City Council
Agenda — 6 items
- Waynette Anderson, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to the influx of unhoused citizens in the area.Monique Bishop, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to BRAGG and trying public transit.Virginia Pannabecker, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to BRAGG and the week without driving event. <br><br>Jordan Bell, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to a potential urban renewal apology from the City of Roanoke. Emma Kauffman, appeared before the Council and spoke in opposition to the casino proposal in the City of Roanoke. Jessica King, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to her experience as a previous unhoused person and the resources of the Roanoke Valley. Ananya Mishra, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to caring for the unhoused population as a local physician and advocated for the unhoused population.Adam Mastrangelo, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to increased traffic volume caused by the new development along Brandon Avenue, SW. Rebekah Murphy, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to concerns about the location of the proposed casino and its ramifications on the citizens of Roanoke. Mary Frazier, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to fear of the unhoused population and reconsideration of the proposed casino in the City of Roanoke. Stephen Paul, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to the curb and gutter workaking place in the City.Graeme Anderson, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to crime and the unhoused population. Tiffany Sandifer, appeared before the Council to serve as a voice for the unhoused population and spoke on poverty and social disease. Jessica Bookout, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to the City's housing crisis. Keely Meadows, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to the treatment of the unhoused and not to hate people. Rita Joyce, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to a request for funding for the FedUp organization. Gary Stein, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to housing on Apperson Drive and suggested a roundabout for the area. Danny Clawson, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to housing solutions and not dehumanizing the unhoused community. Catina Wright, appeared before the Council and spoke on behalf of the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition to offer solutions with regard to the housing issue in Roanoke. Rob Kevin, appeared before the Council and spoke on behalf of the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition to offer solutions with regard to the housing issue in Roanoke. Jessica Woods, appeared before the Council and spoke on behalf of the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition.Doug Hancock, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to the rights of people.
- Execution of Amendment No. 3 to the contract (C22-4120-054) with Alta Planning and Design, Inc.Adopted Resolution No. 43294-102025. (7-0)
- Amendment of the City Code by Addition of New Section 2-206.1, <u id="isPasted">Authority to refund taxes paid due to erroneous assessment</u>; Authorizing the Treasurer to Issue Refund of Erroneously Assessed Taxes That Have Been Paid.Adopted Ordinance No. 43301-102025. (7-0)
- Amendment of the City Code Section 32-101.31, <u id="isPasted">Definitions,</u> and Section 32-101.33, <u>Abatement terms</u>, Division 5C, <u>Hotel Real Estate Tax Abatement Program</u>, Article II, <u>Real Estate Taxes Generally</u>, Chapter 32, <u>Taxation.Adopted Ordinance No. 43302-102025. (7-0)
- Acceptance of the FY2026 Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) State of Good Repair Grant Award for ADA Ramp Improvements and Paving for Williamson Road NW.Adopted 43291-102025. (6-0, Council Member Sanchez-Jones was not present when the vote was recorded.)
- COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER.The City Manager offered the following comments:On October 13, 2025, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) contractors began upgrading intersections along Hershberger Road, Lafayette Blvd, and Liberty Road. This work aims to enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians by implementing a combination of high-visibility backplates for traffic signals, ADA-compliant curb ramps, curb extensions along Lafayette Blvd, pedestrian signals at signalized intersections, and crosswalk pavement markings. The City’s Public Works Transportation Division and VDOT selected these corridors because of crash volume and limited transportation infrastructure. As college application season begins, support is being offered by the Williamson Road Branch Library to guide students through the difficult process. Workshops will be held to assist with FAFSA completion, essay writing, and career planning. These efforts will lead up to a local college fair this Wednesday, October 22, from 5 to 7 PM, where students and families will be encouraged to speak with representatives from area colleges. The goal is to reduce stress and make college planning more accessible for all. On October 10, 2025, the RPD iSTAR unit was recognized as the Virginia Crime Analysis Team of the Year by the Virginia Crime Analysis Network. Following a comprehensive review of crime analysis units across the Commonwealth, including several specialized State Police units, the iSTAR team was selected for this prestigious award in recognition of outstanding performance. The honor reflects the unit’s success in solving and advancing numerous cases, producing strategic bulletins, conducting in-depth analysis, supporting problem-solving initiatives, and providing interagency assistance throughout the year. The team’s work has made a measurable impact on crime reduction in the City of Roanoke, as well as among regional and federal partners. In addition, an RPD crime analyst received the Virginia New Analyst of the Year award for exceptional tactical analytical contributions that directly resulted in arrests and case closures. These recognitions highlight the continued excellence and regional influence of the department’s crime analysis capabilities. The Public Works Transportation Division’s Landscape crews have completed the annual fall aeration and overseeding of City medians and rights-of-way, a key component of the City’s landscape maintenance program. Fall provides optimal growing conditions, with cooler temperatures and increased soil moisture promoting strong seed germination and root development. Aeration relieves soil compaction, improving oxygen, water, and nutrient penetration to the root zone, which supports deeper, more resilient turf growth. Overseeding addresses bare or thin areas, increasing turf density, improving uniformity, and enhancing the overall aesthetic of City corridors. Maintaining healthy, vibrant medians and rights-of-way not only contributes to community beautification and civic pride but also has measurable economic impacts by creating attractive gateways that support property values, encourage business investment, and enhance the experience of residents and visitors alike. This proactive landscape work ensures long-term sustainability of the City’s public spaces while reinforcing the visual identity and economic vitality of our community.
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