Harrisonburg City Council Meeting - October 22, 2024

The Harrisonburg City Council met on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Mayor Deanna R. Reed presided, with all five council members present. The meeting included special recognitions, a consent agenda approving three rezoning requests and prior minutes, followed by regular items on the Northend Greenway open space easement, a presentation on the Navigation Center's operations and a construction delay, a presentation on the Harrisonburg Police Department's Connect and Protect Grant program, and a resolution to downgrade the drought status from Warning to Watch. Council also approved two supplemental appropriations and a reallocation of ARPA funds. The meeting adjourned at 9:13 PM.

Special Recognition

• Mayor Reed presented a proclamation recognizing November 1, 2024 as Extra Mile Day.
• Vice Mayor Dent presented a proclamation recognizing October 24, 2024 as National Lights On Afterschool Day. The city will light the Lucy F. Simms Center, Parks and Recreation Center, and downtown library in blue; residents are encouraged to turn on blue lights.

Consent Agenda

The consent agenda was approved unanimously (5-0) with a roll call vote. It included:

• Approval of minutes from the October 8, 2024 City Council meeting.
• Approval (second reading) of a request from Ritchie Vaughan to rezone 439 and 445 Myrtle Street.
• Approval (second reading) of a request from New Venture Partners LLC to rezone 715 North Dogwood Drive.
• Approval (second reading) of a request from Eastern Mennonite University for a master plan amendment (rezoning) for multiple properties on College Avenue, Hillcrest Drive, Mt. Clinton Pike, Park Road, Parkway Drive, Parkwood Drive, Smith Avenue, West Dogwood Drive, and Woodland Park Circle.

Northend Greenway Open Space Easement

Tom Hartman, Director of Public Works, presented a request to authorize the city manager to execute a Deed of Dedication of Open Space Land for the Northend Greenway, required by a Virginia Outdoor Foundation grant. The easements cover four city-owned parcels totaling approximately 13,675 sq ft on Suter Street, 16,181 sq ft on Monroe Street, and 9,092 sq ft and 6,204 sq ft on Monroe Street (from the agenda). Council Member Fleming asked about signage at the Suter Street location; Mr. Hartman confirmed wayfinding signs will be installed upon completion of the Brookside segment. The motion carried 5-0.

Presentation on the Operation of The Navigation Center

Nate Riddle, Executive Director of Open Doors, presented the operational plan for the Navigation Center, including a daytime drop-in center open to the public Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM, a low-barrier shelter (18+, experiencing homelessness), a three-month length-of-stay policy with extensions possible, and partnerships with Mercy House, First Step, the Community Services Board, Suitcase Clinic, Sentara Health, Strength and Peers, and others. The center will provide laundry, showers, computers, and case management. Deputy City Manager Amy Snider announced an unexpected construction delay due to inadequate fireproofing on beams, causing a miss of the October 30 deadline; the opening is postponed. She is seeking temporary shelter sites for 20-40 beds starting in November. Council expressed support and urged community assistance. The presentation was received and filed.

Harrisonburg Police Department Connect and Protect Grant Program

Interim Chief Todd Miller presented on the Connect and Protect Grant ($550,000 over three years from the Bureau of Justice Assistance) to establish a co-response program pairing officers with mental health professionals. The program aims to divert individuals from arrest and unnecessary hospitalization, provide field assessment, and reduce officer time on mental health calls. The grant requires 40% matching in the final year; the city will use in-kind contributions. Recruitment for a clinician and qualified mental health professional has begun. Dr. Amanda Teye from JMU noted that data analysis suggests a mental health professional on scene could reduce involuntary commitment rates by at least one third. The presentation was received and filed.

Drought Warning Rescission

City Attorney Chris Brown presented a resolution to rescind the Drought Warning declared on August 13, 2024 and declare a Drought Watch, following DEQ's regional downgrade. The city's water supply is normal with a 14 million gallon per day surplus, but the region remains in a watch due to a well issue in Clarke County. The resolution passed unanimously.

Supplemental Appropriations

1. Supplemental Appropriation of $1,302,216: For shared services with Rockingham County, including $262,000 for jail plumbing repairs and $1,000,000 for the Children's Services Act (CSA). City Manager Ande Banks noted a 20% increase in city children and families receiving services this year versus last, partly due to the state's suspension of the Qualified Residential Treatment Program. Council Member Fleming requested an update on trends. The motion passed 5-0.
2. Supplemental Appropriation of $1,186,239: For the Smart Growth Community Connectors Grant ($85,000) and the VDOT State of Good Repair grant ($1,101,239) for paving on East Market Street and Port Republic Road. The motion passed 5-0.

ARPA Unobligated Funds Reallocation

Luke Morgan, grants and programs analyst, reported that three ARPA projects (Employee Retention Payment, Child Care Program, and Small Business Assistance Fund) were completed under budget, leaving $13,144.50 in unobligated funds. Staff recommended reallocating these funds to the Navigation Center ARPA project, partially funded by city funds. The motion passed 5-0.

Public Comments

Javier Calleja (1243 Country Club Road) thanked Council Member Jones for his service and expressed appreciation for the council's work. He announced his candidacy for council.

Boards and Commissions Appointments

• Harrisonburg Housing and Redevelopment Authority: Reappointed Amanda Leech (second term expiring October 13, 2028) and Luciano Benjamin (second term expiring November 29, 2028) unanimously.
• Transportation Safety and Advisory Commission: Reappointed Marian Lebherz (third term expiring December 31, 2027) unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items approved 5-0.
• Northend Greenway open space easement authorized 5-0.
• Navigation Center presentation received and filed; delay announced; temporary shelter sought.
• Police Connect and Protect Grant presentation received and filed; recruitment underway.
• Drought Watch resolution adopted unanimously.
• Supplemental appropriations of $1,302,216 and $1,186,239 approved.
• ARPA reallocation of $13,144.50 to Navigation Center approved.
• Public comment heard.
• Two board reappointments approved.
• Meeting adjourned at 9:13 PM.