Richmond City Council Reporter and Telegraph

East End "Economic Summit" for White People

2014-06-13T15:00:00.000-04:00

East End Economic Summit - 2014 June 13 at The Robinson Theater - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Bon Secours and the City of Richmond held this Economic Summit to discuss the future revitalization of 25th Street and Nine Mile Road. Interesting that audience was about 90% white, when the areas being discussed are largely populated by low income African Americans. Video presentation on neighborhood revitalization featuring the small businesses that have opened in the last few years in Church Hill including Proper Pie, Sub Rosa, WPA Bakery [2:44]Representatives from Bon Secours Yvette Johnson-Threat [0:31] and Peter Bernard, CEO Bon Secours Virginia Health Systems [8:52], Capital One, The Community Builders, CEO of RRHA Adrienne Goolsby, Mayor Dwight Jones, Cynthia Newbille, and Jason Roberts from Dallas, Texas, founder of The Better Block spoke to the assembled audience.

Baseball Takes Centerstage at Council Meeting

2014-02-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

Part 5/10 - 2014 Feb. 24 - Council Amendments to Shockoe Stadium Resolution - Formal City Council Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

The City Clerk read the title of Resolution 2014-R29. Ellen Robertson [6th District] and Parker Agelasto [5th District] wanted Council members to explain the intent of their proposed amendments to the resolution to the audience before starting the Citizen Comment Period.

Jon Baliles [1st District] 5:20, Cynthia Newbille [7th District] 6:11, Charles Samuels [2nd District] 7:06

Part 6/10 - 2014 Feb. 24 - Citizen Comment Opposed to Shockoe Stadium - Formal City Council Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Many citizens spoke in opposition to the proposed stadium in Shockoe Bottom for a variety of reasons.

Part 7/10 - 2014 Feb. 24 - Citizen Comment in Support of Shockoe Stadium - Formal City Council Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Supporters of Resolution 2014-R29 were given about 15 more minutes than opponents to speak.

Part 8/10 - 2014 Feb. 24 - Council Discussion on Shockoe Stadium - Formal City Council Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

The first 25 minutes of this clip were spent going over proposed amendments to Resolution 2014-R29 by the Administration [1:07], Cynthia Newbill [4:40], Jon Baliles [8:53], and Charles Samuels [10:56]. Then Council members made statements explaining why they were voting the way they were voting.

Parker Agelasto [27:14] and [1:15:18] Kathy Graziano [29:19] can't buy linens in the City of Richmond. Michelle Mosby [32:57] Cynthia Newbille [40:45] Reva Trammell [44:52] and [1:14:14] Chris Hilbert [47:31] Jon Baliles [58:43] Ellen Robertson [1:05:42] Charles Samuels [1:20:35]

THE REST OF THE MEETING

Part 1/10 - 2014 Feb. 24 - Prayer, Pledge, Instructions, Appointments - Formal City Council Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, Fire Evacuation Instructions, Rules for Speakers, Appointments Res. No. 2014-R28 (Patron: All Members of Council) - To appoint Matthew E. Peanort, III as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Richmond Retirement System for a term commencing upon adoption of this resolution and terminating Oct. 25, 2016, succeeding Ronald L. Tillett.

Part 2/10 - 2014 Feb. 24 - Awards Period, Appointment, Amend Agenda - Formal City Council Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Awards were presented to recognize the first week of March as Women in Construction Week presented by Charles Samuels [0:20] and Stephanie C. Garrison for 28 years of service for the City of Richmond in the field of Social Services, presented by Chris Hilbert [3:15] Appointment [6:30] Res. No. 2014-R27 (Patron: All Members of Council) - To appoint William H. Leighty as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Richmond Retirement System for a term commencing upon adoption of this resolution and terminating Oct. 24, 2014, succeeding Dr. Wallace G. Harris. [7:42] Agenda Review and Amendments.

Part 3/10 - 2014 Feb. 24 - Citizen Comment Period - Formal City Council Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Comments from Charles Poole [1:07], Lillie Estes [6:24], Michael Gilbert [9:20], and James Giddings [12:52].

Part 4/10 - 2014 Feb. 24 - Consent Agenda - Formal City Council Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

The following ordinances and resolutions were adopted:

28. Ord. No. 2014-11-20 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 228 West 26th Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property to L. Kent Pond for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment.

29. Ord. No. 2014-12-21 (Mayor Jones, By Request) - To adopt an amendment to the Master Plan for the City of Richmond, adopted by the City Planning Commission on Nov. 6, 2000, and by the City Council by Ord. No. 2000-371-2001-11, adopted Jan. 8, 2001, as previously amended, to incorporate the Hull Street Corridor Revitalization Plan, applicable to certain areas along the portion of Hull Street Road between the railroad line just west of the intersection of Hull Street Road and East Belt Boulevard and the City’s corporate boundary just east of Chippenham Parkway, as a part of the Master Plan.

30. Ord. No. 2014-13-22 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to submit amendments to the City’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 Action Plan, as amendments to the City’s Fiscal Year 2013-2015 Consolidated Plan, to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the purpose of reallocating funds in the total amount of $959,970; to transfer and appropriate certain funds in the total amount of $959,970 between and among various grant activities and to modify the purpose of certain appropriations for various grant activities.

31. Ord. No. 2014-14-23 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $58,802.41 from the Richmond Metropolitan Authority and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Departments of Public Works’ Parking Management Special Fund by $58,802.41 for the purpose of funding maintenance on the parking deck located at 201 East Grace Street.

32. Ord. No. 2014-15-24 (Patron: Vice President Robertson) - To amend and reordain City Code § 98-263, concerning the eligibility of residential real property for a partial tax exemption in redevelopment or conservation areas or rehabilitation districts, for the purposes of adding a new eligibility category for multi-family dwellings of more than eight units, a certain minimum and maximum percentage of which provides housing restricted to individuals or families making up to 80 percent of the area median income for the Richmond-Petersburg Metropolitan Statistical Area, and excepting new structures or other improvements built on lots that have become vacant as a result of a demolition at the expense of the City from the requirement that such lots be vacant for at least two years prior to the date upon which an application for a partial tax exemption is filed.

33. Ord. No. 2014-16-25 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To amend and reordain City Code § 106-126, concerning the construction or extension of mains or services and incentive programs, for the purpose of requiring the Director of Public Utilities to establish the maximum capital expenditures allowed per qualifying multifamily residential facility and per dwelling unit.

34. Ord. No. 2014-17-26 (Patron: Mayor Jones, By Request) - To rezone the properties known as 310 East Leigh Street, 612 North 4th Street and 305 East Jackson Street from the RO-3 Residential-Office District to the RP Research Park District.

35. Ord. No. 2014-18-27 (Patron: Mayor Jones, By Request) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Telecommunications Franchise Agreement by and between the City of Richmond and Lumos Networks Inc., for the purpose of installing telecommunications equipment within the City’s public right-of-way.

36. Ord. No. 2014-19-28 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 1301 North 38th Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property to Daniil Kleyman for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment.

37. Ord. No. 2014-20-29 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 1419 Drewry Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property to Roneece Walker for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment.

38. Ord. No. 2014-21-30 (Patron: Mayor Jones) To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 205 East 30th Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property to Roneece Walker for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment.

39. Ord. No. 2014-22-31(Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for & on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Agreement to Host 2014 - 2016 Atlantic 10 Conference Women’s Basketball Championships by and between the City of Richmond & the Atlantic 10 Conference for the purpose of hosting the Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championships.

42. Res. No. 2014-R25-30 (Patron: Mr. Agelasto) - To approve an expenditure in the amount of $1,500 from the Council Districts Funds for the Fifth District to make a donation to Storefront for Community Design to conduct four community workshop sessions for residents in the neighborhoods surrounding City Stadium.

43. Res. No. 2014-R26-31 (Patron: President Samuels) - To approve an expenditure in the amount of $1,765 from the Council Districts Funds for the Second District to pay the Department of Information Technology for the printing and mailing of the Second District February 2014 District Newsletter.

44. Res. No. 2013-R276-2014-32 (Patrons: Vice President Robertson and President Samuels) - To request that the Mayor identify in his proposed annual budget for the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 funding from the General Fund for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to be funded [in] up to the maximum amount of $5,000,000 each fiscal year for five years and, over the course of five fiscal years, [in] up to the maximum amount of $25,000,000, beginning with and including Fiscal Year 2014-2015. (As Amended)

Council Delays Service Cuts for Disabled CARE Van Riders until July 1 at Special Meeting

2014-01-12T18:34:00.000-05:00

2014 Jan. 6 Special Meeting of Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Meeting run time: 5:04 PM - 5:38 PM.

At Council's first meeting of the year, Council considered Ord. 2013-252 To amend and reordain City Code § 110-136, concerning bus fares, for the purpose of delaying a change in hours during which CARE service is provided. (Mr. Baliles, Ms. Mosby and Ms. Graziano) {Committee Referral Waived Pursuant to Rule VI(B)(2)}

Introduced by Jon Baliles [2:48]

Citizen Comments by Timothy Smalls [4:33], Rachel Loria [7:42], Crystal Harris [10:18], Cheryl Kemmins [13:31], Shirley Harris Jr. [14:57], Brian Montgomery [16:05], Cathy Walker [17:43], Rodney Thomas [18:42], Gina McGee [21:30], Inga Horowitz [24:53], and Silver Persinger [27:39]

Additional comments by Parker Agelasto [30:07] and Jon Baliles [31:33]

[33:53] A new paper was introduced at the end of the meeting Resolution 2014-R1 to call for a special election to replace the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Urban Land Institute Report Out on Future Land Use at Informal Session

2013-10-14T15:00:00.000-04:00

Part 1/4 - 2013 Oct. 14 - ULI "Reality Check" with David Johannas @ Informal City Council Meeting - Richmond, VA from Silver Persinger.

Meeting Agenda, is available here.

David Johannas, Principal, Johannas Design Group, shared the results of a May 2013 (ULI) Urban Land Institute‘s Reality Check Program, which gathered elected officials, developers, planners, and others to see what they thought the future of development might look like in the city.

Part 2/4 - 2013 Oct. 14 - Board Vacancies @ Informal City Council Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

A recent addition to the City Clerk's office is Alexander Rawles, Boards and Commission Administrator, who reviewed applicants for various Boards with Council members. Mr. Rawles is from Mecklenburg, Virginia.

Part 3/4 - 2013 Oct. 14 - Docket Review @ Informal City Council Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

At 8th District Meeting Reva Trammell Treats Constituents Like Children

2013-06-20T18:00:00.000-04:00

2013 June 20 - Reva Trammell's 8th District Town Hall Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Comments from:

0:47 Henry Mease, Trammell's Council Liaison
2:00 Reva Trammell, 8th District Council Member
5:29 Derik Jones, 8th District School Board
15:59 David from the Richmond Symphony
17:55 Scott Booth, Major, Richmond Police Department
24:35 C.T. Woody, Richmond Sheriff
32:06 Adrienne Goolsby, CEO, Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority
41:42 Henry Marsh, Senator, Virginia State Senate
44:09 Betsy Carr, Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates
45:54 David Cooper, Code Enforcement
49:27 Deborah Morton, Deputy Director, Parks & Recreation
55:05 Firefighters from Station 21 on Jefferson Davis Highway
and MORE!

Boring Meeting Devolves into Unending Discussion of Truancy

2013-04-17T17:14:00.000-04:00

Part 1/4 - 2013 April 17 - Public Comment Period - Education & Human Services - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Meeting time: 5:14 PM - 6:51 PM

Public Comments from:

[0:42] Ulysses Brown
[3:52] Silver Persinger
[9:13] Kelly King Horne, Executive Director, Homeward

Part 2/4 - 2013 April 17 - Public Schools Update from Jeffrey Bourne - Education & Human Services - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Richmond School Board Chairman, Jeffrey Bourne gave a presentation to City Council's Education & Human Services Committee and answered questions from Council members.

Part 3/4 - 2013 April 17 - Approval of Minutes/ Board Vacancies - Education & Human Services - Richmond, VA from Silver.

[0:18] Minutes from the previous month's committee meeting were approved [3-0]. Mr. Hilbert thanked the clerk's office for the effort to summarize the discussion in the minutes.

Board Vacancies:

[1:55] Richmond Behavioral Health Authority [RBHA] - 3 vacancies, 3 Applicants -- 2 were recommended via letter by RBHA, Denise P. Dickerson and Byron Marshall.
[5:28] Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks - 1 vacancy, District 2 / 1 Applicant, Leighton Powell
[7:00] Social Service Advisory Board - 3 vacancies, No Applicants
[7:06] Career & Technical Education Commission - 4 vacancies, No applicants (2 are Mayoral)
[8:41] Carillon Advisory Committee - 6 vacancies, No Applicants

Capital Area Partnership Uplifting People [CAPUP] - 5 vacancies, 5 applicants
This was the most interesting discussion because three of the reappointments had already served an additional 3 years since their terms expired. The term of appointment is 3 years, and there is a term limit of two terms. [8:48 - 26:33]

[26:33] Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens - 2 vacancies, No applicants
[28:20] Senior Connections [Capital Area Agency on Aging, Inc.] - 1 vacancy, No Applicants

Part 4/4 - 2013 April 17 - Staff Report / Truancy Discussion - Education & Human Services - Richmond, VA from Silver.

"Brief Summary" of Staff Report by Joyce Davis that turned into a long-winded discussion about truancy.

Under 15 Minute Meeting for Land Use Committee

2013-04-16T15:00:00.000-04:00

2013 April 16 - Land Use Committee - Entire Meeting - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Meeting time: 3:04 PM - 3:18 PM.

Members present: Jon Baliles, Chair [1st District], Committee members Kathy Graziano [4th District] and Michelle Mosby [9th District].

A very short meeting. No public comment. Hardly any discussion of the three papers considered. Item number 4, Ord. 2013-79, received the most attention, with introduction and comments from Juanita Buster.

Meeting agenda, available here.

Agenda amendments:

WITHDRAWN
1. Ord. No. 2012-4 (Patrons: Mr. Tyler and President Graziano)- To amend Ord. No. 97-3-41, adopted Jan. 27, 1997, which adopted a process to be followed to ensure funding for the “1% for Art” program to be administered by the Public Art Commission and adopted the City of Richmond Public Art Commission Review and Acceptance Policy for Gifts of Works of Art, for the purpose of providing that the amount to be set aside for public art shall not exceed $250,000 for each qualifying project.

CONTINUED
3. Ord. No. 2013-41 (Patron: Mr. Hilbert) - To amend and reordain City Code § 26-650, concerning the Urban Forestry Commission, for the purpose of amending the responsibilities and duties of the Commission to include a requirement that the Commission provide advice and recommendations to the City Planning Commission on matters related to trees affected or that may potentially be affected by the construction of any street, square, park or other public way, ground, open space, public building or structure.

PAPERS FOR CONSIDERATION

[2:15] 2. Ord. No. 2013-22 (Patron: Vice President Robertson)- To amend City Code § 42-41, concerning the disposition of funds from the sale of real estate and certain insurance proceeds, and to amend ch. 42, art. II of the City Code, concerning trust funds of the City, to add therein a new section 42-44, concerning the disposition of revenues arising from the lease or other use of former school properties, for the purpose of providing that revenues from the sale, lease or other use of former school properties be set aside for the construction of new public school facilities or for the operations of the School Board oftheCity of Richmond. [4:00]

4. Ord. No. 2013-79 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $723,226 from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Economic and Community Development by $723,226 for the purpose of the acquisition, rehabilitation and sale of foreclosed properties through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. [9:06]

5. Res. No. 2013-R106 (Patron: Mr. Hilbert) - To declare a public necessity to amend the zoning ordinance and to initiate an amendment to the City’s zoning ordinance to make such changes as may be necessary to rezone real properties located within an area around Brookland Park Boulevard generally bounded by West Crawford Street and East Crawford Avenue to the north, Richmond-Henrico Turnpike to the east, East Hooper Street and West Hooper Street to the south, and Edgewood Avenue to the west and to request that the Chief Administrative Officer cause to be conducted a study of all real properties within such area to determine (i) if the zoning classifications for such properties are consistent with objectives to revitalize such area and (ii) the best land usage of the real properties in such area.

[11:44] BOARD VACANCIES

Locking Your Bike to a Pole Just Got More Restricted & Council to Sign Off on Emergency Operation Plan

2013-04-15T17:00:00.000-04:00

Part 1/5 - 2013 April 15 - Public Safety Committee - Presentation from R.O.O.T.S - Richmond, Virginia from Silver .

Part 2/5 - 2013 April 15 - Discussion: Street Numbers on Buildings - Public Safety Committee - Richmond, Virginia from Silver .

Part 3/5 - 2013 April 15 - Papers for Review - Attaching Bikes & Motorcycles to City Property - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 4/5 - 2013 April 15 - Papers for Review - Emergency Operations Plan - Richmond, Virginia from Silver .

Part 5/5 - 2013 April 15 - Papers for Review/Board Vacancies - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger on Vimeo.

Organization Development Convenes to Quickly Consider Appointments to Boards

2013-04-01T19:05:00.000-04:00

2013 April 1 - Organizational Development - Board Vacancies - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

A short 15 minute Organization Development Committee meeting that came at the end of a long day of Budget Review running from 12:15 PM until 5:50 PM and a contentious Special Meeting related to a lease for Theater Row for Departments formerly located at 3600 Building.

This meeting was concerned exclusively with reviewing candidates for appointment to various Boards and Commissions.

Who Needs City Council? Administration Does What It Wants

2013-04-01T17:54:00.000-04:00

2013 April 1 - Special Meeting of Richmond City Council - Ord. 2013-77 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Meeting started at 5:54 PM. All Council Members were present except Reva Trammell [8th District].

Council spent the entire special meeting discussing Ord. 2013-77-45. City Council approval is required for all leases. As it turns out, the administration vacated a couple of city departments from the 3600 Center on W. Broad Street over the weekend and moved them into the Theater Row Building at 8th & Broad which is owned and managed by the Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority [RRHA] without a lease or even consulting City Council.

Fragment of Budget Review Meeting

2013-04-01T17:00:00.000-04:00

2013 April 1 - Budget Review Work Session - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

I arrived shortly before 5 PM, to attend the Special Meeting that had been called in order for Council to consider the lease agreement for Theater Row [Ord. 2013-77]. However, Council was still in the midst of presentations from various departments related to budget requests and needs of departments. This series of presentations had been going on since 12:15 PM, I believe, and this is only the last 50 minutes.

In this segment, we heard from Clay Dishon, Community Services Manager, and Cheryl Clarke, Operations Manager, from Richmond Public Libraries [1:04], Dr. Donald Stern, Director of Public Health, from the Health Department [18:57], and Rufus Fleming, Deputy Director II, and Rhonda Gilmer, Deputy Director I, from Department of Justice Services [23:15].

Locking Bicycles to Trees & Parallel Parking Law at Public Safety

2013-03-18T17:00:00.000-04:00

Part 1/3 - 2013 March 18 - Public Safety Committee - Public Comment/Approval of Minutes - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Meeting Agenda available here.

Meeting time: 5:11 PM - 6:36 PM

Members present: Reva Trammell, Chair [8th District], Committee member Cynthia Newbille [7th District], Councilman Parker Agelasto [5th District], and Committee member Chris Hilbert [3rd District] arrived at 5:15 PM.

No public comment. One individual got up to speak but she spoke to an item on the Agenda and was asked to save her comments until the paper came before the committee.

The minutes were approved unanimously.

Part 2/3 2013 March 18 - Public Safety Committee - Papers for Review - Ord. 2012-232 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Council discussion of Ord. 2012-232 to remove bicycles, scooters, and mopeds from city owned trees, poles, and signs after 72 hours. The paper was withdrawn and will be reintroduced at another time with revisions.

Part 3/3 2013 March 18 - Public Safety Committee - Ord. 2013-12 Parking 12" from Curb - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Council discussion of Ord. 2013-12 which would add a section to the City Code stating that individuals parking more than 12 inches from the curb could be fined $20. Councilman Hilbert was very resistant to the idea. He said he was willing to make it 24 inches. Later at the suggestion of Councilwoman Newbille, the ordinance was recommended to be amended to make it 18 inches. All cities in Virginia have the 12 inch requirement, the only exception is Chesterfield Council that has the 18 inch rule.

City Clerk Alvin Anderson Fired by City Council

2013-03-11T18:00:00.000-04:00

Part 1/9 - 2013 March 11 - Formal Meeting Opening - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Council President Charles Samuels called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. The meeting opened with the customary prayer spoken by Rev. Donna Tucker, Associate Minister at Tabernacle Baptist Church [0:26], followed by the Pledge of Allegiance [1:36].

This was followed by the Council Chambers evacuation announcement [1:54], and rules for speakers [2:39]. All members of Council were present [3:36].

Part 2/9 - 2013 March 11 - Appointments & Reappointments - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 3/9 - 2013 March 11 - Awards Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 4/9 - 2013 March 11 - Agenda Review & Amendments - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver .

Part 5/9 - 2013 March 11 - Citizen Comment Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 6/9 - 2013 March 11 - Consent Agenda - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 7/9 - 2013 March 11 - Expedited Papers - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 8/9 - 2013 March 11 - Minutes Approved/ Council Announcements - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Historic Informal Session of Richmond City Council

2013-03-11T15:10:00.000-04:00

2013 March 11 - Docket Review - Informal Session City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver

Thankfully, for me the meeting started at 3:10 PM, right after I arrived. I probably missed less than 30 seconds from the beginning of the meeting as I set up my camera. This was a historic meeting for two reasons. It was very short, only about 10 minutes long, none of the items reviewed generated much discussion. Secondly, it was the first time I've seen the President of the Council open the floor for Citizen Comment at the end of the meeting. Later, I wished that I had spoken to thank Council President Samuels for allowing Citizen Comment during the Informal Session and to encourage him to continue the tradition at future meetings when time allowed.

The only item on the agenda was Docket Review, the review of papers to be considered at City Council's Formal Meeting at 6 PM.

General Assembly Update, Multi-Modal Plan, Budget Review Calendar at Organization Development

2013-03-04T17:21:00.000-05:00

Part 1/4 - 2013 March 4 - General Assembly Update from Ron Jordan - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

The City's lobbyist Ron Jordan gave an update about actions taken by the General Assembly and issues that will specifically impact the City.

Part 2/4 - 2013 March 4 - Draft Multi-Modal Strategic Plan - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 3/4 - 2013 March 4 - Budget Review Calendar - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 4/4 - 2013 March 4 - Board Vacancies - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver Persinger on Vimeo.

Special Meeting - Monument Ave. Windows Postponed & Mayor's Budget Date Set

2013-03-04T17:06:00.000-05:00

2013 March 4 - Special Meeting of City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Meeting started at 5:06 PM. All Council members were present with the exception of Chris Hilbert [3rd District]

At the Council meeting of February 25, 2013 this Special Meeting was called in order to deal with Resolution 2013-R47 "To reverse the decision of the Commission of Architectural Review which denied a certificate of appropriateness for vinyl replacement windows on a home located at 2916 Monument Avenue." [3:57]

The Commission of Architectural Review and the individual who had replaced his windows, prior to the meeting had agreed to continue discussions for up to 75 days. The resolution was continued to the March 25 Council meeting in order to receive an update by a vote of 7-1, Councilman Parker Agelasto was the only dissenting vote.

The only other item discussed at the meeting was Ordinance 2013-42 "To fix the day on which the Mayor shall submit the budgets to be submitted in 2013 to the City Council pursuant to City Charter § 6.02 on March 12, 2013, at 3:00 PM." Patron Council President Charles Samuels [2nd District]. [2:05] The ordinance passed 8-0

The special meeting ended at 5:12 PM. Then Council members were requested to attend the Organizational Development Committee meeting that was held in the Large Conference Room, across the hall from the Council Chambers.

Capital Region Collaborative & Docket Review at Informal Session

2013-02-25T15:00:00.000-05:00

The first Informal Session with a noticeably absent City Clerk Alvin Anderson. The City Clerk's Office staff did a fine job running the meeting.

Part 1/2 - 2013 Feb. 25 - Presentation from Capital Region Collaborative - Informal Session City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver

Presentation on the Capital Region Collaborative, a pro-business group that include 9 localities surrounding Richmond which is "a partnership between the Greater Richmond Chamber [of Commerce] and the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission." The presentation was given to members of City Council by Bob Crum, Executive Director, Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, and Wendy Burtner-Owens, Project Manager for the Capital Regional Collaborative.

Part 2/2 - 2013 Feb. 25 - Docket Review - Informal Session City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Docket Review that included some contentious items.

Items discussed included:

Ord. 2012-4 pertaining to the "1% for the Arts" Program which would limit the amount to no more than $250,000 for each qualifying project. Mr. Hilbert had questions and Mrs. Robertson also had comments. Both Council persons support a monument to Maggie Walker, the famous first African-American woman banker. [7:06]

Res. 2013-R47 "To reverse the decision of the Commission of Architectural Review which denied a certificate of appropriateness for vinyl replacement windows on a home located at 2916 Monument Avenue." [17:34]

Res. 2013-R48 chickens!

Cutting GRTC Service for Disabled Riders Proposed & Monument Avenue Vinyl Windows

2013-02-19T15:00:00.000-05:00

Part 1/ - 2013 Feb. 19 - GRTC Presentation on ADA Ridership - Land Use - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Representatives from GRTC gave a presentation on the growing expense of transporting people with disabilities and made proposals to cut service.

Part 2/ - 2013 Feb. 19 - Agenda Amendments - Land Use - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver

City Clerk Alvin Anderson reviewed amendments and papers on the committee's agenda for the meeting.

Part 3/ - 2013 Feb. 19 - Public Comment Period - Land Use - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Public comments from Valerie West [0:31] and Lee Crowell [4:49] related to the papers pertaining to urban hens.

Deborah Corliss and Dr. Louise Einolf, co-chairs of the Patrick Henry Charter School spoke to the committee [9:25] about desiring a long term lease on Patrick Henry School and wanting to use more of the building.

Part 4/ - 2013 Feb. 19 - Papers for Review - Land Use - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 5/ - 2013 Feb. 19 - Res. 2013-R47 - Vinyl Windows on Monument Ave - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

A half hour discussion on the merits of vinyl windows on a Monument Avenue home. The Commission of Architectural Review [C.A.R.] would prefer the recently replaced windows made of vinyl be taken out and replaced with expensive wooden windows. Special appearance from Bill Pantele, former Council President and 2nd District Council member, who was representing the individual who had replaced the windows.

Hull Street Revitalization & Stormwater Discussed at Informal Session

2013-02-11T15:00:00.000-05:00

Part 1/3 - 2013 Feb. 11 - Draft Hull St. Revitalization Plan - Informal Session - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Meeting Start Time: 3:04 PM

Deana Rhodeside, Director of Rhodeside & Harwell, Inc. gave a 23 minute presentation on her firm's vision for improvements along the Hull Street corridor in south Richmond and Chesterfield County. The plan called for creating more green spaces, developing housing, additional landscaping, and adding more sidewalks and bicycle pathways. A key feature of the plan was the development of four themed "urban centers," including "Town & Family Entertainment Center" at Warwick Rd., "Design/Health+Wellness Center" at Chippenham Parkway at the Richmond/Chesterfield city limit, "Multi-Cultural Market Center" at Turner Road in Chesterfield, and "Live+Learn Center" at Walmsley Boulevard in Chesterfield.

Dr. Rhodeside's presentation was followed by roughly 10 minutes of questions and comments from Council members.

Part 2/3 - 2013 Feb. 11 - Presentation on Stormwater - Informal Session - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Michele Virts, Deputy Director, Dept. of Public Utilities gave a presentation on Stormwater.

Part 3/3 - 2013 Feb. 11 - Docket Review - Informal Session - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Items on the Agenda for the evening's Formal Meeting were reviewed before going into closed session to discuss the City Auditor and City Clerk.

Police Officers and Fire Fighters Want More Money

2013-01-29T16:30:00.000-05:00

Part 1/4 - 2013 January 29 - Papers for Consideration - Public Safety - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

The Public Safety Committee considered several papers.

[1:34] 1. Ord. No. 2013-2 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To amend and reordain City Code § 110-37, concerning taxicab rates, for the purpose of providing that, for a trip originating at Richmond International Airport, the rate shall be $10.00 or the charge registered on the meter, whichever is greater, plus $2.00.

I spoke in opposition to this paper because I did not feel that residents or visitors to the city should pay an excessive minimum charge for taxi rides originating at the Richmond Airport. My point was irrelevant however because the stated minimum charge of $10 would have been reached on any fare further than 3 miles from the the Richmond Airport and the Richmond City limits is about 5 miles from the airport. This fact was not clearly stated until after much needless discussion had occurred. Thanks to Greg Lukanuski from the City Attorney's Office. Discussion of the paper was put off of a bit until a member of the Airport Commission arrived. The discussion resumed at [18:59].

[10:43] 2. Ord. No. 2013-3 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept $50,000 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services by $50,000 for the purpose of a Richmond MSA Public Outreach and Education Project.

[39:33] 3. Ord. No. 2013-12 (Patron: Mr. Agelasto) - To amend and reordain ch. 102, art. VI, div. 1 of the City Code by adding therein a new section numbered 102-246 and to amend and reordain City Code § 102-243, concerning parking violations and penalties for noncompliance with certain parking requirements, both for the purposes of requiring that the curbside wheels of vehicles parked on streets parallel to a curb shall be no more than 12 inches from such curb and imposing a fine for the violation of such requirement.

[16:04] 4. Ord. No. 2013-18 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $135,185 from the United States Department of Homeland Security and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services by $135,185 for the purpose of providing for the purchase of computer hardware and software to increase critical information sharing and collaboration efforts between the City and other entities at the Port of Richmond and generally within the city of Richmond.

Part 2/4 - 2013 January 29 - Public Comment Period - Public Safety - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Citizen comments from Melvin Jones, who is tired of the drug dealing going on in front of his house[0:33], Charles Willis, Execute Director, Citizens Against Crime, on the Nightclub ordinance [4:43], Jodi Strange, President, Friends of Richmond K9 urging Council to support a new building for the city's K9 Unit [10:10], Rosetta Torrence discussing her petition to keep Police Chief Norwood in the City of Richmond [12:03].

Part 3/4 - 2013 January 29 - Police & Fire Discuss Salaries & Career Advancement - Public Safety - Richmond, VA from Silver.

[0:53] Captain Keith Andes from the Richmond Fire Department gave the main presentation in support of increasing salaries and improving career opportunities for member of the Richmond Police and Fire Department. Council woman Reva Trammell [8th District] said if there was any retaliation in response to their demand she wanted to hear about it. She offered her telephone numbers in case anyone wants to call her. Her home phone number is 233-7382 and her cell number is 240-5050.

[10:25] Capt. Andes was followed by Stacy Rogers, President of Richmond Coalition of Police, who talked about losing officers to localities that offered a few thousand dollars more and described the generally hopelessness that officers felt and stated that many men and women in the department were struggling to get by.

Ms. Trammell addressed the audience [16:00] and invited others to speak to have their concerns heard. Other speakers included Sergeant John Barkley, Richmond Police [20:26], Police Officer Trishonda Gill[22:19], Homicide Detective Mack Ewards [24:35], Firefighter Jennifer Curran [28:24], Firefighter Joe Signorelli [31:08], Firefighter Lt. Ray Neville [32:20], and retired firefighter Tom Bray? [42:26].

[34:00] Additional comments from Keith Andes and Stacy Rogers, Ms. Trammell asked them to give her their top four demands.

Comments from Council persons Cynthia Newbille [38:14], Chris Hilbert [39:10], and closing comments from Ms. Trammell [43:13].

Part 4/4 - 2013 January 29 - Minutes Approved, Appointments, Staff Report - Public Safety - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

The final bit of the meeting included the approval of minutes from a previous meeting, discussion of the appointment of Carly Sorrento? to Community Criminal Justice Board, and a brief staff report from Steve Taylor.

Council's Constitutional Officers Report for Duty

2013-01-07T17:00:00.000-05:00

At City Council's first meeting of the new term, Council members received introductory reports from Council's Chief of Staff Lou Ali, City Attorney Allen Jackson, City Assessor James Hester, City Auditor Umesh Dalal, and City Clerk Alvin Anderson.

Part 1/5 - 2013 January 7 - Report from Council Chief of Staff Lou Ali - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Before the report from Council's Chief of Staff, Byron Marshall, Mayor Jones' Chief Administrative Officer introduced Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services, Stephen Harms [1:24]

Part 2/5 - 2013 January 7 - Report from City Attorney Allen Jackson - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 3/5 - 2013 January 7 - Report from City Assessor James Hester - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 4/5 - 2013 January 7 - Report from City Auditor Umesh Dalal - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 5/5 - 2013 January 7 - Report from City Clerk Alvin Anderson - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Planning Commission Considers Church Hill Water Tank, Victory Rug Apartments, Nightclub Ordinance

2013-01-07T13:30:00.000-05:00

Part 1/4 - 2013 Jan. 7 - Minutes, Director's Report, Consent Agenda - Planning Commission - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Meeting started at 1:30 PM.

In this portion, Chair Melvin Law opened the meeting, welcomed back Kathy Graziano [4th District] to the Planning Commission, and wished members a happy new year. Graziano served previously as a member of the Planning Commission from January 2005 - December 2008.

The minutes for Dec. 3 and 10, 2012 were approved unanimously [0:56]. The election of officers was put off until the next meeting [1:27]. The Annual Report to City Council was approved to be sent to City Council [2:41]. The Consent Agenda consisted of Ord. 2012-211 to authorize renovations & increasing the number of residents permitted in the adult care residence [4:10]; and an item pertaining to the replacement of the water tank in Church Hill [4:58] which was moved to the regular agenda by unanimous consent of the body.

There was no public comment nor Commission discussion on Ordinance 2012-211 [5:35] which was forward to Council unanimously.

Part 2/4 - 2013 Jan. 7 - Church Hill Water Tank Replacement - Planning Commission - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

The replacement water tank was proposed to look the same as the existing water tank. The Commission asked the Department to go back and offer some alternatives that would fit in more with the residential character of the neighborhood. The item was deferred for 30 days.

Part 3/4 - 2013 Jan. 7 - Ord. 2012-200 - Victory Rug Building - Planning Commission - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 4/4 - 2013 Jan. 7 - Ord. 2012-234 - Nightclub Ordinance - Planning Commission - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Meeting end time 2:44 PM.

Final Formal Meeting of 2012 is Last for Tyler, Jewell, Conner

2012-12-10T18:00:00.000-05:00

Part 1/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Prayer, Pledge, Fire Evacuation, Rules for Speakers - Richmond City Council, Richmond, VA from Silver.

Meeting start time: 6:13 PM End Time: 7:58 PM

All members present with the exception of Chris Hilbert [3rd District].

This was the last Formal Council meeting of the year, though Council would convene two more special meetings to wrap up details on the gifts to Bon Secours Hospital and the Washington Redskins.

This was also the last meeting with Councilmen Marty Jewell [5th District], Doug Conner [9th District], and possibly Bruce Tyler [1st District] who has requested a recount and contested the November election he lost by 22 votes. One event noticeably missing was the "Thomas Jefferson Award for Government Service," which many out-going members have received in recent years. The award appears to be an engraved silver platter.

Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

Fire evacuation instructions [].

Rules for Speakers. Including a new section that says speakers may be banned for 6 months if they fail to follow Council's rules. This is a response to recent comments made by Teddy Parham, who was subsequently banned from Council meetings for 6 months. See the comments that got Ms. Parham in trouble, here.

Part 2/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Awards Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 3/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Amending the Agenda - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 4/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Citizen Comment Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 5/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Reading of the Agenda - Richmond City Council Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 6/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Citizens Opposed to Consent Agenda - Richmond City Council Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 7/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Expedited Resolutions & Approval of Minutes - City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 8/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Council Member Announcements - Richmond City Council Meeting - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 9/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Introduction of New Papers - City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger on Vimeo.

Informal Session

2012-12-10T15:00:00.000-05:00

Part 1/6 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Adrienne Goolsby, CEO of RRHA - Informal Session - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Adrienne Goolsby, Chief Executive Officer for the Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority gave a presentation to the City Council as an update to what the organization has been doing under her leadership. She was joined by Carol Jones Gilbert, Chief Operations Officers, and another woman.

Part 2/6 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Docket Review Ord. 2012-209 - Informal Session - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 3/6 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Ord. 2012-221 & 222 - To Locate Water Treatment on Commerce Rd - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 4/6 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Docket Review Ord. 2012-225 - Informal Session - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 5/6- 2012 Dec. 10 - Relocating RPS from Diamond Stadium Site - Informal Session - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 6/6- 2012 Dec. 10 - Docket Review Concluded - Informal Session - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Hell to the Redskins - No Cost Training Facility in Quid Pro Quo Deal with Bon Secours

2012-11-26T18:00:00.000-05:00

Part 1/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Prayer, Pledge, Chamber Evacuation Plan - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Meeting start time: 6:10 PM. The meeting opened with a prayer by Roslyn ? [0:35] from New Life Deliverance Tabernacle, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance [2:48]. Then City Clerk Alvin Anderson reviewed the Chamber evacuation procedure in case of an emergency [3:07].

Part 2/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Awards Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Delta Sigma Theta received recognition from Richmond City Council and Mayor Jone's office in honor of the sorority's 75th anniversary. The award was presented by XX, representing Mayor Jones and Council President Kathy Graziano.

Part 3/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Amending the Agenda - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

A number of papers were continued, this is not the complete list...

To STRIKE, Ord. 2012-64 Sponsored by Bruce Tyler [1d] "concerning Council approval of ... contract modifications, for the purpose of requiring Council approval by resolution for construction and professional services contracts with a value greater than $100,000 and for all contract modifications that increase a contract by 15 percent or $25,000 whichever is greater. Recommendation form Finance to strike."

To CONTINUE, Ord. 2012-141 sponsored by Ellen Robertson [6d], to amend the City Code "for the purpose of establishing a Derelict Building Abatement Program." Will be heard at January 22, 2013 Land Use meeting, and be before Council again on January 22, 2013.

Part 4/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Amending Riverfront Plan - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Parts 5-14 below pertain to the Redskins/Bon Secours Hospital Deal.

My Two Cents 2012 Nov 26 - Compilation of Comments by Silver Persinger Opposed to Redskins/Bon Secours Deal - Richmond, VA from Silver.

I spoke out a number of times at the meeting in opposition to the Redskins/Bon Secours deal, the above video is a compilation of all my comments regarding the deal.

Part 5/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Conveying Westhampton School to City - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Ord. 2012-213 was the first requirement for the execution of the Bon Secours land deal for Redskins sponsorship. Ordinace 2012-213 conveyed the land from Richmond Public Schools to the City, through Chief Administrative Officer Byron Marshall.

Speaking in Opposition, Melvin Jones [3:55], Chris Dorsey [5:27], Silver Persinger [8:20], Carolyn Worsham [11:35], and Michael Delano [13:45].

Speaking in Support, David Napier [14:23]

Part 6/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Hilbert Explains "Enhanced" Redskins/Bon Secours Deal - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 7/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Citizens Opposed to "Enhanced" Redskins/Bon Secours Deal - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 8/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Citizens In Support of "Enhanced" Redskins/Bon Secours Deal - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 9/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - City Council Discussion on "Enhanced" Redskins/Bon Secours Deal - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 10/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Comments Against Conveying Westhampton School to EDA - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 11/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Comments in Support of Conveying Westhampton School to EDA - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 12/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Council Discussion of Conveying Westhampton to EDA - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 13/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Comments Against Bon Secours/Redskins Financing Package - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 14/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Comments In Support of Bon Secours/Redskins Financing Package - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 15/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Unannounced Council Recess after Bon Secours/Redskins Vote - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 16/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Citizen Comment Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Gloria Harrison of Gordon Avenue said that she and her neighbors would like their narrow street made into a one way street. She was instructed to contact the City's Traffic Engineer, Tom Flynn.

Part 17/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Consent Agenda - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 18/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Council Member Announcements - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 19/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Introduction of New Papers - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.