Radford council approves Berkeley Group contract, introduces Craig Meadows and receives flood recovery update

Radford City Council voted to approve a primary agreement with the Berkeley Group and a related work order and authorized the mayor to sign both documents, clearing the way for the Berkeley Group to provide interim city manager services as the city transitions after David Ridpath’s announced retirement effective Jan. 1, 2025.

The council’s action followed a staff-led selection process; the mayor said the council’s consensus at a prior meeting was to move forward with the Berkeley Group and directed staff to complete paperwork. The motions to approve the agreement and the work order passed after a roll call in which the clerk recorded affirmative responses.

The council introduced Craig Meadows as the Berkeley Group representative who will work with the city and serve in the interim city manager role for at least the next six months. The mayor summarized Meadows’ background, saying he brings “34 years in public sector service,” a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a CPA credential and municipal administration training.

Staff also delivered an extended status report on flood recovery from the storm (referred to in the meeting as Helene). City Manager David Ridpath and staff described a multi-agency response that has included in-person meetings with FEMA and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, claims filed with the city’s insurance provider, and ongoing cost-estimating for repairs and reimbursements.

Jenny, a city staff member who led the recovery briefing, told the council that FEMA had “come down here and meet with us ahead of our request for public assistance, which is pretty unprecedented,” and she provided aerial imagery and a facilities status update. According to staff, several facilities have partially reopened (some playgrounds and shelter bathrooms), boat ramps are open, and many athletic fields remain closed and are being relocated regionally while repairs proceed.

Officials described specific damage and early cost estimates: the pickleball court underlayment has collapsed and early repair estimates are “probably somewhere in the hundred and $50,000 range,” not including signage and netting; the dog park appears to be a total loss; and the city has set up temporary animal-control facilities while pursuing longer-term options on higher ground. Staff said filing deadlines for federal assistance were met and that the city continues to gather price tags for reimbursement requests.

Mayor and council members repeatedly thanked first responders and city staff for around-the-clock work during recovery and noted assistance from state and federal officials. Council members emphasized that some repairs will require long-term planning and that decisions about relocating facilities in or out of the floodplain will factor into insurance and FEMA reimbursement strategies.

The council’s approval of the Berkeley Group contract and work order and the staff briefings were the meeting’s principal actions on personnel and recovery policy; the council moved into closed session later in the evening to discuss investment and real property matters as allowed under Virginia law.

The city manager transition agreement, the work order with the Berkeley Group, and the recovery briefings are the most recent developments; council said staff will return with implementation details and next steps as they are finalized.