City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 21, 2014 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, October 21, 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 Pritchett Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Vice Mayor Horace P. Webb Mayor Brian A. Moore Absent: Council Member Carl Ross 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; under Subsection 4 for the protection of the privacy of individuals in personal matters not related to public business; under Subsection 5 to discuss and/or consider a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business’s or industry’s interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the community; and under Subsection 7 to consult with legal counsel and briefing by staff members pertaining to probable litigation, where consultation or briefing in the open would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture 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 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, Wilson-Smith, Webb and Moore; Absent: Ross City Council entered closed session at 5:30 p.m. CERTIFICATION: Council Member Coleman 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, Wilson-Smith, Webb and Moore; Recused: Ross 14-R-43 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: October 21, 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 October 2014 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. BACKGROUND: Jane Clayborne, Director of Community Relations at The James House, will share a video highlighting community engagement. RECOMMENDATION: Proclaim October 2014 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Jane Clayborne, Director of Community Relations at The James House, thanked the City for the proclamation. She stated that she would also like to show a video that is shared by Sheriff Vanessa Crawford. 5. CONSENT AGENDA: a. Request to schedule a public hearing on the City’s Stormwater Management Program Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2015-2019. b. Request to schedule a public hearing for proposed Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) Projects, specifically the Fleet Street Riverfront Park and Trails Project. c. Request to schedule a public hearing for proposed Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) Projects, specifically a Safe Route to School (SRTS) Project. d. Request to schedule a public hearing on a request from Eric M. Evans (Discipleship Housing Ministry, Inc.) for a Special Use Permit to operate a halfway house at 230 South Crater Road.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 21, 2014 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Myers made a motion to schedule a public hearing on the City’s Stormwater Management Program Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2015-2019; a public hearing for proposed Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) Projects, specifically the Fleet Street Riverfront Park and Trails Project; a public hearing for proposed Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) Projects, specifically a Safe Route to School (SRTS) Project and a public hearing on a request from Eric M. Evans (Discipleship Housing Ministry, Inc.) for a Special Use Permit to operate a halfway house at 230 South Crater Road 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 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 a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 50 of the Code of the City of Petersburg, pertaining to noise levels. BACKGROUND: The City of Petersburg has undertaken to review its Code to be in compliance with the standards set forth in the Code of Virginia. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that Council adopt the proposed ordinance on October 21, 2014. Brian Telfair, City Attorney, gave a brief overview on the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 50 of the Code of the City of Petersburg, pertaining to noise levels. Mayor Moore opened the floor for public comment. Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated that the noise ordinance is something that he has observed for three or four issues. He stated that he thinks that it is about time and a good thing to clarify some things. He stated that there is no definite when there is a complaint about noise. He stated that when the police officer comes on the scene from other localities they hold up something that tests the sound. He stated that if there is no way of telling whether the noise is loud except by listening this will create an argument among people. He stated that if there is some that is used to test sound then this should be used to tell if the sound is too loud and then people will accept this and go away. Seeing no further hands, Mayor Moore closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. Council Member Pritchett made a motion to amend Chapter 50 of the Code of the City of Petersburg, pertaining to noise levels and include under Section 50-35 to include the barking dogs. 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, Moore 14-ORD-100 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 50-31, 50-32, 50-33, 50-34, 50-35 (TO INCLUDE BARKING DOGS), 50-36, 50-37, 50-38 OF ARTICLE I, OF CHAPTER 50; OF THE 2000 CODE OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, AS AMENDED. b. A public hearing on a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 38 of the Code of the City of Petersburg, pertaining to the Technology Zone. BACKGROUND: The City needs to re-enact the Technology Zone provisions of the City Code. RECOMMENDATION: Following Council adopt the attached Ordinance.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 21, 2014 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ Brian Telfair, City Attorney, gave a brief overview on the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 38 of the Code of the City of Petersburg, pertaining to the Technology Zone. Mayor Moore opened the floor for public comment. Seeing no hands, Mayor Moore closed the public hearing. Council Member Coleman made a motion to approve the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 38 of the Code of the City of Petersburg, pertaining to the Technology Zone. 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-101 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE IV, OF CHAPTER 38, SECTION 38-97, CHANGING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY ZONE; OF THE 2000 CODE OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, AS AMENDED. 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. Fire Chief T. C. Hairston stated he wanted to invite everyone to the “Send Blight Out of Sight” forum on November 8, 2014, from 9:00am to 11:00am, at the Petersburg Public Library. He stated that during this community forum they are trying to engage the entire community on a campaign to rid the city of blight. He stated that they are also trying to start rebuilding the neighborhoods in the City. He stated that they are bringing in speakers to talk about residential history, abatements, and tax credits. He stated that hopefully this will jump start the rebuilding of the neighborhoods. He stated that he left flyers with the clerk to pass out to all of the City Council Members. Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated that he has six issues that he would like City Council to think about. He stated that he is seeking answers to the following questions: (1) Gutter drains are stopped up throughout the City causing water back-up in the streets. Can different tops be placed on them making it easier and fast to clean out? (2) Can the City jail inmate’s cut grass and remove debris from properties in code violations, instead of the City paying four contractors $40,000 each year? (3) Are police required to have psychiatric evaluations and sensitive training? (4) Shouldn’t the “No Mow Zone” on Defense Road be in an area away from streets, roads, parks and residential areas? (5) Are there any monies available for neighborhood watch programs? (6) During the Public Information Period at council meetings everyone is supposed to be allotted the same amount of time to speak, however, it appears that certain people of “statue” are given more time than others. Why is that? Michael Edwards, 409 Grove Avenue, stated that he is present to speak on “Positive Petersburg.” He asked that when a person says “Petersburg” does something positive or negative come to mind. He stated that word of mouth and social media has spread so much negativity about the City through the years and that this has really hurt the City. He stated that more people focus and talk about the negative things rather than the positive things that the City has to offer. He stated that this is very sad. He stated that if more people focus on positive points rather than the negative then Petersburg would be a thriving City that it once was. He stated that it is unfortunate that the negativity will not stop. He stated that in council meetings there are more citizens who comment and speak about the negative points of the City. He stated that it is a shame that this happens because you never know who is sitting in audience. He stated that it may be a college student, a potential new citizen or a potential new business that is exploring Petersburg. He stated that he is quite confident that after hearing all of the negativity it will give a different opinion of the City. He stated that if five people tell five people  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 21, 2014 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ and tells five more people something positive about Petersburg then the City will slowly build back up the reputation that the City once had. He stated that the City has come a long way and have many more miles to go. He stated that they should encourage people to eat, shop, live and do business in this locality. He stated that the citizens should encourage the elected officials instead of downing them. He stated that the council members may not always be right but that the citizens need to encourage them. He stated that he says this tonight because in his traveling through the City and as a City employee now he hears different things from out of state visitors. He stated that when he works at the visitors’ center he hears so many stories from the visitors that stop by. Pamela Pena, 1692 Fairfax Street, stated that she would like to ask City Council Members as a whole to look into a situation about her coming to the meeting several times and speaking on concerns that she has had. She stated that from this she has received an invoice from her request. She stated that she had not been contacted prior to the invoice regarding it. She stated that she contact the City Attorney’s assistant who sent her the invoice. She stated that the invoice included inaccurate information. She stated that she let City Attorney’s assistant know that there was information that was incorrect. She stated that she tried to reach the City Attorney to speak on this information. She stated that she was not at the last City Council meeting and that she heard several things had occurred and that was said. She stated that she was shocked and that she is present tonight so that if anyone has any questions they can speak to her directly. She stated that she has all her information on hand including the conversations that she has had with the City Attorney’s Office. She stated that she has brought the letters for information. She stated that if something is needed to be said in response or anything then it should be stated to her. 8. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: a. Consideration of a Resolution supporting application for VDOT Revenue Sharing Program, funds for the pavement overlay project on East Washington Street (Rt. 36). BACKGROUND: The VDOT Revenue Sharing Program provides an opportunity for localities to provide local funds to match state funds for priority local projects. Locality funds are matched dollar for dollar based on the approved allocation for the locality. Funds are used to finance eligible work on streets within localities. The program is intended to provide funding for immediately needed improvements or to supplement funding for existing projects. The city intends to submit an application for the rehabilitation of the pavement on East Washington Street (state Route 36) on the east and west bound from East Bank Street to the east city limits. Total length is approximately 1.3 miles. The total project cost will be $600,000 with a required one-to- one match. The city’s share will be $300,000 and VDOT’s share will be $300,000. RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Manager to execute project administration agreements and any related documents the revenue sharing projects. Steven Hicks, Director of Public Works, gave a brief overview of the resolution supporting application for VDOT Revenue Sharing Program, funds for the pavement overlay project on East Washington Street (Rt. 36). Council Member Wilson-Smith made a motion to approve the resolution supporting application for VDOT Revenue Sharing Program, funds for the pavement overlay project on East Washington Street (Rt. 36). 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-R-44 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING APPLICATION FOR AN ALLOCATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2016 REVENUE SHARING PROGRAM FUNDS THROUGH THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE PAVEMENT ON EAST WASHINGTON STREET (STATE ROUTE 36) FROM EAST BANK STREET TO THE CITY’S EASTERN LIMITS.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 21, 2014 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ b. Consideration of a resolution supporting application for VDOT Revenue Sharing Program funds for the underdrain installation project on Wagner Road. BACKGROUND: The VDOT Revenue Sharing Program provides an opportunity for localities to provide local funds to match state funds for priority local projects. Locality funds are matched dollar for dollar based on the approved allocation for the locality. Funds are used to finance eligible work on streets within localities. The program is intended to provide funding for immediately needed improvements or to supplement funding for existing projects. The city intends to submit an application for the installation of underdrain on Wagner Road on the east and west bound from South Crater Road to County Drive. Total length is approximately 2 miles. The total project cost will be $600,000 with a required one-to-one match. The City’s share will be $300,000 and VDOT’s share will be $300,000. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached Resolution supporting application for funds and authorizing the City Manager to execute project administration agreements and any related documents for the revenue sharing projects. Steven Hicks, Director of Public Works, gave an overview of the resolution supporting application for VDOT Revenue Sharing Program funds for the underdrain installation project on Wagner Road. Council Member Ross made a motion to approve the resolution supporting application for VDOT Revenue Sharing Program funds for the underdrain installation project on Wagner Road. 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-45 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING APPLICATION FOR AN ALLOCATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2016 REVENUE SHARING PROGRAM FUNDS THROUGH THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE INSTALLATION OF AN UNDERDRAIN ON WAGNER ROAD FROM SOUTH CRATER ROAD TO COUNTY DRIVE. c. Consideration of the appropriation of fees received related to Public-Private Education Facilities Infrastructure Act (PPEA) projects. BACKGROUND: Pursuant to the Private-Private Education Facilities Act of 2002, the City shall receive an analysis of the proposals from internal staff or outside advisors or consultants with relevant experience in determining whether to enter into an agreement with the private entity/ In regard to proposals submitted under the PPEA, the City will require an initial processing fee of $5,000 at the time of submission, with an additional proposal fee of $10,000 to be paid within five (5) days after notice from the City should the project proceed beyond the initial review. The initial processing fee shall be submitted with the initial proposal or competing proposal. The City will refund any portion of fees paid in excess of its direct cost, which includes, but is not limited to, all staff costs and the fees of outside consultants, financial advisors, engineers, and attorneys associated with evaluating the proposals. The City’s Purchasing Office has collected $60,000 during FY2012-2013 from the four (4) companies that submitted proposals. These projects were not completed as of June 30, 2014; therefore, the funds need to be re-appropriated. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance in the amount of $13,612. Council Member Coleman made a motion to adopt the appropriation ordinance in the amount of $13,612. 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-102 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING #14-ORD-28, IN THE GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2014 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2015, IN THE GENERAL FUND, THIS AMENDMENT APPROPRIATES $13,612 FOR THE PPEA PROJECTS.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 21, 2014 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Ross stated that last year when the leaf collection was done he asked the Director of Public Works to move the date back to January based on Mother Nature herself. He stated that he noticed in East Walnut Hill, Battlefield Park and other Walnut Hill areas the leaves do not fall until after Christmas. He stated that last year it looked a mess. He stated that the leaves in the street got washed down to the storm drain. He stated that there was a stream of leaves going down the street. He stated that he would a final clean -up around the third week in January. Mr. Hicks stated that the difference this year is that they will have the normal leave program. He stated that in January they will have street sweepers used at this point. He stated that this will be going around making the final path. Council Member Pritchett stated that there is a Joint Ward 3 Meeting on Monday, October 27, 2014, at Vernon Johns Junior High School beginning at 6:30pm. He stated that City Assessor Ritchie McKeithen will be speaking on his behalf and Superintendent of Petersburg Public Schools, Dr. Joseph Melvin for School Board Member Kenneth Pritchett to talk about the gifted program. Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that the Robert E. Lee community will be meeting on October 28, 2014, at Robert E. Lee School at 6:00pm. She stated that she would like City Council to authorize the City Manager to look into moving the City Council Meetings to the Petersburg Public Library effective January 2015. She stated that the reason being is that the lighting is better in the conference room and the building has better modern technology. She stated that the train interrupts the meetings at the council meetings now. She stated that the library is more accessible to the citizens. Mayor Moore stated that an assessment would have to be done to consider moving. He stated that he can have Mr. Johnson to come back with this information. Mayor Moore stated that he has one action in reference to the discussion of council appointees. He stated that they have worked for revising documents. He stated that the first one would be to make Ritchie McKeithen the new City Assessor. Council Member Myers made a motion to appoint Ritchie McKeithen as Petersburg City Assessor. 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 Mayor Moore stated that the next one would be the revisions for the City Manager, William Johnson. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to approve the revisions for the City Manager, William Johnson contract. 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, Wilson-Smith Mayor Moore stated that the next one would be the revisions for the City Attorney, Brian Telfair. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to approve the revisions for the City Attorney, Brian Telfair contract. 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, Wilson-Smith Mayor Moore stated that the next one would be the revisions for the Clerk of Council, Nykesha Jackson. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to approve the revisions for the Clerk of Council, Nykesha Jackson contract. 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  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 21, 2014 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ 9. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: a. City Manager’s report 1. Please explain the increase in the water bills? Are there initiatives in order to assist residents with their water bills, late fees, or other household utilities? City Council has always considered any increase in rates charged to our customers an issue of concern. With that in mind, City Council, along with the City Manager and Staff in Public Works / Utilities have held Work Sessions to discuss projected rate increases for water and sewer as recent as April 2014. The FY14 Budget outlined a five-year plan to curtail rate increases at the bare minimum and City Council has only supported a minimum increase this past year and the year we are in now. Rate increases discussed and adopted are to cover operating expenses to continue providing good, safe, and clean water and wastewater to our citizens. Just this year alone, the cost to purchase water from ARWA and for wastewater treatment from SCWA has increased 12%. Water and sewer rates will continue to increase due to federal and state regulations requiring the City to maintain and replace aging infrastructure through its Capital Improvement Program. Utility rates are discussed on an annual basis as a part of the budget. With regard to assistance to customers in need of help paying their bills, our Billing Office located in the first floor of the City Hall Annex Building at 103 W. Tabb Street has an updated list of possible assistance groups (examples include City Social Services, local Churches, Good Will, etc.). Their phone number is 804-733-2349 and they stand by to assist any and all customers of our City. The City’s Department of Social Services also offers Fuel Assistance. The purpose of Fuel Assistance is to help eligible households with the cost of home heating. It is designed to help offset this expense rather than to pay all of it. This program can also help with furnace re-starts, late charges, delivery charges, installation charges, and connection or re-connection fees. To be eligible for Fuel Assistance, there are certain income guidelines and living arrangements that must be met. The household must be responsible for paying the heating bill. The Petersburg Department of Social Services accepts applications from the second Tuesday in October through the second Friday in November. Applicants should expect notification of their eligibility determination by late-December. For more information contact: Kimberley Willis Miles, Director of Social Services, at kimberley.miles@dss.virginia.gov, or at 804-861-4720. 2. Response to statement that citizen’s questions are not answered during City Council session. The Council Communicate is sent out following the City Council session and is a brief recap of the session. This information is sent out generally within 3-5 days following the meeting. Also, questions asked during the Public Information period are answered at the next Council session under the City Manager’s report. Vice Mayor Webb stated to Mr. Johnson that this information is very good. He stated that if he can recall the person that asked about this information is not present tonight. He asked whether this information is going to be on the City’s website. Mr. Johnson stated that this will be a part of this week’s Council Communicates and that it will be on the City’s website. Council Member Myers stated that he would like City Council to consider an appropriation to reinstate the Foster Grandparent’s Program at Westview Schools and for the City Manager to look into the possibility of doing this.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 21, 2014 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ Mayor Moore asked Council Member Myers would he like this brought back at the next meeting. Council Member Myers stated yes. Mr. Johnson asked is there an amount. Council Member Myers stated about $5,000. b. Considerations of the City’s draft 2015 Legislative Agenda. BACKGROUND: Each year, prior to the General Assembly, Council prepares a Legislative Agenda listing the City’s legislative priorities. Upon Council’s approval, the Legislative Agenda will be submitted to members of the City’s legislative delegation for their consideration. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council review the attached draft 2015 Legislative Agenda. Mr. Johnson stated that Council Members that they have in their packet a draft of the City’s 2015 Legislative Agenda. He stated that he will be more than happy to answer any questions. He stated that he had a meeting on yesterday with Delegate Dance. He stated that one of the items that they will be working on is the wording under “Snap Benefits Exemption”. He stated that Delegate Dance asked for clear wording so that it is easy to read. He stated that late this afternoon he received an email from the Social Services Director, Kim Miles, indicating that this will be a tough task being that this program is run through the federal government. Mayor Moore asked Mr. Johnson whether there were any action items. Mr. Johnson stated no. He stated that it will be brought back at the next meeting for formal adoption. 10. CLERK OF CITY COUNCIL'S AGENDA: Clerk of City Council Nykesha Jackson stated that she would like everyone to join with her in wishing the Director of Planning and Community Development, Michelle Peters, a Happy Birthday. Mr. Johnson stated that he would be happy if City Council makes a motion to give him the authority to sign an economic development agreement in the coming weeks. Vice Mayor Webb made a motion to give the City Manager the authority to sign an economic development agreement. 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-103 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT. 11. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA: No items for this portion of the agenda. 12. CLOSED SESSION (IF NECESSARY): No closed is necessary.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 21, 2014 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 13. ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Coleman moved for adjournment. The motion was seconded by Council Member Ross. There was no discussion. The motion was approved on roll call vote City Council adjourned at 8:21 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor