City Council

Public Hearing 02/28/17 CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA HON. MARY KATHERINE GREENLAW, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL HON. WILLIAM C. WITHERS, JR., VICE -MAYOR, WARD TWO HON. KERRY P. DEVINE, AT-LARGE HON. MATTHEW J. KELLY, AT-LARGE HON. BRADFORD C. ELLIS, WARD ONE HON. DR. TIMOTHY P. DUFFY, WARD THREE Council Chambers, 715 Princess Anne Street HON. CHARLIE L. FRYE, JR., WARD FOUR Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401 February 28, 2017 The Council of the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, held a public hearing on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, beginning at 7:37 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. City Council Present. Vice-Mayor William C. Withers, Jr. and Council members Kerry P. Devine, Dr. Timothy P. Duffy, Charlie L. Frye, Jr. and Matthew J. Kelly. City Council Absent. Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw, out of town and Bradford C. Ellis, out of town. Also Present. City Manager Timothy J. Baroody, Assistant City Manager Mark Whitley, Assistant City Manager Doug Fawcett, City Attorney Kathleen Dooley, Community Planning and Building Development Director Charles Johnston, Development Administrator Marne Sherman, Community Development Planner Susanna Finn, Public Works Director David King, Assistant Director of Public Works Utilities Marty Schlesinger and Clerk of Council Tonya B. Lacey. Notice of Public Hearings (D16-60 thru D16-62). The Clerk read the notice of the public hearings as they appeared in the local newspaper, the purpose being to solicit citizen input. 2017-2018 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan (D17-60). – No speakers. The Annual Action Plan outlines projects that address housing and homeless needs for qualified individuals. The eligibility threshold for 19573 Public Hearing 02/28/17 community development programs, as defined by HUD, is persons and families whose household incomes are 80 percent of the area median income or below. The total number of households in Fredericksburg that could be classified as low and moderate income is 5,805 or 60.28 percent of the City’s households. Previous plans directed funds to various non-profit organizations lending services to eligible applicants to include emergency rental/mortgage assistance, legal services, health counseling, financial counseling and food assistance. Services that are directly managed by the Planning Department include Direct Homeownership Assistance Program, Removal of Architectural Barriers Program and Emergency Home Repair Program. Resolution 17-16, Approved, Authorizing the Conversion of the Vehicular Traffic Pattern on the 200 Block of Canal Street to One Way Eastbound (D16-61). – 2 speakers. Staff presented a brief PowerPoint. Rupert Farley, 1305 Caroline Street, spoke in opposition of changing Canal Street to one way because he said it was a major throughway to Fall Hill Avenue and because it was a link to the FRED bus loop. Rene Rodriguez, 1514 Prince Edward Street, spoke in opposition of changing Canal Street to one way. He said it was hard to negotiate with a traffic light and he said he was afraid of the long term impacts of removing the light. Councilor Duffy stated that if the light was going to be removed he thought it was necessary to make the street one way for safety reasons. He also noted that there would be a great expense to keep the signals in places where they were not needed. Mr. Fawcett explained that they were decommissioning five traffic signals and this was the only area that required a change in the traffic pattern. He said if the street were to 19574 Public Hearing 02/28/17 remain two-way he would look at upgrading the traffic signal. He said overall the public tends to adjust well to changes in traffic patterns and he said they would properly sign it and the public would adjust. Mr. Fawcett also stated that the signal would remain in place for approximately 30 days and it would be monitored and it would be switched back if they determined the need to switch it back. The cost to maintain the signals was $280,000 each. Councilor Frye stated again that he was not in support of decommissioning any of the signals. Councilor Duffy made a motion to approve Resolution 17-16, authorizing the conversion of the vehicular traffic pattern on the 200 block of Canal Street to one way eastbound; motion was seconded by Councilor Devine and passed by the following recorded votes. Ayes (4). Councilors Withers, Devine, Duffy and Kelly. Nays (1). Councilor Frye. Ordinance 17-01, First Read Approved, Granting Raymond L. & Dana W. Herlong an Easement for Storm Drainage over GPINs 7789-05- 6253 and 7789-05-5139 (D16-62). – no speakers. After brief overview by staff Councilor Devine made a motion to approve Ordinance 17-01, on first read, granting Raymond L. & Dana W. Herlong an easement for storm drainage over GPINs 7789-05-6253 and 7789-05-5139; motion was seconded by Councilor Kelly and passed by the following recorded votes. Ayes (5). Councilors Withers, Devine, Duffy, Frye and Kelly. Nays (0). Adjournment. There being no more speakers to come before the Council at this time. Vice-Mayor Withers declared the hearing officially adjourned at 8:07 p.m. William C. Withers, Jr. William C. Withers, Jr., Vice- Mayor Tonya B. Lacey Tonya B. Lacey, Clerk of Council, CMC 19575 Public Hearing 02/28/17 [This page intentionally left blank.] 19576 Regular Session 02/28/17 CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA HON. MARY KATHERINE GREENLAW, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL HON. WILLIAM C. WITHERS, JR., VICE -MAYOR, WARD TWO HON. KERRY P. DEVINE, AT-LARGE HON. MATTHEW J. KELLY, AT-LARGE HON. BRADFORD C. ELLIS, WARD ONE HON. DR. TIMOTHY P. DUFFY, WARD THREE Council Chambers, 715 Princess Anne Street HON. CHARLIE L. FRYE, JR., WARD FOUR Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401 February 28, 2017 The Council of the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, held a regular session on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. City Council Present. Vice-Mayor William C. Withers, Jr. and Council members Kerry P. Devine, Dr. Timothy P. Duffy, Charlie L. Frye, Jr. and Matthew J. Kelly. City Council Absent. Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw, out of town and Bradford C. Ellis, out of town. Also Present. City Manager Timothy J. Baroody, Assistant City Manager Mark Whitley, Assistant City Manager Doug Fawcett, City Attorney Kathleen Dooley, Community Planning and Building Development Director Charles Johnston, Development Administrator Marne Sherman, Community Development Planner Susanna Finn, Public Works Director David King, Assistant Director of Public Works Utilities Marty Schlesinger and Clerk of Council Tonya B. Lacey. Opening Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Council was led in prayer by Councilor Matthew J. Kelly followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice-Mayor William C. Withers. Jr. Officer Recognized. Vice-Mayor Withers recognized the presence of Officer Chris Reyes at this evening’s meeting. 19577 Regular Session 02/28/17 Tri-County/City Soil & Water Conservation District Update (D17- 57 thru D17-59)- Conservation District Manager Marta Perry presented a PowerPoint presentation that covered their mission, their vision, the services they provided, she discussed the agricultural programs, the non-agricultural programs and the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program. See D17-57 thru D17-59 for more information. Public Hearings Conducted (D17-60 thru D17-62). The regular session was recessed in order to conduct the scheduled public hearings and immediately reconvened upon their conclusion. Citizen Comment. There were no speakers who participated in the citizen comment portion of this evening’s meeting. Council Agenda Presented. The following items were presented to Council for discussion. A. 4th Ward – Councilor Frye B. City Schools – Councilor Kelly 4th Ward (D17-62.1). – Councilor Frye stated that he would like to see traffic calming measures in the Rising Sun Area. He said this was a highly used area and it was hard to enforce because it’s such a busy area. Councilor Frye showed a picture of a digital speed sign and he thought it would be a great option for this area. Councilor Frye also suggested changing the speed limit through the Old Mill Park Area to 25 like the rest of the area because of the new trail he would like to see the traffic slowed in that area. He said there were also issues with public safety in the area and near the Library and the Police Department was going to step up their efforts in those areas. 19578 Regular Session 02/28/17 Councilor Frye addressed a concern about the running locomotive on Railroad Avenue that run all night and he would like the City to see what could be done about that. Lastly, he requested a pedestrian light at Frederick and Charles Streets because of the backup that’s caused when the commuters are walking to the commuter lot in the afternoon. City Schools – Councilor Kelly thanked Dr. John Gordon and the Principals of the Schools for allowing him to spend time touring the schools. He discussed what was and was not working in the schools with the principals and he discussed where the schools were going with Dr. Gordon. Councilor Kelly said a few things became clear, the Council had been planning out and making assumption on the schools budget and the Council’s assumptions were not lining up with the school system. He said the Council and the School Board needed to sit down and discuss this. Councilor Kelly also noted there were serious issues with English as a second language students and special education. He said the numbers were increasing at a rapid rate and he said the current funding from the State was not going to change. Councilor Kelly suggested the Council get serious about visiting the legislators in Richmond. He suggested the Council and School Board have a serious conversations to get a better handle on the schools budget. Councilor Kelly also suggested going to the Federal and State governments to try and get additional funding to help with the schools. Councilor Duffy commended Councilor Kelly and said it was critical that the City continue to provide first grade education for the community because the quality of life and economic vitality depended on it. He said he was eager to increase engagement between the Schools and the City Council. City Manager’s Consent Agenda Accepted for Transmittal as Recommended (D17-63 thru D17-68). Following review and as recommended 19579 Regular Session 02/28/17 Councilor Kelly moved approval of the City Manager’s consent agenda items; motion was seconded by Councilor Devine and passed by the following recorded votes. Ayes (5). Councilors Withers, Devine, Duffy, Frye and Kelly. Nays (0). • Transmitting Boards and Commission Minutes o Architectural Review Board – January 9, 2017 (D17-63). o Architectural Review Board Supplementary – January 23, 2017 (D17-64). o Board of Social Services – December 8, 2016 (D17-65). o Fredericksburg Clean & Green – Green Committee – August 16, 2016 (D17-66). o Fredericksburg Clean & Green – Green Committee – November 9, 2016 (D17-67). o Potomac and Rappahnnock Transportation Commission – January 5, 2017 (D17-68). Adoption of Minutes (D17-69 thru D17-71). Councilor Devine moved approval of the September 27, December 6 and December 13, 2016 Work Sessions and the February 14, 2017 Regular Session minutes with a correction to the Architectural Review Board votes to include the votes for Susan Pates; motion was seconded by Councilor Kelly and passed by the following recorded votes. Ayes (5). Councilors Withers, Devine, Duffy, Frye and Kelly. Nays (0). Economic Development Authority Appointments (D17-72) – Council deferred action until the March 14 meeting. Board of Zoning Appeals Appointment – Efrain Reyes (D17-73). Councilor Devine moved to appoint Efrain Reyes to the Board of Zoning Appeals; motion 19580 Regular Session 02/28/17 was seconded by Councilor Duffy and passed by the following recorded votes. Ayes (5). Councilors Withers, Devine, Duffy, Frye and Kelly. Nays (0). Transmitting the Annual Report of the Planning Commission and Planning Services Division (Fiscal Year 2015-2016) (D17-74). Development Administrator Sherman explained that the Commonwealth of Virginia outlines the duties of the Planning Commission and states that the Planning Commission should make recommendations and provide an annual report to the governing body concerning the operation of the Commission and the status of Planning within its jurisdiction. The Planning Services Division helped the Planning Commission publish its first Annual Report covering development activities acted upon during Fiscal Year 2016. The report also identified the 2015 Comprehensive Plan initiatives that were furthered by the Council and city departments including transportation improvements along Fall Hill Avenue, Princess Anne Street and the VCR trail. Public Facilities made progress on designing Riverfront Park and funding the Original Walker-Grant renovations, environmental protection by maintaining compliance with the City’s MS-4 program and submittal of an annual action plan to DEQ which will lead to a reduction in pollutants entering the Rappahannock River, there was an enhanced parking facilities created in the downtown including the new lot on Charles Street and the proposed lot within the Liberty Place development, approval of several housing and mixed-use developments offering a wide range of housing choices in the City as well as continued support of the community development block grant programs, hiring of a dedicated historic resources preservation planner who will manage the City’s historic resources and archeology program and continuation of collaborative partnership throughout the planning district. 19581 Regular Session 02/28/17 The Planning Commission reviewed the document and offered recommendations for projects that should be considered by the City Manager and the City Council as part of the development of its Capital Improvements Plan for Fiscal Years 2017-2022. Vice-Mayor Withers stated that this was an impressive report and he encouraged everyone to take a look at all the work that was accomplished. Mr. Johnston agreed stating that this was one of the best annual reports done in the State of Virginia and he thanked Ms. Sherman and all who helped her compile it. Planning Commission Chairman James Pates stated that the report was completed at the request of the Planning Commission. He said it was important to take a look back at the work that had been accomplished and that which was not accomplished. Mr. Pates said this annual report showed that the Planning office was a very busy office. He said they still see a healthy market for new mixed-use development and redevelopment in the downtown area. He said the Planning Commission took the time to take the initiatives in the Comprehensive Plan and ranked them and they created an action plan. He said one of the focuses the Planning Commission was working on was improved coordination and communication with the City Manager and the Council to enable the Planning Commission to take a more active role in city planning. This year the Planning Commission took action to encourage the City on three initiatives the proffer policy, development of a plan or proposal to regulate the Bed and Breakfast and a revision of the city’s fence ordinance. This year the Planning Commission recommended creating a comprehensive study of all City owned property, moving forward with the Riverfront Park project and continue the efforts of adopting and archeology ordinance. The Planning Commission also looked at the Capital Improvements Plan and they identified four projects that they would like to see completed they included the 19582 Regular Session 02/28/17 comprehensive study of city owned properties, completion of the Riverfront Park, plan for redevelopment of older shopping centers and other commercial properties through grants or incentives and development of pedestrian-bicycle bridges over the VCR trail. On a personal note, Mr. Pates said he hoped the Planning Commission could be utilized more for the City’s planning needs and he would like to better communicate and coordinate so that the Council and the Planning Commission could be on the same page. Resolution 17-17, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract for Installation of New Eight-Inch Water Main and Fire Hydrant at 1900 Lafayette Boulevard (D17-75). After staff presentation Councilor Duffy made a motion to approve Resolution 17-17, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract for installation of new eight-inch water main and fire hydrant at 1900 Lafayette Boulevard; motion was seconded by Councilor Devine and passed by the following recorded votes. Ayes (5). Councilors Withers, Devine, Duffy, Frye and Kelly. Nays (0). City Manager’s Report and Council Calendar (D17-76 thru D17-77). City Manager Baroody reviewed the Manager’s report and Council Calendar. Activities highlighted on the report were as follows: Caroline Street Water/Sewer Improvement Line Project, New Parking Lot Opens, Parks and Recreation Summer Camps, Motts Run Spring Clean Up and Early Opening for the Season, VDOT Bucket Truck Safety Training, Police and Fire Departments Assist UMW President’s Filming Project, Police Officers Participate in Fredericksburg Main Street’s #LoveFXBG Campaign, Police Department Employees Participate in Two-Day Community Event and Building Statistics Reports. Adjournment. There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Vice-Mayor Withers declared the meeting officially adjourned at 8:47 p.m. 19583 Regular Session 02/28/17 William C. Withers, Jr. William C. Withers, Jr., Vice-Mayor Tonya B. Lacey Tonya B. Lacey, Clerk of Council, CMC 19584