City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 14, 2014 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, October 14, 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 Carl M. Ross Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Vice Mayor Horace P. Webb Mayor Brian A. Moore Absent: Council Member Ken M. Pritchett (arrived at 5:38pm) 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 Subsection 1 to discuss matters regarding Council appointees. 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, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb and Moore; Absent: Pritchett 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 Wilson-Smith. 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-40 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. 1. REGULARLY-SCHEDULED MEETING – 7:30 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL:  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 14, 2014 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ 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. An update by Thomas Hawthorne, Administrator of VDOT’s Richmond District, on the U.S. Route 460 project. BACKGROUND: Thomas Hawthorne, Administrator of VDOT’S Richmond District, will provide an update on the Route 460 project. RECOMMENDATION: For information only. Thomas Hawthorne gave a brief PowerPoint presentation on the Route 460 project. b. Presentation by Patricia Hines, President of Triangle Center for Development, Inc., on a proposed development project in the Halifax Triangle area. BACKGROUND: Patricia Hines, President of Triangle Center for Development, Inc. and Kevin Hanson, Developer with the Hanson Group; and Walter Parks, Architect, will present information about a proposed project. RECOMMENDATION: For Information only. Hannibal Hasan, Senior Project Manager of Hanson Group, gave a brief overview of the PowerPoint presentation regarding the proposed development project. There was discussion among City Council, City staff and Hanson Group. c. Presentation by Jay Ell Alexander, Public Information Officer, regarding ways for the public to stay involved and be informed of events in the City. BACKGROUND: The City often receives feedback from residents that they are unaware of different events going on in City, how to stay connected with news, or where to go for general information. This presentation will discuss the several ways residents can stay engaged through traditional means, the  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 14, 2014 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ newsletter, Notify Me, Government Outreach, and social media. RECOMMENDATION: For Information only. Jay Ell Alexander, Public Information Officer, gave a briefing with a PowerPoint presentation. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. d. Presentation by Steven Hicks, Director of Public Works, on the status of the Stormwater Utility Funding Program. BACKGROUND: City Council adopted a Stormwater Utility Funding RECOMMENDATION: For Information only. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. 5. CONSENT AGENDA: a. Minutes of the regularly-scheduled meeting held on September 2, 2014. b. Request to schedule a public hearing on the City’s Public Utilities Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2015-2019. Note: A public hearing on this matter was scheduled for October 14, 2014; however, it is recommended that the public hearing be rescheduled for November 25, 2014, so the Public Utilities CIP can be presented to the Petersburg Planning Commission. c. Request to schedule a public hearing on a proposed Ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Code of the City of Petersburg, pertaining to massage parlors. d. Request to schedule a public hearing on a proposed Ordinance amending Chapter 22 of the Code of the City of Petersburg, pertaining to vacant Commercial and Industrial Buildings. e. Request to schedule a public hearing on a proposed Ordinance amending Chapter 38 of the Code of the City of Petersburg, pertaining to the Technology Zone. Council Member Myers made a motion to schedule a public hearing on the City’s Public Utilities Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2015-2019; on a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Code of the City of Petersburg, pertaining to massage parlors; on a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 22 of the Code of the City of Petersburg, pertaining to vacant Commercial and Industrial Buildings on November 25, 2014, and for the public hearing on a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 38 of the Code of the City of Petersburg, pertaining to the Technology Zone on October 21, 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 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. A public hearing on the proposed disposition of portion of publicly-owned property addressed as 100 Ballpark Drive. BACKGROUND: Following a public hearing held on December 10, 2013, Council voted to authorize the City Manager to dispose of a 4-acre portion of publicly-owned property addressed as 100 Ballpark Drive. The City of Petersburg is considering the disposition of an additional unimproved 5-acre portion  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 14, 2014 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ of the subject publicly-owned property, which is located at the Petersburg Sports Complex. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council authorize the City Manager to dispose of the subject property. Vandy Jones, Director of Economic Development, gave a brief overview of the proposed disposition of a portion of publicly-owned property addressed as100 Ballpark Drive. Mayor Moore opened the floor for public comment. Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated that he would like to know the traffic so that he can make a decision for his self on whether this is enough participation in the ballpark to want an additional $2 million dollars of activity. Mr. Jones stated to Mr. Noise that there is no particular traffic counts associated with this development. He stated that the main use of this development with the three basketball courts would be for AAU Basketball Tournaments. He stated that he would imagine that with three courts in running a tournament there would be tournaments of up to 12 teams. He stated that the complex was designed for softball. He stated that the complex was built because Petersburg has always been known for softball tournaments. He stated that the City lost a lot of tournaments to newer facilities that were built in the surrounding areas. He stated that the City had built this complex to host multiple national tournaments. He stated that there is no particular traffic study associated with this complex it is his belief that the additional traffic generated by tournaments at this facility would not in any way be detrimental to the complex that is present now. Mr. Johnson stated that he wants everyone to also understand that the $2 million dollar investment is 100% private funds. He stated that there are no City funds going into building this facility. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that when this project was first presented it looked and sounded good. He stated that sometimes they have to stop because something looked good and is good. He stated that he listened to the information that the economic director stated. He stated that he knows that no Petersburg money is going into it. He stated that this kind of eases him a little. He stated that one of his biggest objections is that the schools cannot get a field house. He stated that they have schools that do not want to play them because they do not have a field house. He asked what the benefits are for the citizens when they are not having tournaments. He stated that like the Redskins Camp when they are not using it the community is able to use it. He asked whether this facility will be the same. He stated that the schools could have their field house so that more teams can play the City as opposed to going somewhere else. He stated that in some localities Petersburg is not welcome to play. Atiba Muse, Petersburg School Board Member, stated that this is not the same land that was presented to the school board a few months ago. He stated that it seems to have shifted all to City land. He asked can this all be cleared up for everyone. Mr. Jones stated that this is all City land. Seeing no further hands, Mayor Moore closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to authorize the City Manager to dispose of an additional unimproved 5-acre portion of the subject publicly-owned property, which is located at the Petersburg Sports Complex. 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, Moore  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 14, 2014 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ 14-ORD-96 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DISPOSE OF AN ADDITIONAL UNIMPROVED 5-ACRE PORTION OF THE SUBJECT PUBLICLY-OWNED PROPERTY, WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE PETERSBURG SPORTS COMPLEX. b. A public hearing on the City’s proposed Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2015-2019. BACKGROUND: The Code of the State of Virginia allows a local planning commission to, and at the direction of the governing body shall, prepare and revise annually a Capital Improvement Plan based on the Comprehensive Plan of the locality for a period not to exceed the ensuing five years. The commission shall submit the program annually to the governing body, or to the chief administrative officer or other official charged with preparation of the budget for the locality, at such time as it or he shall direct. The Capital Improvement Plan shall include the commission’s recommendations, and estimates of cost of the facilities and life cycle costs, including any road improvement and any transportation improvement the locality chooses to include in it Capital Improvement Plan and as provided for in the Comprehensive Plan, and the means of financing them, to be undertaken in the ensuing fiscal year ad in a period not to exceed the next four years, as the basis of the capital budget for the locality. In preparation of its capital budget recommendations, the commission shall consult with the chief administrative officer or other executive head of the government of the locality, the heads of departments and interested citizens and organizations and shall hold such public hearing as it deems necessary. RECOMMENDATION: Following a duly advertised public hearing, council may affirm the Planning Commission recommendation, overturn the Planning Commission recommendation, table for further consideration, or return the item under consideration to the Planning Commission requesting further review. The recommendation of the Planning Commission was to approve the request. Michelle Peters, Director of Planning and Community Development, gave a brief overview on the City of Petersburg’s Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2015-2019. Mayor Moore opened the floor for public comment. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that he is looking at some of the things that they have on the plan for the school system. He stated that some of these are projects that are long overdue. He stated that the project at Blandford is long overdue. He stated that what is really concerning him is what was read in the paper was not included and is not going to be included in the Capital Improvement Plan. He asked why not the City jail is not included. He stated that some things and facts came out during the candidate’s forum. He stated that he did a little homework and some things were not necessarily right. He stated that at the moment things do not look good for a lot of things. He stated that when people are coming out of jail they are dealing with some mental health issues and other things. He stated that once they come back on the street they are going to be dealing with some of the problems that they thought they got rid of. He stated that this not only goes to them but for the people that work there. He stated that the people that work there have the right to work in an environment where they can work and breathe as they should. He stated that right now things does not seem like they will be getting better. He stated that they are contributing to the growth of unemployment. He stated that Riverside Regional Jail healthcare is bad. He stated that he hopes that before City Council adopts this they would go back and rethink some things. He stated that there are a lot of projects listed that they hope they have the money for. He stated that these projects should have been done when the City had the money. Vernel Gannaway, 652 Old Wagner Road, asked could the Farmer’s Market Project be explained to him. He asked whether there is going to be exterior work done. Ms. Peters stated yes there will be exterior work done to the Farmer’s Market. She stated that the projects that are submitted are by directors and constitutional officers. She stated that there was a need to do some exterior repair to the Farmer’s Market. She stated that the City owns the Farmer’s Market and that they have a tenant that is responsible for the interior. She stated that there are some things on the exterior of the building that the City has to take care of in order that they receive historic tax credits. She stated that this is  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 14, 2014 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ the project that is listed for 2015. She stated that there is a tenant that leases this property from the City of Petersburg. Natan McKenzie, 301 Hinton Street, stated that he has a question regarding the anticipated funding for the back end of the Capital improvement Plan. He stated that he remembers that there was no source of funding. He asked whether there were any ideas of how they were going to acquire this funding. Mayor Moore asked Mr. McKenzie to clarify his question. Mr. McKenzie stated that in 2018 and 2019 there is no listed source of funding. He asked whether there was an anticipated source of funding that they were looking into. Mr. Carter stated that when you talk about a Comprehensive Improvement Plan it is only funded or adopted for the current year for the next year. He stated that they have identified the funding for 2015-2017 but that each year they will go back through this process. He stated that then they have the opportunity to identify this funding. He stated that at this point they have not identified funding for 2018 and 2019. He stated that they are not sure that these projects will still be here for those years. He stated that in the years of 2018 and 2019 you revisit those years for funding. He stated that this is a plan and that what they adopt tonight is a plan and really only adopting funding for the year 2015. Mr. McKenzie asked that for the amount of funding that the City receives for 2015 and 2016, will there be an amount that will be refunded or paid back. Mr. Carter stated that for the funds that have been identified for the years 2015-2017 there will be debt service starting April 1, 2015. Mr. McKenzie asked whether the amount of interest that they are going to be paying back been identified. Mr. Carter stated that it has not. He stated that the bonds have not been issued as of yet. Seeing no further hands, Mayor Moore closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council and staff. **Mayor Moore stated that they are going to item (8a) that has been moved up for approving the Capital Improvement Plan for 2015. **Consideration of the adoption of the Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2015-2019. BACKGROUND: City Manager has recommended a CIP Budget in the amount of $3,440,084 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2014, and ending June 30, 2015. A public hearing was held on October 14, 2014. The attached appropriation ordinance breaks down the expenditure and revenue distribution that supports this request. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to approve the appropriation ordinance in the amount of $3,440,084 for the 2015 Capital Improvement Plan. The motion was seconded by Council Member Coleman. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Ross, Webb, and Moore; Voting No: Pritchett and Wilson-Smith 14-ORD-97 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BUDGET, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2014 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2015. THIS AMENDMENT APPROPRIATES $3,440,084 FOR 2015 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 14, 2014 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ 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. Tim Reid, Owner of New Millennium Studios, stated that his wife Daphne is passing out some bulletins for the upcoming event. He stated that he would like to thank the Mayor, Vice Mayor and City Council Members, City Manager and City Attorney for everything and that they are pleased with the association of Petersburg. He stated that they are bringing to Petersburg the First International Film Festival this coming weekend. He stated that he expects to have a wonderful time and a large audience. He stated that the event will take place in venues across the City. He stated that they have events at Richard Bland College and other areas. He stated that they say good things come to those who wait. He stated that he waited for about 16 or 17 years for one of his dreams to come true. He stated that it was to being an international film festival to this area. He stated that they have about 30 films from around the world. He stated that they have people coming in and that they have an international artist coming in from Cuba as well. He stated that this person will be painting a mural that will be left in the City as a momentum and an attraction to the City. He stated that the painter as murals in Europe and South Africa and that this will be the first on in the United States. He stated that there are poets coming and actors and filmmakers coming to acknowledge their work. He stated that they are starting on Friday and that they are at the Bluebird, Fort Lee and Virginia State University. He stated that they will have the kid friendly animation at the library as well. He stated that they are excited about this and that they expect from 2,500 to come from the weekend. He stated that Saturday will be their biggest day. Mrs. Reid stated that she would like to thank the City for their support and that it is appreciated. Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated that he has been talking to the wrong people for some time now. He stated that he wanted to address the audience tonight. He stated that they are the department heads of the City. He stated that the department head’s that attend are only called on to speak on certain projects. He stated that he is the vice-president of the Neighborhood Watch Association in Petersburg for 2014. He stated that he would like to encourage everyone to rally and get at least one or two of the department heads to come into the meetings with them to voice their opinion. He stated that he would like to see them strengthen the neighborhoods in the City of Petersburg. He stated that he would like to see a major superbowl thing by the end of December. He stated that he has a jar of beans in his hand that represent diversity of the citizens that are in Petersburg. He stated that he showed this a long time ago and that he is bringing it again. He stated that he is going a little further to let them know that within the jar and the diversity of the people in Petersburg there are all kinds of cultures, attitudes, love, hate, race and that the list goes on. He stated that you are either in the jar or not. He stated that now is the time for them to make up their mind and be with the City and be one fighting for everyone. He stated that this decision needs to be made tonight. He stated that a lot of them are just slipping in and not upholding and speaking their minds. He stated that he has been around the world two times. He stated that he has great ideas and that he can say that the City is not where he wants it to be. He stated that he is not going anywhere. He stated that he bring up solutions all the time. Shawn Harper, 1700 Fairfax Street, stated that he thinks that this is a good time for a long overdue thank you for the playground at Low Street Park from himself. He stated that he had an idea that the best thing that the City can do to rebrand the City would be to go forward with Dr. Melvin’s plan regarding the elementary school at the Blandford site. He stated that this would send out a really strong message about Petersburg’s commitment to educational competiveness. John Rooney, 1993 Ridgewood Drive, stated that he appreciates the high quality patches on Defense Road. He stated that the other day he read about the $3.7 million dollar plans for the New City Hall and the new school and other things. He stated that he does oppose this especially the larger projects. He stated that when he was about six years old he learned how to read at a school in Colonial Heights. He stated that this  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 14, 2014 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ was at a school that used radiators for heat. He stated that within the first year he learned how to read and the following years he learned how to read better. He stated that it makes you wonder is the City drunk on spending. He stated that it is great to spend all the beautiful money and you see the great buildings. He stated that this happens when you spend your own money. He stated that the City is spending someone else’s money. He stated that this does not come from the government. He stated that he has plans for his money that he has worked hard for. He stated that the City has some of the lowest rated schools in Virginia. He asked why they would put more good money after bad. He asked is there another solution and can they think outside the box. He stated that everyone keeps saying education. He asked is the goal really education or is it the building of government in an educational system. He stated that they know private education works better and home schooling works better as well too. He stated that this is outside the box and that they cannot talk about this. He stated that he knows that the home school children are extremely smart. He asked what if there was a program that is tax-cut for homeschoolers. He asked City Council do they know how many people would say that they cannot wait to move to Petersburg to get their children homeschooled. He asked what percentage of the families with school aged children are thinking these thoughts. He stated that this is not a large percentage. He stated that there are solutions and that the City knows the solutions. He stated that there are many programs. Dolores Smith, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that last month the City had a forum and that this forum was okay. She stated that the forum was not what people packed the building for. She stated that there are a lot of people in the City that are on fixed incomes. She stated that money is low. She stated that years ago there used to be a place where people could go if they could not afford to fix their property. She stated that this place assisted people in helping them to get their properties fixed. She stated that the people in Petersburg would like to know what is going on with the water bill. She asked why the water bill is being raised twice. She stated again that people are on fixed incomes. She stated that people call down to tell the people in the City that their bill is going to be late paying the water bill. She stated that some call figuring that they will not get their water cut off if they are going to be a little late. She stated that from this late charges are added if it is late. She stated to City Council that if they would like to help the City then take the late charges off when the citizens have to pay their bills late. She stated that some people are doing the best that they can. She stated that food is going up and that everything is going up. She stated that she is working part-time and that she is losing $1,000 every pay period. She stated that the City needs to be more concerned about the people. She stated that they have concerns and the citizens have concerns. She stated that she thought at one time when a person has concerns that this would be answered at the next meeting. She asked whether they were going to get answers back from the questions that are asked at previous council meetings. She stated that Old Towne is not everything. She stated that the accomplishments in the City are fine. She stated that they need to think about the small people and the bills that they have to pay. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that he would like to thank the Chief of Police on the increased presence in their neighborhood. He stated that they are citizens but that it is kind of disheartening when the City Council allows one thing for some citizens and then don’t do the same for others. He stated that they are given a time period for the Public Information Period. He stated that he understands what the purpose was when Mr. Reid was up speaking but that he could have been put under presentations. He stated that it is not fair to everyone else. He stated that when the bell went off the speaking should have ended. He stated that Petersburg High School has a drama class now. He asked City Council have they tried to get with the members of the School Board to see if Mr. Reid can invite the drama class to the film festival. He stated that there are several students that are interested in going into acting. He stated that when the City is looking out for everyone else they need to also look out for the people that will still be standing around. 8. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: a. This item has been moved under the Public Hearing Section (item 6c). b. Consideration of a Resolution approving the issuance and sale of General Obligation Bond Series in order to finance the costs of various Petersburg Public School capital projects.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 14, 2014 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ BACKGROUND: The School Board of the City of Petersburg, Virginia, requests, pursuant to Section 15.2-2640 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, that the City Council of the City of Petersburg, Virginia, cause the City to issue its general obligation school bonds in an aggregate principle amount not in excess of $2,000,000 to finance the costs of building rehabilitation and repair and furniture, fixture, and equipment acquisition, installation , and replacement projects at various City public schools, each of which constitutes a capital project for public school purposes and consents to the issuance of bonds. RECOMMENDATION: Adoption Mr. Johnson gave a briefing of the resolution approving the issuance and sale of General Obligation Bond Series. Council Member Pritchett made a motion to approve the resolution issuance and sale of General Obligation Bond Series for the Petersburg Public Schools Capital Projects. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Ross, Webb, and Moore; Voting No: Pritchett and Wilson-Smith 14-R-41 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A NOT TO EXCEED $2,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION SCHOOL BOND, SERIES 2014, OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA, TO BE SOLD TO THE VIRGINIA PUBLIC SCHOOL AUTHORITY AND PROVIDING FOR THE FORM AND DETAILS THEREOF. c. Consideration of the re-appropriation of Capital Grant Branding, Market, and Outreach funds for Petersburg Area Transit. BACKGROUND: State and Federal capital funding programs make resources available to PAT for the purchase of capital items related to transit and transit facilities. The project funds will assist in the branding and market outreach. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance in the amount of $14,433. Council Member Myers made a motion to adopt the appropriation ordinance in the amount of $14,433. 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-98 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE MASS TRANSIT FUND, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2014, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2015 FOR $14,433 FOR STATE TMP GRANT FUNDS. d. Consideration of the appropriation of the FY14 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) award received by the Police Department. BACKGROUND: The Bureau of Police received a grant award from the FY14 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The Bureau intends to use the funds to purchase three (3) electronic bicycles to be used for community policing for a total of $10,000 and SWAT Team armor for $14,343. There is no local match required. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance in the amount of $24,373. There was discussion among City Council and staff.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 14, 2014 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Coleman made a motion to adopt the appropriation ordinance in the amount of $24,373. The motion was seconded by Council Member Pritchett. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Myers, Pritchett, Ross, Wilson-Smith, Webb, and Moore 14-ORD-99 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2014, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2015 IN THE SPECIAL FUNDS FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,373 FOR POLICE BJA-JAG 2014 GRANT. e. Consideration of changing the dates of the City Council meetings scheduled for November 2014. BACKGROUND: In accordance with the Rules of Council, City Council holds its regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month, with the exception of August and December. The meeting scheduled on the first Tuesday in November will conflict with the November 4th elections. Rules of Council specify that if the meeting date needs to be changed due to elections, the meeting should be scheduled for the following Tuesday. The following Tuesday, November 11th, is recognized by the City as the Veteran’s Day Holiday. On the scheduled third Tuesday in November, several members of City Council will be attending National League of Cities Conference and will not be available to meet. Council, if it so desires, may schedule a meeting on November 25, 2015. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council schedule a City Council meeting on November 25, 2014. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to schedule a Council Meeting on November 25, 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 f. Consideration of appointment/s to the Petersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board. BACKGROUND: The Petersburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority (PRHA) Board consists of seven (7) at large members appointed by City Council. The duties of the Board include, but are not limited to, the following: study slum and blighted areas within the City and to recommend programs for their improvement, provide quality housing for low-income families at rents within their ability to pay, and serve as the duly designated agent for financial assistance in order to undertake urban redevelopment and low-rent housing programs approved by City Council. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council make appointment/s to the Petersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to reappoint Mary Powell, Jerry Clark and Karl Dingledine to the Petersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority for a term expiring on September 30, 2018. 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-R-42 A RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING MARY POWELL, JERRY CLARK AND KARL DINGLEDINE TO THE PETERSBURG REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR A TERM EXPIRING ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2018. Council Member Coleman stated that he would like to let everyone know that they will be voting in about three weeks on November 4th for local officials, statewide officials and national officials. He stated that one thing that is required is a picture I.D. this year. He stated to everyone to make sure that you have your picture I.D. when they go and vote.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 14, 2014 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Ross stated that he has something for Tami Yerby but that he does not see her. He stated that they were told that Berkeley Manor would be getting new swing sets. He stated that he would like to know that status of those items being installed. Council Member Pritchett stated that there will be a Ward 3 Meeting on October 27th. He stated that this is changed from the previous date of October 20th. He stated that school board member Kenneth Pritchett has a class on October 20th. He stated it will still begin at 6:30pm and that it will still be at Vernon Johns Junior High School. He stated that he will have Mr. McKeithen present and that he will talk about the assessment process. He stated that school board member Mr. Pritchett will have Dr. Joseph Melvin, Petersburg Public Schools Superintendent, speaking on the gifted program at Blandford School. Mayor Moore stated that at the conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month there will be one last event on tomorrow at the County Drive Office. He stated that it will be a nice celebration and that the festival was excellent. He stated that he congratulates Mr. Little and all the City staff that participated in this event. He stated the event will be from 4:00-7:00p.m. He stated that the address is 2447 County Drive. He stated that it is in the same area as Roma’s Italian Restaurant. 9. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: a. City Manager’s report 1. How can residents rent City dumpsters and have them delivered to dispose of trash? City residents can call Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) at (804) 425 -0500 to arrange for collection of large amount. Bulky trash will also be collected at the curb on your regular collection day. 2. How can I get more information on the gifted program in Petersburg? The gifted program is a program of the Petersburg School Division. The School Board office should be contacted for information. 3. What us the status of the homes located at 1814 and 1842 Powhatan? 1814 Powhatan Avenue has been to court and was dismissed on contingency of being sold. The property was recently sold. Mr. Jefferson Wells, the new owner, is not officially recorded as the owner yet in the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. 1842 Powhatan Avenue has also been to court and was dismissed due to compliance. The property is not eligible for spot blight per the City Attorney. 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:  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 14, 2014 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 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 9:34 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor