City Council

Public Hearing 04/19/22 HON. MARY KATHERINE GREENLAW, MAYOR CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA HON. CHARLIE L. FRYE, JR., VICE -MAYOR, WARD FOUR HON. KERRY P. DEVINE, AT-LARGE CITY COUNCIL HON. MATTHEW J. KELLY, AT-LARGE HON. JASON N. GRAHAM, WARD ONE HON. JONATHAN A. GERLACH, WARD TWO HON. DR. TIMOTHY P. DUFFY, WARD THREE Council Chambers, 715 Princess Anne Street Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401 April 19, 2022 The Council of the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, held a budget public hearing on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. City Council Present. Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw. Vice-Mayor Charlie L. Frye, Jr. Council members Kerry P. Devine, Dr. Timothy P. Duffy, Jonathan A. Gerlach, and Matthew J. Kelly. Council Members Absent. Councilor Jason N. Graham, due to a family conflict. Others Present. City Manager Timothy J. Baroody, Assistant City Manager Mark Whitley, Assistant City Manager David Brown, City Attorney Kathleen Dooley, Finance Director Robyn Shugart, Budget Analyst Donna Leahy and Deputy Clerk of Council Brenda T. Martin. Recognizing Helene Watts. Mayor Greenlaw recognized the passing of Helene Watts, Clerk of Council Tonya Lacey’s sister who passed away last evening after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Council was wearing purple ribbons to honor her life and show support for Mrs. Lacey and Mrs. Watts’ family at this time of loss. 21355 Public Hearing 04/19/22 Opening Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Council was led in prayer by Vice-Mayor Charlie Frye followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw. COIA Disclosures. Vice-Mayor Frye disclosed that his wife was employed by the Fredericksburg City Public School System but that he could participate in the budget discussion fairly, objectively and in the public interest. Councilor Duffy disclosed that he was employed by the Fredericksburg City Public School System but that he could participate in the budget discussion fairly, objectively and in the public interest. Rules of the Public Hearing. Mayor Greenlaw read the rules of the public hearing as listed on the council agenda. Staff Presentation (D22-123). City Manager Baroody introduced Budget Analyst Donna Leahy who gave a brief overview of the budget to remind and refresh everyone on the highlights of the recommended budget and updates since its release on March 8, 2022. Adjustments included updates on personal property tax adjustment with a temporary change of $3.40 to $2.95 (to help normalize the increase in car values) and the vehicle license fee elimination. General Fund transfer to schools of $4 million, adjustment to potential new school CIP for the Interim Agreement in FY 2022 of $1.3 million, Riverfront Park potential grant from U.S. Economic Development Administration Grant of $1.2 million for a stage and the use of Public Works committed Capital Fund 21356 Public Hearing 04/19/22 balance of $300,000 for the local match for the grant, Partner Agency addition of $5,000 to FailSafe-ERA, and addition of $650 to the Contingency line. Budget Analyst Leahy reviewed the following taxes and fees that were advertised: Real Estate Tax – increase from $.83 to $.86, Planning and Zoning Fees – 8% - 10% increase, Water Rate – 8% increase, Sewer Rate – 10% increase, and various Building Fees – 13% -15% increase. She also explained that the State Budget was still being finalized and that the General Assembly will not be reconvening until April 27, 2022. Any additional changes from them may require additional Council Work Sessions to discuss the changes. Budget Analyst Leahy outlined the upcoming budget work session and regular meeting for April 26, 2022 and the various FY 2023 budget ordinances and resolutions that would be discussed and considered for first reading by the Council. On May 10, 2022 the second reading on these items are scheduled. Notice of Public Hearings (D22-119 thru D22-122). The Deputy Clerk read the notice of the FY 2023 Budget public hearings as it appeared in the local newspaper, the purpose being to solicit citizen input. Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Operating and Capital Budget, Proposed Increase in Real Estate Tax Rate, Proposed Increase in Water and Sewer Fees and Proposed Increases in Planning and Zoning Fees - 6 Speakers. 21357 Public Hearing 04/19/22 Juanita Shanks, CEO of FailSafe ERA, spoke about efforts her organization does to assist “returning citizens” and their families who are returning to the community from incarceration. Her organization provides services such as case management, group coaching, goal setting and referral assistance for mental health and substance abuse counseling. Last year FailSafe ERA assisted 71 individuals in the City. They have also established a Criminal Justice Reform Task Force comprised of leaders in the community, including the Commonwealth’s Attorney, as a result of legislation passed in the VA General Assembly in 2020 that will be releasing thousands of inmates back into community beginning in July 2022. The exact number coming from the jail and prison system is still an unknown. The task force is preparing for these returning citizens and the assistance they will need in returning to the community. She asked Council to consider full funding of their budget request. David Cooper, CEO of the Thurman Brisben Center (D22-125), spoke about the support and services the homeless center has provided residents over the past pandemic year. They had to reduce their occupancy to 52 beds and as of April 1, 2022 they now have opened back up to 80 beds. Over the past 6 years on average (pre- pandemic), they have assisted 129 residents from the City and with upcoming challenges of many economic factors and post pandemic issues they project there will be an increase to 144 residents who will need assistance this coming year. This has a cost of $2,240 per individual. He thanked the Council for their continued support and in funding the $80,000 in this year’s budget. He mentioned the large solar array that was 21358 Public Hearing 04/19/22 installed this past year and the energy it provides the shelter and the reduction in energy costs. Mr. Cooper provided a handout of his presentation. Michelle Hedrick, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, thanked Council for their funding support to assist mentoring children in the community. They provide community services for families as well as educational support to students. Mental health support is even more important for youth as a result of the impacts of the COVID- 19 pandemic. Mentors provide meaningful relationships to today’s most vulnerable population, our youth. They are always looking for mentors to assist and Ms. Hedrick encouraged citizens to explore their website for more information. Marcia Keener, 603 Pitt Street, spoke on the narratives portion of the FY 2023 Recommended Budget and her concerns over the missing of greening and sustainability elements notwithstanding, the hiring of the new Environmental Sustainability Coordinator. The climate change actions are not represented in the narratives in the way other issues such as urban forest, storm water and riparian lands are. She urges the Council to update their vision and define climate change actionable items and perhaps create a committee or study for a plan to transition the city fleet to electric vehicles. A fleet analysis and developing a plan for more charging stations in the city are needed. Ann Kloechner, Executive Director at Legal Aid Works, which has served the residents of the city since 1973, thanked the Council for their past support and asks for level budget funding. The three full-time and one part-time attorney’s support the area’s low income residents with civil legal matters such as landlord tenant issues, domestic violence protective orders, unemployment benefits and foreclosure matters. 21359 Public Hearing 04/19/22 There are 3,982 residents who could qualify for their services. The pandemic has brought about more concerns for low income residents and their vulnerabilities. Their services help the court system run more efficiently, assist Social Services agencies and law enforcement. This year Legal Aid Works has assisted 169 residents of Fredericksburg. She asked Council to refer residents to Legal Aid Works website for further assistance. Mo Deadman, 214 Princess Anne Street, spoke about her concerns over the proposed increase of the real estate tax rate not only for this coming year but in future years. She highlighted all the new housing developments and other economic impact projects and hopes that when these are completed that they will off-set any increases that are needed. Mayor Greenlaw thanked everyone for their concerns and for coming out to speak and reminded others that Council is available for their concerns and the City Manager’s Office can be reached at (540) 372-1010 for questions or concerns as well. Adjournment. There being no further speakers to come before the Council at this time, Mayor Greenlaw declared the meeting officially adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Mary Katherine Greenlaw Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Mayor Brenda T. Martin Brenda T. Martin, Deputy Clerk of Council 21360