City Council

Agenda — 4 items

1. Kevin Aagard appeared before the Council and spoke in support of funding for Roanoke City Public Schools. Laura McKeage appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to the decrease in the Roanoke City Public Schools budget. Ellie Bundrick appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to the potential school budget cuts, including the P.L.A.T.O. program. Jessica Blandy appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to the decrease in the Roanoke City Public Schools Budget.</strong><br><br><strong>Freeda Cathcart appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to the financial and economic development issues at Fisburn Park and requested that the contract with the vanBlaricoms be reviewed. Angela Biard appeared before the Council and spoke in support of Roanoke City Public Schools funding and how the management of funds impacted children's future.Wani Mojah appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to the decrease in the Roanoke City Public Schools budget. Kathleen Jennings appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to the decrease in the Roanoke City Public Schools budget.
2. Bids to enter into a Parking Agreement for unreserved parking permits for the Center in the Square Garage located at 11 Campbell Avenue, S. E., Roanoke, Virginia.Received one bid from The First National Exchange, LC. The sole bid was referred to the City Manager for review and recommendation to the Council.
3. A report of the City Manager recommending execution of a Parking Agreement, subject to certain terms and conditions, to obtain up to twenty (20) parking permits for the use of not more than twenty (20) unreserved parking spaces in the City's Center in the Square Garage located at 11 Campbell Avenue, S.E.Adopted Ordinance No. 43367-031626. (6-0)
4. COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER.The City Manager offered the following comments:Parks and Recreation will be piloting a noise-reduction initiative at the Shrine Hill pickleball courts. Staff have installed “Librarian (quiet) pickleball” receptacles filled with softer balls, along with informational signage for players. This effort responds to neighborhood concerns regarding the noise associated with pickleball, specifically the sharp “ping” sound produced during play. The use of softer balls is intended to help mitigate that noise while allowing continued use of the courts. RVTV will be filming educational promotional segments for this initiative in the coming weeks to help inform the public and encourage participation in the pilot program. In recognition of International Women’s Day, the International City/County Management Association hosted the 2025 SheLeadsGov Virtual Forum on March 5. This year’s forum, themed “Innovate, Inspire, Impact,” brought together more than 1,200 participants who joined virtually or through organized watch gatherings across the country. The SheLeadsGov forums connect professionals committed to supporting one another, encouraging meaningful community change, and advancing innovation in local government. The event included conversations, collaborative sessions, and keynote presentations that provided practical strategies for strengthening local organizations and communities, while also fostering a strong sense of connection among participants. Here in Roanoke, more than 100 women employed by the City gathered Thursday morning, March 5^th, to participate in a leadership development forum focused on strategic communication, self-advocacy, and leading during periods of change. Women currently represent 38.5 percent of the City’s municipal workforce, including 23 individuals serving in senior leadership roles. Employees from multiple departments participated in the program to strengthen leadership capacity and build professional connections across the organization. The program also emphasized the continued advancement of women in public service and the preparation of future leaders here in the Star City.

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