Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 29, 1995 TAG: 9503290049
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
City Council unanimously authorized City Manager Robert Asbury to procure a temporary modular building, as Circuit Court Judge Duane Mink had requested during a council executive session earlier this year. Asbury said Monday he envisions a free-standing structure of approximately 24 feet by 40 feet with office space for clerks and judges for the General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations courts.
The building will stand at the northwest end of the Municipal Building, which houses several city and court offices and two courtrooms. Asbury estimated it could cost up to $40,000 "ready to move into."
Council also moved ahead with initial planning for a permanent courthouse expansion, authorizing Asbury to secure architectural and engineering services to modify and extend the existing building. Asbury said Tuesday he expects the city will spend $100,00 over the next 16 months, including erecting the temporary structure, and providing additional parking on a lot the city recently purchased across Second Street from the Municipal Building.
Asbury said he wants to involve Mink in the planning and design process.
The new addition wouldn't be ready for at least two years "under the best of circumstances," he said.
In other matters, council approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $110 million in revenue bonds by the Roanoke Industrial Development Authority primarily for debt refinancing of several Carilion hospitals, including Radford Community Hospital.
Councilman David Worrell balked at the resolution, which would include money to help the hospital move to a new site in Montgomery County.
"I will not support anything that's going to take a business outside the city of Radford," he said after voting "no."
In other action, City Council:
Formally established the Radford Commission on Arts and Events to oversee and manage a proposed annual "world-class" festival focusing on the city's Appalachian and railroad heritage. However, council deferred action on a commission budget.
Agreed to transfer just over 2 acres of land in the Radford Industrial Park to the Industrial Development Authority. The tract, adjacent to the soon-to-be-occupied shell building, is part of Radford's efforts to accommodate the new tenant's plans for future expansion. City officials have said a manufacturing operation plans to move into the shell building and provide 30 jobs, but they have not announced the company's name.
OK'd a recommendation to allow a private individual to renovate a vintage 1934 fire truck and to show it occasionally at car shows and other events. The city will retain ownership of the vehicle.
Delayed putting the city-owned Camp Coffee property in Montgomery and Pulaski counties on the market until Recreation Director Ken Goodlier can evaluate the former youth camp's potential for city recreation programs. The tract is just over three miles upstream from the Little River hydroelectric dam.
Approved a recommendation from Assistant City Manager Bob Lloyd to post $500 rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone vandalizing city property.
Awarded a $47,415 contract for curb and gutter work to Has Construction Company of Roanoke.
by CNB