City Council

Public Hearing 03/14/17 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 March 14, 2017 The Council of the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, held a public hearing on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, beginning at 7:52 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. City Council Present. Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Vice-Mayor William C. Withers, Jr. and Council members Kerry P. Devine, Dr. Timothy P. Duffy, Bradford C. Ellis, Charlie L. Frye, Jr. and Matthew J. Kelly. Also Present. City Manager Timothy J. Baroody, Assistant City Manager Mark Whitley, Assistant City Manager Doug Fawcett, City Attorney Kathleen Dooley, Budget Manager Deidre Jett, Community Planning and Building Development Director Charles Johnston, Zoning Administrator Michael Craig, Registrar Marc Hoffman and Clerk of Council Tonya B. Lacey. Notice of Public Hearings (D17-79 thru D17-83). The Clerk read the notice of the public hearings as they appeared in the local newspaper, the purpose being to solicit citizen input. Resolution 17-18, Approved, Granting a Special Use Permit for a Religious Institution, and a Special Exception for Floor Area Ratio, at 1500 College Avenue for a Hillel Center (D17-79 thru D17-81). 14 speakers. Staff presented a PowerPoint providing the background of 1500 College Avenue, the background of College Heights, the site plan of the proposed center, elevations of façades 1 19585 Public Hearing 03/14/17 and 2, the consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and the Unified Development Ordinance, the harmony with the neighborhood and potential impacts and staff recommendation. Vice-Mayor Withers asked for clarification on whether the permit would be valid if they provided parking at either of the locations and clarity on whether it meant they had to provide parking at both the parking lot across the street and the parking deck and Mr. Craig said that was correct. They only needed to provide parking at one or the other. Mr. Jervis Hairston, represented the applicant, 1500 College Avenue LLC, introduced the architect, Jill Nolt with Glave & Holmes Architect who he said had worked with them to try to address all the issues and concerns. Jill Nolt, explained that Hillel was a campus organization that engages Jewish students in both religious and cultural as well as community service activities. The Hillel Centers are located on 500 campuses throughout North America. These centers have become an important offering for a complete experience for Jewish students. The University sees a real need to accommodate spaces for their Jewish student’s religious activities. As a residential campus it was important to offer these spaces within a walkable community and they can provide engagement in interfaith conversations. This is an important component in attracting new student and to continue having the diversity at the University. Ms. Nolt said they started in late 2015, and they were tasked with looking at the current property to determine how they could incorporate the Hillel Center into the current facility and they came up with a concept and the FAR was exceeding the residential FAR and they were encroaching into the setback. They determined the existing structure would not work and they went back to the drawing board and came up with two schemes that would 19586 Public Hearing 03/14/17 meet the immediate needs and the long range goals of the center. Those schemes also exceed the FAR and they took those schemes to a number of neighborhood meetings looking for ideas and from those meeting they determined they needed to reduce the square footage and they were able to stay within the FAR. They were trying to accommodate as much off street parking as they could but they also wanted this to be walkable for the students. Ms. Nolt also reviewed the site plan and what the facility would include such as a kosher kitchen and a one bedroom apartment for the Rabbi. Dr. Troy Paino, President of the University of Mary Washington, said having a Hillel Center on campus would be a game changer for the University. It would help with the recruiting of students and it would create a diverse body on the campus. He said it was critically important to have interfaith dialog and they must create a space where the students could find meaning. For many students their faith is important to finding that meaning. Dr. Paino also noted how important it was for the students to have dialog with those of different faiths. He understands the concerns of the neighbors but he believes the University’s faith was tied to the neighborhood and to the City of Fredericksburg. He said the City was working with the University on a strategic parking plan that hopefully would produce an action plan that would meet the needs of the University, the City and the needs of the surrounding neighbors. He said the University was committed to constructing a parking lot across from the center and they plan to break ground on it this summer. Dr. Paino said they were also committed to offering more space on campus for student to reside and this would help to get students out of the neighborhoods. They were creating incentives for students to live on campus and they have 200 more students signed up to live on campus this year than they did last year. Mr. Paino said this was good for the students, the university and the 19587 Public Hearing 03/14/17 surrounding neighbors. Having a facility like this would create an enriched environment for the students of different faiths and backgrounds to dialog and learn from one another. Joe Wilson, 913 Caroline Street, spoke in favor of the Hillel Center and said this would be a good way to honor Carl and Maxine Silver for all they did for the City. He reflected on the times in the 1990’s when the City could barely make payroll and the Silvers developed Central Park and that saved the City. He said the proposed elevations were an improvement from what was currently located there. Earline Haney, 1702 College Avenue, said she has lived on College Avenue for 58 years and she had seen a lot of changes. Ms. Haney said she was in support of the Hillel Center but she could not understand why there had been so much discussion over the center because she did not recall this much discussion for any of the other religious centers. She said the college as well as the Silver Companies always do upscale projects and this center was a need for the students. Tim Brown, 1225 Payne Street, own property at 1616 College Avenue & 1219 Payne, stated that all three of his homes are in sight of this location. He said he had tried to collaborate with other. He said he had raised $275,000 for the University Foundation and he has also recently recruited two Jewish students for the University. Mr. Brown said he fully supports the University but he does not support any more growth on College Avenue. He discussed the many egresses that would be at that intersection. Mr. Brown said the city reported that the College Heights Civic Association supported the center but that was not correct. He said they support a center just not in that location and they have offered other sites in the area. Mr. Brown also read an email that he sent to several employees in the City about the congestion in the area when there are events at the college. Ellen Brown, 1407 Dandridge Street, said she bought her home in 2008 and she 19588 Public Hearing 03/14/17 knew the area consisted of rental units and students but said that was what attracted her to the area. She said she understands the concerns others have regarding parking but she said it was a part of the community and she said the people in College Heights have benefits and issues because of the University. Ms. Brown said the Hillel Center would be great for the City. She said she has heard nothing but great things about Silver projects and this center would be a win for the City, the University, College Heights and the Jewish community. She said the College Heights Board did a great job with helping funnel the building into a better project. She supports and was very enthusiastic. John Rose, 1125 Hanover Street, spoke in support of the Hillel Center. He said he attended the University of Virginia in the late 60’s when the student center was build and that complex still functions as the Catholic Center today and was built with diligence and foresight and he likes that the Silver’s are doing the same for this building. He said in 1982 he bought the lot that he lives on today and in the late 80’s the school decided to build the Trench Hill townhomes and condominiums and he spoke in favor of them. In 2004, Trench Hill became the Alumni Center, 24,000 square feet right next door to his home and he has never had a problem with them. In 2006, the Tennis Center was built and they love it. The University is an important part of Fredericksburg. Meredith Beckett (D17-80), 1401 Brent Street, President of the College Heights Civic Association, spoke on behalf of eight of the nine board members, she said they had concerns with the teardown of the existing high value residential home and replacing it with a nonresidential university like building. Ms. Beckett said the initial size of the structure would dwarf the existing homes in the neighborhood. Other concerns they had were with parking, extra unwanted traffic, possible related activities not related to student activities and the potential use of the facility for worship that would draw the general public. Ms. Beckett 19589 Public Hearing 03/14/17 noted that there were statements in the press and from the City that the College Heights neighborhood did not oppose the Hillel Center, she said it was very true that they have never had an issue with a Hillel Center or any other faith based student center being included in the neighborhood and to say that they have been in favor for all aspects of this project was incorrect. She said they would be concerned about any group proposing a project of this kind. They would always be concerned about any demolition of houses in the neighborhood to make way for nonresidential structures. Ms. Beckett said the density was still an issue but commend the Silver Company for scaling it down. She said when they realized they may not get the building scaled down further they tried to get the best deal possible and all of their concerns had been addressed in the condition that were presented for approval. The Board asked Council to consider the special exception and the special use permit as two different items. Brian Baer, 1235 Dandridge Street, spoke in support of the Hillel Center he said it would add to the diversity of the neighborhood and the vibrancy of Fredericksburg. He asked Council to support the project. Sue Sargeant, 1300 block William Street, Co-Owner of 812 Daniel Street, member of the College Heights Civic Association and she spoke as a private citizen in support of the College Heights decision. She said she moved to Fredericksburg in 1980 and she reflected on the time when the University’s walk was open to traffic on Friday nights. She said when she learned about the University Foundation’s purchasing of properties and raising of a homes for this student center she thought they were trying to bring back the campus walk neighborhood encroachment. She agreed with Ms. Beckett that the neighborhood was trying to maintain its identity. She asked the Council if they were going to approve the project to keep the proposed conditions and she asked that the City be strict when enforcing 19590 Public Hearing 03/14/17 them. Lisa Welsh, 1225 Payne Street, spoke in opposition of the Hillel Center in its proposed location at the proposed size. She discussed the parking and how the center would need more parking than what was being provided and she was concerned that on the weekends Payne Street may become the parking for the Hillel Center. Ms. Welsh said the General Store site would be a better location for the center because it’s located right off of Route 1. She noted that the General Store location would not be an encroachment into the College Heights neighborhood. Ms. Welsh said the proposed Center did not look like any of the residences in the neighborhood so it would not fit in. John Nere, 1718 College Avenue, said he and his wife had lived at 1718 College Avenue for 40 years. He said he was not opposed to the Hillel Center but he was opposed to the removal of houses and putting up large buildings that do not fit in. He said he would like to see the Hillel Center use the existing house. Mr. Nere added that the proposed building would be two times the size of the current home. He also said he would like to see the center at the General Store location. He said the current residence may be more expensive to use but it was worth it to keeping the residential look of the neighborhood. William Wachter, 1212 Parcell Street, stated that he and his wife moved to the City in 2014 to be closer to his grandchildren and he said they enjoy living close to the University. He said they attend the events at the College and he said he had great respect for the professors, students and the University. Mr. Wachter said he was a member of the College Heights Civic Association Board and when they took a vote on the Center he voted for the Hillel Center because he thought it would make the University more attractive to the students. Mr. Wachter said the proposed site was a geographic center for religious centers for UMW. He said the overall feedback that the Board said they received was negative but 19591 Public Hearing 03/14/17 he countered the position of the Board and he sent a petition around and when he stopped he received forty-four (44) signatures in favor and five (5) signatures who were indifferent. Mr. Wachter also noted that the entire Civic Association had never voted on the Center only the Board. He also said the current site was walkable for the students and the other proposed sites isolated the Jewish students and do not foster interfaith dialog. Mr. Wachter asked Council to vote favorably on the application. Councilor Frye asked what would guarantee the parking for the Hillel Center and Mr. Craig said they would have to have an agreement in place before the site plan would be approved. Mayor Greenlaw clarified that the conditions would run with the property regardless of the owner of the property and Mr. Craig said that was correct. Councilor Duffy asked for clarification on why this project was being presented as one vote instead of two like the Planning Commission addressed it. Ms. Dooley explained that the application was presented to the Planning Commission as one vote as well, but they own their own divided it into two. She believed they were trying to express that the use was appropriate but the mass was not. Ms. Dooley explained that it came back to Council as one action because there was one application before the Council. She explained that there was no way to divided the special use and the special exception into two different issues because there was one application pending. Vice-Mayor Withers wanted clarity on the parking he said the current condition reads either one of the alternative parking uses (Thornton or the parking across the street) would satisfy the condition of the special use permit. He said he could not support if the parking lot across the street was not specified as the designated parking. Vice-Mayor Withers said the Thornton parking was too far away and parking was a big issue. He asked the Council to tie the lot across the street to the special use permit approval. 19592 Public Hearing 03/14/17 Councilor Kelly said when this was first proposed it caused quite a stir and he said if the College Heights was opposed he would oppose the project but he asked College Heights if there was room for discussion and they asked him to see what he could do. He met with Silver Companies and told them that as the project was planned the Association opposed the project and they could not count on his vote if they were not in favor of the project. There were several meeting with the Association, the Silver Companies and Councilor Kelly and they landed with the proposed project and conditions. Mr. Kelly addressed several issues that were brought up during the public hearing the first being alternate sites. He said meetings were held and none of the alternate sites worked out. Councilor Kelly also addressed parking concerns and said to dedicate majority of the parking lot across the street for the Hillel Center was unrealistic. He stressed that the Hillel Center would be for student religious activities only, but there would be times when families may visit the center for graduations and High Holy days and there was an understanding that the University would provide parking during those times. Mr. Kelly clarified that there would not be a new entryway from this property and he explained that there was no way to use the existing property for the center. The size of the building was a concern and he said the FAR meets the setbacks and he feels all the issues had been addressed. Councilor Kelly addressed the concerns of some that the project would be run by the University Foundation and Mr. Hairston assured them that the project would be run by the Silver Companies Foundation. Councilor Kelly also reviewed each of the conditions with staff and he asked of the Council really needed to select a façade and Mr. Craig said they did not have to select one. Councilor Devine stated until recently she was a 31 year resident of College Heights and she was an alumni of the University. She also said she was familiar with Hillel 19593 Public Hearing 03/14/17 Organizations in other places but her main issues were with parking and the encroachment into the neighborhood. Councilor Devine said this facility would be very different from the other facilities and she said this would set a precedence. The neighborhood had fought to maintain its character and this design would not look like the neighborhood. Councilor Devine also agreed that the parking needed to be closer to the center and she was opposed to the bike racks being front and center. Councilor Devine said as proposed she would be voting against the project. Councilor Ellis asked why this center had to be so much larger than the other religious centers and Mr. Hairston said after talking with the University and the Hillel representatives each of the spaces in the center were considered. He said for a fully functional Hillel Center the space was needed. He also noted that this would be sitting on three lots as opposed to the other centers that sit on one. He said they were trying to anticipate growth and would hate to have to comeback with an addition. Councilor Duffy thanked everyone for a much improved project, but his main concern was with parking he said it would make more sense to have the parking closer to the facility. He also said he understood the existing house was hard to convert because it would lacked ADA compliance and he said the existing house was not entirely in keeping with the neighborhood. Ms. Nolt the architect, explained that the main level of the existing home was difficult to capture the worship center. Mr. Hairston stated that the University said they would not have any issues with the parking being designated across the street in the newly proposed lot. Councilor Kelly asked if they could remove the parking deck from the condition since the lot across the street was being considered and Mr. Hairston said that would be fine. Mr. Jeff Roundtree of the University addressed the parking and said they would begin working on the lot this summer 19594 Public Hearing 03/14/17 and it would make the most sense because of its location. The lot would consist of approximately forty (40) spaces and he added that the parking deck would be contingent on State financing. He assured the Council that the University would reserve spaces for events at the Hillel Center not only would they reserve at the lot across the street but anywhere on campus and they would provide trolleys if needed. Councilor Kelly made a motion to approve Resolution 17-18, granting a special use permit for a religious institution, and a special exception for floor area ratio, at 1500 College Avenue for a Hillel Center with the following changes to the conditions: 18 parking spaces on the lot in the exhibit entitled, “College Avenue Parking Exhibit,” dated 07-12-17, by Fairbanks and Franklin; either of the proposed façades as amended by the Revised Concept Plan submitted January 13, 2017 and the use shall commence within four years of the date of the resolution; motion seconded by Councilor Ellis. Mayor Greenlaw expressed her appreciation and thanks for all the work that had gone into this project and how the Silver Companies and the Civic Association worked together on this project as well as staff. The motion passed by the following recorded votes. Ayes (6). Councilors Greenlaw, Withers, Duffy, Ellis, Frye and Kelly. Nays (1). Councilor Devine. Resolution 17-19, Approved, Granting a Special Use Permit to Cowan Crossings, LLC, for a Fast Food Restaurant and Drive Through at 1611 Jefferson Davis Highway (D17-82 thru D17-83). 1 speaker. Staff presented a PowerPoint giving the background of 1611 Jefferson Davis Highway, which is a 3.09 acre parcel zoned commercial/transitional office, located in Cowan Crossing Commercial Center. The site was a graded pad site within the Smith Run and Resource Protection Area. Staff recommend approval with the following conditions: hours of 19595 Public Hearing 03/14/17 operation between May 1 and October 1, no earlier than 10:00 am and no later than midnight, the remainder of the year, no earlier than 10:00 a.m. and no later than 11:00 p.m., there shall be no grilling or chargrilling of any food item, the proposed uses of the property shall commence within 24 months of the date of adoption of the resolution and the uses of the property are permitted only so long as they are not discontinued for more than 24 months. Councilor Ellis asked what the difference was between this restaurant and the previously approved Burger King and Mr. Craig said this restaurant was comparable to the Burger King but does not use charbroil grilling. The Burger King required a catalytic converter to control the odor and that will not be needed for Freddy’s because they use a different method for cooking. Councilor Devine expressed her concerns for the hours of operation she noted that their typical hours are until 11:00 p.m. and she wanted to know why they wanted to extend them to midnight. Mr. Craig said he would let the applicant address that question. Vice-Mayor Withers had a question with the traffic count and he wanted to know if this restaurant was going to generate an additional 1000 cars per day and he though if that were the case that would be difficult for this location to handle because it already had a lot of traffic in that location. Assistant City Manager Fawcett clarified that this restaurant may generate an additional 527 cars the 1042 count was for the entire commercial area. Councilor Frye expressed his concern for the noise that may come from the speaker at the drive through and Mr. Craig explained that the distance requirement addressed those concern as well as the additional green space. Scott Little, representing Cowan Crossing, LLC, 1201 Central Park Boulevard – Mr. Little said this project fits in well with the CT zoning district. The restaurant would provide 19596 Public Hearing 03/14/17 20 jobs reputable for the residential district. It distinguishes itself from the previously approved restaurant because it has a higher level of investment aesthetically on interior and exterior. They regularly participate in school fundraisers, sponsorships to clubs and sports throughout the community. They cook their burgers on a flat top griddle instead of an open flame which does not cause the smoke such as with the Burger King. The later hours of operations were requested because they recognized that with the walkable community and the college being so close by they thought it would be an opportunity for walk up frozen custard sales. The focus was on the walkability of this location. Mr. Little also noted that the drive through speaker was 190 feet away from the residential neighborhood, which was 90 feet farther than the standard required. Councilor Ellis made a motion to approve Resolution 17-19, granting a special use permit to Cowan Crossings, LLC, for a fast food restaurant and drive through at 1611 Jefferson Davis Highway; motion was seconded by Councilor Frye. Councilor Devine asked for an amendment to adjust the operating hours because she said midnight was too late and she suggested they close Sunday through Thursday at 10:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday they close at 11:00 p.m. The amendment was accepted. The motion passed by the following recorded votes. Ayes (7). Councilors Greenlaw, Withers, Devine, Duffy, Ellis, Frye and Kelly. Nays (0). Adjournment. There being no more speakers to come before the Council at this time. Mayor Greenlaw declared the hearing officially adjourned at 10:18 p.m. Mary Katherine Greenlaw Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Mayor Tonya B. Lacey Tonya B. Lacey, Clerk of Council, CMC 19597 Public Hearing 03/14/17 [This page intentionally left blank.] 19598 Regular Session 03/14/17 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 March 14, 2017 The Council of the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, held a regular session on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. City Council Present. Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Vice-Mayor William C. Withers, Jr. and Council members Kerry P. Devine, Dr. Timothy P. Duffy, Bradford C. Ellis, Charlie L. Frye, Jr. and Matthew J. Kelly. Also Present. City Manager Timothy J. Baroody, Assistant City Manager Mark Whitley, Assistant City Manager Doug Fawcett, City Attorney Kathleen Dooley, Budget Manager Deidre Jett, Community Planning and Building Development Director Charles Johnston, Zoning Administrator Michael Craig, Registrar Marc Hoffman and Clerk of Council Tonya B. Lacey. Opening Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Council was led in prayer by Councilor Bradford C. Ellis followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw. Officer Recognized. Mayor Greenlaw recognized the presence of Officers Josh Lynch at this evening’s meeting. Fiscal Year 2018 City Manager’s Recommended Operating and Capital Budget (D17-78). Mr. Baroody presented the proposed budget the total was $93,515,000, a 3.44% increase over the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 base adopted budget. The 19599 Regular Session 03/14/17 budget includes recommendation for the City capital budget for FY 2018 and a recommendation for a five-year Capital Improvement Plan. The capital budget invests considerable resources in maintaining and replacing current facilities. In addition, there are significant resources dedicated to meeting existing Council priorities and new initiatives included in the City Council’s draft Vision, Desired Future States and Priorities. The budget includes major expenses and initiatives to include: additional $530,000 debt service increase for the renovation of the Original Walker-Grant School – a project advanced by City Council during FY 2016; additional $471,000 in the City’s share of funding costs for the Rappahannock Regional Jail; increased transfer to City Schools for school operations in the amount of $800,000; implementation of Phase I, Phase II, and part of Phase III of a Classification and Compensation Study, a study authorized by City Council in FY 2017. The General Fund includes increases for salaries to accomplish this task at a total of $655,000. The proposed budget includes a recommendation to increase the real estate tax rate by $0.02 per $100 valuation for general government expenses and $0.01 for ongoing and increasing mandated storm water management expenses – moving the current rate of $0.77 to $0.80. There is also a recommendation to include an increase in fees for planning and land development and for the Water Operating Fund (2%) and the Wastewater Operating Fund (4%). The new recommendations for the City’s real estate tax, plus the recommendations for fees for land development, produce a forecasted additional $840,000 for the FY 2018 budget. The City Manager’s recommended budget also includes fund balance use in the amount of $2,775,000, which is a decline in the use of Fund Balance from FY 2017. The recommended budget also requests funding for two new positions, of the 15 full time employees Directors and Constitutional Officers requested. Those positions will work 19600 Regular Session 03/14/17 to help advance critical upgrades to the City’s financial software systems (with the new ERP project) and will assist the City in maintaining critical proactive approaches to fire safety by funding a Deputy Fire Marshall position. The City Manager’s recommended budget for FY 2018 also provides a substantial investment in the Fredericksburg City Public School system. Specifically this budget provides an additional $800,000 in the City’s transfer, for a total transfer (including Head Start) of $28,560,000 to Schools. Based upon the City Schools’ projections for increased state support (estimated at an additional $520,000) and the recommended transfer from the General Fund, the total budget for the School Operating Fund is recommended to be $43,440,000. See D17-78 for more information. Public Hearings. The regular session was recessed in order to conduct the scheduled public hearings and immediately reconvened upon their conclusion. Citizen Comment. The following speaker participated in the citizen comment portion of this evening’s meeting. Sebina Weitzman (D17-84). 1913 Marye Street, asked for City Council’s support of the OneVirginia2021 resolution which supports the redistricting reform in Virginia. Currently every 10 years, the states are directed to incorporate the results of the most recent census to draw boundaries for their congressional districts. In Virginia, these districts are drawn by incumbents using detailed voter registration information, because of this parties are and have been guilty of drawing boundaries that favor their party whenever they can, effectively disenfranchising voters on the basis of political affiliation or race. Ms. Weitzman said for the sake of expanded participation in our democracy and for the sake of making City residents votes count she urged the Council to take up the resolution adding Fredericksburg 19601 Regular Session 03/14/17 to the list of communities supporting redistricting reform. (See D17-84 for more information). Council Agenda Presented. The following item was presented to Council for discussion. 7A. Murder Free Fredericksburg – Councilor Frye Murder Free Fredericksburg – Councilor Frye reported that there had not been any homicides in the City although there had been reports of random shootings around the City. He also reminded residents that if they had a firearm that they would like to get rid of they could voluntarily turn them into the Fredericksburg Police Department. City Manager’s Consent Agenda Accepted for Transmittal as Recommended (D16-85). Following review and as recommended Vice-Mayor Withers moved approval of the City Manager’s consent agenda items; motion was seconded by Councilor Devine and passed by the following recorded votes. Ayes (7). Councilors Greenlaw, Withers, Devine, Duffy, Ellis, Frye and Kelly. Nays (0). • Ordinance 17-01, Second Read, Granting Raymond L. & Dana Herlong an Easement for Storm Drainage over GPINs 7789-05-6253 and 7789-05-5139 (D16-85). Adoption of Minutes (D16-86). Vice-Mayor Withers moved approval of the January 10, 2017 Work Sessions and the February 28, 2017 Regular Session minutes; motion was seconded by Councilor Devine and passed by the following recorded votes. Ayes (7). Councilors Greenlaw, Withers, Devine, Duffy, Ellis, Frye and Kelly. Nays (0). Economic Development Authority Appointments – Mary Beth Black and Mitzi Brown (D16-87). After the recorded votes taken, Mitzi Brown was 19602 Regular Session 03/14/17 appointed to serve the remainder of the unexpired term with a vote resulting between applicants Mary Beth Black, Mitzi Brown, Lynn Keenan and Rene Rodriguez. Black (0). Brown (6) Councilors Greenlaw, Withers, Devine, Duffy, Ellis, Kelly. Horne (0). Rodriguez (1) Councilor Frye. After the recorded votes taken, Mary Beth Black was appointed to serve with a vote resulting between applicants Mary Beth Black, Mitzi Brown, Lynn Keenan and Rene Rodriguez. Black (5) Councilors Greenlaw, Withers, Devine, Ellis, Frye. Brown (0). Horne (0). Rodriguez (2) Councilor Duffy, Kelly. Ordinance 17-02, First Read, Changing the Ward 301 Polling Place from Walker-Grant Middle School to the Lafayette Upper Elementary School (D17-88 thru D17-89). Electoral Board Chair Rene Rodriguez explained that the facilities at Walker-Grant had become inadequate due to a renovation of the room that was utilized as the primary voting space during non-presidential elections. Mr. Rodriguez said at the request of the School Administration, the Electoral Board was asked to find an alternate location for the elections. The Electoral Board request the Council to change the polling location to Lafayette Upper Elementary School. The Electoral Board said although Lafayette is not ideal it would serve voters well in the coming elections and they would continue to look for an ideal location for elections in the future. Councilor Duffy noted that he is an Assistant Principal at Walker-Grant but he was not involved in the discussions on moving the polling place. He stated that because Lafayette Upper Elementary was so close to Walker-Grant they could easily direct those who mistakenly come to Walker-Grant to vote to Lafayette Upper. 19603 Regular Session 03/14/17 Councilor Duffy moved approval of Ordinance 17-02, on first read, changing the Ward 301 polling place from Walker-Grant Middle School to the Lafayette Upper Elementary School. City Attorney clarified a point of procedure stating that this would come back on March 28 as a public hearing and a second read to allow the Electoral Board to meet the necessary timeline that they were under. The motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Withers and passed by the following recorded votes. Ayes (7). Councilors Greenlaw, Withers, Devine, Duffy, Ellis, Frye and Kelly. Nays (0). City Manager’s Report and Council Calendar (D16-90 thru D16-91). City Manager Baroody reviewed the Manager’s report and Council Calendar. Activities highlighted on the report were as follows: City Teams Support Annual Polar Plunge, Information Technology Meeting, Daddy Daughter Dance, Collaborative Efforts with UMW, and Caroline Street Water/Sewer Improvement Line Project. City Manager noted that the March 21 Work Session would be cancelled. Adjournment. There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Mayor Greenlaw declared the meeting officially adjourned at 10:39 p.m. Mary Katherine Greenlaw Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Mayor Tonya B. Lacey Tonya B. Lacey, Clerk of Council, CMC 19604 Regular Session 03/14/17 19605