City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 14, 2014 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The special meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at the Union Train Station. Mayor Moore called the regular meeting to order at 6:30p.m. 1. 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 Telfair Clerk of Council Nykesha Jackson, CMC 2. CLOSED SESSION: 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 Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and specifically for the discussion of certain matters pertaining to real estate, and under subsection 7 to consult with legal counsel regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel. 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 Vice Mayor Webb. There was no discussion on the motion, which was approved unanimously on voice vote. City Council entered closed session at 5:30 p.m. CERTIFICATION: Council Member Ross 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 Abstain: 14-R-2 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 SESSION WERE HEARD, DISCUSSED, OR CONSIDERED.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 14, 2014 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ 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. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: a. Clerk of Council, Nykesha D. Jackson, led council and the audience in the pledge of allegiance. 4. PUBLIC HEARING: (In accordance with the Rules of Council, public comment will be heard before discussion by Council. Once discussion has started, no further input from the public will be accepted. Each speaker will be limited to three (3) minutes.) a. A public hearing, as required by the Code of Virginia, as amended, on the proposed development of a New City Hall. BACKGROUND: The City of Petersburg desires to move to a New City Hall in an effort to more efficiently handle City business and serve the needs of our citizens. The current City Hall is located in a building that was built in 1856 as a Customs House/Post Office and was remodeled as City Hall in 1938. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council receive public comment on the proposed New City Hall and review the interim agreement. William Johnson, City Manager, gave a PowerPoint presentation of the proposed development of a New City Hall. Mayor Moore opened the floor for public comment. Vernel Gannaway, 652 Old Wagner Road, stated that the conditions of City Hall are devastating. He stated that it has been devastating for years. He stated that he agrees with the idea of getting a New City Hall. He stated that there are other things that are dear to him. He stated that he feels sorry for employees that have to work in such a building and area. He stated that there have been many times where there was a line on the other side of the road from paying for property taxes. He stated that last year got him. He stated that he saw a lady that was crippled in the line. He stated normally he gets his things done early or wait until the last minute. He stated that to see this lady in the line showed him that the City needs some help. He stated that it is not the building but the employees and the citizens that are involved. He stated that this is a good idea. He stated that the City needs a New City Hall. He stated that there are children going to school with green water  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 14, 2014 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ coming out the facets. He stated that the City built a nice bus station and the new library that is in the process of being finished. He asked where the money is coming from. He stated that he knows that there are some grants out there. He stated that they need the roads need to be paved and infrastructure needs to be worked on in the City. He stated that they should do the right thing. He stated that there are a lot of things that need to be done. Kevin Brown, 1557 South Sycamore Street, stated that he works in the City Hall building as the City Treasurer. He stated the current City Hall is one of the worst buildings that he has ever been in in the 25 years of his profession. He stated that no one should be subjected to work in an area like that. He stated that air condition had to be installed and heat has to be regulated on a boiler system that is overused and overdone. He stated that it is still hard for the handicap people to get their van or vehicle in the back of City Hall to get in the building to take care of their business. He stated that it has not been a building to do business in for a very long time. He stated that from his office alone that if a citizen wanted to come in and discuss business or a payment plan then you could hear their conversation. He stated that it is time to fix this and that it needs to be done the right way. He stated that they do not need a half done City Hall like there is a bus station. He stated that the City and the employees do need a New City Hall. He stated that they need the proper workspace and more important the citizens need it as well. He stated that he struggles every year when it rains seeing someone trying come up the stairs to City Hall. He stated that he supports the New City Hall. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that he stands present to say that there needs to be a New City Hall. He stated that he looked at the article written by Council Member Pritchett. He stated that he has to agree with him on the information that he posted. He stated that one reason that he would have to agree is based on the information about the decline in 2013. He stated that everything looks good on paper with anything. He asked where a plan “B” is if there is no decline. He stated that even now no one knows the financial state of the City. He stated that no one is stating this is not the right thing to do but that they need to make sure that this is the right time to be doing this. He stated that when they talk about how antiquated that these facilities are he is 47 years old and that even then this place looked a mess. He stated that when he was with CCRA they wrote a letter speaking on the handicap accessibility. He stated that no one is denying that they need a New City Hall but to make sure that they do not go into more debt doing so. Brandon Martin, 1546 Berkeley Avenue, stated that this is the first time that he seen the Rules of Council included in the packet. He stated that on the Richmond website there are 30 minutes for each section. He stated that he spoke last week regarding the PPEA and that he never got finished with this information. He stated that he concurs that there is a definite need for a New City Hall. He stated that he worked in City Hall Annex. He stated that the City Hall Annex was temporary in 1985. He stated that 29 years later these departments are still there. He stated that like City Hall it is a rat hole too. He stated that he suggests that City Council adoption of the ordinance is nowhere to be found on the website or City Code. He stated that as Mr. Christian asked about the alternatives he thinks that they all need to go back and look at the efficiency study as well as some other documents. He stated that he is not satisfied with the current proposal. John Rooney, 1993 Ridgewood Drive, stated that with a perfect society you do not need government. He stated that the fact the society is not perfect then you need government. He stated that a person does not want too much government. He stated that you try to limit yourself by using geography. He stated that in Washington, DC they tried to do this by putting a big square out there. He stated that now it is the entire place in northern Virginia. He stated that he took a tour earlier today of City Hall and the different buildings. He stated that he did not think that they were rat holes. He stated that if you look at the building that it is stunning. He stated that City Hall is the real deal. He stated that there needs to be work on the roof and renovation. He stated that he went to Family Dollar today and that the roof was in bad shape and water was pouring all over the floor. He stated that these things have to be maintained. He stated that you have to look at the federal government. He stated that the government is $17 billion dollars in debt. He stated that federal tax credits are what keep Petersburg pumped up. He asked how long do they think that this is going to last. He stated that he does not think that this will last forever. He stated that there used to be 51,000 people but it has decreased. He stated that he would be against the New City Hall.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 14, 2014 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ Karen Graham, 402 High Street, stated that when she pulled up the agenda it states that this is a public hearing on the interim agreement for the development of New City Hall. She stated that there is no agreement. She stated that according to the City Attorney it will not be developed until after public comment this evening. She stated that with this being the case. She would ask that City Council do not allow or grant the City Manager to enter into an agreement without it coming to City Council and the public for vote or review. She stated that the current conditions may not be the best but have they seen any type of cost with the regard of the construction of a new building. She stated that there has been no comment put forth to the public or to council members with the cost of relocation of City Hall. She stated it does not state whether they are to dispose of the City Hall Annex or public parking or plans on the books for public parking lot spaces. She stated that timing is not right in her opinion. She stated that renovated space is wonderful. She stated that they are in a City where infrastructure is failing. Michael Edwards, 409 Grove Avenue, stated that at the last council meeting he was going to get up during the public information period but that there were too many people fussing about the water bills. He stated that last year the City moved forward more than he has ever seen it move. He stated that he hopes this year they continue to do the same. He stated that they have all put their heads together tremendously in the past year to turn the City around. He stated that City Hall is out of date. He stated that he has been on every floor. He stated that he knows that when you go to the Clerk of Council’s office it is either freezing or she has it so hot that you start sweating. He stated that this is because the building is so drafty and so old. He stated that some people are afraid of change and some people are scared to move forward. He stated that the City has the library and the terminal and that the New City Hall can go right on the corner and brighten up the entire area. He stated that he has confidence in this City Council and that this year the City can continue to move forward. He stated that the City cannot stay in the dark ages they have to come out and make a change. Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated that he is not in favor of the New City Hall. He stated that he believes that it is not the right time and that he thinks maybe two years from now. He stated that he does not own a dump truck nor has a brick mason license. He stated that right now is that the key is that Petersburg has been hitting around a recreation center. He stated that nobody has seen anything on paper or spoke on this. He stated that this makes it a dead subject. He stated that he would like for them to come up with a time, date or plan and get a recreation center. He stated that he is referring to a recreation center instead of building a New City Hall. He stated that the City has done a great job with the library and golf course and the street work. He stated that the last thing that was really done was the swimming pool on Farmer Street. Dale Pittman, 410 High Street, stated that this is probably a bad time to build a New City Hall. He stated that he wanted to comment more generally on process. He stated that a more open process would make people more comfortable on the government process and topic that is before everyone. He stated that when this was first announced it was not announced in a way that describes the enormity of what is being done. He stated that tonight the comments have been limited to three minutes. He stated that limiting this to three minutes tonight does not respect the citizens. He stated that this should be done in a way where people cannot come up and creditably say that the process is not open and that it is an outrage. Lawrence McLaughlin, 115 Marshall Street, stated that something should be done for the citizens of Petersburg. He stated that all this might be nice. He stated that two or three days ago there was a broken water pipe due to infrastructure was broken. He stated that this applies to everyone and not just a few people who will get a nice looking City Hall. He stated each of the new apartments knocks the water pressure down five BSI. He stated that the City is overcoming this by putting pumps in to jack this up. He stated that this is a temporary issue. He stated that the pipes need to be replaced to make it work. He stated that they need to work on the infrastructure and the schools in the City. He stated that these are more important things now. He stated that when they have time then the other things can come in place. He stated that he noticed on the New City Hall that the City Manager’s Office is actually larger than many houses in the City.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 14, 2014 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ Tom Redfern, 280 High Street, stated that he saw the letter in Sunday’s newspaper and that this gave him some concern. He stated that this causes a lot of questions that he had not even thought about. He stated he has not seen the numbers on this and that it has not been an emphasis on this information or cost analysis. He stated that he has not seen anything on the cost of savings on a monthly or yearly basis once this is in place. He stated that he suspects that this would be a huge savings. He stated that they have been told that the City is more efficient and moderate. He stated that in Alaska their government is confined into one island. He stated that he heard about the large office that the City Manager had but had not seen it. He stated that his concern is that it has not been out in the cost issue. He stated that some of the other issues in the City can be laid out. He stated that he does commend the policy that the Director of Public Works quoted in the paper yesterday. Sarah Witiak, 22 Centre Hill Court, stated that she can understand the desire to have a nice place to work and that she would like a bigger office as well. She stated that she really does wonder whether this is the right time or not. She stated that what businesses really need is efficient people and efficient processes that do not depend on a building. She stated that as soon as the City sees a pile of money that they need to think about what other things that they can use this money for. She stated this includes money for the children. She stated that the City is not going to have businesses come to the City if they do not have a well-educated workforce. She stated that when she was young her parents did not have a lot of money or fancy clothes but that they were proud that their children had a great education. She stated that the City workers should take pride in having the money go to the children instead of to a New City Hall. She stated that the 50 years regarding the New City Hall is pathetic. She stated that they should be looking at a facility of over 100 years for the City of Petersburg. She stated that she does not see the numbers adding up. She stated that she sees a lot of investment by the City in terms of shifting offices back and forth. She stated that it does not seem like a lot of support on the private investor’s side. She stated that they need to work on the school side first. Theresa Booty, 849 West High Street, stated that she is a standing member of the Architectural Review Board. She stated that when she first moved to the City that she was attracted to all the old buildings and a little alarmed at the condition of them. She stated that she has been seeing some improvements and that it is heartwarming. She stated that she has personally seen the offices and that her first reaction when she saw boxes stacked everywhere was that it looked pretty crowded in the area. She stated that some better organizational techniques would help. She stated that there is a lot of empty space in a lot of areas. She stated that the boxes needed to gotten be rid of and then this may help. She stated that this is the first City where she had to walk from one building to another building to conduct business. She stated that this is only a minor inconvenience. She stated that she feels that her opinion is that this is too soon. She stated that they should get the library paid for and that the City should not count the chickens before they hatch. She stated that some money for maintenance does need to be put in the current City Hall. She stated that she was at a meeting one night and one of the valves busted. She stated that it flooded the floor and it took a while for someone to come and fix it. She stated that her opinion is to wait and put a little more money in the schools and for the children. Mitchell Pradia, 517 High Street, stated that if the money is present and the time is right then the City should move forward. He stated that he is not in agreement with the 50 plus years for the facility. He stated that he thinks that this should be longer. He stated that he too read the article in the Sunday’s newspaper. He stated that the presentation was well presented. He stated that he can trust City Council to do the right thing. He stated that he likes the fact that they are not raising real estate taxes. He stated that the City can repurchase the building and the buildings surrounding City Hall can do without these things. He stated that as long as the City has the money and the time is right he thinks that they should move forward. Reese Washington, City resident, stated that he disagrees with the New City Hall building. He stated that it was so important that he was running and decided to come over. He stated that he believes that even though the City may have a plan to get this together he does not believe that this is the right time. He stated that he thinks that this is an excellent idea but that he thinks that this is not the proper time to do so.