City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: April 1, 2014 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, April 1, 2014, 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 (1) of the Code of Virginia, and specifically under the Subsection 1 to discuss certain issues with certain City employees; and under Subsection 3 to discuss matters pertaining to properties, the disclosure of which would adversely affect the City’s bargaining and or negotiation position; and under Subsection 7 to consult with legal counsel, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the position of the City. 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 Ross. 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 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 Coleman. 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 14-R-13 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  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: April 1, 2014 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ BUSINESS MATTERS AS WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE MOTION CONVENING THE CLOSED SESSION WERE HEARD, DISCUSSED, OR CONSIDERED. 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: (Each presentation will be limited to 10 minutes.) a. Proclamation designating April 1-7, 2014, as Local Government Education Week Mayor Moore read the proclamation out loud. City Manager, William Johnson, accepted the proclamation. He stated that on behalf of the City employees he would like to thank City Council for proclaiming April 1-7, 2014, as Local Government Education Week. He stated that the he and Mayor Moore will be visiting Petersburg High School and Peabody Middle School on tomorrow morning to talk to the children on the opportunity of government for that week. b. Proclamation designating April 2014 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month Jane Clayborne, Director of Community Relations of The James House, accepted the proclamation. She stated that she thanks City Council for acknowledging Sexual Awareness Month. She stated that The James House has probably been serving citizens of Petersburg with extreme sexual violence for the last 25 years. She stated that they are celebrating with a special video project that they have going on. She stated that they are going to share a video tonight. c. Proclamation designating April 2014 as Fair Housing Month John Young, Director of Community Development Block Grant, accepted the proclamation. He stated that they have worked hard of the last couple of years to work on the City’s efforts to affirmably further fair housing in Petersburg. He stated that on May 28, 2014, at the Union Train Station, beginning at 9:00am.,  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: April 1, 2014 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ there will be a Fair Housing Event. d. Presentation by Dr. Edward Raspiller, President of John Tyler Community College BACKGROUND: Dr. Raspiller, President of John Tyler Community College, will present information regarding John Tyler Community College. RECOMMENDATION: For information only. Dr. Edward Raspiller, President of John Tyler Community College, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation on updates of the college and an economic impact study. e. Presentation of the Annual Delinquent Tax Collection Report by Kevin Brown, City Treasurer. BACKGROUND: Kevin Brown, City Treasurer, will provide information regarding delinquent tax collection efforts. RECOMMENDATION: For information only. Kevin Brown, City Treasurer, gave a brief summary and PowerPoint presentation on the annual delinquent tax collection. There was discussion among City Council Members. f. Presentation by Tami Yerby, Director of Parks and Leisure Services, regarding the City’s Biggest Healthy Loser Campaign. BACKGROUND: The Quality Circle for a Healthy Community partnered with Healthy Heart Plus II to launch the City of Petersburg’s Biggest Healthy Loser Campaign. Tami Yerby, Director of Parks and Leisure Services, will present information about the campaign. RECOMMENDATION: For information only. Tami Yerby, Director of Parks and Recreation, gave a brief overview of the Quality Circle Program. Dr. Alice Freeman announced the winner of the City of Petersburg’s Biggest Healthy Loser Campaign as Trisha Evans. She thanked everyone that participated as well as City Council, the City Manager, and the Director of Parks and Leisure Services. 5. CONSENT AGENDA: a. Minutes of the regularly-scheduled Council meeting on March 4, 2014. b. Consideration of a request to schedule a public hearing on a petition for a Special Use Permit to operate a homeless shelter at 120 East Fillmore Street. c. Consideration of a request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance declaring 1121-1133 Stainback Street a blighted property and a public nuisance to the community and authorizing the abatement of such nuisance. d. Consideration of a request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance declaring 380 East Washington Street a blighted property and a public nuisance to the community and authorizing the abatement of such nuisance.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: April 1, 2014 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ e. Consideration of a request to schedule a public hearing on the potential disposition of a portion of publicly-owned property located along Bessemer Road, further identified as a portion of Tax Parcel 092-02-0001, by granting an easement to Columbia Gas of Virginia. f. Consideration of a request to schedule a public hearing on the proposed amendment of Section 98-51 of the Code of the City of Petersburg, pertaining to changing the names of streets. Council Member Pritchett stated that there was one mistake that was needed to be corrected on page five of the minutes of March 4, 2014. He stated that he voted “no” and it had that he voted “yes”. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to adopt the consent agenda with changes to the March 4, 2014, minutes as noted. 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 6. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: (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. City Manager’s budget presentation. BACKGROUND: In accordance with the Code of the City of Petersburg, the City Manager must prepare and present the recommended annual budget to Council. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council receive the recommended annual budget and schedule a public hearing on same. The suggested date for the public hearing is April 15, 2014. William Johnson, City Manager, gave a brief overview and PowerPoint presentation of his recommended annual budget to Council. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to hold a public hearing for the City of Petersburg budget on April 15, 2014. 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 There was discussion among City Council Members. b. As required by the Code of the City of Petersburg, public hearing on the proposed uses of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds for 2014-2015. BACKGROUND: The City is an entitlement participant in the CDBG Program. The City prepares and submits a CDBG Annual Action Plan to HUD by May 15th of each year. RECOMMENDATION: For discussion only. Funds to be reprogrammed include: 2011-2012 Porterville Improvements $40,527.37 2011-2012 Halifax Study $2,964.85 2008-2009 Van Buren Estates $344.78 2012-2013 CARES Inc. $202.36 2012-2013 TRIAD $1,418.00 2012-2013 Interfaith Adult Day Care $263.25 2012-2013 Police Youth Enhancement $21.97  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: April 1, 2014 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ 2012-2013 Lee Park Tennis Courts 958.45 2013-2014 Contingency for Cost Overruns $31,250.00 2013-2014 Administration $40,000.00 Total Funds to be Reprogrammed $117,951.03 The proposed uses of allocated funds for 2014-2015 are as follows: Citizens Staff Advisory Recommended Committee Recommended YMCA -Provides swimming lessons for 300 children, services for 980 in total. 24,000 20,000 Foster Grandparents - Provides meal, transportation, stipends for 72 seniors. 5,000 5,000 Boys & Girls Club – Facility improvements serving 100 children a day. 20,000 15,000 CARES - For operating expenses for shelter serves 111 women and children a year. 15,000 20,000 CARES - To install heating/air conditioning in Pantry at 120 E. Washington Street. 15,000 18,500 Project Homes - Provides for repairs to homes owned by low income families. 152,000 152,000 HOPE Center – Facility improvements for services to low income families. 10,000 12,500 Serenity - Services for clients for HIV/AIDS. 10,000 0 TRIAD - Provides for seniors to reduce the fear of crime and victimization. 17,000 0 Siege Museum - Provide for repairs to the roof of the Siege Museum. 220,000 200,000 Pathways - Works with unemployed and under-employed to provide skills training. 25,000 0 Lee Park Improvements - Provides for the replacement of restrooms and parking. 80,000 100,000 Salvation Army - Provides emergency and transitional shelter for homeless men. 10,000 10,000 Rte. 36 Sidewalks - Provides sidewalks along right side Rte. 36 going East. 0 50,000 Freedom Support Center - Provides one stop shop for services for veterans. 30,000 30,000 CDBG Administration - Provides for the administration of the CDBG Program. 119,328 119,328 752,328 $752,328 John Young, Director of Community Development Block Grant, gave brief presentation on the CDBG budget. Mayor Moore opened the floor for public comment. Charlie Cuthbert (Petersburg Foundation) stated that he would like to talk about a project that did not make the cut this year. He stated that it is a request from the Petersburg Foundation for $150,000 to help save 109-111 South Market Street. He stated that this is the building that is diagonally across from the fire station. He stated that this building has been abused and neglected for over a good while. He stated that this is an important proposal and that he wants to illustrate the importance of it. He read an article from out the newspaper regarding the history and the thoughts on the conditions of some of the historical sites in Petersburg. Cheryl Riggins, Executive Director of CARES (244 Halifax Street), stated that she comes this evening in gratitude for the proposals that were made in support of CARES. She stated that the shelter currently located at 244 Halifax Street has currently this year alone been an emergency shelter to 216 children. She stated that one of the other projects that they have is the CARES Food Pantry at 120 East Washington Street. She stated that they have provided 1,000 people with food assistance. She stated that she thanks them wholeheartedly for the support that the City gives CARES as they continue to provide support for the City. Rosa Johnson, (Serenity HIV Services), stated that they would like to thank the advisory board for the ongoing support located in the City. She stated that they have been in the City since 2004 providing services for people with HIV/AIDS. She stated that currently there are 400 people living in the City with HIV/AIDS. She stated that some of the services that they provide are support groups, case management, assistance with medication and transportation and just assisting people to get back to a regular life. She stated that she is  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: April 1, 2014 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ asking City Council to please consider her request. She had a client of the Serenity HIV Services to say some words regarding the program. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that he admits that the he did not understand or hear half of the information that the presenter stated. He stated that what he did catch is some of the information and recommendations that the board made. He stated that some of these are organizations that had experience with Boys & Girls Club. He stated that because his mom worked in Richmond he was able to attend the Boys & Girls Club. He stated that he would hope that they keep encouraging the youth to participate in these activities to help them to do better. He stated he was kind of sad because there were no recommendations for TRIAD and Serenity HIV Services. He stated that the City has the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the region and one of highest in the state. He stated that persons 55 and older make up a percentage of people that have HIV/AIDS. He stated that TRIAD is a program that helps out the seniors. Inez Tucker, 1135 Arlington Street, stated that she is present to speak on Petersburg’s best served program, TRIAD. She stated that TRIAD is one of the greatest assets open to the older citizens of Petersburg. She stated that the TRIAD program helps to decrease criminals in the senior family. She stated that there is support from TRIAD to the senior population. She stated that she feels that TRIAD has greatly enhanced the senior population. Vivian Williamson, (HOPE Center) stated that she would like to thank City Council for the support that they have given in the past years as it pertains to CDBG funds. She stated that the funds have been well used. She stated that she would also like to thank Mr. Young for the support that he has given them in guiding them in the entire process and helping them. Ruth Ridley stated that she stands before City Council to ask that they award CDBG funds to TRIAD. She stated that TRIAD is the only organization in the City that focuses on crime prevention and health issues for the senior citizens. She stated that there are currently 1,200 seniors of which 1,000 are from Petersburg. She stated that the sheriff’s office has done a great job in educating and keeping them safe. She stated that as the Vice President of TRIAD she stands present and ask that they consider donating and given them the funds for TRIAD. Matthew Turner stated that he also represents TRIAD. He stated that he is the President of TRIAD. He stated that he comes present with others to ask for funds for one of the best organizations in the City. He stated that most of the Council Members have come to the meetings. He stated that they all know what takes place there. He stated that they are the best TRIAD in the state of Virginia. He stated that they are recognized by the Attorney General. He stated that when they go out they represent the City of Petersburg very well. He stated that they ask that City Council reconsider the funds for TRIAD. George Friday stated that he is the Commander of VFW Post 622 in the City of Petersburg. He stated that his heart is saddened. He stated that the board did not approve the Operation Community Garden. He stated that for the Operation Community Garden they had requested $63,000. He stated that if the City had approved this he was willing to pay 50% of the garden. He stated that they have partnered with Virginia State University Agricultural Department. He stated that they have approved this grant request. He stated that this is going to go on for years to come. He stated that they are not going to come back. He stated that it will be self- sufficient. He stated that this will be an organic garden with different vegetables and fruits. He stated that if a poll was taken tonight that 98% of the people present would approve of this garden. He stated that this garden will be on one acre of land. He stated that he has spoken with Mr. Young and that he has also spoken to the advisory board and they did not approve this. He stated other localities will emulate what they are doing in the City of Petersburg. He stated that the VFW Post 622 do a lot of things but that they are not acknowledged for a lot of things that they do. Sheriff Vanessa Crawford asked all the TRIAD members present to stand. She stated that she also comes tonight asking to award TRIAD a portion if not all of what they have asked for. She stated that everyone  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: April 1, 2014 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ knows what they do. She stated that if there are questions she is certainly able to answer any questions that anyone may have. She stated that they were not awarded any of the funds last year and that they are asking that they be awarded funds this year. Representative from the Salvation Army stated that they are grateful for the support. He stated that they have a program that is about solutions to homelessness. He stated that there are components. He stated that the first component is about rapid housing programs together. He stated that the second component is about families. He stated that it is their goal to reduce the number of people that are homeless or that become homeless. He stated that some of the outcomes are listed in the information that was handed out. He stated that they plan to help at least 260-300 people in the shelter. He stated that they will permanently house 75 of them. He stated that 56 will sustain their housing after three to six months. He stated that 60 clients will secure employment and 45 will sustain employment after five to six months. He stated that they have done this before and they are confident that they can do this. He stated that they appreciate the time that they have been given tonight and that they also appreciates the City’s support. Ruth Parham stated that she is with the American Cancer Society, Relay for Cancer. She stated that she is coming before City Council asking for support. She stated that it is on May 10, 2014, which is a Saturday. She stated that it will be from 10am to 10pm. She stated that they would like the City’s support on stands, lights and security. She stated that it will be at Petersburg High School. Stella Cummings, 838 Miller Street, stated that she is present to speak in favor of the grant for TRIAD. She stated she retired in 1999. She stated that when she retired she decided that she was not going to be bored. She stated that TRIAD was the answer to her concerns. She stated that she has enjoyed being in the TRIAD program. She stated that this program has been keeping her busy and active. She stated that she would like for City Council not to deny them the opportunities that they have been receiving and enjoying. Michael Edwards, 409 Grove Avenue, stated that he has sat and listened to the people. He stated that there are some opposing and some making great cases. He stated that he is just going to touch on TRIAD. He stated on March 6, 2014, he lost his grandmother. He stated that she gave a ten year battle of Alzheimer. He stated that TRIAD had started after she developed the disease. He stated that she never had the opportunity to experience what the program had to offer. He stated that he has heard nothing but positive comments and impacts and he has not heard one foul bad word about the program. He stated that one day if the program is still present he would hope to have the experience of what the seniors have experienced today. He stated that the activities that the sheriff has the seniors participate in have given them the opportunity to express themselves and to continue living life. John Hart, 2457 Dupuy Road, stated that he is also present to speak on the TRIAD program as well. He stated that this is a program that has done well in the last several years. He stated that he would like to see it continue to grow. He stated that this is a program that is carried by a large tax base community. He stated that most of the seniors in Petersburg own their own homes. He stated that they contribute and keep others moving in the right direction. He stated that he has a godmother and a few other relatives that participate in this program. He stated that he does not want to see the seniors on the street doing nothing, Seeing no further hands, Mayor Moore closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council Members. Council Member Coleman made a motion to take this back and City Council be able to make recommendations and changes to the CDBG Budget with the priority numbers attached. 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  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: April 1, 2014 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ Vice Mayor Webb stated that he would like to commend two organizations who came to the meeting tonight. He stated that these two organizations would be The Hope Center and the Salvation Army. He stated that the reason that he is stating this is because there are people coming in asking for money. He stated that they have not asked anyone to give criteria stating what they did the year before. He asked Mr. Young whether there was anything in his criteria that asked that if you have funds the year before to show some type of information on what you did. He stated that he would suggest that this be a part of the criteria when requesting monies from CDBG. c. As required by the Code of Virginia, as amended, a public hearing on amend an approved Rezoning 09-ORD-24, which permits the Planned Unit Development (PUD), dated May 5, 2009, by changing condition C(i). The property address is 319-321 Brown Street, Tax Parcel 023-33- 0801, subdivided from the property known as 325 Brown Street. *This item has been removed from the agenda per request of applicant until further notice. 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. Lavern Brown, 2023 Bishop Street, stated that she has a concern. She stated that her concern is her utility bill. She stated that her utility bill is $201. She stated that her water is $50.86 and the sewage is $108.91. She stated that understands the rest of the charges on it. She stated that what she does not understand is why the sewage is so high. She stated that this is why she is present tonight. She stated that for the last five utility bills that she has received it was escalating. She stated that she would like to know what she is paying for. Constance Green, 3364 Seaton Road, stated that her concern is about the Trailways Bus Station. She stated she would like for City Council to consider the Trailways Bus Station being used as a civil rights museum. She stated that she understands that the BB&T building will be housing a visitor’s center. She stated if the Trailways Bus Station can be annexed to this building to store artifacts from the civil rights movement. She stated that Petersburg is the hub for civil rights. She stated that she does not think that the City markets itself in such a way that people passing through would know that such historical sites are in the City. She stated that a historical foundation would generate revenue. Michael Edwards, 409 Grove Avenue, stated that he has two traffic concerns. He stated that the City did a traffic study and lights were taken down from Market Street and Halifax Street. He stated that someone needs to do another study because people use this as a drag strip. He stated that sometimes you can get across the street and sometimes you sit there. He stated that his second concern is regarding a ramp and he does not know if this is a VDOT issue or City issue. He stated that the ramp going on two 95 is going to cause an accident. He stated that no one stops. He stated that there is blighted property located at 421 Grove Avenue. He stated that this is three doors down from his home. He stated that it is an old brick structure. He stated that this property is owned by someone in North Carolina. He stated that the structure is leaning and the back part is shifting a different direction. He stated that on a good note Market Street is finally being paved. He stated that now he can ride down Market Street and not every bolt and screw is going to fall out his vehicle. 8. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: a. Consideration of a Resolution setting forth the City of Petersburg’s commitment to obesity prevention.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: April 1, 2014 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ BACKGROUND: The Virginia Municipal League entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute for Public Health Innovation to work collaboratively on the HEAL Cities & Towns Campaign. The HEAL Cities & Towns Campaign was launched because municipal leaders and residents across Virginia are facing increased medical costs and diminished quality of life due to the epidemic of obesity and overweight. Municipal leaders are now addressing the crisis by adopting local policies that encourage physical activity and nutritious eating. By joining the HEAL Cities & Towns Campaign, the City of Petersburg puts forth a commitment to make it easier for its residents to eat better and move more. The City’s Quality Circle for a Healthy Community Program staff will work with the HEAL Cities and Towns Campaign staff to identify policies that are suitable for the City of Petersburg and report back to Council with recommendations. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached Resolution. Tami Champ-Yerby, Director of Parks and Leisure Services, gave an overview of the City of Petersburg’s commitment to obesity prevention. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to approve the resolution setting forth the City of Petersburg’s commitment to obesity prevention. 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-R-14 A RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH THE CITY OF PETERSBURG’S COMMITMENT TO OBESITY PREVENTION. b. Consideration of a request for reallocation of CDBG funds from the 2011 Porterville Improvements Project to the 2014 Petersburg History Camp. BACKGROUND: The 2011-2013 CDBG Program year ended June 30, 2012. Reprogramming of prior year funds is allowed with appropriate public notice and approval of the City Council. The Petersburg History Camp will be a new project and the reallocation of CDBG funds for it requires public notice. This proposed reallocation was advertised for a period of 30 days and submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development on March 31, 2014. No approval by HUD is required. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council approve the reallocation of funds from the 2011 Porterville Improvements account to support the Petersburg History Camp project and adopt the attached appropriation ordinance in the amount of $7,000. There was discussion among City Council Members. Council Member Pritchett made a motion to approve the reallocation of funds from the 2011 Porterville Improvements account to support the Petersburg History Camp project and adopt the appropriate ordinance in the amount of $7,000. 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 14-ORD-20 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2013, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2014, IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,000 FOR THE PETERSBURG HISTORY CAMP PROJECT. Council Member Coleman stated that he would like to thank Dironna Belton, Transit Manager, for her presentation at his ward meeting last night regarding PAT routes and fares. He stated that he also wants to thank Code Compliance for coming in as well. He stated that he would like to thank Howard Hines, Bill Wiggins and Fire Chief T.C. Hairston as well for attending. He stated that he would like to thank Joanne Williams for taking pictures and notes. He stated he would like to thank Captain Gray from Sheriff Department  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: April 1, 2014 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ and Natan McKenzie for a presentation on wellness as well. Council Member Pritchett stated he will be having a ward meeting on April 7, 2014, beginning at 6:30p.m. at Walnut Hill Elementary School. Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that she would like to thank all the Council Members and the City Manager for all the support in the Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things Event. She stated that it went well. She stated that she would like to thank everyone that attended. She stated that she will be having a ward meeting April 3rd at Blandford Academy, April 4th the Pin Oaks Area and a couple other places the following week. She stated that there are some flyers on the back table for everyone to pick up. She stated that she will have meetings in May as well. 9. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: a. City Manager, William Johnson, stated that he would ask that City Council give him the authority to receive property that is being donated located at 240 River Street to the City of Petersburg. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to authorize the City Manager to receive property that is being donated to the City of Petersburg located at 240 River Street. 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-ORD-21 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO RECEIVE PROPERTY DONATED TO THE CITY OF PETERSBURG LOCATED AT 240 RIVER STREET. Mr. Johnson stated that he would like to also request that given all the conversation and dialogue around the CDBG Budget, he would like to suggest that City Council have a work session to make sure that everyone is on the same page. He stated that he knows that this was done two years ago but that it may be time for them to all come back together to have a healthy conversation on how they will move forward with this process. Vice Mayor Webb stated that he concurs 100%. He stated that the does not think that as a council they know exactly what they want to do. He stated that he does not think that they understand that where some of the money is going is not a priority that they want individually to satisfy people. He stated that he thinks that staff is just wasting time. He stated that this is something that they should do and give to staff. He stated that they are not paying the staff to go and get up and talk about things that they want to do and then they as council come in and say give it to a friend. Council Member Coleman stated that he disagrees wholeheartedly with the statement that was just made. Council Member Pritchett asked the Vice Mayor whether he is suggesting that they get rid of the CDBG Commission. He stated that he thinks that they are very objective. He stated that he agrees with Mr. Johnson that they need to redefine the priorities. He stated that this is a lot of work that the board considers. He stated that the board sits and listens for hours. He asked Vice Mayor Webb whether he was trying to say that City Council should do all of this instead of CDBG. Vice Mayor Webb stated no. He stated that he has said what he was trying to say. He stated that the City puts together priorities and that they are not following these priorities. He stated that they look at everything and that soon a person or organization does not get the requested money than they have to go back and look at it all over again. He stated that he is saying that they need to know exactly what they are doing. He stated that they cannot say get the money because certain persons or organizations did not get the money.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: April 1, 2014 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Mr. Johnson stated that he would like to recognize the Quality Circle for continuing to sustain the program for the City employees. He stated that he thinks that Biggest Loser was a success and that the City is going to go onto the next phase. He stated that they are doing the “Let’s Move Program” with National League of Cities. 10. CLERK OF CITY COUNCIL'S AGENDA: No items for this portion of the agenda. 11. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA: No items for this portion of the agenda. 12. CLOSED SESSION (IF NECESSARY): No closed is necessary. 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 9:58 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor