Roanoke County public meetings in 2024
31 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
City Council approved the acquisition of five tax map parcels for the construction of Fire Station No. 2 and authorized funding for medical eligibility workers via a contract with Carilion Medical Center. The body also processed several board resignations and appointments and honored outgoing council members.
- Adopted Ordinance No. 43107-121624 to acquire Tax Map Nos. 3090215, 3090216, 3090217, 3090218 and 3090237 for Fire Station No. 2
- Adopted Ordinance No. 43106-121624 for Medical Eligibility Workers contract with Carilion Medical Center
- Adopted Ordinance No. 43114-121624 granting real property tax exemptions for 530 Day, LLC and 1018 Patterson, LLC
- Defeated personal property tax exemption request for Behavioral Health Navigators, Inc.
- Adopted Resolution No. 43109-121624 appointing Kelvin C. Bratton as Director of Real Estate Valuation
City Council
The City Council is convening for a recessed session to discuss a personnel matter. The meeting is focused on the annual performance evaluations of Council-Appointed Officers.
- Closed meeting to discuss annual performance evaluations of Council-Appointed Officers
City Council
The City Council held a recessed session to discuss several strategic overviews and updates. The meeting focused on planning and current states of city operations rather than voting on specific ordinances.
- Strategic Plan Overview
- New Housing Strategy
- Fiscal year 2024-2025 Budget Overview
- Economic Development Strategic Plan Update
- Discussion on Artificial Intelligence
City Council
The City Council approved an ordinance for Tinker Creek Greenway Utility Relocation and adopted resolutions appointing a new City Manager and various board members. The meeting included a closed session to discuss personnel and property matters.
- Adopted Ordinance No. 43105-120224 for Tinker Creek Greenway Utility Relocation
- Adopted Resolution No. 43104-120224 appointing Valmarie Turner as City Manager
- Appointed members to Roanoke Public Library Board, Economic Development Authority, and other boards
- Voted unanimously to add state rent-gouging bills HB 721 and SB 366 to the legislative agenda
- Closed meeting requested to discuss property acquisition and personnel matters
City Council
City Council accepted federal grants for transportation and police equipment and approved several zoning changes and tax exemptions. The body also authorized the sale of a city-owned lot and adopted the 2024 Legislative Program.
- Acceptance of $770,000 grant from U.S. Department of Transportation Build America Bureau
- Rezoning and repeal of conditions for 0 Brandon Avenue, SW
- Amendment of zoning conditions for 3804 Brandon Avenue, SW
- Sale of city-owned vacant lot at 801 Franklin Road, SW
- Acceptance of FY 2024 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice
City Council
City Council voted to amend the Roanoke Charter of 1952 regarding election dates and council meetings. The body also approved several encroachment permits for Valley Metro bus shelters and accepted VDOT funding for drainage projects.
- Amendment to the Roanoke Charter of 1952 regarding election dates and meetings
- Acceptance of VDOT Local Revenue Sharing Funding for drainage improvement projects
- Four encroachment permits for Valley Metro bus shelters at Washington Park, 1616 19th St NW, 40 Douglass Ave NW, and 1920 Orange Ave NW
- Scheduled public hearings for tax exemptions for Wellness Wagon and Good Samaritan Hospice, Inc. (4751 Cove Road, NW)
- EDA Equipment Incentive Grant program committing $300,000 over two years
City Council
City Council approved several housing and infrastructure resolutions, including grants for homeless solutions and a property purchase. The body also decided on two land-use requests and tabled the sale of a vacant lot.
- Approved rezoning of 716 Marshall Avenue, S.W. from RM-1 to MXPUD
- Approved request to vacate a 50 foot wide portion of Carl Road, S.W.
- Approved purchase of Unit B, 1830 Blue Hills Circle, N.E.
- Adopted resolutions for Virginia Homeless Solutions Program and HUD funding
- Tabled sale of city-owned vacant lot at 801 Franklin Road, S.W. until November 18, 2024
City Council
The City Council held a recessed session to fill vacancies on local boards and commissions. The body also convened in a closed meeting to discuss a personnel matter.
- Appointed Dr. Lydia Patton to the Western Virginia Water Authority for a term ending June 30, 2027
- Appointed James Settle to the City Planning Commission for a term from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028
- Closed meeting held to discuss a personnel matter
City Council
The City Council and Economic Development Authority discussed housing trust fund growth and industry center updates. The Council approved several grant appropriations for public safety, health, and juvenile justice, and authorized an updated VDOT agreement for 9th Street improvements.
- Authorization for updated VDOT agreement for 9th Street Multimodal Improvements
- Request for public hearing for the sale of city-owned vacant lot at 801 Franklin Road, S.W.
- Appropriation of grants from United Way, Carilion Clinic, DMV, and Department of Homeland Security
- Resolution in support of kidney transplant services provided by Carilion Clinic
- Authorization to apply for FY2025 Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF) grants
City Council
City Council accepted and appropriated various state and federal grants for infrastructure, public safety, and housing. The body also approved fare-free bus services for Go Fest and Election Day. Additionally, Council agreed to petition the court to avoid a special election for the vacant Treasurer position.
- Approved fare-free transit for Go Fest (Oct 19) and Election Day (Nov 5)
- Appropriated grants for Downstream Wiley Low Water Bridge replacement and Westside-Salem Turnpike pedestrian improvements
- Appropriated grants for Roanoke River Blueway Memorial Bridge Access Point and the Safer Communities Program
- Approved a contract extension with the Berkley Group, LLC
- Concurred with a request for a public hearing on boundary amendments to Enterprise Zone One A
City Council
The City Council and School Board discussed school cellphone rules, high school feasibility, and the 2024-2025 school budget. Council approved several grant appropriations and an encroachment permit for a bus shelter. The body also appointed numerous members to city boards and commissions.
- Appropriation of Victim Witness Program Grant from the Department of Criminal Justice Services
- Appropriation of Virginia Department of Fire Programs Conference and Education Assistance Grant
- Encroachment permit for Valley Metro bus shelter at 3101 Cove Road, N.W.
- Appropriation of funds for DMV Select Program reimbursement to City Treasurer
- Appointments to the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority and Roanoke Arts Commission
City Council
City Council voted to amend the Roanoke Charter of 1952 to move the responsibility for appointing the Director of Real Estate Valuation from the City Manager to the City Council. The body also approved several grant appropriations and encroachment permits for bus shelters.
- Adopted Resolution No. 43012-081924 to amend the Roanoke Charter regarding the Director of Real Estate Valuation appointment
- Approved encroachment permits for GRTC bus shelters at 0 Lafayette Boulevard, N.W. and 502 19th Street, S.E.
- Appropriated funds for Opioid Abatement, Fatherhood Engagement and Support Program, and the Byrne/Justice Assistance Grant Program
- Appropriated Virginia Department of Fire Programs and Hazardous Materials Response Team funding
- Ratified the Declaration of Local Emergency by the Interim City Manager via Resolution No. 43011-081924
General
The City Council and Planning Commission met to discuss zoning ordinance amendments and city charter changes. The Council approved several grant acceptances for flood preparedness, victim services, and regional signage, and amended the city tax code regarding prepared food and beverages.
- Acceptance of DCR Community Flood Preparedness Fund Grants for the 1st and Salem Stormwater Drainage Improvement Project and the Ore Branch Stream and Floodplain Restoration Project
- Adoption of Ordinance No. 42996-080524 to amend City Code Section 32-283 regarding the Tax on Prepared Food and Beverage
- Adoption of a Resolution of Support for VDOT Smart Scale 2026 Grant Applications
- Acceptance of the FY 2025 Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund Grant
- Proposed $40,000 budget for a deer culling initiative targeting 200 deer
City Council
City Council approved the issuance of FY2025 bonds, notes, and lines of credit for capital improvement projects. The body also approved several zoning amendments and real property acquisitions for stormwater improvements.
- Authorized FY2025 Bond, Bond Anticipation Note, and Line of Credit issuance
- Approved PUD plan amendment for properties on Orange Avenue, Daleton Road, Scott Road, and Manning Road
- Rezoned parcels at 0 Medmont Circle, S.W. from R-12 to MXPUD
- Acquired real property rights for Glade Creek 2 stormwater project at Kermit Avenue, Clyde Street, and Dunkirk Avenue
- Approved settlement of opioid-related claims against Kroger
City Council
The Roanoke City Council held a recessed session on July 10, 2024. The council voted unanimously to enter a closed meeting to discuss a personnel matter requested by the Personnel Committee Chair.
- Closed meeting request regarding a personnel matter
City Council
The City Council approved ordinance No. 42960 to increase annual salaries for the Mayor and Council Members for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. The council also finalized several appointments to local boards and commissions and passed a resolution to close certain city offices on July 5, 2024.
- Ordinance increasing annual salaries of the Mayor and City Council Members
- Agreement for the Roanoke Regional Fire-EMS Training Center with Roanoke County and Salem
- Donation of fitness equipment from Planet Fitness to the Fire-EMS Department
- Encroachment permit for a GRTC bus shelter at Orange Avenue and King Street
- New policy for participation in City Council meetings through electronic communication
City Council
The Roanoke City Council met in a recessed session to consider increasing the salaries of the Mayor and Council members to the maximum allowed by state law. The council also voted to convene in a closed meeting to consult with legal counsel regarding a personnel matter.
- Adoption of Ordinance No. 42960 on first reading to increase Mayor and Council salaries (voted 4-1)
- Closed meeting request to consult legal counsel on a personnel matter (voted 5-0)
City Council
The Roanoke City Council held a workshop session to discuss updates regarding the Berglund Center and Jefferson Center. The meeting also included a workshop overview and discussion of next steps.
- Berglund Center update
- Jefferson Center update
City Council
The Roanoke City Council approved several grant awards and initiated amendments to the city's zoning code. The Council also appointed Beverly 'Bev' Fitzpatrick, Jr. to fill a vacancy on the Council.
- Appointed Beverly 'Bev' Fitzpatrick, Jr. to City Council
- Initiated amendments to the Zoning Code
- Accepted 2024 National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant Award
- Accepted ALA Library Capacity Building Grant for the Sheriff's Office
- Approved funding for qualified agencies via Roanoke Arts Commission
City Council
The City Council held a closed session to discuss a personnel matter. Upon reconvening, the Council adopted Resolution No. 42949-061124 appointing Dr. Lydia Pettis Patton as Interim City Manager.
- Appointment of Dr. Lydia Pettis Patton as Interim City Manager
- Closed session regarding a personnel matter
- Certification of closed meeting with 6-0 vote
City Council
City Council is coordinating the appointment of school board trustees and funding for human services and the Virginia Transportation Museum. The body also scheduled a public hearing to discuss restructuring debt and issuing general obligation bonds for capital projects.
- Public hearing scheduled for June 17, 2024, regarding general obligation bonds not to exceed $94,022,405
- Appointment of three Trustees to the Roanoke City School Board for three-year terms
- Adoption of Resolution No. 42945-060324 and Budget Ordinance No. 42946-060324 for Human Services Advisory Board funding
- Adoption of Budget Ordinance No. 42947-060324 for Virginia Transportation Museum pass-through funds
- Closed meeting discussion regarding a potential economic development project in the Northwest area
City Council
City Council accepted the resignation of City Manager Robert S. Cowell, Jr. and appointed Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. as Acting City Manager. The body also approved several rezoning requests and property acquisitions for infrastructure projects.
- Appointment of Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. as Acting City Manager following Robert S. Cowell, Jr.'s resignation
- Rezoning of 3906 Thirlane Road, N. W. from Agriculture District to Light Industrial District
- Acquisition of real property rights for stormwater drainage improvement at 3600 Block Peakwood Drive
- Approval of FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant funds for floodprone structure demolition and site restoration
- Acceptance of Council Member Luke W. Priddy's resignation effective June 30, 2024
City Council
The City Council adopted the Recommended 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Budget, which takes effect July 1, 2024. The meeting included the reaffirmation of the real estate tax rate, adoption of the fee compendium, and approval of annual appropriations for various city funds. Council also endorsed the Capital Improvement Program Update for FY2025-2029 and adopted a new pay plan for city officers and employees.
- Adopted Ordinance No. 42925-051324 reaffirming the Real Estate Tax Rate (7-0 vote).
- Adopted Resolution No. 42926-051324 for the Fee Compendium (7-0 vote).
- Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 42927-051324 for FY2024-2025 appropriations (7-0 vote).
- Adopted Resolution No. 42928-051324 and Budget Ordinance No. 42929-051324 endorsing the Capital Improvement Program Update FY2025-2029 (7-0 vote).
- Adopted Ordinance No. 42932-051324 for a Pay Plan effective July 1, 2024 (7-0 vote).
City Council
City Council held interviews for three Roanoke City School Board trustee positions. The body also reviewed budget proposals for the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television and the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission.
- Interviews for three Roanoke City School Board trustees
- Proposed utility easement for Shentel at 710 Williamson Road, N.E. for Carilion Health Systems
- Acceptance of FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funds
- Acceptance of Community Impact Planning Grant from Virginia Housing for the Riverdale Master Plan
- FY 2024-2025 Budget Study
City Council
The City Council will hold a recessed session to conduct public hearings. Discussion items include the recommended Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025 City of Roanoke Budget and a proposed real estate tax rate increase.
- Recommended Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025 City of Roanoke Budget
- Proposed 2024 Annual Plan Update to the 2020 - 2024 5-Year HUD Consolidated Plan
- Proposed Real Estate Tax Rate Increase
City Council
The Roanoke City Council approved a major zoning code amendment aimed at removing barriers to affordable housing, creating a new UC Urban Center district, and updating use tables. The council also approved several grants for bridge and stormwater projects, and heard citizen concerns about zoning reform, school funding, and other matters.
- Adopted Ordinance 42902-031824 amending Chapter 36.2 Zoning to remove affordable housing barriers and create UC Urban Center district (5-2)
- Accepted VDOT grants for 13th Street bridge over NS Railroad (Resolution 42890) and Persinger Road bridge over Murray Run Creek (Resolution 42892)
- Authorized negotiation for property purchase for West End Stormwater Drainage Improvement Project (Ordinance 42896)
- Approved budget ordinance for school programs (Ordinance 42897)
- Amended Gun Violence Prevention Commission composition (Ordinances 42898 and 42899)
City Council
The Roanoke City Council held a combined meeting with the Architectural Review Board, discussing H-2 design guidelines and closed sessions on appointments, personnel, litigation, and property disposition. At the 2:00 p.m. session, the council heard public comments, mostly opposing the Evans Spring plan, and then voted 4-3 to adopt the Evans Spring Master Plan on second reading, amending the city's comprehensive plan. The council also approved several resolutions, including a construction amendment for the Wasena Bridge Replacement, acceptance of a VDOT grant for the Wiley Low Water Bridge Replacement, and donations for the Salem Turnpike Walkability Project.
- Adopted Evans Spring Master Plan (Ordinance No. 42884) on second reading, 4-3 vote
- Approved construction administration amendment for Wasena Bridge Replacement (Resolution 42885)
- Accepted VDOT HIP grant for Downstream Wiley Low Water Bridge Replacement (Resolution 42886, Budget Ordinance 42887)
- Accepted donations for Salem Turnpike Walkability Project (Resolution 42888, Budget Ordinance 42889)
- Appointed members to various boards and commissions, including Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board, Fair Housing Board, and Roanoke Arts Commission
City Council
The City Council convened a closed meeting at the request of Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. to discuss vacancies on various authorities, boards, commissions, and committees. Following the closed session, the Council voted 6-0 to certify the meeting, with Council Member Priddy abstaining.
- Discussion of vacancies on appointed authorities, boards, commissions, and committees
City Council
The Roanoke City Council held its regular meeting, approving a consent agenda and several ordinances. The most significant action was adopting the Evans Spring Master Plan as part of the city's comprehensive plan on first reading, with a 5-2 vote. The council also approved a rezoning of properties on 9th Street, S.E., from Light Industrial to Downtown District, and authorized the acquisition of real property on Bullitt Avenue.
- Adopted Evans Spring Master Plan as part of City Plan 2040 (Ordinance 42884, 5-2 vote)
- Rezoned 1919, 1912, 1912 9th St. S.E. and 1745, 1906, 0 Progress Dr. S.E. from I-1 to D District (Ordinance 42883)
- Authorized acquisition of three parcels at 0 Bullitt Avenue, S.E. (Ordinance 42880)
- Adopted FY 2024-2025 Roanoke Virginia Strategic Plan (Resolution 42879)
- Accepted National Endowment for the Arts Grants for Art Projects Award (Resolution 42877, Ordinance 42878)
City Council
Roanoke City Council met jointly with the School Board, discussing budget priorities, school cellphone policy, and bus contracts. In the afternoon session, Council adopted an ordinance amending the prohibition of firearms on city property (6-1) and accepted FEMA funds for flood-prone property acquisition. The meeting also included citizen comments on taxes and crime, and was recessed to continue a closed meeting on February 20.
- Adopted Ordinance No. 42876-020524 amending City Code Section 24-2.1 (Prohibition of Firearms on City Property) (6-1)
- Adopted Resolution No. 42874-020524 and Budget Ordinance No. 42875-020524 accepting FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant for eight floodprone properties
- Discussed zoning reform and camera-based speed enforcement in school zones
- School Board discussed cellphone use policy, EV bus transition, and construction projects (Preston Park, Lucy Addison, Charles W. Day)
- Applications open for three School Board vacancies (deadline March 11, 2024)
City Council
The Roanoke City Council met on January 16, 2024, and approved a consent agenda and several regular agenda items, including grants, budget ordinances, and a rezoning. The council also heard from citizens about flooding and traffic in the Evans Spring area and other matters. The meeting included presentations, including a proclamation declaring 2024 as the Year of the Tree.
- Approved rezoning of 1007 Amherst Street S.W. and 0 Berkley Avenue S.W. from RM-1 to INPUD (Ordinance 42873-011624)
- Accepted FY23 SCAAP Award Grant for Sheriff's Office (Resolution 42855-011624, Budget Ordinance 42856-011624)
- Accepted 2024 Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant (Resolution 42859-011624, Budget Ordinance 42860-011624)
- Accepted additional VDOT Local Revenue Sharing funding for Wasena (Main Street) Bridge Replacement Project (Resolution 42868-011624, Budget Ordinance 42869-011624)
- Adopted ordinance amending Section 32-86 on financial eligibility for elderly and disabled real estate tax exemption (Ordinance 42870-011624)