City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 5, 2015 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at the Union Train Station. Mayor Myers called the closed session meeting to order at 5:30p.m. 1. CLOSED SESSION MEETING – 5:30 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member David R. Coleman Council Member Darrin L. Hill Council Member Brian A. Moore Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Vice Mayor Samuel Parham Mayor W. Howard Myers Absent: Council Member John Hart (arrived at 5:32pm) 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: 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 under Subsection 6 to discuss the investing of public funds where competition or bargaining is involved, where, if made public initially, the financial interest of the City would be adversely affected; and under Subsection 7 to consult with legal counsel and obtain a staff briefing where a briefing in an open meeting could potentially and adversely affect the negotiating posture of the City. Council Member Hill moved that the City Council go into closed session for the purposes noted by the City Attorney. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Parham. There was no discussion on the motion, which was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers City Council entered closed session at 5:34 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 Moore. There was no discussion on the motion, which was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers 15-R-30 A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING, AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, SECTION 2.2-3712, THAT TO THE BEST OF EACH MEMBER’S KNOWLEDGE, ONLY PUBLIC BUSINESS MATTERS LAWFULLY EXEMPTED FROM OPEN MEETING REQUIREMENTS OF VIRGINIA LAW WERE DISCUSSED IN THE CLOSED SESSION, AND ONLY SUCH PUBLIC BUSINESS MATTERS AS WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE MOTION CONVENING THE CLOSED SESSION WERE HEARD, DISCUSSED, OR CONSIDERED.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 5, 2015 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. REGULARLY-SCHEDULED MEETING – 6:30 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member David R. Coleman Council Member John Hart, Sr. Council Member Darrin L. Hill Council Member Brian A. Moore Council Member Samuel Parham Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Mayor W. Howard Myers 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. MOMENT OF SILENCE: a. Clerk of Council, Nykesha D. Jackson, led council and the audience in a moment of silence . 4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: a. Clerk of Council, Nykesha D. Jackson, led council and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 5. PRESENTATION/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: (Each presentation will be limited to 10 minutes.) a. A Proclamation designating May 2015 as Business Appreciation Month. BACKGROUND: The City wishes to observe May 2015 as Business Appreciation Month. The City will highlight and host events throughout the month that support and acknowledge the contributions of local businesses to the Petersburg community. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Mayor Myers read the attached Proclamation. Mayor Myers read the proclamation out loud. Reginald Tabor, Projects Manager of Economic Development, accepted the proclamation. b. A Proclamation designating May 10-16, 2015, as National Police Week, and May 15, 2015, as Peace Officers Memorial Day. BACKGROUND: National Police Week, which occurs each year during the week in which May 15th falls, recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement. Established by a joint Resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 5, 2015 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ America’s law enforcement community. Principal organizers of National Police Week are: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), which sponsors the annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial; Fraternal Order of Police /Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary (FOP/FOPA), which organize the Peace Officers Memorial Day Service at the U.S. Capitol; and Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.C.), which holds the National Police Survivors’ Conference. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Mayor Myers read the attached proclamation. Mayor Myers read the proclamation out loud. Chief of Police, John Dixon, accepted the proclamation and thanked City Council for the proclamation. c. A Proclamation designating May 5, 2015, as Honorary Berra Brothers Day. BACKGROUND: The City wishes to commend the achievements, from past to present, of the Berra Brothers, who were born and raised on Farmer Street in Petersburg, and their annual contributions to the world outside of their hometown. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Mayor Myers read the attached Proclamation. Mayor Myers read the proclamation out loud. Mickey and Wayne Berra accepted the proclamation and thanked City Council. d. Presentation by Dr. Sue Feldman, Community Health Alliance, on the City of Petersburg’s health rankings. BACKGROUND: Dr. Sue Feldman, of Community Health Alliance, will present information regarding the City of Petersburg’s health rankings. RECOMMENDATION: For information only. Sue Feldman, of community Health Alliance, gave a PowerPoint briefing regarding the City of Petersburg’s health rankings. e. Update on the “I Am Petersburg” Branding Initiative. BACKGROUND: Jay Ell Alexander, Public Information Officer, will provide an update on the branding initiative and present a short commercial. RECOMMENDATION: For information only. William Johnson, City Manager, gave a briefing before showing a 30 second commercial. 6. CONSENT AGENDA: a. Request to schedule a public hearing on the City’s Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2016-2020. b. Request to schedule a public hearing on the proposed renaming of Fleet and Canal Streets to University Boulevard. c. Request to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance granting a non-exclusive variable- width easement to Virginia Electric and Power Company.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 5, 2015 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Moore made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda and schedule the public hearing requests for May 19, 2015. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hart. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham, and Myers 7. 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 items 8. 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. Julian Greene, 1625 Blair Road, stated that the purpose for him being present tonight was to bring something to their attention. He stated that it would be a support factor for Petersburg. He stated that some time ago a little girl asked to the President of the Unite States, “why aren’t there any women on currency in America.” He stated that they do have Susan B. Anthony on a coin. He stated that there are not any on the paper currency. He stated that since that time an organization was formed to establish and solicit names to be placed on the $20 bill. He stated 100 people were selected then it went down to 15 and then they went down to four. He stated that these four are: Eleanor Roosevelt, Harriett Tubman, Rosa Parks, and the man killer who is chief of Cherokee Nation. He stated that Senator Jeanne Shaheen introduced a bill in the House and passed it to the Senate to get them involved. He stated that the person that is really authorized to do this is the Secretary of the Treasury, Jack Lew and the President of the United States by the stroke of a pin. He stated that once the bill is introduced then it is opened up the general public to solicit and submit names. He stated that in Virginia they are unique. He stated that he has a person that has checked all the boxes that can be checked and placed on the $100 dollar bill. He stated that in Virginia there is a person who was born and raised and is now deceased in Virginia and born from a slave family. He stated that this person name is Maggie Lena Mitchell Walker (Maggie L. Walker). He stated that Maggie L. Walker started the first bank by women of any color in the United States of America. He stated that she stated why don’t they take their pennies and nickels and turn them into dollars. He stated that in 1903 is when St. Luke Bank started. He stated that it was chartered and subsequently became consolidated. He stated that many of the historic banks in Virginia still do business with this bank. He stated that many of them are in Petersburg. He stated that some of the older banks have them as their financer. He stated that he would like to leave with them a sample of what the dollar bill would look like with Maggie L. Walker’s picture on it. He stated that they are trying to get at least 200 signatures to turn into Senator Mark Warner and Senator Tim Kaine to lead the effort for Virginia. He stated that there is a coalition of black women that are leading this effort. He stated that they can go national with this and say, “I AM PETERSBURG.” He stated that they can go national and talk about Petersburg, Virginia. He stated that this would designate and put them at the tone in front of advocating for Maggie Lena Walker. He stated that he would those present tonight to sign the petition and that he would appreciate it. Bruce Richardson stated that he is present to briefly discuss free grant money. He stated that he has spoken in the past as it relates to home ownership opportunities for City employees. He stated in particular local police officers, firefighters, health care workers as well as educators. He stated that the just is broad. He stated that they are have spoken and held home buyers education courses in which they have worked close with 140 residents who have pursued home ownership within the City and surrounding areas. He stated that it is paramount that they continue this effort because there are grant dollars that are  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 5, 2015 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ not fully being utilized. He stated that local banks and local lenders have these grant funds and in many instances if you meet eligibility and requirements there are up to $5,600 in free grant money for firefighters, law enforcement officers, sheriff employees, educators, and health care workers. He stated that his goal is in working with this program along with the City is that they provide the prerequisites education as well as they continue to ask the residents to look at these grant opportunities. He stated that the City is thriving with affordable housing right now. He stated that on Saturday, June 20, 2015, from 10:00am to 4:15pm, they will be hosting the Virginia Department of Housing Authority free first-timer buyer’s course at the Petersburg Public Library in the main conference room. He stated that the course will cover issues related to personal finances, credit and credit scoring, qualifying and applying for a home, working with a realtor to find a home, and what happens at loan closing. He stated that it is a six hour course. He stated that all participants will receive a certificate of completion. He stated that this certificate is valid for two years. He stated that this is a great opportunity. He stated that this is a first step to tap into some of these free grant opportunities to become home owners in the City of Petersburg. Taliban Majeed, 1847 Brandon Avenue, stated that she has some concerns of life in Petersburg. She stated that she has been in Petersburg for about five years. She stated that she enjoys living in the City but that she has some concerns that she has talked about with her neighbors and friends. She stated that she is present and hopes that they hear her and what she has to say. She stated that the utility bill is still a concern of hers. She stated that the last bill that she received there was a notation that she did not understand. She stated that it was something about her April bill and being paid in June. She stated that she does not understand what that is. She asked whether the bill is supposed to be given to them every month or every two months. She stated that the bill that she has she has no idea what payment period it is supposed to be for. She stated that the penalty is clearly stated on the bill and that if you don’t pay the bill on time then there is a 10% fee for that and a $50 fee for connection. She stated that she is wondering why all the other things that they need to know are not clearly stated. She stated that is concerned about economic development in the City. She stated that she has been in the City for five years and they have not seen a growth in Petersburg that she has seen in other places. She stated that she knows people that have been here for about 20 or 30 years and that they are saying the same thing and that they do not see where the growth is. She stated that she is not really clear on what is going on but that she is hoping that the new economic development director will have some initiatives to correct this. She stated that as they give food to families and supplies to children for school that it is just a Band-Aid. She stated that the solution is jobs. She stated that they cannot continue to make people feel bad about their situation and give charitable donations. She stated that she is not clear about the branding. She stated to City Council if their City is at the bottom of all the quality of life survey then there is nothing that they should brag about. She stated that the City’s priority should be correcting the quality of life issues and then the branding. She stated that people will then be attracted to Petersburg. She stated that everyone knows that they have a lot of potential in the City and that this is a great place to live. She stated that she enjoys being able to walk in her community and not have to worry about being attacked or someone grabbing her purse. She stated that have the founding and that there is a lot of work to do. She stated that she does not know if they realize the perception but when you have a disagreement with a member of council and that it really disturbs her the way that her questions are treated. She stated that the person that they have a lot of disagreements with is Council Member Wilson-Smith. She stated that it is sometimes the way that they allow the dancing around the answers. She stated that she is concerned about this because she has a lot of respect for her. She stated that she is the person that she heard about when she moved to the City. She stated that does not live in Council Member Wilson-Smith district. She stated that she is convinced that she is the best role model on City Council in the City when it comes to service. She stated that she gives excellent service. She stated that she ask that they treat her with more respect. Vernel Gannaway, 652 Old Wagner Road, stated that he is a citizen of Petersburg. He stated that he was looking back and thinking of the Berra Brothers and remembering the carnivals. He stated that he went to the carnivals during those times. He stated that a lot of them may not know about the carnival days. He stated that he is hoping and praying that these types of days are coming again. He stated that a lot of things that he see going on in a lot of places started right in Petersburg. He stated that the potential is in the City. He stated that he would like to dido on what Ms. Majeed said about respect for City Council Members. He stated that they have to go back to the beginning and back to the basics of respecting one another. He stated that they do have plan for an education center. He stated that the schools are a part of  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 5, 2015 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ the City and that they have to remember that. He stated that they have to work on the City’s infrastructure and that this has to be a top priority. He stated that everyone is not going to be professors. He stated that all the City has is people leaving the schools to leave the City. He stated that they need to continue to work on these things. He stated that they need to implement these jobs. He stated that he heard that a major church and school for fifth to twelfth grade is closing and that they are not looking to go into Petersburg Schools. He stated that the City needs to continue to influence the quality of life growth around the City. He stated that the churches have to get the message. He stated that they have to let the churches know before they get to where they are currently now. He stated that he knows that the City has some good things and that the City of Petersburg is one of the best City’s, “I AM PETERSBURG.” He stated that they want this to show and not just talking about it. 9. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: a. Consideration of the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Community Development Block Grant Budget. BACKGROUND: City Manager has recommended a CDBG Budget in the amount of $641,490 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015, and ending June 30, 2016. A public hearing was held on this matter on April 21, 2015. The attached appropriation ordinance breaks down the expenditure and revenue distribution that supports this request. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance. Council Member Moore made a motion to adopt the appropriation ordinance of the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Community Development Block Grant Budget. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Parham. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers 15-ORD-31 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2015, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2016. b. Consideration of the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Special Fund Budget BACKGROUND: The Special Fund Budget is recommended at $12,819,678 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015, and ending June 30, 2016. The appropriation ordinance breaks down the expenditure and revenue distribution that supports this request by category. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to adopt the appropriation ordinance of the Fiscal Year 2015- 2016 Special Fund Budget. The motion was seconded by Council Member Moore. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers 15-ORD-32 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS IN THE SPECIAL FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2015, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2016. c. Consideration of the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Dogwood Trace and Petersburg Generals Budgets. BACKGROUND: City Manager has recommended budgets for Dogwood Trace & Petersburg Generals in the total amount of $1,224,993 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2016. The appropriation ordinance breaks down the expenditure and revenue distribution of Dogwood Trace & Petersburg Generals, to be adopted, that supports this request.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 5, 2015 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance. Council Member Coleman made a motion to adopt the appropriation ordinance of the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Dogwood Trace and Petersburg Generals Budget. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hart. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers 15-ORD-33 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR DOGWOOD TRACE AND PETERSBURG GENERALS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2015, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2016. d. Consideration of the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Petersburg Area Transit Budget. BACKGROUND: The Petersburg Area Transit budget is recommended at $3,020,592 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015, and ending June 30, 2016. The appropriation ordinance breaks down the expenditure and revenue distribution, to be adopted, that supports this request by category. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to adopt the appropriation ordinance of the Fiscal Year 2015- 2016 Petersburg Area Transit Budget. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hart. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers; Abstain: Coleman 15-ORD-34 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE MASS TRANSIT FUND FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2015, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2016. e. Consideration of the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Utility Fund Budget. BACKGROUND: City Manager has recommended the Utility Fund Budget in the total amount of $10,999,257 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015, and ending June 30, 2016. The appropriation ordinance breaks down the expenditure and revenue distribution of the Utility fund that supports this request. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. Council Member Coleman made a motion to adopt the appropriation ordinance of the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Utility Fund Budget. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Parham and Myers; Voting No: Wilson-Smith 15-ORD-35 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE UTILITY FUND FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2015, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2016. f. Consideration of the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Petersburg Public School Division Budget. BACKGROUND: The Petersburg Public Schools Budget is recommended at $50,325,493 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015, and ending June 30, 2016. The appropriation ordinance breaks down the expenditure and revenue distribution that supports this request by category. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 5, 2015 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Moore made a motion to adopt the appropriation ordinance of the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Petersburg Public School Division Budget. The motion was seconded by Council Member Parham. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Hart, Hill, Moore, Parham and Myers; Voting No: Wilson-Smith; Abstain: Coleman 15-ORD-36 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2015, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2016, IN THE SCHOOL OPERATING & FOOD SERVICE FUNDS. g. Consideration of the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 General Fund Budget. BACKGROUND: City Manager has recommended a General Fund Budget in the amount of $75,227,328 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015, and ending June 30, 2016. The appropriation ordinance breaks down the expenditure and revenue distribution of the general government that supports this request. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. Council Member Moore made a motion to adopt the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 General Fund Budget and move $197,398 from non-departmental to cover additional healthcare cost for City workers. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers; Voting No: Coleman 15-ORD-37 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2015, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2016, IN THE GOVERNMENTAL OPERATING FUNDS AND MOVING $197,398 FROM NON-DEPARTMENTAL TO COVER ADDITIONAL HEALTHCARE COST FOR CITY WORKERS. Council Member Hart stated that he would like thank everyone for attending his meeting last week. He stated that they had a good meeting and that he would like everyone to continue supporting them in Ward 7. Council Member Coleman stated that he would like to thank Sheriff Crawford for her presentation at his ward meeting last week and all those that attended. Council Member Hill stated that he would like to remind everyone about the Joint Business Town Hall Meeting on May 26 at Plaza Mexico on Crater Road. He stated that they are trying to get the businesses together in Ward 2 and Ward 3. He stated that this will begin at 6:30pm. He stated that he would like to thank everyone for the support. He stated that he would like everyone to strongly pray for Virginia’s neighboring state, Maryland. He stated that they are going to trying times right now and that we should lift them up in prayer. He stated that to the citizens in his ward his door is always open. Vice Mayor Parham stated that he would like to remind everyone about May 7th. He stated that they are having their Ward 3 Neighborhood Watch Reorganization Meeting. He stated that he encourages everyone to come out and meet the neighborhood officer. He stated that Officer Mack will be present in getting their neighborhoods engaged. He stated that it will take place at Petersburg High School this Thursday at 6:00pm in the cafeteria. He stated to everyone to please come out and join them. He stated that on May 13th at Petersburg High School they will be having a summer fair. He stated that he has heard people talking about there are no jobs present. He stated that this is pertaining to youth. He stated to bring the youth and come out. He stated that if your child is too young to work then there will be summer programs that will be available for the children to sign up for.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 5, 2015 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ Mayor Myers stated that he would like to say thank you to all the Members of Council. He stated that he would like everyone to know that even though they may publicly disagree behind closed doors they all remain friends at all times after they walk out the meeting. He stated to Council Member Wilson-Smith that they do hug and kiss after every meeting. He stated that they always respect each other regardless of what the public sees in front of them. He stated that they are present to agree and disagree. 10. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: a. City Manager’s report 1) Please address the invoice I received from March 31, 2015, for the production of public records. At the March 17, 2015, meeting of City Council, requested records from the City. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows the City to charge for the actual costs of responding to FOIA requests. This includes items like personnel time spent searching for the requested records, copying costs, or any other costs directly related to supplying and the requested records. The $7.00 charge is for these costs. 2) What is the disposition of 1842 Powhatan? The City has regular contact with the owner of 1842 Powhatan Avenue. He still has a couple of corrections to do, but has asked for an extension in writing which was granted. 3) What is the disposition of 1751 Sherwood Road? City staff is in the process of deciding whether to have the property demolished or sell it at a tax sale. 4) Can “In God We Trust” be on display in the Council meeting venue? The Clerk of City Council will bring the “In God We Trust” proclamation to the City Council meetings. It has been on display in the Clerk’s office in City Hall. 5) Will the City correct the sale of the Fleet Street parcels on record? The issue with this property has been resolved. Parcels 530-32 Fleet Street and 538 Fleet Street are both owned by Hansco-SS1, LP. 6) Any time authorization to City Manager is voted on, can it be brought back to Council for final approval? This is a policy decision for Mayor and City Council. 7) When will there be a Ward 5 meeting? Mayor Myers is working on a date for his Ward meeting. 8) Please address the Crater Road and Rives Road bottleneck of traffic. The appropriate staff members have been notified of these issues. They will research and look to see what the issue is and what can be resolved. 9) Please address the easement of property at 652 Old Wagner Road.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 5, 2015 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ The appropriate staff members have been notified of these issues. They will research and look to see what the issue is and what can be resolved. Questions from Members of Council 1. Council Member Hart: Please address the drainage and standing water issue in Ramblewood. The appropriate staff members have been notified of these issues. They will research and look to see what the issue is and what can be resolved. 2. Councilman Moore: Please address the panhandling and increase of enforcement. Panhandling enforcement has been increased. 3. Councilman Parham: Please address the permit process for the race. The Permit Process for the race was addressed by Brian Little, Director Cultural Affairs, prior to the recent race. There was an after-action meeting to address issues for future similar planned events. 4. Please address the loitering around the front of the library. Wayne Crocker, Director of the Public Library, advised administration that as long as library patrons abide by the Library’s code of conduct, they are allowing in the building. Library security has been asked to roam throughout the building during their shift to make sure that no one is loitering around the entrances of the building. Mr. Johnson stated that he would like to give an update from last Wednesday. He stated that on last Wednesday the City had the pleasure of Sectary Maurice Jones of Commerce and Trade of the Commonwealth of Virginia; Virginia Tourism Director, Mr. Crowdy; the Executive Director of Virginia Resources Authority, Jean Bass and also Tracey Jeter, Director of Virginia Minority Supplier Development for a tour of the City as it relates tourism and economic development. He stated that as they recall in 2014 they asked the General Assembly for $5 million to help with the redevelopment of Exit 52. He stated that in the Legislative Packet for 2015 they asked for $3.5 million. He stated that although the budget amendment was not granted, Secretary Jones is committed to helping the City resolve this issue. He stated that as a result of the tour Secretary Jones has requested that they have a meeting within the next 30 days to discuss the possible funding of Exit 52 in Petersburg. He stated that he would like to say to Mr. Carter and Mr. Finney that the budget has been adopted and that they can take a deep breath. He stated that to Mayor Myers and City Council he would like to thank them for adopting the budget and that they can move on to other items. He stated that it was a difficult budget. He stated to the City Assessor to keep digging and finding things and that they will continue to move the City forward. 11. CLERK OF CITY COUNCIL'S AGENDA: Clerk of Council, Nykesha Jackson, stated that she would like to wish everyone a Cinco De Mayo. She stated that she would like to thank everyone for wishing her daughter a Happy Birthday today as well. Mr. Johnson stated that to all the citizens of Petersburg that if they are a mother or an aunt or grandmother that he would like to wish them a Happy Mother’s Day. Ms. Jackson thanked Mr. Johnson. 12. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA: No items for this portion of the agenda.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 5, 2015 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 13. CLOSED SESSION (IF NECESSARY): No closed is necessary. 14. ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Coleman moved for adjournment. The motion was seconded by Council Member Moore. There was no discussion. The motion was approved on voice vote. City Council adjourned at 7:52 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor