audit follow-up report.
• Received and filed the PCI project overview update.

City Council

The Roanoke City Council held its regular session on March 1, 2021, and took several actions. It approved an ordinance amending the definition of party bike vehicles and another repealing the license tax on antique motor vehicles. The council also scheduled public hearings for March 15 on a proposed firearms prohibition in municipal facilities and on the sale of city-owned property at Warehouse Row. Additionally, the council received briefings on the FY 2022 budget and stormwater utility fee options, with the mayor expressing support for Option C, a rate increase scenario.

• Approved Ordinance No. 41997-030121 amending the definition of party bike vehicles.
• Approved Ordinance No. 41998-030121 repealing the license tax on antique motor vehicles.
• Scheduled a public hearing for March 15, 2021, on a proposed ordinance prohibiting firearms in municipal facilities.
• Scheduled a public hearing for March 15, 2021, on the sale of city-owned property at 119 and 117 Norfolk Avenue, S.W., and adjacent parcels (Warehouse Row) to JRM Real Estate Ventures, LLC.
• Received and filed the FY 2022 budget briefing, including a new equity-focused budgeting process.
• Received and filed the stormwater utility update; Mayor Lea announced support for Option C (rate increase to $1.56 per 500 sf per month over five years).
• Certified the closed meeting as compliant with Virginia FOIA.

City Council

The Roanoke City Council approved the Roanoke, Virginia Strategic Plan 2021-2022, accepted a Rescue Squad Assistance Fund grant, and appropriated funds for it. It also approved an agreement to modify the Blue Hills Village Concept Plan (for a Popeye's restaurant), a Highway Safety Improvement Program budget ordinance, a memorandum of understanding for the Ironman 70.3 triathlon, and a school grant appropriation. A rezoning at 0 10th Street, N.E. was approved, and a street/alley vacation was deferred because the Planning Commission continued it.

• Adopted Roanoke Virginia Strategic Plan 2021-2022 (7-0)
• Accepted Rescue Squad Assistance Fund grant and appropriated funds (7-0)
• Approved Blue Hills Village Concept Plan modification for Popeye's restaurant (7-0)
• Repealed/replaced Highway Safety Improvement Program budget ordinance (7-0)
• Authorized Ironman 70.3 triathlon MOU (7-0)
• Appropriated funds for various educational programs (7-0)
• Rezoned 0 10th Street, N.E. from CN to CG (7-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Williamson Road Area Service District expansion (7-0)

City Council

The Roanoke City Council accepted the 2021 Violence Against Women Act (V-STOP) Grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice, funding the Police Department's existing Domestic Violence Specialist position. The Council also approved a budget ordinance appropriating the grant funds. Additionally, the Council held closed meetings to discuss board vacancies, building security, property disposition, and legal counsel, and received briefings on the FY 2022 budget and Fire Marshal's Office staffing.

• Adopted Resolution No. 41987-020121 accepting the 2021 V-STOP Grant (7-0)
• Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 41988-020121 appropriating V-STOP grant funds (7-0)
• Approved minutes of the December 21, 2020 regular meeting (7-0)
• Accepted resignation of Timothy Witten from Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority (7-0)
• Appointed Paul Workman to Defined Contribution Board (7-0)
• Reappointed Robert S. Cowell Jr. to Hotel Roanoke Conference Center Commission (7-0)
• Appointed Diane Simmons, Stephen Terry McGuire, and Jerome Stephens to Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (7-0)
• Appointed Kevin Deck to Roanoke Arts Commission (7-0)