City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 2, 2015 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at the Union Train Station. Mayor Myers called the regular meeting to order at 6:30p.m. 1. REGULARLY-SCHEDULED MEETING – 6:30 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member David R. Coleman Council Member John Hart, Sr. Council Member Darrin L. Hill Council Member Brian A. Moore Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Council Member Samuel Parham 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. Presentation by Brian Little, Director of Cultural Affairs, on the upcoming visit of the historic Norfolk & Western Class J 611 Steam Passenger Locomotive on June 13 and June 14, 2015. BACKGROUND: Periodically, the Virginia Museum of Transportation will provide train excursions for the public. On both June 13th & 14th, all-day train excursions from Lynchburg to Petersburg and back to Lynchburg will take place using the historic steam passenger locomotive. There will be a two- hour layover in Petersburg between 12:30-2:30p.m. While on the layover, passengers will be able to explore historic downtown Petersburg as they dine, shop, and relax. This type of visit to Petersburg will showcase the historic, cultural, business, and tourism attributes of Petersburg and encouraging return visits. RECOMMENDATION: No specific actions are required by Council as this item is provided for informational purposes. Brian Little, Director of Cultural Affairs, gave a brief presentation on the upcoming visit of the historic Norfolk & Western Class J 611 Steam Passenger Locomotive on June 13 and June 14, 2015.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 2, 2015 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ There was discussion among City Council Members. 6. CONSENT AGENDA: a. Minutes of the Council meetings held on April 21st, May 5th, and May 19th, 2015. b. Request to schedule a public hearing on proposed revisions to the City’s Right-of-Way Permit Policy and Fee Schedule. c. Request to schedule a public hearing on the petition of Alwyn A. Vaughan for a Special Use Permit to operate a car washing and detailing operation at 2199 County Drive. Council Member Coleman made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda and schedule the public hearing requests for June 16, 2015. 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, 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.) a. A public hearing on a proposed ordinance declaring 836-38 Hinton Street a blighted property and a nuisance to the community. BACKGROUND: The owner of 836-838 submitted a plan and projected all repairs to be complete by August 2014. The Petersburg Fire Department – Inspections Division believes that very little to no maintenance or repair has been performed on this structure to date. The estimated cost of abatement to raze the property, so that it is no longer a nuisance, is approximately $8,000.00 and the Code of Virginia sec. 36-49.1:1 (G) allows for the recovery of such costs from the property owner. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that Council approve and adopt the proposed ordinance pertaining to 836-838 Hinton Street Danielle Powell, Assistant City Attorney, gave a brief presentation on the proposed ordinance declaring 836-38 Hinton Street a blighted property and a nuisance to the community. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Lewis Malon, Director of Preservation Services, stated that he ask City Council to consider something for similar property that they did on High Street. He stated that a year or so ago they added a provision that this would be a motion or an action to encourage one last warning to the owners that demolition is a possibility. He stated that thinks that this would not weaken the action but that it would be one less vacant property in the City of Petersburg. He stated that this is something that he just ask City Council to consider. Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council Members. Council Member Coleman made a motion to approve and adopt the proposed ordinance pertaining to 836-838 Hinton Street. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Parham. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Wilson-Smith, Moore, Parham and Myers 15-ORD-44 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 836-838 HINTON STREET A BLIGHTED PROPERTY AND A PUBLIC NUISANCE TO THE COMMUNITY, AND AUTHORIZING THE ABATEMENT OF SUCH NUISANCE.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 2, 2015 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ b. A public hearing on a proposed ordinance declaring 554 Halifax Street a blighted property and a nuisance to the community. BACKGROUND: Petersburg City Council provided the owner of 554 Halifax Street additional time to repair the blighted property. The Petersburg Fire Department – Inspections Division believes that very little to no maintenance or repair has been performed on this structure to date. The estimated cost of abatement to raze the property, so that it is no longer a nuisance, is approximately $8,000.00 and the Code of Virginia sec. 36-49.1:1 (G) allows for the recovery of such costs from the property owner. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that Council approve and adopt the proposed ordinance pertaining to 554 Halifax Street. Danielle Powell, Assistant City Attorney, gave a brief presentation on the proposed ordinance declaring 554 Halifax Street a blighted property and a nuisance to the community. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Seeing no hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Coleman made a motion to approve and adopt the proposed ordinance pertaining to 554 Halifax Street. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Parham. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Wilson-Smith, Moore, Parham and Myers 15-ORD-45 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 554 HALIFAX STREET A BLIGHTED PROPERTY AND A PUBLIC NUISANCE TO THE COMMUNITY, AND AUTHORIZING THE ABATEMENT OF SUCH NUISANCE. c. A public hearing on a proposed ordinance declaring 834 S. Jones Street a blighted property and a nuisance to the community. BACKGROUND: Petersburg City Council provided the owner of 834 South Jones Street additional time to repair the blighted property. The Petersburg Fire Department – Inspections Division believes that very little to no maintenance or repair has been performed on this structure to date. The estimated cost of abatement to raze the property, so that it is no longer a nuisance, is approximately $8,000.00 and the Code of Virginia sec. 36-49.1:1 (G) allows for the recovery of such costs from the property owner. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that Council approve and adopt the proposed ordinance pertaining to 834 S. Jones Street. Danielle Powell, Assistant City Attorney, gave a brief presentation on the proposed ordinance declaring 834 S. Jones Street a blighted property and a nuisance to the community. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Seeing no hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Coleman made a motion to approve and adopt the proposed ordinance pertaining to 834 S. Jones Street. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Parham. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Wilson-Smith, Moore, Parham and Myers  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 2, 2015 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ 15-ORD-46 AN ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 834 S. JONES STREET A BLIGHTED PROPERTY AND A PUBLIC NUISANCE TO THE COMMUNITY, AND AUTHORIZING THE ABATEMENT OF SUCH NUISANCE. d. A public hearing on a proposed ordinance declaring 218 North West Street a blighted property and a nuisance to the community. BACKGROUND: The owner of 218 North West Street submitted a plan and projected all repairs to be complete by November 2014. The Petersburg Fire Department – Inspections Division believes that very little to no maintenance or repair has been performed on this structure to date. The estimated cost of abatement to raze the property, so that it is no longer a nuisance, is approximately $8,000.00 and the Code of Virginia sec. 36-49.1:1 (G) allows for the recovery of such costs from the property owner. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that Council approve and adopt the proposed ordinance pertaining to 218 North West Street. Danielle Powell, Assistant City Attorney, gave a brief presentation on the proposed ordinance declaring 218 North West Street a blighted property and a nuisance to the community. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Melvin G. Shore, owner of 218 North West Street, stated that he and his brother purchased the property along with a few other properties in a close proximity of time with the intent of making repairs and making the homes livable. He stated that since then his mother’s husband passed away and they have become the two primary care givers for his mom who has Alzheimer’s. He stated that this has greatly reduced their progress but that two or three other houses in the same neighborhood are now occupied and that they were vacant when they bought them. He stated that it is their intent now with the progress that they have made on the other properties this year to start the work on 218 North West Street. He stated that they would appreciate if they can have an extension to get the permits pulled instead of having another vacant lot in the City of Petersburg. He stated that when they have done their renovations they have put in heat pumps and new wiring. Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council, the owner and staff. Council Member Coleman made a motion give the Shore brothers 30 days to begin renovation to property located at 218 North West Street. 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 e. A public hearing on a proposed ordinance amending the Code of the City of Petersburg by adding Section 110-270 to Article VII of Chapter 110, allowing for a civil penalty for passing a stopped school bus. BACKGROUND: To ensure the safety of children, the elderly, or mentally or physically handicapped persons being taken on or being discharged from a school bus, the Petersburg Public School Division is proposing an ordinance that includes the civil enforcement of the prohibition against passing a stopped school bus, in accordance with Section 46.2-859 (A) of the Code of Virginia; authorizes the Petersburg School Division to contract with a vendor to install and operate a video-monitoring system on school buses for the purpose of recording violations of passing a stopped school bus; to subject such violators to a penalty of $250, as permitted under Section 46.2-844 (A)(B) of the Code of Virginia; and to make all civil penalties collected under this section to be paid to the Petersburg School Division. RECOMMENDATION: Recommended Council adopts the attached ordinance.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 2, 2015 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ Detective Christian (Petersburg Police Department) and Kimberly Colsten (REDFLEX Company) gave a brief presentation on a proposed ordinance amending the Code of the City of Petersburg by adding Section 110-270 to Article VII of Chapter 110, allowing for a civil penalty for passing a stopped school bus. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that he stands before them as the President of the City-wide PTO. He stated that he is glad to see this come before City Council. He stated that he remembers when they introduced this to the school board about two years ago. He stated that they were looking at other surrounding areas were handling this. He stated that one of the areas that they showed was on Crater Road near King’s BBQ. He stated that it was interesting because they even saw some City official’s cars that passed this school bus when the kids were getting off. He stated that there is a daycare on one side and apartments on the other side. He stated that this is more than a safety hazard. He stated that he is glad to see City Council finally passing this ordinance. Vernel Gannaway, 652 Old Wagner Road, stated that he is one to respect the safety of the children. He stated that he thinks that this is a great idea in warning people and letting them know about this. He stated that he does not want this to be in the same manner as the stop lights and that he understands that there is a problem with the one on Crater Road. He stated that it is not perfect. He stated that he would like to make sure that they are all read accurately. Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Hart made a motion to adopt the appropriate ordinance. 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-47 AN ORDINANCE TO ADD SECTION 110-270 TO ARTICLE VII OF CHAPTER 110, ALLOWING FOR A CIVIL PENALTY WHEN PASSING A STOPPED SCHOOL BUS; OF THE 2000 CODE OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, AS AMENDED. f. A public hearing on a proposed ordinance granting an easement across property addressed as 1320 Farmer Street to Columbia Gas of Virginia. BACKGROUND: Columbia Gas of Virginia, Inc. (Columbia), seeks a twenty foot (20’) wide gas pipeline easement across property addressed as 1320 Farmer Street, further identified as Tax Parcel 029-170024, with the proposed location shown on the enclosed plat. This easement request is to serve a back-up generator for Verizon Wireless and convert the service line to the City bus stop to a main pipeline. RECOMMENDATION: Recommended Council adopts the attached ordinance. Steven Hicks, Director of Public Works, gave a brief presentation on 1320 Farmer Street. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Seeing no hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to adopt the ordinance to grant an easement across 1320 Farmer Street to Columbia Gas of Virginia. 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, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 2, 2015 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ 15-ORD-48 AN ORDINANCE TO GRANT AN EASEMENT (RIGHT OF WAY) ACROSS 1320 FARMER STREET, FURTHER IDENTIFIED AS TAX PARCEL 029-170024 TO COLUMBIA GAS OF VIRGINIA. g. A public hearing on the proposed disposition, by lease, of publicly-owned property addressed as 802 South Adams Street. BACKGROUND: The City is considering the disposition, by lease, of publicly-owned property addressed 802 South Adams Street. The subject property is the former site of the Southside Regional Medical Center School of Nursing. Mario Haskett, CEO of Youth Excel & Advancement LLC, has made a request to lease the former Nursing School site. Mr. Haskett desires to move from his current location on South Crater Road to a larger facility. His letter is attached is attached for your information. RECOMMENDATION: Recommended Council authorize the City Manager to dispose of the subject property, by lease. Reggie Tabor, Project Manager of Economic Development, gave brief presentation on 802 South Adams Street. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that he wants clarity on which the property is being released to and what they are doing with the property. Tyiesha Williams-Powell, Director of Program Youth Excel Advancement, gave a briefing on what will be taking place on the property of 802 South Adams Street Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council, staff and the petitioner. Council Member Hill made a motion to authorize the City Manager to dispose of 802 South Adams Street. 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-49 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DISPOSE OF 802 SOUTH ADAMS STREET. 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. T.C. Hairston, Petersburg Fire Chief, stated that he would like to remind everyone that on June 13th they are having Survivor Day in conjunction with 13 other communities in central Virginia region. He stated that is 8:00am -12noon at 1151 Fort Bross Drive (Fire Department Training Center). He stated that it allows for 40 people. He stated that each family that attends will receive a survivor bag free of charge. He stated that this is funded through Homeland Security. He stated that hopes to see everyone there.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 2, 2015 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ 9. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: a. Consideration of a resolution changing the name of Canal and Fleet Streets to University Boulevard. BACKGROUND: A public hearing was held on this matter on May 19, 2015, and this time was tabled until tonight’s meeting. On November 20, 2014, all property owners along the proposed section of Fleet and Canal Streets were provided with a complete questionnaire and notification of the proposed name change from Fleet and Canal Streets to University Boulevard. They were also provided the attached map denoting the name change from High Street to City Limits/Appomattox River. In addition, on January 13, 2015, a second notification was sent to all property owners along the proposed section advising them of the change and requesting notification within 30 working days from January 13th of any concerns or objection to the name change. As a result, there were no objections to changing the name to University Boulevard.\ It should be noted that the Crater Planning District Commission (CPDC) was notified about the proposed name change and their findings found University Boulevard has not been used. CPDC will update the Crater Street Name Clearinghouse as University Boulevard as a Petersburg street upon Council approval. Therefore, staff recommends the street name change to University Boulevard. With Council’s approval, the following is required: -Sign fabrication, post office, property owners, City departments and agencies notifications. -News release in local newspaper and City website. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached resolution. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to adopt the resolution to rename Fleet and Canal Street to University Boulevard from High Street to City Limits/Appomattox River. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Parham and Myers; Voting No: Moore, Wilson-Smith 15-R-34 A RESOLUTION TO RENAME FLEET AND CANAL STREET TO UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD FROM HIGH STREET TO CITY LIMITS/APPOMATTOX RIVER. b. Consideration of a resolution authorizing the return of Governor’s Development Opportunity Grand funds. BACKGROUND: This resolution is necessary to authorize the return of grant funds received from the Commonwealth of Virginia Governor’s Development Opportunity Fund for job creating, generating increase tax revenues and promoting the safety, health, welfare, convenience, and prosperity of inhabitants of the City of Petersburg and the Commonwealth of Virginia. UniTao Pharmaceutical, LLC has informed the Virginia Economic Development Partnership that the project for which grant funds were given, has been delayed and, in turn, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, pursuant to the GOF Agreement, has requested that the City of Petersburg and the Authority return the Governor’s Development Opportunity Fund Grant in the amount of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) (the “Governor’s Grant”). RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached resolution.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 2, 2015 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to adopt the resolution authorizing the return of Governor’s Development Opportunity Grand funds. 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-R-35 A RESOLUTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA RETURNING A GRANT PURSUANT TO GOVERNOR’S DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY FUND PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG THE AUTHORITY, THE CITY OF PETERSBURG AND UNITAO PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC. AND A COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF PETERSBURG. c. Consideration of a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Project Administration Agreement with VDOT. BACKGROUND: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) through the Federal Lands Access (FLAP) program granted the City of Petersburg funds for three (3) Trolleys and Operating Assistance to provide Trolley service from the soon to be renovated Southside Depot to the Petersburg National Battlefield. The service begins at 5 River Street (Southside Freight Depot) and travels State Route 36 to the Eastern Front Visitor Center, then on the Siege Encampment Exhibit, Fort Stedman, the Crater, and finally back to the South Side Freight Depot. This project supports the City of Petersburg’s vision for the revitalization of City’s economy and is a positive display of support by the federal government of the City’s downtown and cultural tourism. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Project Administration Agreement. Council Member Coleman made a motion to adopt the resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Project Administration Agreement. 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-R-36 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO STANDARD PROJECT ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT WITH THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE FEDERAL LANDS ACCESS PROGRAM (FLAP) PROJECT. d. Consideration of the appropriation of funds for the Earth Day for Kids Special Fund Account. BACKGROUND: The Earth Day for Kids Foundation is in the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) organization. Until the Foundation acquires 501(c)(3) status, its monies are being placed in a Special Fund Account. The 2nd Annual Earth Day for Kids Foundation golf tournament was held on April 22, 2015, at Dogwood Trace Golf Course. The event raised $9,430. The money raised will be used to provide the Petersburg Public Library with $5,000 to start a Natural Resource and Sustainability Section. The goal is to create an environmental educational section/book resource that would cover a broad range of topics from recycling and pollution to natural resources and wildlife. The environmental education programs will target all ages from preschool children to high school seniors. We hope this section provides the guided resources from K-12 students to learn about the environmental effect of pollution and waste and what actions they can take for improving the environment. In addition, money raised will be used to assist the Park and Leisure Services Department in providing nature field trips for the City’s youth. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 2, 2015 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to adopt the appropriation ordinance for the Earth Day for Kids Special Fund Account. 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, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers 15-ORD-50 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 $9430 FOR EARTH DAY FOR KIDS FOUNDATION. Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that she would like to invite anyone that resides in Ward 1 to any of the meetings that they would like to attend. She stated that they have meetings on June 3, 2015, at Blandford School; June 4th at Robert E. Lee; June 10th at Roma’s and June 12th at Liaison Restaurant. She stated for all to come out to support their ward and bring their concerns that they may have. She stated that the City Manager and Mr. Hicks will be present on June 3rd and 4th. She stated that she has been concerned about the crimes, shootings and murders in the City. She stated that she has requested the City Manager for a meeting with the Police Chief, Commonwealth’s Attorney and all that he thinks should attend. She stated that when they went to Washington, DC this year she learned of grant opportunities from the Obama administration called “Am I My Brother’s Keeper.” She stated that she thinks that the City qualifies for it and that she thinks that this would help tremendously. Council Member Hill stated that he would like to thank everyone who came out to the first business town hall meeting on last Tuesday. He stated that it was a great time and that there was a lot of feedback from Ward 2 and Ward 3. He stated that there was a lot of good feedback and positive energy from business owners within in the City. He stated that they liked the direction of what City Council and the administration is going in. He stated that there were concerns and that they were present to answer this. He stated that it was a good meeting. He stated that he will be coming soon with information on his next town hall meeting. Vice Mayor Parham stated that he would like to thank all the City employees that came out to the business town hall meeting. He stated that it was great turn out and that they look to continue collaborating Ward 2 and Ward 3 to build the businesses. He stated that on June 29th at Petersburg High School from 4-7pm, Ken Pritchett, School board Chairman and himself will be having a job fair. He stated that this will be to try to get the youth working in the City for this summer. He stated that if you are interested in hiring please let him know. 10. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: a. City Manager’s report 1) Please inform residents of local transportation options to Richmond for job opportunities. Petersburg Area Transit (PAT) will operate one midday trip Monday through Friday, to compliment the current GRTC morning and evening trips, and will operate two trips on Saturday beginning around August or September 2015. The route is still being finalized but will make stops at McGuire hospital and downtown Richmond. The route is funded in part by the Federal Transit Administration and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation. 2) Petersburg should do a better job of recruiting big businesses to the area. Petersburg has a very impressive portfolio of large organizations in the area, including manufacturing jobs. Some of our large organizations include Southside Regional Medical Center, Amsted Rail Company, Inc. (Brenco), Virginia Linen Service, Inc., CFS, International Paper Company, Pepsi Bottling Group, Boar’s Head, and more. The  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 2, 2015 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ City will soon welcome Independence Construction Materials to the area which will create more job opportunities for our residents. 11. CLERK OF CITY COUNCIL'S AGENDA: No items for this portion of the agenda. 12. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA: No items for this portion of the agenda. 13. CLOSED SESSION (IF NECESSARY): No closed is necessary. 14. ADJOURNMENT: City Council adjourned at 7:38 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor