City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 19, 2013 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, November 19, 2013, at the Union Train Station. Mayor Moore called the closed session meeting to order at 6:30p.m. 1. REGULARLY-SCHEDULED MEETING – 6:30 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member David R. Coleman Council Member W. Howard Myers Council Member Ken M. Pritchett Council Member Carl M. Ross Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Vice Mayor Horace P. Webb Mayor Brian A. Moore Absent: None Present from City Administration: City Manager William E. Johnson, III City Attorney Brian K. Telfair Clerk of Council Nykesha D. Jackson, CMC 3. CLOSED SESSION(a): City Attorney Brian Telfair, stated that it was City Council’s desire to enter into a closed session under Section 2.2-3711.A (3) of the Code of Virginia, and specifically under the Subsection 3 to discuss acquisitions or disposal of real property, where discussion in open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or strategy of the City; and under Subsection 7 to consult with legal counsel regarding pending or probable litigations. Council Member Coleman moved that the City Council go into closed session for the purposes noted by the City Attorney. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. There was no discussion on the motion, which was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Pritchett, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb and Moore City Council entered closed session at 6:30 p.m. CERTIFICATION: Council Member Pritchett made a motion to return City Council into open session and certify the purposes of the closed session. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. There was no discussion on the motion, which was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Pritchett, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb and Moore 13-R-50 A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING, AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, SECTION 2.2- 3712, THAT TO THE BEST OF EACH MEMBER’S KNOWLEDGE, ONLY PUBLIC BUSINESS MATTERS LAWFULLY EXEMPTED FROM OPEN MEETING REQUIREMENTS OF VIRGINIA LAW WERE DISCUSSED IN THE CLOSED SESSION, AND ONLY SUCH PUBLIC BUSINESS MATTERS AS WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE MOTION CONVENING THE CLOSED  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 19, 2013 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ SESSION WERE HEARD, DISCUSSED, OR CONSIDERED. 4. ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Ross moved for adjournment. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Webb. There was no discussion. The motion was approved on roll call vote. City Council adjourned at 7:41 p.m. 1. REGULARLY-SCHEDULED MEETING – 7:30 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member David R. Coleman Council Member W. Howard Myers Council Member Ken M. Pritchett Council Member Carl M. Ross Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Vice Mayor Horace P. Webb Mayor Brian A. Moore Absent: None Present from City Administration: City Manager William E. Johnson, III City Attorney Brian K. Telfair Clerk of Council Nykesha D. Jackson, CMC 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: a. Clerk of Council, Nykesha D. Jackson, led council and the audience in the pledge of allegiance. 4. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: a. Remarks by Michael Yungmann, Executive Director of Southside Regional Medical Center (SRMC). BACKGROUND: Michael Yungmann will speak regarding SRMC’s recent addition of open-heart surgery services. RECOMMENDATION: For information only. Mr. Yungmann stated that close to a year ago he came to City Council and asked them for their support for Southside Regional Medical Center’s efforts to gain approval from the Commonwealth of Virginia to introduce open heart services to SRMC. He stated that City Council not only gave their support but they gave it in a major way. He stated that at that time City Council provided him with a resolution. He stated that City Council supported them in every way, shape, and form. He stated that Council Member Pritchett called him one day and stated that he was having a personal meeting about City business with the Governor. He stated that Council Member Pritchett asked him to attend the meeting as well. He stated that he had the opportunity to discuss the information as well with the Governor for about ten minutes. He stated that on September 3rd of this year, the Health Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Virginia went in their favor and they will be  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 19, 2013 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ bringing open heart surgery to Southside Regional Medical Center. He stated that they will be building a new health pavilion as well and that this will be opening in January 2014. He stated that he believes that the official ribbon cutting ceremony is on January 17, 2014. He stated that everyone is invited to attend this event. b. Proclamation designating the month of November, as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month Mayor Moore read the proclamation out loud. c. Presentation by Allen Hamblen, representing Prestige/English Joint Venture, on the New City Hall Mr. Hamblen, Kenneth Jones, President of Prestige/English Joint Venture; and Gil Entzminger, President of Enteros Design, presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the design of the New City Hall. BACKGROUND: Allen Hamblen, representing Prestige/English Joint Venture, will present information about the New City Hall. RECOMMENDATION: For information only. No action recommended. Mr. Johnson introduced the City’s new Preservation Planner, Kathleen Morgan. He stated that Ms. Morgan has been on staff since October 21st. He stated that she has come to the City with an enormous amount of experience from the Historic Foundation in Richmond. Mr. Telfair introduced the new Assistant City Attorney, Danielle Powell. He stated that Ms. Powell comes to the City from working with Petersburg Circuit Court. 5. CONSENT AGENDA: No consent agenda items. 6. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. As required by the Code of Virginia, as amended, a public hearing on the issuance of the Special Use Permit to construct a governmental building at the corner of West Washington and North Union Streets. BACKGROUND: City Council has authorized moving forward through the PPEA process for the construction of a New City Hall in an efficient manner to handle City business and serve the needs of our citizens. The Zoning Ordinance requires governmental buildings to be approved by City Council. An office, which is not considered a public or governmental building, is permitted in the current zoning district by-right without the authorization from City Council. RECOMMENDATION: Following a duly advertised public hearing, Council may affirm the Planning Commission recommendation, overturn the Planning Commission recommendation, table for further consideration, or return the item under consideration to the Planning Commission requesting further review. Michelle Peters, Director of Planning and Community Development, gave a brief overview of the issuance of the Special Use Permit to construct a governmental building at the corner of West Washington and North Union Streets Mayor Moore opened the floor for public comment.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 19, 2013 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated that he sees some very beautiful plans. He stated that he thinks that the City needs this 21st Century development. He stated that he has not heard much about parking spaces. He stated that when you go to Richmond and start to build they are now building parking decks. He stated that there is the library and now the City is building a New City Hall. He stated that he hears that the hotel may be sold and other things. He asked where is the parking going to be. He stated that all of these 21st Century buildings are being built but there is no 21st Century parking. He stated that there is going to be a jam in the downtown area. He stated that he heard of the new buildings but where will the parking be for all this. Seeing no further hands, Mayor Moore closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council Members. Council Member Myers made a motion to affirm the Planning Commission recommendation of issuing a Special Use Permit to construct a governmental building at the corner of West Washington and North Union Streets. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ross. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb, and Moore; Voting No: Pritchett 13-ORD-114 AN ORDINANCE ISSUING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A GOVERNMENTAL BUILDING AT THE CORNER OF WEST WASHINGTON STREET AND NORTH UNION STREET. 7. PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: The Public Information Period is established by the Rules of Council to hear input from City residents or owners of businesses in the City. It will last for a maximum of 30 minutes. Speakers will be called in the order that they have signed up to speak. If there are ten or fewer speakers, each shall speak for a maximum of 3 minutes. If there are more than six (6) people desiring to speak, the time allotted to each person may be adjusted or the number of speakers limited to meet the time limitation. A speaker may speak on items except those that are listed on tonight’s Council agenda. Any matter brought before the attention of the City Council during the public information period will not be acted upon by the City Council at this meeting. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that it has been in the wind that an efficiency study has already been done on what was Virginia Avenue Elementary School. He stated his concern is that after the letter was read beating up on Council Member Pritchett and talking about transparency he found it hard to believe that they would read such a letter and then such a thing would come out in the community. He stated that the citizens need to know where the money is coming from. He stated that the City is doing things that the community does not know anything about to their own fellow council member. He stated that he was looking at the recent newsletter that came out and that it stated that the City has a new Assistant City Attorney. He asked where the money is coming from to create all these positions and to hire all these people when the City is already talking about borrowing to build City Hall and other things. He asked whether the City is going to have the Assistant City Attorney do the same thing as the City Attorney when citizens ask if there is a particular ordinance on the book and he states that it is privileged information. He stated that there is a Director of Cultural Affairs. He asked why this cannot be combined into one department. He stated to Council Member Myers that he would like him to spend more time addressing his issues as opposed to the animals. He asked why the City did not use the old bank building as the new City Hall so that they did not have to spend money on another building. Karen Graham, 402 High Street, stated that when City Council votes to allow the City Manager to dispose of property it is never reported at subsequent meetings the terms of the disposition. She stated that last month City Council approved the disposition of City Hall, City Hall Annex, the hotel and other City buildings and parking lots. She asked what the terms of transactions with Mr. Englander are. She asked were the properties appraised and if so what the appraised values are. She asked what the contract sales price is and how is it determined. She asked what time table was included in the transactions. She asked what the proffers are that were agreed to by the developer. She asked the cost to the City and the citizens to relocate the City  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 19, 2013 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ offices into temporary quarters. She stated that she would ask for information on all properties that were disposed of by the City from January until present. She stated that with regard to public comments that are being accepted on the new building that are due by December 2, can someone tell why the comments are being sent to purchasing. Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated that he is not too hard on City Council Members. He stated that the City has to move out in the 21st Century and do some building in the City. He stated that he has been in the City for a long time and that he has seen the rundown buildings and difference in the City. He stated thank God that Colonial Heights has a new Courthouse. He stated that the City did not need a golf course but that he loves the golf course. He stated that the City does not need anything and that he heard that the city did not need the library. He stated that the City of Petersburg needs something besides a lot of old ideas of slavery time. He stated that even today marks the 150th Anniversary of the great battle in Gettysburg. He stated that the City should have a 21st Century spirit. He asked that if the City goes will Pocahontas be right behind it. He stated that there is a sign on Grove Avenue that they need in Pocahontas. He stated that there is a blind lady in his area. He stated that he did not know that there was a sign for the blind being in an area. He stated that he would like to know if they can get a sign in the Pocahontas area for the people in that area that is blind. He stated that he would like the City to move in the 21st Century with innovations and good ideas. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Vernel Gannaway, 652 Old Wagner Road, stated that he is present tonight on an issue that he has brought up and that this will be the third time. He stated that this is involving the traffic light on Normandy Drive and Wagner Road. He stated that the light has not been corrected. He stated that he knows that the City has a happy police department that enjoys giving out tickets. He stated that he sees people sitting at the light for at least five minutes. He stated that some people are tempted to go through the light. He stated that the traffic light is not right. He stated that there are also people in the neighborhood who use contractors that come in and take advantage of other people’s property. He asked whether there are any codes for the contractors that come in neighborhoods and block their area or driveway. He stated that he would like to know the plans for Berkeley Manor and the Route 460 area. He stated that he has been hearing some information regarding work that is going to be started. He stated that the state is laying-off so many people that they have furniture there where the library can go lease or borrow it from them. He stated that they have to get to the point that everyone has to stick together. He stated that this is the City of Petersburg and City Council has to bring it up. 8. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: a. Consideration of an appointment to the Crater District Area Agency on Aging Board. BACKGROUND: The Crater District Area Agency on Aging serves nine localities with each participating jurisdiction appointing one representative to the organization’s Board of Directors. The term of office is one year. The term of Vivian Williamson, the City’s representative on the Board, has expired. Dr. Williamson has indicated her desire to be reappointed to the Board. Additionally, the Clerk of Council has received two additional applications for appointment to the Board. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council appoint a member to the Crater District Area Agency on Aging Board. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to reappoint Vivian Williamson for another one year term with the Crater District Area Agency on Aging Board. The motion was seconded by Council Member Coleman. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Pritchett, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb, and Moore  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 19, 2013 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ 13-R-51 A RESOLUTION TO REAPPOINTING VIVIAN WILLIAMSON TO THE CRATER DISTRICT AREA AGENCY ON AGING BOARD FOR A TERM EXPERING NOVEMBER 19, 2014. b. Consideration of a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the project administrative agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation for the South Crater Road Area Signal Coordinate and Optimization Project. BACKGROUND: The South Crater Road Traffic Signal Optimization Project is a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Project that is currently in the VDOT’s Six-Year Improvement Program. The traffic network optimization tasks will be undertaken with the goal of reducing delays experienced by drivers at signalized intersections and optimizing overall operations within the study area to provide for the orderly movement of traffic, to minimize average delay to vehicles and pedestrians, to reduce the potential for crash- producing conflicts, and to maximize the capacity of each intersection approach. The project will include the following traffic network development tasks:  Perform Traffic Signal Warrants Analysis to evaluate the need for some existing signals;  Design Signal Modifications;  Implement and fine-tune signal timings; and  Evaluate striping and signage for appropriateness and compliance with current guidance. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council authorize the City Manager to sign and execute the necessary Project Administrative agreements, amendments, documentation and contracts required to administer the South Crater Road Area Signal Coordination and Optimization Project. Councilman Ross made a motion to authorize the City Manager to sign and execute the necessary Project Administrative agreements, amendments, documentation and contracts required to administer the South Crater Road Area Signal Coordination and Optimization Project. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Pritchett, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb, and Moore 13-R-52 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AND SIGN THE NECESSARY PROJECT ADMINISTRATIVE AGREEMENTS, DOCUMENTS, AMENDMENTS, AND CONTRACTS REQUIRED ADMINISTERING SOUTH CRATER ROAD AREA SIGNAL COORDINATION AND OPTIMIZATION PROJECT UPC 101039. c. Consideration of a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the project administrative agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation for FY15 Revenue Sharing Program funds for the U.S. Route 460 (County Drive) Pavement Overlay Project. BACKGROUND: The VDOT Revenue Sharing Program provides an opportunity for locations to provide local funds to match state funds for priority local projects. Locality funds are matched dollar for dollar based on the approved allocation for the locality. Funds are used to finance eligible work on streets within localities. The program is intended to provide funding for immediately needed improvements or to supplement funding for existing projects. The project that the City intends to submit is the rehabilitation of the pavement on U.S. Route 460 (County Drive) on the east and west bound lanes from Hickory Hill Road to the Petersburg City limits. The total length is approximately 2 miles. The total project cost is $3,500,000 (City share is $1,750,000 and VDOT share is $1,750,000). RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council authorize the City Manager to sign and execute the necessary Project Administrative agreements, amendments, documentation and contracts required to administer the U.S. Route 460 (County Drive) Pavement Overlay Project.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 19, 2013 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ Councilman Wilson-Smith made a motion to authorize the City Manager to sign and execute the necessary Project Administrative agreements, amendments, documentation and contracts required to administer the U.S. Route 460 (County Drive) Pavement Overlay Project. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Webb. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Pritchett, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb, and Moore 13-R-53 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE PROJECT ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS FOR THE REVENUE SHARING PROJECT. d. Consideration of scheduling a public hearing on the potential disposition of publicly-owned property addressed as 30 East Tabb Street. BACKGROUND: The City is considering the disposition of publicly-owned property addressed as 30 E. Tabb Street, further identified as Tax Parcel 011-27-0001. The subject property is currently used as parking space. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council authorize the City Manager to dispose of the subject publicly-owned property. This item was removed from the City Council’s Agenda. e. Consideration of scheduling a public hearing on the potential acceptance of a Deed of Gift from The Petersburg Foundation, Inc. BACKGROUND: Petersburg Foundation, Inc. desires to transfer properties currently designated as Patton Park to the City of Petersburg with the understanding that the Foundation would retain a 15 foot wide easement for use as a public walking trail. If the gift is accepted, the City will be responsible for the maintenance of the properties and must continue to designate the area as “Patton Park”. The draft deed with a description of the properties is attached for your review. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council schedule a public hearing for the December 10, 2013, Council meeting. Council Member Myers made a motion to schedule a public hearing for December 10, 2013, on the potential acceptance of a Deed of Gift from The Petersburg Foundation, Inc. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ross. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Pritchett, Myers, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb, and Moore f. Consideration of scheduling a public hearing regarding the declaration of 315 High Street as blighted property. BACKGROUND: For at least the last two (2) years, the City of Petersburg has received numerous complaints from the public regarding the subject property. The Petersburg Fire Department – Inspections Division believes that very little to no maintenance has been performed on the structure during this time. Over the past two (2) years, the property has become increasingly dilapidated resulting in conditions that endanger the public’s health, safety, and/or welfare. The Petersburg Fire Department – Inspection’s Division and the City Attorney’s Office have attempted to remediate this property. The owner of 315 High Street has failed or refused to repair said property. The estimated cost of abatement of the property, so that it is no longer a nuisance, is approximately $65,000.00 and the Code of Virginia sec. 36-49.1:1 (G) allows for the recovery of such costs from the property owner.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 19, 2013 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council schedule a public hearing on the proposed ordinance pertaining to 315 High Street for December 10, 2013. There was discussion among City Council Members. Council Member Myers made a motion to schedule a public hearing on December 10, 2013, regarding the declaration of 315 High Street as blighted property. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ross. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Pritchett, Ross, Webb, and Moore; Voting No: Wilson-Smith g. Consideration of scheduling a public hearing on a petition of Restoration of Petersburg Community Development Corporation to rezone 547-549 Gressett St. 552-554 Gressett St., 540-542 Gressett St, 544 Gressett St, 546 Gressett St, 548 Gressett St, 553 Gressett St, 601-603 Gressett St, 604 Gressett St, 605 Gressett St, 608 Gressett St, 323 Porterville St, 325-327 Porterville St, 329 Porterville St, 332 Porterville St, 334-336 Porterville St, 335 Porterville St, 403 Porterville St, 405 Porterville St, 410 Porterville St, 328 Hartley St, 332 Hartley St, and 338 Hartley St, from "R-3" "Two- Family Residence District to "R-4" Multiple Dwelling District to construct 40 units, upon certain terms and conditions. BACKGROUND: The proposed development will consist of 40 multi-family units, accessory off- street parking, and open space (recreation area). The Restoration of Petersburg Community Development Corporation has been successful in developing a multi-family residential senior development known as Claiborne Square along Halifax Street. This is the second phase of a multi-phase development project. The project aims to remove blighted and abandoned homes from this community and replace them with new infrastructure, enhanced safety, and offer a street beautification model. The area over the years has become blighted due to the lack of maintenance of the properties. A number of dilapidated properties have been demolished. The R-3 zoning district does not permit multi-family dwellings. Under the current zoning the applicant could provide single-family and two-family dwellings. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends City Council schedule a public hearing on this matter for the December 10, 2013, meeting. There was discussion among City Council Members. Council Member Myers made a motion to schedule a public hearing on December 10, 2013, regarding a petition of Restoration of Petersburg Community Development Corporation to rezone 547-549 Gressett St. 552-554 Gressett St., 540-542 Gressett St, 544 Gressett St, 546 Gressett St, 548 Gressett St, 553 Gressett St, 601- 603 Gressett St, 604 Gressett St, 605 Gressett St, 608 Gressett St, 323 Porterville St, 325-327 Porterville St, 329 Porterville St, 332 Porterville St, 334-336 Porterville St, 335 Porterville St, 403 Porterville St, 405 Porterville St, 410 Porterville St, 328 Hartley St, 332 Hartley St, and 338 Hartley St, from "R-3" "Two-Family Residence District to "R-4" Multiple Dwelling District to construct 40 units, upon certain terms and conditions. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Webb. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Pritchett, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb, and Moore h. Consideration changing the location of the December 10, 2013, Council meeting from the Union Train Station to Vernon Johns Junior High School. BACKGROUND: The Union Train Station will be used on December 10, 2013, by a production company filming in Old Towne Petersburg.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 19, 2013 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council hold the City Council meeting scheduled for December 10, 2013, at Vernon Johns Junior High School, which is located at 3103 Homestead Drive. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to hold the City Council meeting scheduled for December 10, 2013, at Vernon Johns Junior High School, which is located at 3103 Homestead Drive. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ross. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Pritchett, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb, and Moore i. Consideration of scheduling a public hearing on the disposition of four acres of 100 Ball Park Drive. Council Member Pritchett made a motion to hold a public hearing on the disposition of four acres of 100 Ball Park Drive on December 10, 2013. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Pritchett, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb, and Moore Council Member Coleman stated that he would like to thank the citizens of Petersburg for allowing him to attend the National League of Cities in Seattle, Washington last week. He stated that it was very educational and informative. He stated that they gained a lot from that conference. Council Member Myers stated that he would like to thank the City Manager, City Attorney and all the staff who supported the opening of the Freedom Support Center and also the Governor and First Lady appearance. He stated that they hope to be up and running after December the first and fully operational to provide services for the City’s veterans and their families. He stated that he would like to thank City Council for all of their support as well. Council Member Ross stated that he will be having a Ward 2 Meeting on November 26, 2013, beginning at 6:30p.m. at the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital. He stated that they will be meeting in the new Day Room that just opened up last week. Council Member Pritchett stated that there will be a Ward 3 Meeting on Monday, December 9, 2013, beginning at 6:30p.m. at Walnut Hill Elementary School. Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that there will be “Follies” opening in Petersburg. She stated to please see Linwood Christian in the back about information on the Follies. She stated that she would like City Council to consider a symposium on health and safety and poverty. She stated that she is asking at this meeting that City Council Members support her and allow her and others to meet with the City Manager and get the ball rolling to get this done in February. Council Member Wilson-Smith made a motion to have a health, safety and poverty symposium beginning in February 2014. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Webb. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Pritchett, Myers, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb, and Moore Vice Mayor Webb stated that he had the opportunity of having a session at National League of Cities regarding the Obama Care update. He stated that he would encourage the City Manager and staff to do a lot of research as far as the City and citizens with healthcare. He stated that some dates have changed. He stated that this is one of the sessions that he was in that was impressive. He stated that it is complicated. He stated that not only staff but the citizens should have another session explaining the new healthcare that will be in the future. He stated that 90% of the people in the present room today cannot afford the healthcare that is out in the world today. He stated that he has heard some of the comments from people stating that they do not want the New City Hall and golf course. He stated that the golf course is doing well. He asked why the City would want to keep something old when things are changing every day.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 19, 2013 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 9. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: Mr. Johnson stated that he would like to remind everyone that on Sunday, December 1, 2013, beginning at 4:00p.m. there will be a Grand Illumination. He stated that on Saturday, December 7, 2013, beginning at 3:00p.m. will be the City’s Holiday Parade. He stated that he encourages everyone to come out and participate in the events as well as the other events in the City. a. City Manager’s Report 1. When will repair begin on South Side Depot? a. Mr. Johnson stated the design for restoring the center section of South Side Depot is underway, and construction is expected to be completed by the end of summer, 2014. 2. What is the status of the 1919 fire truck and the 1936 pumper truck? a. Mr. Johnson stated that both trucks are being stored inside, and the City is seeking grants to restore the trucks. 3. When will Union Station be painted and the bricks repaired? a. Mr. Johnson stated that the roof repairs will be made in Spring 2014 and that the brick repairs to the building are ongoing. 4. How much is the City paying for utility services at 1600 Commerce Street (former Titmus building)? a. Mr. Johnson stated that the City is not paying any utility bills on that property. 5. Explain the PPEA process for the proposed New City Hall. a. Mr. Johnson stated that the Public-Private Education and Infrastructure Act of 2002 (PPEA) were designed to bring private sector expertise to bear on public projects, thus saving time and money. He stated that this law allows private entities to “acquire, design, construct, improve, renovate, expand, equip, maintain or operate qualifying projects” and encourages innovative approaches to financing construction and renovation. The law creates resources to fund a comprehensive range of projects, including schools, wastewater treatment plants, and telecommunications infrastructure – essentially any type of public venture. He stated that on April 2, 2013, the City received an unsolicited PPEA to build a New City Hall. At present, as permitted by the City’s PPEA guidelines, the City is identifying its team members who will attempt to negotiate an interim agreement with the developer which may lead to a final comprehensive agreement subject to approval by City Council. 6. Why are there no outside working lights at A. P. Hill Community Center? a. Mr. Johnson stated the repairs and replacements to outside lights are underway and should be completed in December. 7. Why is the lighting poor at Peabody Middle School? a. Mr. Johnson stated that the Petersburg Public School System is responsible for outside lighting on school property. He stated that there are street lights not working outside school property lines, the number on the pole should be reported to Dominion Power for repair. 8. What is the status of installing a flashing light and speed limit sign at the corner of Lee Avenue and Jones Street? a. Mr. Johnson stated that the Department of Public Works is working with the Police Department to determine if a flashing school light and speed limit sign are needed. He stated that “School Ahead” street striping will take place in the near future, pending weather conditions. 9. When will additional businesses open in the Petersburg Station?  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 19, 2013 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ a. Mr. Johnson stated that the City has solicited businesses to operate a deli/coffee/restaurant operation, and is currently interviewing prospects. He stated that a decision will be made following a review of the feasibility of the business plan. Mr. Johnson stated that he would like to wish everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving. 10. CLERK OF CITY COUNCIL'S AGENDA: Clerk of City council, Nykesha Jackson, wished everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving. 11. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA: No items for City Attorney Agenda. 12. CLOSED SESSION (IF NECESSARY): No items for closed session. 13. ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Coleman moved for adjournment. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ross. There was no discussion. The motion was approved on roll call vote City Council adjourned at 9:00 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor