City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2014 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at the Union Train Station. Mayor Moore called the regular session meeting to order at 7:30p.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. Presentation by representatives of Johnson Controls regarding the City-wide water meter replacement project. BACKGROUND: Whit Blake, Lou Sterlacci, and Ross Dixon of Johnson Controls will present information about the City-wide water meter replacement project. The City held community information meetings to explain the new meter replacement program and to answer questions. The meetings were held on December 11th at Robert E. Lee School and December 13th at A.P. Hill School. Both meetings were well attended and received. RECOMMENDATION: For information only. No action recommended. Steven Hicks, Director of Public Works, stated that there are representatives present from Johnson Controls that will be giving information on the new water meter system. Whit Blake, representative from Johnson Controls, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the new meter replacement project. There was discussion among City Council Members. 5. CONSENT AGENDA: No consent agenda items.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2014 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ 6. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. As required by the Code of Virginia, as amended, a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Code of the City of Petersburg with regard to Procurement Procedures. BACKGROUND: Staff recommends updating the Purchasing Manual and City Code to meet the current needs of the City and to bring the City Code and Guidelines current. The complete Purchasing Manual, which includes procedures, has not been updated since 1986. The most recent changes to the purchasing limits were done in May 2010. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the subject amendment to the Code of the City of Petersburg. Tangela Innis, Purchasing Agent, gave a brief overview of the proposed amendment to the Code of the City of Petersburg with regard to Procurement Procedures. Mayor Moore opened the floor for public comment. Brandon Martin, 1546 Berkeley Avenue, stated that he applauds the effort to address the problem in the handling of the City Code as far as the Procurement and Purchasing Manual. He stated that he is familiar with this from years ago. He stated that before they vote tonight he has a few thoughts to share with everyone. He stated that what he sees from looking at the agenda packet on the website is that they are looking at two legs of a three legged stool. He stated that the third leg is the finance manual. He stated that if he recalls the finance manual dates back to 1975. He stated that he does not believe that it has ever been updated. He stated that purchasing is a part of the finance department in any municipality. He stated that the overall purchasing function must work hand-in-hand with finance. He stated the two manuals must be consistent with each other. He stated that City Council seeks to amend many sections of the City Code. He stated that the VPPA dates from the early 70s when it was recognized at the state level that Procurement Procedure was a stepchild that was put in the closet and left alone. He stated Mr. Hefty and his son are more than efficient. He stated that looks at them as the deans of Procurement Law in Virginia. He stated that he suggest that Mr. Hefty be consulted. He stated that he is in objection of this public hearing. John Hart, 2457 Dupuy Road, stated that he would like to know where they can find the information for the changes on the Procurement Procedure for the amendment. Mr. Johnson stated that the packet is on the website and that the cover letter clearly states that it was to bring the City into compliance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act. He stated that in each subsection in the document it clearly identifies where the information came from. He stated that the City Attorney has reviewed the document. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, asked where information can be found on this particular code. He stated that he understands what was quoted. He stated to Mr. Johnson that he has to understand that not everyone has a computer. He stated that when you go to the library to try and look up the code. He stated that code books at the library have some pages that are missing and that also when you call the City Attorney he states that this information is not able to be given out unless City Council gives permission. He stated that the state code is nowhere available where people can put their hands on it. He asked why is it taking so long to bring it up to speed. Seeing no further hands, Mayor Moore closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Pritchett made a motion to table action until the finance manual is updated as well.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2014 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Wilson-Smith made a substitute motion to accept the proposed amendment to the Code of the City of Petersburg with regard to Procurement Procedures and to get with the finance director to update the finance manual as well. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Webb. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb, and Moore; Voting No: Pritchett 14-ORD-1 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG WITH REGARD TO PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES. 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. Shahid Shabazz, 33 West Washington Street, stated that he would like to congratulate City Council on the things that are happening downtown. He stated that the businesses are growing and the apartments and everything in the downtown area. He stated that the only issue that he has today is the parking. He stated that he has been present to speak on the parking before. He stated that lines were placed on the street for parking and it looks great. He stated that there are growing amount of people that are living and working down town. He stated that there has not been an increase in parking. He stated that there is less parking because of the apartments that have been put down there. He stated that there is no place for his customers to park because the tenants park there instead of parking in the designated parking spaces for the apartments. He stated that if anyone parks in their parking lot then their cars get towed. He stated that the church parking lot will not allow anyone to park in their parking lot because the gates are always locked. He stated that on his block alone there are 16 businesses and 34 parking spaces. He stated they are losing business downtown but there are more and more businesses that are growing in the area that are complaining about the parking. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, he stated that he hopes that the police chief would have information and be proactive in taking a stance in the gang called the “Knockout Gang.” He stated they have heard that it is relatively regional until an incident was reported in the newspaper. He stated that he hopes that this was not overlooked as if this will go away. He stated that he hopes that the police chief can make an appearance and address the issue. He stated that Council Member Ross attended the Skate Factory and he encourages the rest of City Council to attend. He stated that it is a nice place. He stated that he is glad to see it open. He stated that on Saturday there was a nice crowd present. He stated that he even pulled his skates out. He stated that he hopes that City Council goes back and looks at how the taxes in the City are collected. He stated that by people not having a choice to pay water bill or trash bill this makes it hard for the citizens. He stated from the presentation that the meter will help things become more accurate and correct. Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated that he could not wait to thank the City for the wonderful job of paving the streets in Petersburg. He stated that the City looks real good. He stated that he is also a skater. He stated that with the second phase of paving the City should go in the area where the “Skate Factory” is located and pave that area as well. He stated that on Route 36 there are some potholes on the eastbound side that needs some attention right away. He stated that there are still some handicapped areas that need to be done as well. He stated that they need code compliance to go in the area near the “Skate Factory” so that the surrounding businesses in the area can come up to code as well. He stated that the City should do everything they can to assist the “Skate Factory.” He stated that business owners of the skating rink are doing something that the City failed to do. He stated that he is glad to see that “Patton Park” is back in the City hands again. He stated that he does not want to see a public or private person on the right-of-way to the river in that  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2014 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ area. He stated that they have talked about the dredging of the river since 1998 and this still has not been done. Bishop Mary Bonner, 1017 West Washington Street, stated that she is concerned about the water bill. She stated that they have had a tremendous increase in their bills. She stated that they went from $73 to $103 and then to $300. She stated that she is concerned about the City. She stated that there are senior citizens that do not access to computers and do not know how to use a computer. She stated that she would like to have some answers in regards to the tremendous increases. 8. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: a. Consideration of amending the Special Fund Budget by appropriating a grant award in the amount of $660,000 for the South Crater Road Area Signal Coordination and Optimization Project. BACKGROUND: At the November 19, 2013, City Council meeting, the City Council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with VDOT for the City to administer the South Crater Road Signals project. The project will include, but is not limited to, 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;  Evaluate striping and signage for appropriateness and compliance with current guidance;  Engineer and design traffic signal and traffic engineering improvements; and  Access Management Recommendations and design. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend adoption of the attached appropriation Ordinance. William Johnson, City Manager, gave a brief overview of the amending the Special Fund Budget by appropriating a grant award in the amount of $660,000 for the South Crater Road Area Signal Coordination and Optimization Project. Council Member Coleman made a motion to adopt the amending the Special Fund Budget by appropriating a grant award in the amount of $660,000 for the South Crater Road Area Signal Coordination and Optimization Project. 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 14-ORD-2 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2013, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2014 IN THE SPECIAL FUNDS FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $660,000 FOR SOUTH CRATER ROAD AREA SIGNAL COORDINATION. b. Consideration of the re-appropriation of History Camp Funds in the amount of $1,029. BACKGROUND: Donations were sought for the history camp, “Week of Wonder”, which was held the week of June 24-28, 2013. The funds were used to provide a week of learning about the City’s rich and diverse history, culture, and architecture. The resources collected made it possible for thirty children to have lunch and transportation daily to the camp sites. In addition, each child received a t-shirt and the parents were invited to participate in the closing picnic. The remaining funds from last year will be used to offset the cost of the camp in 2014.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2014 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance in the amount of $1,029. William Johnson, City Manager, gave a brief overview of the re-appropriation of History Camp Funds in the amount of $1,029. Council Member Wilson-Smith made a motion to adopt the appropriation ordinance in the amount of $1,029. The motion was seconded by Council Member Pritchett. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Pritchett, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb, and Moore 14-ORD-3 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2013, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2014 IN THE SPECIAL FUNDS FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,029 FOR PETERSBURG MUSEUMS HISTORY CAMP. c. Consideration of a Resolution supporting the City’s participation in the Petersburg Wellness Consortium’s Million Mile Challenge. BACKGROUND: The Petersburg Wellness Consortium consists of individuals and organizations that envision Petersburg living in excellent health and wellness. Two (2) representatives from the City- sponsored Quality Circle for a Healthier Community currently serve on the Consortium – Captain George Uzzle of the Petersburg Fire Department and Chairman of the Quality Circle and Ryan Massenburg of the Department of Parks and Leisure Services. The City’s representatives serve as liaisons between the Wellness Consortium and the Quality Circle for a Healthier Community. The Petersburg Wellness Consortium’s Million Mile Challenge is an opportunity for City employees and residents of Petersburg to collectively move toward walking a million miles in an effort to improve their health and quality of their lives. The challenge began on October 1, 2013, and will end on September 31, 2014. Residents are encouraged to walk, dance, bike, hike, or choose alternative movement activities. Any movement totaling 20 minutes counts as 1 mile. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached Resolution. Councilman Wilson-Smith made a motion a Resolution supporting the City’s participation in the Petersburg Wellness Consortium’s Million Mile Challenge. 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 14-R-1 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PARTICIPATION IN THE MILLION MILE CHALLENGE. Council Member Coleman wished everyone a Happy New Year. He stated that he has noticed how nice the old Trailways Bus Station looked during the Christmas holiday season. He stated that he was wondering that when the decorations come down can the City put something else there to make the station look nice. He stated that he thinks that this would be a plus for the City to have the station looking nice all year around. Mr. Hicks stated that the actual sign will be on at all times. He stated that they are looking at ways to make this building nice. Council Member Myers stated that he would also like to extend a Happy New Years. He stated that he would like to thank City Council and the public for what they have done in support of Petersburg Freedom Support Center. He stated that as of today they have had over 210 single veterans who have come in for services. He stated that they expect to exceed this number and would like for the continued support for the veterans who have served their country.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2014 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Ross stated that he would like to echo everyone and extend a Happy New Year’s to everyone that is present. He stated that he would like to thank Council Members Coleman and Pritchett for coming to the opening of skate land. He stated citizens and children have a place to go to have fun. He stated that the facility is open by a fellow coworker of his. Council Member Pritchett stated that he would like to echo the other council members in saying Happy New Years. He stated that they are embarking on some things to help make the City healthier. He stated that if there is anyone that lives in his ward in the Walnut Hill area they have a walking group call the “Walking Walnuts.” He stated that they walk every Saturday morning at 9:00am. He stated that some people would like to shorten the name and call it the “Walking Nuts.” He stated that he confesses that he did not walk last Saturday because it was too cold. He stated that he thinks that there is a list of people or organizations that have created walking groups. He stated that this would also help with the Million Mile Challenge. He stated that he would like to add an addition to the agenda. He stated that this would be regarding legal expenses that are from an issue with a former employee, Sharon Williams, and her allegations of misconduct. He stated that the judge ruled that this should have been handled as an internal matter. He would like this to be added to the January 14, 2014, meeting. Council Member Pritchett made a motion to add the item of his legal expenses from an issue with former employee, Sharon Williams, to the January 14, 2014, special meeting. 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 Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that she would like to draw attention to nomination forms on the back table. She stated that they will be celebrating an event called “Ordinary Woman Doing Extraordinary Things.” She stated that they are asking that citizens nominate five women who live in Petersburg that may be recognized. She stated that she believes that women are the backbone of a wonderful community. She stated that the deadline is January 15, 2014. She stated that Blandford Community also has a walking club and they are called “The Jeepers Creepers Blandford Peepers.” She stated that they walk Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:00-4:00p.m. inside. She stated that they walk Tuesday and Thursday outside at the same time. She stated that they will start again on Monday. She wished everyone a Happy New Years. Mayor Moore wished everyone a Happy New Year. He stated that as everyone is coming down I-95 they may have seen the smoke from the bringing down of the old Holiday Inn. He stated that they are dedicated in what they are doing to Exit 52. He stated that they have asked the legislators for support and funding for clean-up of this area. Mr. Johnson stated that he did speak with Senator Marsh’s aide and that he did introduce budget amendment for $2.2 million for the school system and $1.7 for Blandford Academy and $500,000 for year around schools at A.P. Hill Elementary and Peabody Middle School. He stated that Senator Marsh also introduced a $5 million dollar budget to assist the City in cleaning up Exit 52. 9. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: Mr. Johnson stated that he only has one item. He stated to City Council that they look forward to a prosperous and healthy 2014. He stated that he looks forward to this with the citizens as well. He stated that they look forward to the employees having a great 2014. 10. CLERK OF CITY COUNCIL'S AGENDA: No items for Clerk of City Council’s Agenda.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2014 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ 11. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA: No items for the 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 8:36 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor