City Council

CITY OF COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VIRGINIA Regular Meeting of City Council Tuesday, October 10, 2023 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 Elizabeth G. Luck Councilman John E. Piotrowski Councilwoman Dr. Laura F. Poe Vice-Mayor Robert W. Wade Mayor T. Gregory Kochuba Absent: Councilman John T. Wood Also Present: Mr. Douglas E. Smith, City Manager Mr. Hugh P. Fisher, III, City Attorney Mrs. Jeri-Ann Tomlin, Deputy Clerk 3. Devotion A devotional prayer was led by the Honorable T. Gregory Kochuba. 4. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Kochuba. Mayor Kochuba recognized Mrs. Lisa Kochuba, School Board Member. 5. Adoption of Agenda A motion was made by Mayor Kochuba, seconded by Dr. Poe, to approve the agenda as presented. Vote: 6-0 Yes: Frenier Luck Piotrowski Regular Meeting Minutes October 10, 2023 Page 2 Poe Wade Kochuba No: None Absent: Wood Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 6. Declarations of Personal Interest There were none. 7. Commendations and Presentations A. A PROCLAMATION Designating October 2023 as Community Planning Month in the City of Colonial Heights, Virginia. B. Recognizing Major Robert L. Ruxer, III upon his graduation from the FBI National Academy 8. Reading of Manner of Addressing Council. Mr. Fisher read the Manner of Addressing Council. 9. Written Petitions and Communications There were none. 10. Advertised Public Hearing A. AN ORDINANCE NO 23-20 (First Reading) Amending §§ 286-320.08, 286-320.10, 286- 320.14, and 286-320.16 of Chapter 286, Zoning, of the Colonial Heights City Code, to comply with regulations issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program. A motion was made by Mr. Frenier, seconded by Dr. Poe, to adopt Ordinance No. 23-20. Regular Meeting Minutes October 10, 2023 Page 3 At the request of Mr. Smith, Mr. Carter, Planning Director provided additional information relative to the proposed ordinance in reference to compliance regulations. Public Comment: Ann Coffin, 923 Forest View Drive – Spoke on flooding issues on her property and requested to speak with Mr. Carter regarding this issue. Council Comment: None Vote: 6-0 Yes: Frenier Luck Piotrowski Poe Wade Kochuba No: None Absent: Wood Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 11. Hearing of Citizens Generally on Non-Agenda Items Ann Coffin, 923 Forest View Drive – Asked if there were any paper shredding locations in the City. Daniel Ekwevi, 1703 Tabb Avenue, Hopewell – Spoke on his concerns and complaints regarding the Colonial Heights Wal-Mart Service Center. 12. Consideration of Uncontested Minutes, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Motions in accordance with the Consent Agenda A. AN ORDINANCE NO 23-FIN-14 (First Reading) To amend the general fund budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, by appropriating $600 from a donation made to the Office on Youth from the Knights of Columbus. To amend the Capital Projects Fund budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024, by Regular Meeting Minutes October 10, 2023 Page 4 appropriating $502,567 from federal highway construction funds to the Route One Resurfacing Project. A motion was made by Mrs. Luck, seconded by Dr. Poe, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Vote: 6-0 Yes: Frenier Luck Piotrowski Poe Wade Kochuba No: None Absent: Wood Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS 13. Introduction and Consideration of Ordinances and Resolutions A. A RESOLUTION NO 23-31 Authorizing the City Manager to execute real estate purchase agreements and any documents necessary to purchase properties located at 213 James Ave. and 220 Highland Ave. A motion was made by Dr. Poe, seconded by Vice-Mayor Wade, to approve RESOLUTION NO 23-31. Mr. Smith provided additional, brief comments relative to the proposed resolution; specifically noting the closings will occur by November 30, 2023, for both properties, the proposed use for the properties, and possible funding for those purposes. Addressing Mayor Kochuba’s question relative to notification of residents around the properties, Mr. Smith advised notification will be provided to residents on James and Highland at such time as the structures will be demolished and at the time of rezoning of the properties. There were no comments from Council. Vote: 6-0 Yes: Frenier Luck Piotrowski Poe Wade Regular Meeting Minutes October 10, 2023 Page 5 Kochuba No: None Absent: Wood Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS B. A RESOLUTION NO 23-37 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Regional Cooperative Partnership Agreement with Chesterfield County, Powhatan County, and the City of Petersburg for Regional funding from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority. A motion was made by Vice-Mayor Wade, seconded by Mrs. Luck, to adopt Resolution No. 23-37. Mr. Smith provided Council with information relative to the grant and certain aspects of funding categories for the City. Mr. Smith provided information relative to a grant opportunity offered by the Authority for a regional partnership developed between Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Powhatan, and Petersburg. Mr. Smith advised the grant was awarded to the partnership and further explained the City’s portion of the funding and the specific categories designated for funding. Continuing, Mr. Smith provided information relative to an additional grant opportunity through the Authority; specifically, an Opioid Planning Grant, which is available to individual localities. Mr. Smith provided information relative to the specific intent for the use of the additional grant funds. Vote: 6-0 Yes: Frenier Luck Piotrowski Poe Wade Kochuba No: None Absent: Wood Abstained: None Motion: UNANIMOUS PASS Regular Meeting Minutes October 10, 2023 Page 6 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. Flock Camera Update from Police Chief William H. Anspach At the request of Mr. Smith, Chief Anspach provided Council with an overview of the benefits of the Flock cameras, including the increased success rate in solving crimes and locating missing individuals. Chief Anspach stated that he would like to potentially receive four additional cameras through grant funding. Council members commended the Chief and his department on their success rate in clearing cases with the Chief addressing specific questions regarding the cameras. 2. General Activity Report Mr. Smith updated Council members on dates of interest which included upcoming City-wide events and Council meetings. B. City Attorney Mr. Fisher advised Council of the following items:  The Resolution for the Charter amendments will be presented next week at the work session for review and action.  The decertification hearing for a former City employee has been continued to November 3, 2023, at 10 A.M.  An unusual lawsuit has been filed by an inmate against several jurisdictions.  A lawsuit filed by three complainants regarding hemp products has been filed against the Governor, Attorney General, and all Commonwealth Attorneys in the State challenging new State laws on hemp. C. Director of Planning and Community Development Regular Meeting Minutes October 10, 2023 Page 7 Mr. Carter advised that his department will be announcing a scavenger hunt for the community and is working on an incentive to engage the community and get citizens active. Before adjournment, Mrs. Luck asked for several updates on the following to be presented at the upcoming work session:  Fountain in the pond at the roundabout interchange  Progress on the Health Department move  Security system  Property beside the courthouse  Pickwick avenue Dr. Poe requested an update on progress at Violet Bank with Mayor Kochuba adding the possibility of a tour. Addressing Mr. Frenier’s question regarding sidewalks at North Elementary, Mr. Flippen advised there were several items which needed to be addressed by the contractor before the project was released. 16. Adjournment There being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. Frenier, seconded by Dr. Poe, and carried unanimously on voice vote to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 P.M. APPROVED: ______________________________ T. Gregory Kochuba, Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________________ Pamela B. Wallace, City Clerk