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 14, 2014 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, asked that even with all the money that the City has or does not have, how will it tie into all this? He stated that he does not want the City making any moves. He stated that he does not care what is on paper. He stated that he does not want the City making any moves until they are sure that if they cannot go right then it would possible to make a left turn and come back around the corner to get to where they need to go. He stated that they do not want to be hearing about something at the last minute. He stated that his last point is in regards to taxes. He stated that it was stated that there will not be an increase in real estate taxes but that he is not the smartest man but where they don’t pay one place they will have to pay another. Joan Bice, 1636 South Sycamore Street, stated that she is always concerned of new projects that are planned. She stated that there is always the need for something new. She stated that she feels that it is the duty of City Council to work for the citizens of the community. She stated that a New City Hall would be nice. She stated that a new office space is always wonderful. She stated that they can certainly make do with what they have until they have the money to pay for everything. She stated that everything include the temporary moves. She stated that money needs to be on hand before the start of any project. She stated that she thinks that there needs to be more planning before they move ahead. Seeing no further hands, Mayor Moore closed the public hearing. Council Member Coleman stated that he would like to go on record that he is in favor of a New City Hall. He stated that now is the time for the City to build a New City Hall. He stated that if the city remains staggering then all will be lost. He stated that if the wait for funds then the City will be waiting forever. He stated that he would commend the City Manager for helping move forward. He stated that he knows that there are a lot of people that would like the City to stay in the same place. Council Member Myers stated that he concurs with Council Member Coleman. He stated that he is in favor of the New City Hall being built. He stated that he do commend Mr. Johnson for all that he has done for the City in moving them forward. He stated that the City is moving forward more than they have in the last 20 years. He stated that everyone should be appreciative for what has been done rather than what has not been done. Council Member Ross stated that he supports the New City Hall and all that Mr. Johnson has done with moving the City forward. He stated that the only thing he would like to note is that the City has money on hand to take care of everything even with the relocation. Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that she would like to thank everyone for coming out to thecouncil meeting tonight. She stated that she would like to thank everyone for their comments and input. She stated that the citizens are the most important in the City and that she appreciates everyone being at the meeting. Council Member Pritchett stated that he knows that he is the only one on City Council that is finding a reason not to build a New City Hall. He stated that he has said that he does not have a problem with having a New City Hall. He stated that the picture that was up there is very vivid and it showed that the building of City Hall and other buildings are being neglected. He stated that it is the City’s neglect that they have not been keeping the maintenance on the building. He stated that he made his point on how they can restructure City Hall. He stated that they have all been to Washington, DC and to National League of Cities. He stated that the difference between the Cities’ building and their buildings is that they have kept their buildings maintained all these years. He stated that the facilities in Washington, DC are as nice as a new building. He stated that their buildings have a lot more character. He stated that City Hall is fine but he stated that the City needs to get some money. He stated that the Davenport people that came to the City some years ago came and showed everyone how to handle money. He stated that a year and a half later the City still has no money. He stated that the City is supposed to have a rainy day fund that they do not have. He stated that the comments from some of the citizens regarding emergency situations are important and that the City needs a nest egg and the City does not have this. Council Member Pritchett asked Mr. Johnson where is the debt service for the $5  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 14, 2014 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ million dollars for the library that plays with the chart. Mr. Johnson stated that in that chart there is no debt service for the new library. He stated that the chart was based on the debt service at a point of time in 2012 for the City of Petersburg. He stated that the debt service for the library is not in the chart but that the chart can be easily updated. Council Member Pritchett stated that he thinks that everyone knows that there is debt service for the library. He stated that there is $5 to $6 million dollars in debt service that the City will have to pay and that he does not know how this will be added to the chart. He stated that he has a lot of things to say. He stated that the site is probably one of the best commercial sites in Petersburg. He stated that the City has taken it off the tax roll when they purchased it. He stated that he does not have a problem purchasing it because it was a smart move at the time. He stated to use this site forever tax free is questionable. He stated that there are things that the City needs to do and that they need to be mindful about the tax paying citizens. He stated that the citizens in Petersburg are getting older and older. He stated that the census show that the City has older people and that there will be fixed incomes and that there will be more and more inability to pay rising taxes. He stated that taxes are going to rise whether they build a New City Hall or not. He stated that if the City can get rid of the debt service every year then they can have a rainy day fund. He stated if the City that didn’t build a New City Hall and paid of the debt than half of the money can be used to not raise the tax rate. He stated that comments have been made and that he sees the need to build infrastructure in the City. He stated that they are known for the history in the City. He stated that the proper code regulated holes or trenches for the entire infrastructure in the City. He stated that he does not believe that a New City Hall will attract new residents in the City. He stated that he thinks that completing the Appomattox River Trail will bring people to City. He stated he has been stating for years that he thinks that we should make a trade with Dinwiddie and give them Ferndale Park and let them join the City line. He stated that the roof on the Union Train Station is terrible and work needs to be done with the Siege Museum. He stated that people are speaking on a recreation center for the youth. He stated that the youth are more important than the New City Hall. He stated that one thing that has happened is the paving project. He stated that this is long overdue and paving is needed in the City. He stated that the sheriff needs a new jail. He stated that the acoustics in the train station are awful. He stated that the General District Court was a better place to hold the City Council Meetings and that there was security there as well. He stated that he wishes City Council would appoint some citizen advisory committees. Vice Mayor Webb stated that he appreciates the citizens coming out tonight. He stated that he appreciates the citizens coming out tonight to listen to what City Council has to say. He stated that tonight that he has felt that they need different characters up there to make a decision. He stated that when the City put up the Multimodal Center and nothing is in it. He asked was it the same amount of people present to say no for the Multimodal Center. He stated no. He stated that it was not but that there were different characters present. He stated that the City Manager has brought in lawyers and researchers to figure out that the City needs a New City Hall. He stated that these people know what they are going to do. He stated that the City Manager does not sit and talk to 3,300 people and say that this is where he is going to get the money from. He stated that the citizens are hoping that in eight or nine years there will be different characters sitting where the present City Council Members are sitting. He stated that there may be something in the paper and everyone goes crazy about. He stated that he is not the right character and Council Member Pritchett is not the right character. He stated that he is not the Mayor he is the Vice Mayor. He stated that the Mayor is probably going to say just about the same as what everyone else is saying. He stated that then there is someone running and then come in and says that they believe what everyone is stating. He stated that he cannot fathom this. He stated that he agrees with 60% of his colleagues that suggest that they build a New City Hall. Mayor Moore stated that he feels that Mr. Johnson and the staff are doing an excellent job. He stated that he thinks that there is some confusion on when the numbers are supposed to come. He stated that he is going to ask Mr. Johnson to do a project timeline. He stated there is no vote tonight as with regard to the agreement or implementation plan.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 14, 2014 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ Mr. Johnson stated that the timeline will be that the public hearing is heard as required by the PPEA guidelines. He stated that next Tuesday at the City Council meeting the interim agreement will take place on the agenda for City Council to vote up or down. He stated that if it is voted up then they will continue to move forward with the Joint Venture Team. He stated that they will come back in four to five months with a cooperative agreement which at that time they will have information on the location expenses if the City has to move out of City Hall and what the estimated cost will be for the New City Hall and the ability to acquire funding for the new City Hall. He stated that nothing at the next City Council meeting will have a final number. He stated that the interim agreement allows the City to continue to work with the Joint Venture group to determine what the price will be. He stated that during this time they will be giving updates to City Council Members and the community. He stated that there will not be numbers until June in regards to cost. He stated that the hotel RFP is a separate entity. He stated that it just so happen that the hotel RFP came out the same time as the New City Hall. He stated that if Mr. Englander cannot secure the funds then there will be no relocation of City Hall. He stated that the hotel and the disposition of those properties are totally separate from the New City Hall. He stated that a lot has been said about the needs of the City. He stated that the City now has a 5-year CIP. He stated that they are working on the budget as well. Mayor Moore stated that one thing that he has not seen in the presentation is the safety issues in City Hall. He asked Mr. Johnson if he can talk a little bit on this. Mr. Johnson stated that he has worked for several communities. He stated that this is the first community where in the City Manager Office, City Attorney Office and Mayor’s Office that people just walk in. He stated that they went to a meeting with Dr. Melvin this morning and you do not just walk in to see the superintendent. He stated that they have to actually buzz you in. He stated that they have added swipe cards in the building to try to have security for employees. He stated that the way that the building is structured right now you can get into City Hall in a number of ways. He stated that it brings an opportunity with the lack of security. He stated that they have brought in a consultant to check on the security of the building. Mayor Moore stated that they will continue to move forward. He stated that he thinks the treasurer for coming forward to speak tonight. He stated that the treasurer was being kind. He stated that there are areas in City Hall that are bad. He stated that there are areas on the floor and in the basement and storage records and leaks as well in the City Hall. He stated that it is time to move forward. 3. ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Coleman moved for adjournment. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ross. There was no discussion. The motion was approved on voice vote. City Council adjourned at 8:02 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor