City Council

CITY OF COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VIRGINIA Regular Meeting of City Council Tuesday, July 12, 2022 1. Call to Order The Regular Meeting of City Council was called to order by Mayor Kochuba at 7:00 P.M. 2. Roll Call The following members of Council and Council’s staff were present for roll call by the Clerk: Present: Councilman Kenneth B. Frenier Councilwoman Dr. Laura F. Poe Councilman Robert W. Wade Vice Mayor Elizabeth G. Luck Mayor T. Gregory Kochuba Absent: Councilman John E. Piotrowski Councilman John T. Wood (arrived late) Also Present: Mr. Douglas E. Smith Mr. Hugh P. Fisher, III, City Attorney Mrs. Pamela B. Wallace, Clerk 3. Devotion A devotional prayer was led by Mr. Wade. 4. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Kochuba. 5. Adoption of Agenda A motion was made by Mrs. Luck, seconded by Dr. Poe, to approve the agenda. Vote: 5-2 Yes: Frenier Poe Wade Luck Kochuba Regular Meeting Minutes July 12, 2022 Page 2 No: None Absent: Piotrowski Wood (arrived late) Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 6. Declarations of Personal Interest A declaration was read by Dr. Poe and filed with the Clerk. 7. Commendations and Presentations A. Recognizing Fire Fighter/Paramedics Terry Schane, Gregory Martin, Mathew Glascock, and Gregory Taflinger for their exemplary life-saving skills performed on June 29, 2022. Chief Hoover presented the below information relative to the events which unfolded on the afternoon of June 29, 2022, after which time he commended the aforementioned individuals for their knowledge and skills in performing their job. At the end of the presentation, Mayor Kochuba presented each man with a City coin for their exemplary service to citizens of the City. At the request of Mr. Wood, the information below has been entered verbatim into the minutes of the July 12, 2022 Regular Meeting. On June 29th, 2022, our crews responded for a sick/unknown medical problem at 102 Robinwood Ct. Dispatch advised there was an approximately 30-year- old male who was experiencing heavy sweating and just feeling generally unwell after exercising. Initial response was for Medic 931, but that unit began having mechanical issues so crews quickly requested another medic unit to respond and meet them on scene. Medic crews arrived to find the patient lying on a couch feeling “unwell” and sweating. Our paramedics performed a full assessment as well as an electrocardiogram (EKG) which crews thought just “didn’t look normal.” This gut feeling led providers to then do a right-sided EKG which is very rarely done as part of a normal assessment. This additional step started to show some suspicious EKG changes causing providers to activate a “STEMI” or “Heart Alert” at Southside Medical Center before even leaving the scene. Since a medic unit was now out of service on scene, the crews elected to take an additional provider so they could have extra hands should the patient’s condition deteriorate during transport. Crews continued to monitor the patient and Regular Meeting Minutes July 12, 2022 Page 3 take vital signs during transport but the patient’s vitals appeared stable. By all accounts, the patient looked normal, but the paramedics thought something just wasn’t right. Following protocol, they started two large bore IVs, administered aspirin, took repeat EKGs, and transported to a cardiac catheterization capable facility. The repeat EKGs slowly changed to show a heart attack confirming the medic crew’s suspicions. Crews gave IV fluids and administered nitroglycerin tablets during transport and upgraded their transport to emergency using lights and sirens. Not long after, the patient went into cardiac arrest and the lethal rhythm ventricular fibrillation was noted on the monitor. The paramedics in the back with the patient immediately attached the defibrillation pads, administered the first shock or defibrillation within 20-30 seconds, and started CPR. Crews estimate he was pulseless and had CPR performed for approximately 1 minute until he regained consciousness for approximately 2 minutes. The patient then went into another lethal rhythm called Ventricular Tachycardia which required another immediate defibrillation. After the second shock, he returned to a regular rhythm and was awake and aware enough to immediately ask crews “what happened?” Crews said simply, “You died and we had to shock you a couple of times, but you’re back now.” Approaching the hospital, the crew administered an antiarrhythmic medication to try and prevent future lethal rhythms and delivered the patient to the waiting ER staff. ER staff confirmed the heart attack and then sent the patient to the Cardiac Catheterization lab. Follow-up revealed he had a 100% occlusion of the LAD (Left Anterior Descending Artery) also called a “Widow-Maker Blockage.” B. New City Employee Introductions New Employees hired in the Finance Department and Police Department. Mr. Smith recognized and welcomed the following Department Heads: Malysa Rhodes – Director of Finance William Anspach, III – Chief of Police 8. Reading of Manner of Addressing Council. Mr. Fisher read the Manner of Addressing Council. Before continuing, Mayor Kochuba recognized Dr. Agrawal from the School Board. 9. Written Petitions and Communications There were none. Regular Meeting Minutes July 12, 2022 Page 4 10. Advertised Public Hearing There were none. 11. Hearing of Citizens Generally on Non-Agenda Items Dwight McKinney, 319 Maple Avenue – Mr. McKinney provided comments relative to several issues: 1) his concerns relative to speeding along both Maple and Meridian Avenue; 2) his trash had not been picked up in over a week; and 3) there was an odor from the creek behind Meridian Avenue. 12. Consideration of Uncontested Minutes, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Motions in Accordance with the Consent Agenda A. AN ORDINANCE NO 22-13 (Second Reading) Awarding the City Manager a 2% pay increase and a 2% bonus. B. April 26, 2022 Special Meeting Minutes C. May 10, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Mr. Frenier, seconded by Dr. Poe, to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented. Vote: 7-0 Yes: Frenier Piotrowski Poe Wade Wood Luck Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 13. Introduction and Consideration of Ordinances and Resolutions A. AN ORDINANCE NO 22-FIN-8 Regular Meeting Minutes July 12, 2022 Page 5 (First Reading) To amend the General Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021 and ending June 20, 2022, by appropriating $87,900 consisting of 1) $1,000 in Restricted Fund Balance to the Police Department for Adopt-a-Cop; 2) $4,025 in LOLE Grant Funds from DCJS to the Police Department; 3) $2,000 in Restricted Fund Balance for E-Citation Funds to the Police Department; 4) $37,849 in Assigned Fund Balance to Public Works for the Lakeview Dam Project; and 5) $43,026 in assigned fund balance for the North Elementary Sidewalk Project. To transfer $170,893 consisting of 1) $80,443 in Contingency Funds for Sewer repairs; and 2) $90,450 in Contingency Funds to Public Works for purchase of garbage containers. To amend the Emergency Response Budget by appropriating $30,055 in ARPA Funds for the Colonial Heights Sanitary Sewer Assessments. To amend the Water and Sewer Fund Budget by appropriating $80,443 in transfer from Contingency Funds for emergency sewer repair. To amend the Capital Projects Budget by appropriating $43,026 in transfer of assigned fund balance for the North elementary Sidewalk Project. A motion was made by Dr. Poe, seconded by Mrs. Luck, to adopt Ordinance No. 22-FIN-8. Mr. Smith further reviewed the items listed in Ordinance No. 22-FIN-8 and provided additional detailed information relative to the appropriations. Addressing Mr. Wade’s question relative to the ongoing erosion problem behind Deerfield and if federal funding could be sought to address the issue, Mr. Smith stated he was not sure; however, he would consult with Mr. Flippen regarding the request. Addressing Mr. Wood’s question relative to the location of the manhole and sewer repair in the amount of $80k+, Mr. Campbell, Assistant Public Works Director, advised the repair was located behind Cal’s on the Boulevard. Mr. Campbell further advised the manhole and pipe to be repaired was brick and/or clay which had been replaced with PVC. Vote: 7-0 Yes: Frenier Piotrowski Poe Wade Luck Regular Meeting Minutes July 12, 2022 Page 6 Wood Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS B. AN ORDINANCE NO 22-FIN-9 (First Reading) To amend the General Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023, by appropriating $30,075, consisting of 1) $18,075 in donation funds to the Library; and 2) $12,000 in E-Citation funds to Public Safety. Mrs. Luck commended Mr. Hansen for his continued efforts in collection donations during the COVID period. There being no additional discussion, Mayor Kochuba called for the vote. Vote: 7-0 Yes: Frenier Piotrowski Wade Poe Luck Wood Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS C. A RESOLUTION NO 22-28 Approving the City of Colonial Heights House and Community Development Annual Action Plan and Budget for 2022-2023. Mrs. Brandi Payne, Assistant Planning Director, provided comments and made a presentation relative to the CDBG budget advising that funding was slightly lower this fiscal year being just over $106,000. Mrs. Payne reported that since 2005, the City had received approximately $1.8M providing repair grants to low to moderate home owners. Continuing, Mrs. Payne advised that to date, 12 applications had been mailed and three received. Addressing Mrs. Regular Meeting Minutes July 12, 2022 Page 7 Luck’s question, Mrs. Payne advised that residents of the entire City were eligible for assistance if they meet the criteria for the program. There being no further discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Piotrowski, seconded by Mr. Wade, to adopt Resolution No. 22-28. Vote: 7-0 Yes: Frenier Piotrowski Wade Poe Luck Wood Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS D. A RESOLUTION NO 22-29 Authorizing the submission of funding applications to the Commonwealth Transportation Board through the bi-annual SMART SCALE program for the following projects: 1) Lakeview Modernization Phase II (Brijidan Lane to Lakeview Park Drive); 2) Boulevard Modernization (Temple Avenue to Essex Road); 3) Appomattox River Greenway Trail Boulevard Spur (Trail Phase IV to Archer Avenue); and 4) Appomattox River Greenway Trail Phase IV (Appamatuck Park to City Limits). A motion was made by Mr. Wade, seconded by Dr. Poe, to adopt Resolution No. 22-29. Mr. Smith advised the proposed projects had been compiled throughout the year with authorization for submission by resolution necessary at this time. At the request of Mr. Smith, Mr. Campbell, Assistant Director of Public Works, provided an overview and clarification of the proposed projects clarifying that the projects were all grant-funded and would be of no cost to the City. Both Mr. Campbell and Mr. Smith addressed questions from Mr. Wood relative to the proposed spur from Archer Avenue to the trail. Continuing, Mr. Campbell provided additional comments relative to the SMART SCALE Regular Meeting Minutes July 12, 2022 Page 8 project funding; specifically noting that the City had never received SMART SCALE funding but staff was hopeful that would change with this request. There being no additional comments, Mayor Kochuba called for the vote. Vote: 7-0 Yes: Frenier Piotrowski Wade Poe Luck Wood Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS E. A RESOLUTION NO 22-31 Supporting the submission and approval of a funding application by the Tri-Cities Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to the Commonwealth Transportation Board through the bi-annual SMART SCALE program for the Appomattox River Trail – Trailhead to Chesterfield County and Colonial Heights – Petersburg, Chesterfield Cbounty, and Colonial Heights project. A motion was made by Mr. Wade, seconded by Mayor Kochuba, to adopt Resolution No. 22-31. Mr. Campbell provided comments relative to the multi-jurisdictional project advising that the project would join the Appomattox River Greenway Trail to a bridge across the Appomattox River to the City of Petersburg’s trail system. Ms. Heather Barrar, FOLAR Trail Coordinator, provided additional comments relative to the project and addressed questions proposed by Council. There being no further comments, Mayor Kochuba called for the vote. Vote: 7-0 Yes: Frenier Piotrowski Regular Meeting Minutes July 12, 2022 Page 9 Wade Poe Luck Wood Kochuba No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 14. Unfinished Business, Contested Ordinances and Resolutions, And Items Removed from the Consent Agenda. There was none. 15. Reports of Officers and Documents Related Thereto. A. City Manager 1. General Activity Report Mr. Smith recalled the presentation by Mr. Keith Boswell, Executive Director of Virginia’s Gateway Region, relative to the Regional Industrial Facilities Authority (RIFA). Mr. Smith advised he received documentation from Mrs. Epps related to the ordinance agreement documents should Council decided to entertain participation in the Authority. Mr. Smith stated this was a mechanism allowing localities the opportunity to partner on projects should they so desire and could potentially share in revenues generated from such project(s). Continuing, Mr. Smith advised one of the inquiries for Mr. Boswell was relative to the operational member dues; specifically noting that while there was the option for dues, it was the plan to operate with no charge to the participating localities. However, that arrangement would change once projects were identified and charges would fall under the individual projects. Mr. Smith advised it was the recommendation of staff that Council entertains future discussion to approve the City’s participation in the RIFA, and if approved, the appropriate public notice ordinance could be published for the August meeting. Additionally, Mr. Smith stated he could forward Mr. Boswell’s presentation and additional documentation by Mr. Boswell for Council’s review. Mayor Kochuba stated it was a good idea for Mr. Smith to forward the information and presentation to Council and confirmed that Council’s Regular Meeting Minutes July 12, 2022 Page 10 approval to become involved in the RIFA did not financially commit the City to anything. Mr. Smith confirmed the City would not be committed to specific projects. Mayor Kochuba stated it would be best to review the presentation and other information for discussion at an upcoming meeting or work session. Mr. Smith agreed to a presentation at the upcoming August meeting. Mr. Wade confirmed there was no cost to the City – the City just agrees to become a member and when a project opportunity arises, there could be a shared expense. Mr. Smith confirmed that was the way it was being presented at this point. Mr. Smith advised the Authority would appoint a board made up of members from participating locality members. Mr. Wood asked if he was correct in assuming that any proposed project would actually be presented by the authority; but, the decision-making as to whether any particular locality would engage in any project, sponsored by the authority, would remain in the locality itself. Mr. Smith stated he would view this as the decision of the locality; however, he was unsure how the project would be presented. Mr. Wood recalled information in the presentation which conveyed that the Authority would be a mechanism for the presentation of projects which they believed would be mutually beneficial to a locality with the ultimate decision remaining with the affected locality. Additionally, Mr. Wood inquired as to what type of projects Colonial Heights could consider which could be mutually beneficial. Mayor Kochuba provided a scenario for multiple locality participation being Petersburg’s proposed pharmaceutical cluster; however, funding was not available from Petersburg for infrastructure to support the project so other participating localities would be looked to for participation to help fund infrastructure needs. Continuing, Mr. Smith presented Council with a letter received from the City’s auditors, Brown Edwards, advising that the City received the GFOA Certification of Excellence for Financial Reporting. Concluding his report, Mr. Smith advised there would be no work session for the month of July. Before moving to Mr. Fisher’s report, Mr. Wade provided comments on the following:  Concern about the lack of customer service support as promised by Mrs. Hynes of CVWMA as it pertained to complaints regarding trash collection. Regular Meeting Minutes July 12, 2022 Page 11  The cost of purchasing an additional trash receptacle.  The number of current vacancies in Recreation and Parks and Public Works.  The lack of technical support with regard to Munis system on-site training needs.  Requested staff provide a Code Enforcement log. At the conclusion of Mr. Wade’s comments, Mr. Frenier stated that at the end completion of the Tyler-Munis System installation, there should be some course of action to address the lack of on-site technical support. B. City Attorney Mr. Fisher advised that the Tyler-Munis contract was negotiated at length and signed; and that Tyler-Munis should be performing within the contract’s guidelines. Mr. Fisher reported there were disputed parcels relative to the Westover lane widening project; however, it appears that two will be resolved without further court involvement. C. Director of Planning and Community Development Mr. Smith provided information relative to the action taken by the Planning Commission at the July 5 meeting which included approval of a preliminary site plan for 325 Charles Dimmock Parkway for the development of an 83,895 square foot, five-story hotel and a retail facility containing 6,850 square feet. The site is zoned GB – General Business. 16. Adjournment There being no further business, a motion was made by Mayor Kochuba, seconded by Mr. Wade, and carried unanimously on voice vote to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:06 P.M. APPROVED: ______________________________ T. Gregory Kochuba, Mayor ATTEST: Regular Meeting Minutes July 12, 2022 Page 12 _____________________________________ Pamela B. Wallace, City Clerk