City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 17, 2015 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at the Union Train Station. Mayor Myers called the closed session meeting to order at 5:00p.m. 1. CLOSED SESSION MEETING – 5:00 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member David R. Coleman Council Member John A. Hart, Sr. Council Member Darrin Hill Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Council Member Samuel Parham Mayor W. Howard Myers Absent: Council Member Brian A. Moore (arrived at 6:22pm) 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 3 to discuss the acquisition of real property for public purposes or the disposition of publicly held property where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the City; and under Subsection 7 to consult with legal counsel pertaining to probable litigation, where consultation or briefing in the open would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the City. Council Member Hart moved that the City Council go into closed session for the purposes noted by the City Attorney. The motion was seconded by Council Member Coleman. There was no discussion on the motion, which was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Wilson-Smith, Parham, and Myers; Absent: Moore City Council entered closed session at 5:00 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 Hart. There was no discussion on the motion, which was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Wilson-Smith, Parham, and Myers; Abstain: Moore 15-R-60 A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING, AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, SECTION 2.2-3712, THAT TO THE BEST OF EACH MEMBER’S KNOWLEDGE, ONLY PUBLIC BUSINESS MATTERS LAWFULLY EXEMPTED FROM OPEN MEETING REQUIREMENTS OF VIRGINIA LAW WERE DISCUSSED IN THE CLOSED SESSION, AND ONLY SUCH PUBLIC BUSINESS MATTERS AS WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE MOTION CONVENING THE CLOSED SESSION WERE HEARD, DISCUSSED, OR CONSIDERED. 1. REGULARLY-SCHEDULED MEETING – 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:  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 17, 2015 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ 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 from FeedMore. *This item is moved to after “5f”. b. Proclamation for Small Business Saturday. BACKGROUND: Staff recognizes the contributions made to the City by our local small businesses and desire to proclaim November 28, 2015, as Small Business Saturday in the City of Petersburg. Small businesses located in the City of Petersburg not only provide employment opportunities and local revenues, the businesses serve as good community partners by promoting and sponsoring activities for families in Petersburg and the region. RECOMMENDATION: Proclaim November 28, 2015, as Small Business Saturday. Mayor Myers read the proclamation out loud. c. Proclamation for Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and Caregivers Month. BACKGROUND: Alzheimer’s is not just a memory loss. It is the 6th leading cause of death. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older. But Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of old age. Up to 5 percent of people with the disease have early onset Alzheimer’s, which often appears when someone is in their 40s or 50s. Although current Alzheimer’s treatments cannot stop Alzheimer’s from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Today, there is a worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Mayor Myers read proclamation. Mayor Myers read the proclamation out loud. A representative from the Alzheimer’s Association accepted the proclamation. d. Proclamation for Swift Creek Mill Theatre 50th Anniversary. BACKGROUND: Swift Creek Mill Playhouse was opened on December 6, 1965, by three families seeking to bring arts to Petersburg and the Tri-Cities area. Swift Creek Mill Theatre, Inc. is dedicated to providing the adults and children in the area mentioned above with professional theatre through the production of plays (both traditional and new) representative of the best of drama, comedy, musical theatre and children’s theatre and through training local young, potential theatre practitioners. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Mayor Myers read proclamation. Mayor Myers read the proclamation out loud. A representative from Swift Creek Mill Playhouse accepted the proclamation. e. Proclamation designating December 1, 2015, as World AIDS Day BACKGROUND: As December 31, 2014, 345 Petersburg residents are living with the virus. Using Center for Disease Control infection rates, Serenity estimates that there are an additional 115 men and women in the City who are unaware of their HIV+ cases. With the City’s support, the number of HIV/AIDS cases in Petersburg is slowly declining. Of those diagnosed the number in care drops quickly from 80% to 37%. The key to keeping these individuals in care is supportive case management. Serving the community since 2004, Serenity is working to reduce the transmission of the virus through education,  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 17, 2015 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ support and advocacy. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Mayor Myers read and present proclamation. Mayor Myers read the proclamation out loud. f. Presentation on New Delinquent Collection Services. BACKGROUND: The City Treasurer has researched and contracted with Propel Tax and Tax Authority Consulting Services. Propel Tax will assist in financing delinquent real estate taxes, which will bring these accounts current and the customer will make a monthly payment to Propel Tax and have the ability to pay the City of Petersburg on their current quarterly amounts starting on the bill due December 31, 2015. Tax Authority Consulting Services (TACS) will provide delinquent collection services for Personal Property Taxes, Inactive Utility Bills, Business Licenses, Meal Taxes, Lodging Taxes and Machinery & Tool Taxes. RECOMMENDATION: Informational purposes only. Kevin Brown, City Treasurer, gave a briefing on the New Delinquent Collection Services. John Wright, representative from Taxing Authority Consulting Services, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation. Bobby Finken, representative from Propel Financial Services, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation. *Presentation from FeedMore. BACKGROUND: FeedMore is the region’s core hunger-relief organization with the mission is to fight hunger in Central Virginia and the vision that none shall go hungry. FeedMore accomplishes its mission through a set of comprehensive hunger-relief programs targeted at three key constituencies: Children, Families and Seniors. Last year, FeedMore delivered nearly 600,000 meals to food insecure residents of Petersburg through its hunger-relief programs. Children are fed through FeedMore’s Kids Café Program which provides a hot, healthy evening meal or nutritious snack to children who might not receive one otherwise. The Summer Feeding Programs was instituted to ensure that children of low income households continue to receive meals when school is not in session. FeedMore’s BackPack Program provides chronically hungry children with child-friendly, nonperishable food for the weekends. Families are fed through FeedMore’s Distribution Center which collects and distributes food and grocery products across 29 counties and 5 cities in Central Virginia, and our Mobile Pantry Program which delivers a variety of perishable and nonperishable food items for well-balanced meals to area neighborhoods. Seniors are fed through FeedMore’s Meal on Wheels which delivers meals to seven counties and four cities throughout Central Virginia. RECOMMENDATION: For information only. Douglas H. Pick, President and CEO of FeedMore, Inc., gave a brief PowerPoint presentation. 6. CONSENT AGENDA: a. Minutes of October 20, 2015. b. Request to schedule a public hearing on the proposed transportation alternative projects recommended in the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) application through the Virginia Department of Transportation. Council Member Coleman made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda with scheduling the public hearing for December 8, 2015. 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, Parham, and Myers; Abstain: Wilson-Smith 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. Hold a public hearing to approve the revised Cable Franchise Agreement with Comcast. BACKGROUND: The City of Petersburg presently licenses and regulates one cable television company operating within the City. There are no monopolies on cable television services in the City other than restrictions placed by individual developers in some neighborhoods. The City’s agreement with the Cable licensee is “non-exclusive” and does not prohibit another provider from entering into other agreements with the City. Cable Television companies like Comcast are for-profit businesses that use public rights-of-way for  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 17, 2015 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ a private purpose, in this case providing cable television, phone service and high-speed Internet services to consumers. Municipalities, like the City of Petersburg, pay for building and maintaining the public right- of-way. Utility easements on private property allow cable television providers like Comcast, as well as other utility companies, to lay cable or fiver, or make any necessary repairs. In April of 2000, the City entered into a 15-year Cable Franchise Agreement with Eastern Division Cablevision, L.P. which is now COMCAST OF CONNECTICUT/GEORGIA/MASSACHUSETTS/NEW HAMPSHIRE/NEW YORK/NORTH CAROLINA/VIRGINIA/VERMONT (“Comcast”). This agreement is up for renewal and for the previous year the City has been negotiating with Comcast to update the previous franchise agreement. The revised agreement ensures that quality cable communications is provided to all subscribers and allows for the City of Petersburg to have a role in maintaining that level of service. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends City Council approve the revised Cable Franchise Agreement. Brian K. Telfair, City Attorney, gave a brief summary on the revised Cable Franchise Agreement. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that when you look at something that was adopted 15 years ago. He stated that Comcast was not Comcast 15 years ago. He stated that being that there is someone present from Comcast. He asked was it possible for the representative from Comcast speaks on the revisions that are stated. Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. Ken Dye, Director of Government and Community Affairs for Comcast, gave a brief summary of the revised Cable Franchise Agreement. There was discussion among City Council Members and Mr. Dye Council Member Moore made a motion to approve the revised Cable Franchise Agreement. 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 b. Hold a public hearing to rezone 1131 Commerce Street. BACKGROUND: The proposed rezoning would permit the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse/redevelopment of the old Long Manufacturing Company which made trunk and suitcase locks. The redevelopment of the site would be in accordance with the Planned Unit Development provisions of Article 26 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Petersburg. The current Light Industrial Zoning designation does not permit residential uses. In addition the request includes permission to waive the ten (100 acre requirement as the property and the neighborhood possess a historical character, that is of importance to the community, which will be preserved and protected by a planned unit development, as well as the Comprehensive Plan considers this to be a transition area which will allow for mixed-use, residential and commercial development. This area has been identified as a development corridor on the future land use map. The property is located in the National Historic District of Prides Field/ Commerce Industrial Area but not in a locally designated historic area. This designation does not require the applicant to appear before the Architectural Review Board (ARB). This is part of the City was once occupied by many warehouses and manufacturing uses and has been continuously changing as the warehouses become vacant they are just sitting with no vitality. There are a few occupied properties in this block with small manufacturing operations. The parcels directly in front of this block are all zoned residential as well as the lots directly to the rear of this block. The proposed project includes the creation of 62 one bedroom residential units to be offered at market rate rents. The proposed rent of $850 will include water, sewer, trash, internet and parking. Each resident will be responsible for electric. In addition, the development will include a fitness center, community area with HDTV, pool table and kitchenette (all for the enjoyment of the residents and their invited guests). In addition to controlled access, secure off-street parking monitored 24-hours with security cameras throughout the property. Each unit will have hardwood floors, natural light, washer/dryer, stainless appliances, granite counters. There will be two full time employees an office manager and a maintenance person. It is the desire of the developer to have the maintenance person as a resident, but it is not a requirement. The developers is working with the Department of Historic Resources and the National Park Service to restore the building to a functional contributing use that will hopefully begin the revitalization efforts in this portion of Commerce Street. RECOMMENDATION: Following a duly advertised public hearing, Council may affirm the Planning Commission recommendation, overturn the Planning Commission recommendation, table for  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 17, 2015 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ further consideration, or return the item under consideration to the Planning Commission requesting further review. The recommendation of the Planning Commission was to approve the rezoning request with a vote of 8-0. Michelle Peters, Director of Planning and Community Development, gave briefing of the rezoning request. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, asked that once this is rezoned and the project is on its way and for some reason it does not fan out, what are the alternatives for this building becoming the same. He asked whether this is a permanent structure that would have to remain this way forever. He asked that if it should fail then what other things can this site become. Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. Council Member Coleman made a motion to approve the rezoning for 1131 Commerce Street, from M-1, “Light Industrial District” to PUD “Planned Unit Development. 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-67 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVING THE REZONING FOR 1131 COMMERCE STREET, FROM M-1, “LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT” TO THE PUD “PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. c. Hold a public hearing for a Special Use Permit at 946 East Wythe Street. BACKGROUND: The property is currently vacant, but has been used over the years as an automotive repair shop, sometimes associated with the dealership and other times independent of the dealer. This business is relocating from 3022-A South Crater Road and wanted to stay in the City of Petersburg. The applicant has outgrown his current location and had to find a property that would meet his needs and also be located in the B-2, M-1 or M-2 zoning districts. These are the only districts in which the repair shop is permitted with the condition that a Special Use Permit be approved. The applicant operated at the Crater Road location for the past 12 years and will continue to provide the same type of automotive repair and body work at this location. This location will be associated with the used car sales and will repair cars that may not necessarily be sold at the dealer. The use is permitted at the proposed location with the approval of the Planning Commission and City Council. RECOMMENDATION: Following a duly advertised public hearing, Council may affirm the Planning Commission recommendation, overturn the Planning Commission recommendation, table for further consideration, or return the item under consideration to the Planning Commission requesting further review. The recommendation of the Planning Commission was to approve the Special Use Permit request with a vote of 8-0. Michelle Peters, Director of Planning and Community Development, gave briefing of the Special Use Permit. Mark Specter, representative for petitioner, gave a brief overview of the request for a Special Use Permit. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Seeing no hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to approve the request for a Special Use Permit for property located at 946 East Wythe Street. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers 15-ORD-68 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 946 EAST WYTHE 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  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 17, 2015 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ this meeting. Wali Rainer, Virginia Pro-Elite, stated that he grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. He stated that he came to Petersburg about three years ago. He stated that one of his business partners is present now who is a professional basketball player. He stated that they started a program called Virginia pro Elite. He stated that it consists of 53 professional athletes. He stated that they want to bring hope back to the youth in the community. He stated that growing up in West Charlotte where the poverty rate is over 60%. He stated that he knows in Petersburg it is a give or take of 47%. He stated that he was that child. He stated that he went on to play at the University of Virginia. He stated that he went on to play football for the University of Virginia and got drafted by the Cleveland Browns. He stated that he played eight years in the NFL. He stated Ricardo Marsh plays NBA basketball as well. He stated that what they would like to do with this organization is to minimize and to use their hook to student athletes. He stated that they would like to bring to Petersburg hope for the children. He stated that the crime rate and the violence is just an effect and that they have to deal with the cause. He stated that the VA Pro Elite mission is to minimize the number of at-risk youth in the undeserving communities by engaging students in mentorships, career development programs and sports training activities. He stated that they are bringing a whole life cycle to the City of Petersburg. He stated that they are in Detroit, Michigan; Hopewell, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina and some are right up the street from Petersburg. He stated that he likes to call the mentorship program life skills. He stated that this is to provide life skills to 101 Coaching and positive reinforcement. He stated that it is the each-one-teach-one process. He stated that each young athlete and young student will be involved with a professional athlete. He stated that they will call on them each week as well as college athletes. He stated that they understand this because they have done this individually in different cities. He stated that academically they will be providing the youth with guidance, life skills, computer skills training and college prep and scholarship funds. He stated that anytime it involves the youth they can do different things. He stated that the main thing that they want to give these youth is hope. He stated that they would like to attack the middle aspect of the young men and women. He stated that they are going to do it through professional athletes. He stated that they are no different than the men and women that have pushed their selves on. He stated that it is there duty to make sure that they understand this. He stated that all of them are pro athletes and run by pro athletes. He stated that they will have monthly updates. He stated that he went to UVA and graduated in architecture. He stated that growing up in West Charlotte everyone told him that he could not do architecture. He stated that everyone told him that no football player can be an architect. He stated that they are pushing resume writing as well as scholarship funds. He stated that the most important thing in the City is the youth. Ricardo Marsh, professional basketball player (Atlanta Hawks), stated he has been done here for the last four off seasons for training and development with the youth. He stated that basketball is his thing. He stated that he uses basketball as an attention getter. He stated that they teach them the importance of education and mainly staying in school and believing in you. He stated that hopefully they can prevent the youth from making some of those mistakes and downfalls. He stated that they will use their experiences and downfalls to motivate the youth from making some of those same mistakes that could be hard to bounce back from and create the future they want. He stated that with having so many athletes from this area it gives them something to come back to and be a part of when they are here. He stated that it makes being a pro athlete real to the youth. He stated that this will let them know that they can do what the next man or woman can do. He stated that a lot of times the youth need someone to believe in them and that they believe in them first. He stated that they let them know that they have seen way worse and they encourage them that they can do it. He stated that sometimes that this is what they need. He stated that they let them know that it is okay to be different. He stated that a lot of times being different can mean doing the right thing. Sharon Sculthorpe, 1710 Mount Vernon, stated that she would like to thank them for letting her address them tonight. She stated that she is present tonight to speak as a tax payer and as a spoke person for the concerned citizens in her neighborhood. She stated that members of that neighborhood are present tonight. She stated that they are in extreme concern and alarm for the public utility department and the bills that have been assessed. She stated that this is not the first time that she has come before City Council to speak on this issue of the high utility bills that the citizens are receiving. She stated that she spoke with them previously when the new water meters were installed and then came exceptionally high utility bills. She stated that at that time they were sure that things were being handled and the cost was being adjusted with no water shut off and payment plans being made. She stated that bills would also be corrected and mailed out in a timely efficient manner. She stated that billing issues would be solved and the meters would be calibrated correctly. She stated that this however has not been the case. She stated that she however has not received a water bill in the mail from the public utilities department of the City in over five months. She stated that neither has many of her neighbors. She stated that if they do receive a bill they are sporadic at best. She stated that this means that you have to go online to get your bill or go down to the courthouse in person. She stated that when they do this their frequent inquires to why this is being such have fallen on deaf if not belligerent ears. She stated that they have even been told to prove it. She asked how you can prove something that you do not have. She stated that if they as citizens do not pay their utility bills on time they are still assessed a late penalty to having their water shut off whether they got a bill or not. She stated that they were told that it was being mailed and that it was a post office issue. She stated that they went to the post office and checked with them and that in checking with them they assured them that if the bills are being mailed they would get them. She stated that since the new installation of bills their utility bills have went up 115% per household. She stated that they are not being billed on a one month billing instead of two and that this figure makes it even more alarming. She stated that she can understand that they had a slight increase in the bills due to  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 17, 2015 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ the new meters if calibrated correctly. She stated that there is one house on Monticello Street that has been billed for a one month period is extremely high. She stated out of nine homes the water bill price is $24,701.12. She stated that only 21 people reside and that eight of them are over 80 years of age. She stated that they know these bills are incorrect and they can’t and will not pay them. She stated that she hopes that the employees can fix this problem soon. She stated that she sees on TV that saying “I AM PETERSBURG.” She stated that they are Petersburg. She stated that they are the hardworking citizens that chose to buy homes here and to have families here. Mike Jackson, 712 Wesley Street, stated that the Mayor had introduced a bill where the land was split in half. He stated that he didn’t think that the City Council Members totally understood what was taking place down there. He stated that he is present today to see that now that he has reached out to some of the City Council Members through social media informing them on what has been going on. He stated that he is present tonight to request to have the vote rescinded that restricted them from having a greenhouse and a basic fence to prevent vandalism. He stated that the greenhouse would qualify them as a small farm which they have already been qualified. He stated that now that some Council Members know what is going on down there he is making this request to consider rescinding the vote and remove the restrictions. He stated that this program is just as what is mentioned a small business. He stated that they have certainly had hands on and they have cleaned up the land and they have done all that they have been required to do. He stated that this is basic work skills and basic work habits. Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated that he went off and served for his country and that now that he is back he would like to serve for his City. He stated that he spends most of his time thinking about Petersburg and how he can help. He stated that it seems that everything that he suggests it just stalemates. He stated that he will repeat his self out of some of his notes. He stated that he would like to speak on the bridge out on McKeever Street. He stated that it is word that the bridge has been out for so long. He stated that he does not know why this bridge is closed like that. He stated that he spoke of two boot camps. He stated that the City jail and the training school are ideal places that are just sitting there. He stated that back t McKeever Street there is no street sign coming off one of the streets. He stated that they cannot just thing about the people in the City of Petersburg but that they have to think about the tourist as well and emergency people trying to get around. He spoke on the City of Petersburg citizen complaint process. He stated that he does not know where this is now. He stated that he and Linwood Christian were a part of this at one time. He stated that they have no way of voicing their complaints other than the City Council meeting. He stated that Council Member John Hart had a nice idea in the citizen’s award. He stated that he received one and that he was going to bring it back and that there were several other people who would be considered old school in the City of Petersburg. He stated that one of them is Chief Hairston and the CPR Community Emergency Response Team Training. He stated that another one is Andrew’s Grill. He stated that they are not particularly in the 7th Ward but that they are all over the City. He stated that one important thing is that he would like to see a police officer a cruiser outside of the City Council meetings from now on as well as one inside between the council members and audience. Cory Harris, 2316 Andrew Street, stated that this is his first time speaking. He stated that he would like to talk about the image in the City. He stated that they go through their problems. He stated that he has a problem with the way the image is being perceived. He stated for instance that when Council Member Moore was Mayor the marketing company told him that they were trying to fix the image of Petersburg. He stated that the amazing part about this statement is that Petersburg is in the top ten worst cities in Virginia. He stated that Richmond is higher when it comes to crime and mostly everything. He stated that it boggles his mind when a marketing company can say they can fix the City’s image but they could not fix the image of the City that they reside in. He stated that hundreds and thousands of dollars was invested in it but that they stated that they were coming to Petersburg to fix its image. He stated that there are council members in that City. He stated that these are not his words, it’s theirs. He stated that it is outrageous. He stated that this is a great City. He stated that they deserve to be looked at as this. He stated that he has been very vocal when it comes to City. He stated that he deals with facts when it comes to marketing the City. He stated that 86% of marketing firms fail within a year. He stated that this is a fact. He stated that design led marketing companies can help businesses and City’s perform than marketing companies that are based on ideas. He stated that designs matter. He stated that it can be very effective when it comes to drawing people to the City. He stated that when people give constructive criticism it does not mean that they do not love the City. He stated that a lot of people give the criticism because they love the City and they see something that they feel is wrong. Barbara Jackson, 223 Elm Street, stated that she called downtown to see about her water bill. She stated that they told her that people in Petersburg do not send out the bill anymore and that they come from out of Tennessee. She stated that if it comes from Tennessee how they can see down here what the water bills are and how much water they are using. She stated that up on West Washington and Harrison Street the traffic is bad and dangerous and that they traffic light needs to be back up. She stated that Petersburg is going backwards instead of forwards. 9. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: a. Consideration for the approval of the Petersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority (PRHA) to create new entities under Code of Virginia Title 36-19.12. BACKGROUND: PRHA is applying to HUD to include the units at Pin Oaks under a new HUD  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 17, 2015 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ program known as the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. Applications for PRHA’s other two developments, Pecan Acres and Sycamore Towers were submitted and approved previously. RAD allows public housing agencies and owners of HUD-assisted properties to convert units from public housing units to project-based Section-8 programs. Currently, Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are not able to borrow against their public housing properties because HUD holds lien on the property known as a Declaration of Trust which precludes leveraging or mortgaging the property. Under RAD, HUD releases the Declaration of Trust so that the PHA can borrow against the property to make necessary renovations and upgrades. See Attachment A for Pin Oaks site plans. RAD is a key component in HUD’s mission to preserve affordable housing. There are 1.2 million units in the Public Housing Programs which have a documented capital need backlog of nearly $26 billion. HUD provides PHAs funding for capital expenditures on an annual basis; however, HUD is not, and will likely never be financially able to fund this huge backlog of unmet capital needs. As a result, the public housing inventory has been declining by an average of 10,000 units annually through demolitions and dispositions. Meanwhile, the 38,000 units assisted under HUD legacy programs are ineligible to renew their contracts on terms that favor modernization and long term preservation. The current conditions of many of these properties inhibit investment and recapitalization efforts in the communities with the most need. By drawing on an established industry of lenders, owner, and stakeholders, RAD allows PHAs and owners of HUD assisted housing to preserve affordable housing to preserve affordable housing units which would otherwise be subject to vouchers and demolition. RAD creates greater funding certainty while allowing increased operational flexibility to empower PHAs and owners to serve their communities. On October 22, 2013, PRHA held two public meetings to inform residents of its intent to convert it public housing stock under RAD. We have attached the PowerPoint presentation from the resident meetings for your review. See attachment B. Even before Pin Oaks is officially approved for RAD, PRHA is seeking out ways to finance the much needed demolition and reconstruction of the site. To that end, PRHA has assembled a development team of consultants to include attorneys, architects, development consultants, market analysts, surveyors, engineers and others to assist in planning and implementing each phase of the RAD conversion and property renovation. In an effort to raise the necessary capital for the renovations while minimizing the debt load, PRHA intends to apply for 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) with the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) in its next round (due March 4, 2016). To facilitate the LIHTCs, PRHA needs to create at least two new entities including limited partnerships and limited liability corporations to structure its tax credit deal. The Code of Virginia Title 36-1.12requires all political subdivisions like PRHA to obtain approval from the local government body (Petersburg City Council) to create a new entity. The Board of Commissioners of PRHA approved the creation of new entities to facilitate RAD and LIHTC for Pin Oaks at its regular meeting held on October 26, 2015, at 6pm, subject to Petersburg City Council’s approval. See Attachment C for a copy of the approved PRHA Board of Commissioners’ Resolution #102615-01, a copy of the Code of Virginia Title 36-19.12 and a chart depicting the structure of the new entities created for the LIHTC deal. PRHA is submitting a resolution to the Petersburg City Council to request Council’s approval to create the entities necessary to support its application for LIHTC. RECOMMENDATION: The City of Petersburg City council to allow PRHA to create new entities for the purpose of obtaining low income housing tax credits for Pin Oaks Estates. Council Member Wilson-Smith made a motion to approve the resolution to allow PRHA to create new entities for the purpose of obtaining low income housing tax credits for Pin Oaks Estates. The motion was seconded by Council Member Coleman. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers 15-R-61 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PARTICIPATION OF THE PETERSBURG REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY IN ENTITIES RELATING TO THE RENOVATION OF EXISTING HOUSING UNITS AND NEW CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES ON LAND ADJACENT TO AND/OR PART OF PIN OAKS ESTATES. b. Consideration for the appropriation of $5,000 to the Special Fund budget for activities related to the “I AM PETERSBURG” campaign. BACKGROUND: The “I AM PETERSBURG” campaign was launched December 2014 and includes the sale of promotional items to help with the awareness of the campaign. Promotional items include shirts, hats, lanyards, stickers, magnets and pins. To date, $1,583 has been generated in revenue from the sale of the items related to the “I AM PETERSBURG” campaign. To continue with the promotional purchases of merchandise, staff is requesting a line item in the Special Fund be created. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached resolution and appropriation ordinance. Council Member Hart made a motion to adopt a resolution and appropriation ordinance in the amount of $5,000. 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-R-62 A RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING $5,000 TO THE SPECIAL FUND FOR THE “I AM  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 17, 2015 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ PETERSBURG CAMPAIGN” FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016. 15-ORD-69 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2015, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2016 IN THE SPECIAL FUNDS FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000 FOR I AM PETERSBURG CAMPAIGN. c. Consideration of a resolution in support of Collier Yard as the Preferred Site recommendation of the Tri-Cities Regional Multimodal Rail Station. BACKGROUND: The Federal Railroad Administration identified a need for consideration of alternate station locations in the Tri-Cities Area in the Tier II Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation for the Southeast High Speed Rail Study, due to accessibility difficulties with the existing station located in Ettrick. The Tri-Cities Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) took action to authorize the Crater Planning District Commission to sponsor a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study for a future passenger rail station in the Tri-Cities Area. The NEPA Study effort has identified three potential sites for a future passenger rail station location, including Boulevard, Collier, and Ettrick. The Crater Planning District Commission has requested that each of the six local governments and four agencies participating in this NEPA Study indicate by resolution the preferred station site. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that City council adopt a Resolution in support of Collier Yard as the preferred site recommendation for the Tri-Cities Regional Multimodal Rail Station. Council Member Wilson-Smith made a motion to adopt a Resolution in support of Collier Yard as the preferred site recommendation for the Tri-Cities Regional Multimodal Rail Station. 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-R-63 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG IN SUPPORT OF COLLIER YARD AS THE PREFERRED SITE RECOMMENDATION FOR THE FUTURE TRI-CITIES REGIONAL RAIL STATION. d. Consideration of a resolution in support and endorsement of the City of Petersburg House Bill 2 (HB2) Applications for Funding. BACKGROUND: The City of Petersburg has identified transportation improvement projects that include a Collier Yard Access Road, PAT Maintenance Facility Renovation and Expansion, Petersburg Station Park and Ride Structured Lot and I-95 to I-85 Interchanges; as its top priorities for Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) House Bill 2 (HB2) funding. The stated improvements are in line with the City’s Long Range Comprehensive Plan and the Crater Commission’s 2015 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that City Council adopt a Resolution of Support and Endorsement of the City of Petersburg HB2 Applications for funding. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to adopt a Resolution of Support and Endorsement of the City of Petersburg HB2 Applications for funding. 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-64 A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT AND ENDORSEMENT OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG ENDORSEMENT OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG HB-2 APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDING. e. Consideration of an appointment to the South Central Wastewater Treatment Authority (ARWA) Board. BACKGROUND: South Central Wastewater Treatment Authority operates the Petersburg Wastewater Plant, which serves the Cities of Colonial Heights and Petersburg along with the Counties of Chesterfield, Dinwiddie and Prince George. The Authority Board includes one (1) Member and one (1) alternate Member from each of the political subdivisions. City Council has, as have other member jurisdictions, traditionally appointed the locality’s chief administrative officer as its representative on the Board and the Director of Public Works as the alternate. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council appoint Daniel Harrison to the South Central Wastewater Treatment Authority Board. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to appoint Daniel Harrison to the South Central Wastewater Treatment Authority Board. 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: November 17, 2015 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 15-R-65 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING DANIEL HARRISON, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, TO THE SOUTH CENTRAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT AUTHORITY BOARD AS AN ALTERNATE, FOR A TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2019. f. Consideration of an appointment to the Appomattox River Water Authority (ARWA) Board. BACKGROUND: The Appomattox River Water Authority consists of the Cities of Colonial Heights and Petersburg and the Counties of Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, and Prince George. The Authority is responsible for the operation of the Appomattox River Water Treatment plant. The Authority Board includes one (1) Member and one (1) Alternate Member from each of the political subdivisions. City Council has, as have other member jurisdictions, traditionally appointed the locality’s chief administrative officer as its representative on the Board and the Director of Public Works as the alternate. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council appoint Daniel Harrison, Interim Director of Public Works, to the ARWA Board. Council Member Wilson-Smit made a motion to appoint Daniel Harrison, Interim Director of Public Works, to the ARWA Board. The motion was seconded by Council Member Coleman. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers 15-R-66 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING DANIEL HARRISON, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, TO THE APPOMATOX RIVER WATER AUTHORITY BOARD AS AN ALTERNATE, FOR A TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2018. g. Consideration of the appropriation of $2,465 for the TRIAD Crime Prevention Grant for Senior Citizens. BACKGROUND: On August 4, 2015, the Office of the Attorney General sent out a Request for Proposal to support TRIAD. The Petersburg Sheriff applied for the grant and received $2,241 with a 10% match, as a result of our application. TRIAD is a cooperative effort between the Petersburg Sheriff’s Office, the senior community and senior citizens in the community focused on reducing crime against our oldest citizens. RECOMMENDATION: Appropriate $2,465 for the Office of the Attorney General’s TRIAD Prevention Grant for Senior Citizens. Council Member Wilson-Smith made a motion to appropriate $2,465 for the Office of the Attorney General’s TRIAD Prevention Grant for Senior Citizens. 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-70 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2015, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2016 IN THE SPECIAL FUNDS FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,465 FOR SHERIFF’S TRIAD CRIME PREVENTION SENIORS GRANT. h. Consideration of the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2016 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Budget. BACKGROUND: City Manager has recommended a CIP Budget in the amount of $6,590,243 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016. Public hearing was held on May 19, 2015. The appropriation ordinance breaks down the expenditure and revenue distribution that supports this request. RECOMMENDATION: Adoption. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. Council Member Hill made a motion to adopt the Fiscal Year 2016 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 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-71 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BUDGET, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2015 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2016. THIS AMENDMENT APPROPRIATES $6,590,243 FOR 2016 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN. i. Consideration of the City of Petersburg’s 2016 Legislative Agenda.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 17, 2015 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 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 approve the attached 2016 Legislative Agenda. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. Council Member Coleman made a motion to approve the 2016 Legislative Agenda. 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, Parham and Myers; Voting No: Wilson-Smith 15-R-67 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING APPROVING THE PETERSBURG’S 2016 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA. j. Consideration of the appointment of Mayor W. Howard Myers to Virginia First Cities Board of Directors. BACKGROUND: Virginia First Cities is the state advocacy coalition comprised of 13 of the state’s oldest and most historic cities – the core communities of the Commonwealth. These cities are proud centers of business, commerce and culture with a diversity of opportunity for everyone. The Board of Director’s is comprised the Mayor and City Manager from each locality. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council appoint Mayor W. Howard Myers to the Virginia First Cities Board of Directors. Council Member Moore made a motion to appoint Mayor W. Howard Myers to the Virginia First Cities Board of Directors. 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-R-68 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING MAYOR W. HOWARD MYERS TO THE VIRGINIA FIRST CITIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Council Member Wilson-Smith thanked everyone for their well wishes prayer, card, flowers and calls while she was out recuperating from her broken ankle. She stated that it really helped her to heal that much sooner. She stated that back in January she made a motion asking City Council to get two citizens from each ward to look at the City’s charter and make recommendations. She stated that they have not done so as of yet. She stated that she is asking that hopefully in December they come up with some citizens so that they can start working on what they decided to do. Council Member Hart stated that the Petersburg Advocacy for Children will be having a flapjack breakfast fundraiser. He stated that this will be held at Applebee’s on December 5, 2015, beginning at 8:00am and ending at 10:00am. He stated to Mr. Noise in regards to his comments on the citizens award, what he does is specifically for Ward 7. He stated that any other Council Member can feel free to award anyone in their ward. He stated that he just felt the need to do stuff in Ward 7. He stated that he would like the consideration for a street light review on Washington and Elm Street. He stated that he would like them to also look at the water bill issue that they have going on in the City as well. He stated that the November citizen award goes to Johnna Vasquez. He stated that Ms. Vasquez does a lot in the City, neighborhood and school system. He stated that he wanted to present her with a certificate for the hard work that she does in the City of Petersburg. Council Member Coleman stated that Ward 6 will have their meeting on December 7, 2015, at A.P. Hill Elementary School beginning at 6:30pm. He stated that Michelle Peters, Director of Planning and Community Development, will be the guest presenter. He stated that he would like to see Mr. Hairston after the meeting as well. Mayor Myers stated that on behalf of City Council he would like to offer his sincere apologies on the utility situation. He stated that under the direction of Mr. Johnson, they are proud of the work that he has done. He stated that they know that he will in less than 60 days he will have everything back in play. He stated that no penalties will be opposed on the citizens from this day forward unless a person decides not to pay a bill. He stated that they appreciate their patience. He stated that they are not just saying this and that they appreciate everything wholeheartedly of their concerns of the City of Petersburg. Council Member Moore stated that he would like to thank the Mayor and Vice Mayor for the opportunity to speak at the Veterans Day Ceremony. He stated that it is great to always speak to his post members. He stated that in his family Veterans Day is every day. He stated that on the table in front of City Council is a letter regarding the reopening of the alley between 21 West Old Street. He stated that it has been an area of contention. He stated that he hopes that it works. He stated that it was originally closed because people were being injured and vehicles were being hit. He stated that also on a quick procedural item on the South Central Wastewater Authority. He stated that they went through the two items but that he heard the same motion for the same thing. He stated that they do not have an appointment for the South Central Wastewater Authority Board.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: November 17, 2015 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Hill stated that he would like to wish everyone a Happy Belated Veterans Day. He stated that he also has people in his family that serve in different capacities. He stated that they value their service. He stated that he would like to thank everyone that came out on the election on November 3rd. He stated that he would like to thank all of the citizens that came out for the elections and supported whether one way or the other way. He stated that in Ward 2 based on the meetings that he has had he will be having a meet and greet of your neighbors in his ward. He stated that this will be food, fun and fellowship. He stated that he will be coming up with a date for a Ward 2 Health Fair. He stated that he would like to thank everyone for their support. 10. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: a. Please explain the process of notifying the public on paving projects, including street closures and detours. -Answer: With the exception of emergencies, street closures require a 48 hour advance notice. The closure is emailed to the Public Information Officer for public notice and to all City department heads. However, if any resident or business is unable to exit or enter his or her property and/or a detour is needed outside of a “normal” routine; Public Works will notify these affected parties by knocking on their doors. The Halifax Project which involved both Columbia Gas and City Utility Lines was a pre- scheduled upgrade and went through the regular notification process. Unfortunately, there was a water main break during these repairs. This in turn caused a delay for utility crews which ultimately altered traffic control longer than expected. This has not been an issue before. Moving forward we will have additional inspections for emergency repairs. Any closure concerns can be directed to Street Operations (804)733-2353. b. What is the progress of Virginia Avenue School? -Answer: The developer is in the process of securing the necessary funding to complete the project. Mr. Johnson stated that he would like to also take this time to wish all the City employees, Council Members and the 33,010 citizens a very Happy and Festive Thanksgiving Holiday on next week. He stated that he would like to follow up to what the Mayor stated in terms of the utility bill issue. He stated that they have made some changes in terms of personnel. He stated that they will be coming out with some further guidance to the citizens as to the process in the next 30 to 60 days the bills will be accurate. He stated that they are working very hard to correct these issues. He stated that they will get it corrected. 11. CLERK OF CITY COUNCIL'S AGENDA: Ms. Jackson stated she would like to say congratulations to Council Member Hill on his election as well as a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. 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 8:52 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor