City Council
City Council Meeting
Official files
Action Agenda
City of Roanoke, Virginia
CITY COUNCIL INFORMAL SESSION
October 5, 2026 9:00 AM
City Council Chamber 215 Church Avenue, SW
AGENDA
The City of Roanoke is a safe, caring and economically vibrant community in which to live, learn, work, play and prosper. A vibrant urban center with strong neighborhoods set amongst the spectacular beauty of Virginia's Blue Ridge.
NOTICE:
City Council meetings will be televised live and replayed on RVTV Channel 3 on Thursdays at 7:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; and video streamed through YouTube Live at youtube.com/RoanokeVa. Council meetings are offered with closed captioning for the deaf or hard of hearing.
CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL. All present.
Welcome
ITEMS FOR ACTION:
A communication from Mayor Joseph L. Cobb requesting that the Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss vacancies on certain authorities, boards, commissions and committees appointed by the Council, pursuant to Section 2.2- 3711 (A)(1), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended.
• Architectural Review Board
• City Planning Commission
• Roanoke Arts Commission
• Board of Zoning Appeals
• Economic Development Authority
• Fair Housing Board
• Gun Violence Prevention Commission
• Human Services Advisory Board
• Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates
• Roanoke Public Library Board
• Towing Advisory Board
(7-0)
A communication from the City Attorney requesting that City Council convene in a closed meeting to consult with legal counsel regarding a certain legal matter requiring the provision of legal advice by the City Attorney concerning contract obligations involving a City-owned facility in the Central part of the City of Roanoke, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(8), Code of Virginia, (1950), as amended.
(7-0)
A communication from the City Manager requesting that City Council convene in a closed meeting to discuss or consider the disposition of publicly held real property in the Northwest area of the City where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to
Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia, (1950), as amended.
(7-0)
Items listed on the 2:00 pm City Council docket requiring discussion/clarification and addition/deletions to the 2:00 pm agenda. None.
Topics for discussion by the Mayor and Members of City Council. None.
BRIEFINGS: None.
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULED FOR 9:00 am, IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBER. (9:05 am - 10:38 am)
THE COUNCIL MEETING WILL STAND IN RECESS FOR A CLOSED MEETING;
AND THEREAFTER RECONVENE AT 2:00 pm, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER,
ROOM 450, NOEL C. TAYLOR MUNICIPAL BUILDING. (10:39 AM)
City of Roanoke, Virginia
CITY COUNCIL 2:00 pm
City Council Chamber 215 Church Avenue, SW
1. CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL
All present. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Carter Mundy, Pastor, Redemption Church. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Joseph L. Cobb. Welcome Certification of Closed Meeting. (7-0)
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
2. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Mayor Cobb advised that, going forward, the 2:00 pm meeting would begin with the Council Members providing "shout-outs" or announcing community events recently attended. The Council Members made the following announcements:
Council Member Hagen “shouted out” the ribbon cutting for the screening of "The Constitution" movie in honor of Constitution Day on September 17, 2026.
Council Member Sanchez-Jones “shouted out” the Fire Department's Roanoke 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb was held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Roanoke Wells Fargo Tower; and excitedly announced that she had climbed the stairs four times. She also "shouted-out" the Local Colors Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the John Nolen Plaza.
Vice-Mayor McGuire “shouted out” a documentary shown at the Grandin Theater called "The Plastic Detox"; Porch Fest hosted by Old Southwest, Inc.; and Loudon Avenue Christian Church on its 128th Homecoming and Church Anniversary on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Council Member Nash "shouted-out" the movie "The Constitution" and the documentary hosted by the Friends of Mountain View: The Legacy of JB Fishburn.
Council Member Volosin “shouted out” Valley Metro and RIDE Solutions for the Art by Bus program, and acknowledged poetry chapbook "The Bus Goes on Green – from Atom to Biosphere." by the 2026 Writer by Bus Chanlee Luu.
Council Member Powers "shouted out" the documentary hosted by the Friends of Mountain View: The Legacy of JB Fishburn and the celebration of what would have been Mr. Fishburn's 160th birthday.
Mayor Cobb “shouted out” the RAM House dedication of the Jain Care Center on Friday, September 25, 2026; and the closing show of Oklahoma at the Mill Mountain Theatre. Proclamation declaring October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Council Member Sanchez-Jones presented the proclamation to Stacey Sheppard, Director of Domestic Violence Services, Total Action for Progress (TAP) and staffing attendance. Proclamation declaring October 2026 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Council Member Powers presented the proclamation to Janine Underwood, Executive Director, Bradley Free Clinic. Proclamation declaring October 2026 as National Code Compliance Month. Mayor Cobb presented the proclamation to David Jennings, Codes Compliance Coordinator, and Troy Coles, Codes Compliance Inspector I, Code Enforcement Department. Proclamation declaring Monday, October 5, 2026, as Custodian Day. Mayor Cobb presented the proclamation to Ross Campbell, Director, Public Works and custodial staff in attendance.
3. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS
6 residents spoke during public comment. Read the official record.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
(APPROVED 7-0)
Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Dispensed with the reading of the minutes as approved as recorded.
Request to schedule and advertise a public hearing on November 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon as the matter may be reached, or at such later date and time as deemed appropriate by the City Manager, on the proposed dedication of an easement at 1321 Findlay Avenue, S.E., in Garden City, bearing Official Tax Map No. 4260508.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Concurred in the request.
Request to schedule and advertise a public hearing on October 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon as the matter may be reached, or at such later date and time as deemed appropriate by the City Manager, on the proposed boundary amendments to Enterprise Zone One A.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Concurred in the request.
Communications from the Deputy City Clerk advising of the resignations of Sally Quinn and Jon Lloyd as members of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board, effective immediately.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Accepted the resignations and received and filed the communications.
A communication from the Deputy City Clerk advising of the resignation of Mark Jamison as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, effective immediately.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Accepted the resignation and received and filed the communication.
Report of qualification of Jeffrey Todd as a member of the Mill Mountain Advisory Board for a three-year term of office, commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Received and filed.
REGULAR AGENDA:
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
6. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None.
7. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager:
BRIEFINGS:
August Monthly Budget Report - 15 minutes
ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION:
Acceptance and Appropriation of Additional Funds for the Greater Roanoke and New River Valley Small Business Development Center for Fiscal Year 2027. Adopted Ordinance No. 43478-100526. (7-0)
Appropriation of the Second Quarter School General Fund. Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 43479-100526. (5-0, Vice-Mayor McGuire and Council Member Sanchez-Jones abstained from the vote)
Amendment to the Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) FY 2026-2027 Budget. Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 43480-100526. (5-0, Vice-Mayor McGuire and Council Member Sanchez-Jones abstained from the vote)
Acceptance of FY26 Congressional Directed Spending grant award funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration for the purchase of laboratory equipment for RoVa Labs. Adopted Ordinance No. 43482-100526. (6-1, Vice-Mayor McGuire voted no.) (Item 7.1.d. voted on following Item 8.1.)
COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER.
The City Manager shared the following comments:
Last week, the Roanoke City Police Department held a Love Where You Live event at Ferncliff Apartments, bringing together officers, City staff, volunteers, and community partners. This was a great example of how departments come together as a team and the importance of communication and collaboration as we work to improve neighborhoods, connect residents with resources, and support family safety, empowerment, and student success.
Our Stormwater team recently completed the City’s annual report documenting our compliance with our stormwater permit. The report is an important communication tool that helps us share the work we’re doing to protect our local waterways, including 10 citywide street-sweeping cycles that removed more than 1,000 tons of sediment, cleaning storm drains, inspecting nearly 29,000 feet of pipe, and reaching more than 38,000 residents through public outreach. I want to recognize the team for not only doing this important work, but also communicating that work to our community.
Several members of our Parks and Recreation leadership team recently attended the National Recreation and Parks Association Conference in Philadelphia. It’s important that our leadership team stays connected to what’s happening nationally, learns from other communities, and brings those ideas back to Roanoke. That kind of collaboration and willingness to learn from one another is what makes a strong team players and helps us continue to improve the programs and services we provide to our residents.
CITY ATTORNEY: None.
DIRECTOR OF REAL ESTATE VALUATION: None.
8. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
A report of the Roanoke City School Board requesting appropriation of funds for various educational programs; and a report of the City Manager recommending that City Council concur in the request. Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 43481-100526. (5-0, Vice-Mayor McGuire and Council Member Sanchez-Jones abstained from the vote.)
Comments on certain Authorities, Boards, Committees and Commissions in which City Council serve as liaisons or appointees. None.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
10. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
None.
11. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
Inquiries and/or comments by the Mayor and Members of City Council. Mayor Cobb asked Angelia Vernon, Assistant to the City Manager, to provide information about the upcoming Mayor's Business Summit. Ms. Vernon advised that online registration was open to enroll in the Mayor's Fall Business Summit on October 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Vacancies on certain authorities, boards, commissions and committees appointed by Council. Reappointed Dawn Erdman as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a three-year term of office commencing January 1, 2027, and ending December 31, 2029.
Reappointed Robert Logan as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a three-year term of office commencing January 1, 2027, and ending December 31, 2029.
Appointed Timothy Parry as a member of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals for a term of office ending June 30, 2029. Reappointed Frank Martin, III, as a member of the City Planning Commission for a four-year term of office commencing January 1, 2027, and ending December 31, 2030.
Appointed Lavar Youmans to fill the unexpired term of office as an ex-officio member of the Defined Contribution Board.
Reappointed Kermit Hale as a member of the Economic Development Authority for a four-year term of office commencing October 21, 2026, and ending October 20, 2030.
Appointed Kiana Bell as a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Commission for a term of office ending March 31, 2027.
Appointed Kristen Leary as a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Commission for a term of office ending March 31, 2029.
Appointed Chris Clemmer as a member of the Mill Mountain Advisory Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2027.
Reappointed Christopher Carver as a member of the Roanoke Civic Center Commission for a three-year term of office commencing October 1, 2026 and ending September 30, 2029.
Appointed Shamaill Ross as a member of the Roanoke Civic Center Commission for a three-year term of office commencing October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2029.
Reappointed Cameron Chase as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates for a three-year term of office commencing October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2029.
Reappointed Nadirah Wright as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates for a three-year term of office commencing October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2029.
Appointed Eliza Dreier as a member of the Roanoke Public Library Board for a term of office ending June 30, 2029.
Appointed Jonathan Hudson as a member of the Roanoke Valley Regional Cable Television Committee for a term of office ending June 30, 2029.
Reappointed Andrew Graninger to the Roanoke Valley Greenway Committee for a term of office commencing July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2027.
Reappointed Barbara Duerk to the Roanoke Valley Greenway Committee for a term of office commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029.
Reappointed Dominic Harden to the Roanoke Valley Greenway Committee for a term of office commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2028.
Appointed Robert Young as a member of the Towing Advisory Board for a three-year term of office commencing November 1, 2026, and ending October 31, 2029.
Appointed James Smith, Sr., as a member of the Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Board of Directors for a two-year term of office commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2028.
Appointed Jennifer Eddy as a member of the Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Board of Directors for a three-year term of office commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029.
Appointed Lavar Youmans as an alternate on the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority for a term of office ending February 3, 2030.
Appointed Jonathan Pait as a member of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a one-year term of office commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.
Appointed The Honorable Anita Price as a member of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a two-year term of office commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2028.
Appointed Vickie Briggs as a member of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a two-year term of office commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2028. City Council waived the residency requirement in this instance.
Appointed Karen Pillis as a member of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a three-year term of office commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029.
Appointed Jeffrey Wood as a member of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a three-year term of office commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029.
Appointed India Anderson as a member of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a three-year term of office commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029.
Appointed Zariaya Bell as a Youth Representative member of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a one-year term of office commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.
Appointed Lianiz Cuevas as a Youth Representative member of the Youth Services Citizen Board for a one-year term of office commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. ADJOURNED - 3:28 p.m.
Change history
- STAR(city)GAZER began tracking this meeting: Fri, Oct 23, 2026.
Source
City of Roanoke, CivicClerk: this meeting on the official portal.