City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 6, 2014 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at the Union Train Station. Mayor Moore called the closed session meeting to order at 5:30p.m. 1. CLOSED SESSION – 5:30 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 matters related to Council appointees; and under Subsection 3 to discuss matters pertaining to real estate, where the discussion in open meeting would adversely affect the City’s bargaining and or negotiation of the City; under Subsection 5 to discuss matters relating to a local business; and 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 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 14-R-20 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: May 6, 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. Presentation by Steven Hicks, Director of Public Works, regarding a City-wide Clean-Up event. BACKGROUND: Citizens have expressed an interest in the City providing a City wide clean-up. This event was planned to give the community the opportunity to remove yard and household waste as part of the City wide clean-up in each Council Ward on May 17, 2014, from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Additionally, educational/outreach information regarding Container First Services and the city’s Stormwater Management Program (MS-4 permit) will be provided. RECOMMENDATION: For information only. Amanda Rodriquez, Assistant General Manager of Operations, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the City-wide Clean-up event. 5. CONSENT AGENDA: a. Minutes of the regularly-scheduled Council meeting held on April 1, 2014, the work session held on April 9, 2014, the work session and the regularly-scheduled meeting held on April 15, 2014, and the work session held on April 25, 2014. b. A request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance declaring 16 South Dunlop Street a lighted property and a public nuisance to the community and authoring the abatement a such nuisance.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 6, 2014 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ c. A request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance declaring 212 South Jones Street a lighted property and a public nuisance to the community and authoring the abatement a such nuisance. d. A request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance declaring 216 South Jones Street a lighted property and a public nuisance to the community and authoring the abatement a such nuisance. e. A request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance declaring 222-224 South Jones Street a lighted property and a public nuisance to the community and authoring the abatement a such nuisance. f. A request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance declaring 226 South Jones Street a lighted property and a public nuisance to the community and authoring the abatement a such nuisance. g. A request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance declaring 227 South Jones Street a lighted property and a public nuisance to the community and authoring the abatement a such nuisance. h. A request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance declaring 824-826 Hinton Street a lighted property and a public nuisance to the community and authoring the abatement a such nuisance. i. A request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance declaring 908-910 Commerce Street a lighted property and a public nuisance to the community and authoring the abatement a such nuisance. j. A request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance declaring 934-936 Commerce Street a lighted property and a public nuisance to the community and authoring the abatement a such nuisance. k. A request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance declaring 1114-1116 Hinton Street a lighted property and a public nuisance to the community and authoring the abatement a such nuisance. l. A request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance declaring 1130-1132 Hinton Street a lighted property and a public nuisance to the community and authoring the abatement a such nuisance. m. A request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance declaring 1158 Hinton Street a lighted property and a public nuisance to the community and authoring the abatement a such nuisance. n. A request to schedule a public hearing on authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract providing two (2) easements to Verizon Wireless, to include: 1) a non-exclusive right-of-way on City-owned property located at 2795 Frontage Road; and 2) the use of the City’s radio tower. o. A request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance amending Section 50-62 and Section 50 -63 of the Code of the City of Petersburg, pertaining to nuisances.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 6, 2014 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ p. A request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance adding Section 2-286 to the Code of the City of Petersburg to create an auditing procedure regarding funds donated to non-City recipients. q. A request to schedule a public hearing on Petersburg Area Transit’s FY2015 Program of Projects. r. A request to schedule a public hearing on a proposed increase in water and sewer charges. Council Member Coleman stated that the work session meeting on April 15, 2014, the motion should read Council Member Coleman and not Council Member Ross on page 1. Council Member Myers made a motion to adopt the consent agenda with changes to the April 15, 2014 minutes as noted. 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 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.) No public hearings for this portion of the agenda. 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. Celeste Wynn, 319 East Fillmore Street, stated that she is present this evening to address some issues that she has been having. She stated that there is property along the alley in her backyard that she has been having problems with. She stated each of the Council Members have some photos in front of them that she has taken within a year’s time frame. She stated that the first two pictures are near her backyard. She stated that from June 2012 to May 2014 there have been three pictures that have taken with evidence of illegal sexual activities going on in her backyard. She stated that she has put in a request twice within a year in 2011 to 2012 to have a security light or a street light put in along the alley. She stated that her issue is that if this continues to go along there will be drugs or illegal activity going along or people may try to break in her home. She stated that there were requests put in to install lights through the City and both request were denied. Roland Edmonds, 2249-C Sedgwick Street, stated that he is present to speak on behalf of the Freedom Center. He stated that there are many veterans in the area. He stated that he has done a little research in Petersburg. He stated that there are over 2,764 veterans in the area. He stated that these are only the veterans that are accounted for with the Census. He stated that there are a lot of veterans that still remain homeless that have not been accounted for. He stated that the Freedom Center is a place that allows veterans to obtain the benefits and the needs that come about after they have served their time and service. He stated that he is a disabled veteran and that he has gone to the center and requested help. He stated that because of the center and the service officers that directed him in the direction to go he was able to succeed in getting two degrees. He stated that he has an associates and bachelor’s degree. He stated that he has been out of work since 2010 due to an injury. He stated that they have assisted him in trying to find work so that he can support his family. He stated that this center has helped the City of Petersburg for helping to contribute revenue for the City.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 6, 2014 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ James Lundy, 716-C Hemlock Circle, stated that he is present to speak on the Freedom Center. He stated that even though he has been with them a short time they have helped him. He stated that he was out due to an illness as well. He stated that they have helped him reestablish his life through the center and also they helped him get a job and insurance. He stated that he ask everyone to help support the center in the City of Petersburg. Anthony Freeman, 115 Grigg Street, stated that the Freedom Center gives them purpose. He stated that the center was a well-kept secret and that he found the area by mistake. He stated that it was the best mistake that he ever made. He stated that when he walked into the place the people poured out so much support and help. He stated that he felt like he had a purpose again. He stated that the people in the center made him feel needed and wanted again. He stated that the City needs something like this. He stated that the center provides a purpose and a place for people to go and get help. He stated that he would love for the City to keep the center open. He stated that every day that the center is open he knows that there is a purpose for him every day. Willie Noise, III, 1508 Circle Drive, stated that he would like to give a shout out and thanks to the Petersburg Police Department. He stated that he would like someone to give him a report on IRAQ. He stated that this is supposed to be the organization provided by the police department. He stated that they need to start reforming the neighborhood watch areas. He stated that he talked to a couple of people and they only have one representative and that this is the president themselves. He stated that the neighborhood watch in his area has about 20 active people at the meetings that they have. He stated that he would like to thank the City because each time they have a meeting and would like a guest speaker they show up to the meetings. He stated that their concerns are addressed and that the citizens appreciate this. He stated that he would like to thank Vice Mayor Horace Webb, 7th Ward representative, for everything that he has done for that area. He stated that he would like to thank the Director of Public Works for coming into his neighborhood. He stated that they had a drainage problem and that they redid a section. He stated that they are almost in completion of another section of projects that have been on the books for almost 20 years. He stated that they are fixing a lot of important things in the City. Natan McKenzie, 803 North South Street, stated he is present to represent the City of Petersburg Million Mile Challenge. He stated that would like to thank the City for their continued support for the challenge and getting the citizens engaged to actively commit to health and wellness. He stated that he likes to thank all the City Council Members that have allowed him to attend the meetings and get the information out to the general public. He stated that they were also present giving out information on the Health and Wellness Day on April 19th. He stated that he would like to give a big thank you to Council Member Pritchett, the City Manager and the Clerk of Council for stopping by their table to receive information. He stated that he would like to submit some water bottles and t-shirts to City Council Members, City Manager and City Attorney. Bruce Richardson, 845 Wilcox Street, stated that he would like to speak briefly in reference to a continued effort for homeownership in the City of Petersburg. He stated that he has already provided the clerk with information regarding this. He stated that as a local realtor he has been engaged in since 2012. He stated that they have been fortunate enough to be in delivery of free grant money. He stated that the grant funds can be used by veterans. He stated that they have $10,000 that can be given for veterans. He stated that they have grant funds for healthcare workers, local firefighters, police officers and first-time home buyers. He stated that they have been hosting home buyers series for City employees. He stated that on May 20, 2014, that is subject to be changed so that it does not conflict with City Council Meetings. He stated that the meeting will be during the week of May 19th. He stated that the meeting will take place at the Multimodal Transit Station located at 100 West Washington Street from 6:30pm-8:30pm. He stated that they encourage everyone to attend. He stated that it is a great opportunity to be looking at home buying for historical low interest rate. He stated that he applauds the City Manager and City Administration for assisting them with this endeavor.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 6, 2014 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ John Hart, 2457 Dupuy Road, stated that he would like to thank those in the neighborhood watch as he piggyback off Mr. Noise for the support in reorganizing the area. He stated that it was a big help for them. He stated that a couple of days before the meeting they had a lot of vandalism going on in the neighborhood. He stated that he would like to also thank the police department for all the support that they gave. Theresa Thomas, 24526 Delkeith Road, stated that she is speaking in support of the Freedom Center. She stated that volunteers at the center and she is a retired veteran of 22 plus years. She stated that everyone utilizes the military to clean the City. She asked what the City is going to allow the City to have to help the veterans that are present. She stated that until she started volunteering at the center she did not realize personnel that were homeless. She stated that the center helps find homes, jobs and help the veterans get the help that they need. Dwayne Spurlock, 25505 Simmons Avenue, stated that he is in support of the Freedom Support Center. He stated that like his fellow veterans he is in the same situation. He stated that before he went to the center he had a lot of doors shut on him. He stated that you are not going to go many places where you would get greeted by the executive director. He stated that he has never seen anybody walk out without getting some form of help. He stated that this can be the benchmark for the nation. 8. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: a. Consideration of a request to adopt the General Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2015. BACKGROUND: City Manager has recommended a General Fund Budget in the amount of $80,475,714 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015. The appropriation ordinance breaks down the expenditure and revenue distribution of the general government that supports this request. RECOMMENDATION: Adoption. There was discussion among City Council Members. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to adopt the general fund budget for fiscal year 2015. The motion was seconded by Council Member Pritchett. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Myers, Ross, Webb, Moore; Abstain: Coleman; Voting No: Pritchett, Wilson-Smith 14-ORD-28 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015. b. Consideration of a request to adopt the Special Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2015. BACKGROUND: The Special Fund Budget is recommended at $6,032,905 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2014, and ending June 30, 2015. The appropriation ordinance breaks down the expenditure and revenue distribution that supports this request by category. RECOMMENDATION: Adoption. There was discussion among City Council Members. Council Member Myers made a motion to adopt the Special Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2015. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Webb. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Myers, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb, and Moore; Abstain: Coleman; Voting No: Pritchett  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 6, 2014 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ 14-ORD-29 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS IN THE SPECIAL FUNDS BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2014 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2015, IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,032,905. c. Consideration of a request to adopt the Petersburg Area Transit Budget for Fiscal Year 2015. BACKGROUND: The Petersburg Area Transit Budget is recommended at $3,000,916 for theFiscal Year beginning July 1, 2014, and ending June 30, 2015. The appropriation ordinance breaks down the expenditure and revenue distribution, to be adopted, that supports this request by category. RECOMMENDATION: Adoption. Council Member Ross made a motion to adopt the Petersburg Area Transit Budget for Fiscal Year 2015. 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-30 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE MASS TRANSIT FUND, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2014, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2015. d. Consideration of a request to adopt the Dogwood Trace & Petersburg Generals Budgets for Fiscal Year 2015. BACKGROUND: City Manager has recommended the Dogwood Trace & Petersburg Generals Budgets that total the amount of $1,204,119 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2014, and ending June 30, 2015. The appropriation ordinance breaks down the expenditure and revenue distribution of Dogwood Trace & Petersburg Budget to be adopted, that supports this request. RECOMMENDATION: Adoption. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to adopt the Dogwood Trace & Petersburg Generals budget for Fiscal Year 2015. 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 14-ORD-31 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR DOGWOOD TRACE AND PETERSBURG GENERALS BUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2014 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2015. e. Consideration of a request to adopt the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget for Fiscal Year 2015. BACKGROUND: City Manager has recommended a CDBG Budget in the amount of $636,640 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2014, and ending June 30, 2015. Public hearing was held April 22, 2014. The appropriation ordinance breaks down the expenditure and revenue distribution that supports this request. RECOMMENDATION: Adoption. Council Member Myers made a motion to adopt the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget for Fiscal Year 2015. 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 14-ORD-32 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT BUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2014, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2015.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 6, 2014 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ f. Consideration of a request to adopt the Petersburg Public School Division Budget for Fiscal Year 2015. BACKGROUND: The Petersburg Public Schools Budget is recommended at $48,189,795 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2014, and ending June 30, 2015. The appropriation ordinance breaks down the expenditure and revenue distribution that supports this request by category. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance. Council Member Coleman made a motion to adopt the Petersburg Public School Division Budget for Fiscal Year 2015. 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-33 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2014, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2015, IN THE SCHOOL OPERATING & FOOD SERVICE FUNDS BUDGET. g. Consideration of authorizing the City Manager to accept a donation of two (2) properties to the City, such properties addressed as 2047 Kutchen Street and 2069 Defense Road, further identified as Tax Parcels 069-01-0001 and 070-07-0001, respectively. BACKGROUND: A property owner desires to donate two (2) properties to the City of Petersburg. The properties are addressed as 2047 Kutchen Street and 2069 Defense Road, further identified as Tax Parcels 069-01-0001 and 070-01-0001, respectively. Both properties are unimproved. 2047 Kutchen Street has a current assessed value of $23,100 and 2069 Defense Road has a current assessed value of $1,500. Given the location of the properties, staff recommends accepting the donation. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council authorize the City Manager to accept the donation of 2047 Kutchen Street and 2069 Defense Road. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to authorize the City Manager to accept the donation of 2047 Kutchen Street and 2069 Defense Road. 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-34 AN ORDINANCE MAKING AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF 2047 KUTCHEN STREET AND 2069 DEFENSE ROAD. h. Consideration of amending the Transit budget by re-appropriating unexpended American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Grant funds in the amount of $365,662. BACKGROUND: Federal capital funding programs make resources available to PAT for the purchase of capital items related to transit and transit facilities. President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in February 2009, and PAT has been granted an extension to spend all ARRA funds by September 2015. PAT has $365,662 in remaining ARRA funds that have been obligated to projects which need to be re-appropriated this fiscal year. A chart depicting the projects is attached for your review. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance in the amount of $365,662.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 6, 2014 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ There was discussion among City Council Members. Council Member Myers made a motion to adopt the appropriation ordinance in the amount of $365,662. 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 14-ORD-35 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE MASS TRANSIT FUND, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2013, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2014 FOR AMERCIAN RECOVERY REINVESTMENT ACT. i. Consideration of amending the Special Fund budget by re-appropriating unexpended FY13 supervision fees collected by Petersburg Community Corrections in the amount of $1,975. BACKGROUND: Petersburg Community Corrections is authorized by the Department of Criminal Justice Services to collect supervision/intervention fees. Supervision and intervention fees are governed by the same terms, conditions, and assurances that apply to state grant funds and must “be used solely for the expansion and development of the agency.” The agency did not expend $1,975 of the supervision fees were collected in FY13 and the funds must be re-appropriated. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance in the amount of $1,975. Council Member Coleman made a motion to adopt the appropriation ordinance in the amount of $1,975. 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-36 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 $1,975 FOR PETERSBURG COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS RECOVERY FEES. j. Consideration of amending the Special Fund budget by appropriating a Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services grant award in the amount of $22,315. BACKGROUND: The Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management received a grant from the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services to assist the Department in maintaining reporting requirements as set forth by the Commonwealth. The grant will fund the purchase of new tablets to upgrade our current Toughbook tablets. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance in the amount of $22,315. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to adopt the appropriation ordinance in the amount of $22,315 for Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services Grant. 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-37 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 $22,315 FOR VIRGINIA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES GRANT. k. Consideration of a resolution establishing guidelines for Council Ward Funds.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 6, 2014 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ BACKGROUND: Guidelines are being established to provide rules governing the expenses associated with the use of City Council Ward Funds. All Council Members will be provided ab equal amount of funds to be used in each member’s individual ward. A draft copy of the guidelines is attached for your review. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached resolution. There was discussion among City Council Members. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to table action on a resolution establishing guidelines for Council Ward Funds until the August City Council Retreat. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb, and Moore; Voting No: Pritchett Council Member Coleman stated that he would like the Council Members to take a look at the real estate taxes. He stated that there is a great disparity among Petersburg and surrounding areas. He stated that he would like to see the City reduce the taxes by $0.05. He stated that he would like some thought on this and have discussion later. Mayor Moore asked Council Member Coleman if he would like this as a topic on the City Council Advance for 2014. Council Member Coleman responded yes. Council Member Myers stated that there will be an additional feasibility study on Virginia Avenue School/ Community Health and Wellness Center on May 14, 2014, at Peabody Middle beginning at 6:00pm. He stated that he invites everyone to attend. Council Member Ross stated that he is having a Ward 2 meeting on May 20, 2014, at the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center. He stated that the meeting will begin at 6:30p.m. Council Member Pritchett stated that he will be having a Ward meeting with school board member Ken Pritchett. He stated that this will be there Second Annual Affair. He stated that this will be so that all the City agencies can come together and give out information on activities that will be available for the youths for the summer. He stated the meeting will be May 19, 2014, beginning at 6:30p.m. at Petersburg High School in the cafeteria, He stated that last year there were a couple hundred people in attendance. He stated that the citizens have not had a tax decrease or relief in about six or seven years. He stated that the City of Petersburg is the highest tax rate around. He stated that he would like to ask the City Manager since the budget has already been passed is it too late to come back with a discussion on the tax rates. Mr. Johnson stated that in response to Council Member Pritchett’s question that it is too late to decrease tax rates. He stated that if they were to do this they would have to go back and re-advertise the budget and staff would have to also go back and determine what the tax rate would be. He stated that he would recommend that Mayor and City Council wait until they have the new City Assessor on board to get all the books in proper condition. He stated that as the City goes into the next budget year they can begin to have that conversation. He stated that given the status of the books in the City Assessor’s Office that this would not be financially a good idea to do right now. Council Member Pritchett asked Mr. Johnson that in the past budgets there has been a figure that was an actual tax rate figure and a figure that had been a float of $0.12. He stated that this was between the revenue that was coming in versus the $0.12 that was an overage in the budget. He stated that he has not seen this in the last couple of budgets. He asked whether this aspect was determined needed to show this or is the City budget so tight to the penny that they do not have this option or flow anymore.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 6, 2014 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Mr. Johnson stated to Council Member Pritchett that the only time that there would be a difference of the flow in the budget would be an increase in the real estate taxes. He stated that in order to have the exact amount of revenue at the current tax rate would be one number and that it would be leverage and level funding. Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that she wanted to start off by thanking Mr. Hicks, Mr. Johnson and other personnel that assisted and made sure that Wills Road was widened and paved. She stated that it looks very good. She stated that she will be having a Ward meeting at Robert E. Lee School on May 8, 2014, beginning at 6:00p.m. She stated they were given the new non-departmental budgets tonight. She asked whether City Council was going to meet on this later. She asked Mr. Johnson whether this was the final version for the non-departmental budget. Mr. Johnson stated that in response to Council Member Wilson-Smith request that the handout is just a copy of what was provided last week. He stated that a couple of Council Members had asked him to make copies for tonight’s meeting. He stated that the general fund budget has been adopted and that there is really no need to have further discussion on the non-departmental budget. Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that there is a need to discuss the non-departmental budget. She stated that she does not understand what is being said. She stated that City Council said that they would come back and discuss the non-departmental budget. She stated that they were all asked to send suggestions by email. She stated that there are some things that are not on the sheet that they alluded to other persons that would be included. She stated that they said that they would directly or indirectly do something for TRIAD. She stated that it is not on the sheet. Mr. Johnson stated that this is the listing that was provided to the Mayor and City Council Members. He stated to Council Member Wilson-Smith that if she recalls it was requested that they go back and look at a 1% reduction in those departments of the non-departmental agencies that were not funded by a formula. He stated that this amount came out to be $7,804. He stated that they presented this information and they got two responses to what the Mayor and City Council stated that they were going to do last week. He stated that they presented the budget this evening. He stated that based on the vote that was taking this evening the non- departmental list will be as it is adopted in the budget. Vice Mayor Webb stated that he would like to commend Mr. Hicks for the Western Hills area, which he thinks that Mr. Noise stated. He stated that if you want to CDBG funds being used for work that they can come in the Western Hills area and see some of the work that is being done. He stated that this is how the CDBG funds are spent on infrastructure in the area. He stated that the water break that was a couple of weeks ago is also something the funds are being used for. He stated that he wants to also commend the police department for doing a good job in the Kenilworth area with the break-ins and the vandalism of cars. Mayor Moore stated that yesterday he spoke at the Commonwealth’s Transportation Board meeting. He stated that it was regarding the regions six-year program. He stated that basically it was for projects in the district region. He stated that he thinks that it is very important to point out that this year the entire Crater Planning decided to limit its funding request to one project. He stated that this project is the long standing safety improvements to I-95 and I-85 change in Petersburg. He stated that this was unanimous with the Crater Planning. He stated that they thank all the transportation members and Mrs. Belton for attending as well. He stated that they support the yearly numbers of transportation of passengers. He stated that this is 600,000 riders. He stated that the City has been working towards having a multimodal station. He stated that they have been looking at numerous sites. Council Member Pritchett stated that a couple of the other City Council Members requested extra money for the emergency crew. He stated that since this did not happen he thinks that Mr. Bish may be able to explain to the citizens what the result may be for not funding the emergency crew and what effect it may  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 6, 2014 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________ have on the public. He stated Chief Hairston may be able to explain on the fire departments side if he will be able to take over the emergency crew. Mayor Moore asked whether they can do this at the first meeting in June. Mr. Bish stated that he may be on vacation but that if this is so then he will have someone present to do a presentation regarding this. 9. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: Mr. Johnson stated that he would like to introduce the new Executive Director of the Freedom Support Center, Tara Anderson. Mr. Johnson stated that he hopes City Council and the citizens have seen at Exit 52 and Route 36, the new gateway entrance signs to the City of Petersburg. He stated that this was funded with the CDBG dollars. He stated that there is one more session after this Friday, but that all City employees would have attended Customer Service Training. 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 Wilson-Smith. There was no discussion. The motion was approved on roll call vote City Council adjourned at 8:42 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor