City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 7, 2016 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at the Union Train Station. Vice Mayor Parham 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 John A. Hart, Sr. Council Member Darrin L. Hill Council Member Brian A. Moore Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Vice Mayor Samuel Parham Absent: Mayor W. Howard Myers Present from City Administration: Acting City Attorney Mark Flynn Acting City Manager Dironna M. Belton Clerk of Council Nykesha D. Jackson, CMC 3. CLOSED SESSION: Acting City Attorney Mark Flynn, 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 1 for discussion and consideration of the performance of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of council, specifically the city attorney and city manager; and under Subsection 7 for the consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provisions of legal advice by such counsel Council Member Coleman moved that the City Council go into closed session for the purposes noted by the Acting City Attorney. 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 and Parham; Absent: Myers City Council entered closed session at 5:30 p.m. CERTIFICATION: Council Member Hart made a motion to return City Council into open session. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. 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 and Parham; Absent: Myers Council Member Hill made a motion to 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, Moore, Wilson-Smith and Parham; Absent: Myers  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 7, 2016 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ 16-R-31 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 Vice Mayor Samuel Parham Absent: Mayor W. Howard Myers Present from City Administration: Acting City Attorney Mark Flynn Acting City Manager Dironna M. Belton 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. Recognition of Petersburg Police Department. BACKGROUND: No background information. RECOMMENDATION: No action required. Ken Pritchett, representative from the Southside Virginia Association of Realtors, presented the Petersburg Police Department with a plaque in recognition of doing a great job in the City. Police Lieutenant, Sheldon Wills, accepted the plaque on behalf of the Petersburg Police Department. b. Proclamation designating June 11, 2016 as Juneteenth Day. BACKGROUND: Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 7, 2016 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, quest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-important and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long overdue. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. The City of Petersburg will host a Juneteenth Freedom Festival Concert on Saturday, June 11, 2016, on Pocahontas Island. Mr. Stuart will offer a walking tour and the Petersburg Symphony will play. The event is free and open to the public. RECOMMENDATION: Mayor Myers to read the proclamation. Vice Mayor Parham read the proclamation out loud. Mr. Richard Stuart, Mayor of Pocahontas Island, thanked everyone for the proclamation. He stated some information regarding Juneteenth. Brian Little, Director of Cultural Affairs, gave information regarding Juneteenth and the events. 6. CONSENT AGENDA: a. Minutes of Regular Council meeting May 17, 2016, and the Special City Council Meeting on May 17, 2016. b. Schedule a public hearing for the disposition of property located at 29 and 41 South Union Street and 801 South Adams Street on June 21, 2016. Council Member Coleman made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda and schedule the public hearing for June 21, 2016. 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 and Parham; Absent: 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 for this portion of the agenda. 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. Brandon Martin, 1546 Berkeley Avenue, stated that he would like to commend the Public Works Department that handles potholes. He stated that these people are doing above and beyond the duty and doing a wonderful job. He stated that sometimes it’s the little things that get him. He stated that there is a flagpole in front of City Hall Annex. He stated that for the past year and a half there has not been a US flag flown from that pole from his knowledge. He stated that this is a disgrace. He stated that two times this year beginning in January and then again the beginning of last month he inquired about the status of the little green  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 7, 2016 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ shoebox. He stated that records of the predecessor of this body were called common council in the 1830s to 1860s. He stated that it was a miscellaneous box with little receipts and reports. He stated that to date he has no response either personally or seen anything in the paper or on the website or public announcement about the disposition of that box. He stated that back in January he had suggested that it be appropriate that this body see that the entire contents of that box be offered to the Virginia State Library or perhaps of the Virginia Historical Society. He stated that something needs to be done with it and not lost in the shovel. He stated that he suggest that they take a look at channel 15 in the evening and especially overnight. He stated that there is some content in there that he feels that is so far against the separation of church and state and that he will not say anything further. He stated that he would like them to examine the City’s website closely and look for its content of all sections. He stated that they need to compare and see what does not fit. He stated to compare it to others locally. Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated that tonight he has about four things that he would like to bring to their attention. He stated that the first one on the list is Cook, Henry Williams and Peabody Schools. He stated that he rode past there and took a look. He stated that he does not know the address for that school. He stated that coming down Halifax Street and you look over and see the back of the building. He stated that they need to get a report on the appearance of the buildings from whoever manages Petersburg property. He stated that the roof is down to wood. He stated that once the drainage pipes are removed the water runs freely. He stated that eventually it runs the mortar out of the bricks. He stated that if you want a building to come down that is brick then let that happen. He stated that there is cornerstone of bricks that have fallen. He stated that he does not know who is maintaining the buildings. He stated that they need to have everyone that is in charge of these buildings to put in work request and then they find out who is in charge of the buildings and what they are doing. He stated that Henry Williams is the same way. He stated that if they are going to maintain these buildings as historical then they should do that. He stated that if they are not then let’s get rid of them. He stated that they are just sitting there going to nothing. He stated that the exterior appearance is terrible. He stated that the next thing is no address numbers on houses. He stated that when you ride on down the street and see something going on you cannot tell the address where this is taking place at. He stated that they assume that the people live there but that they may be guest in the City. He stated that he would like time extension for the City Attorney and City Manager. He stated that they have not yet been able to find out what is going on in Petersburg. He stated that they need more time. He stated that once they find out what is going on than they have to put a plan in effect which they need to double their time. He stated that they do not need any new people to be doing this because it will be a repeat. He stated that his ls topic is on old water meters. He stated that he is still hearing about the water meters in regards to how many exchanged and how many that is left. He stated that if it is not the same number then where is the missing one. Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated that he is present to thank the many Petersburg citizens that showed up at the Restoration of Rights on Pocahontas Island. He stated that he was so concerned about this. He stated that the governor signed an executive order for more than 200,000 voters possibly getting their rights back. He stated that it made it so significant with Juneteenth coming up. He asked City Council do they realize the end of the Civil War was 200,000 plus blacks freed with the emancipation proclamation. He asked them do they realize that the governor has almost equivalent that number by the executive order. He stated that it was so important on Saturday. He stated that he would like to say thank you to Council Member Hill and Hart and the rest that came out. He thanked Council Member Moore as well. He stated what a day it was. He stated that he is hoping that they continue to get the people their rights and stand behind the governor. He stated that there are people in Petersburg that need their freedom. He stated that the governor tried to give it to them. Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated that she asked Ms. Jackson to pass out a piece of paper that she brought and copied from the City’s code. She stated that it is Section 3-13, “Powers and duties of the treasurer.” She stated that she is going to be very brief. She stated that she took all the references and wrote it in all caps so that it is easy to see. She stated that in ward meetings when citizens are concerned about taxes, bills, and so forth sometimes the rejoinder has been that this is the treasurer’s job. She stated that the treasurer is elected by the citizens and that he does not work for City Council Members. She stated that they all recognize that. She stated that this is true but according to the code they have a lot of power and areas where City Council can demand information and reports from this individual on a regular basis. She stated that  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 7, 2016 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ if they exercise this authority that they have in the code then they will be able to keep an eye on the revenue which is one half of the situation of the financial problems that the City is facing. She stated that she is not saying that this is a solution to anything but that she thinks that instead of hearing the excuse again of them not being able to do anything because the treasurer is in a completely different part of the City. She stated that he is but that he can be asked to report regularly and at the end of the year. She stated that she hopes that city Council takes this to heart and look at this as a group and that they can get more information that will help them. Carl Ridley, 15 North Crater Road, stated that according to reports on NBC12 and CBS6, Petersburg delinquency to the water authority may cause other counties to pay higher fees because they have to pick up the City’s slack. He stated that the City is also behind in payments to the Riverside Regional Jail and other contractors. He asked what are the City Council Members plans in becoming financially stable and current in financial obligations. He stated to City Council Members that they call themselves leaders but that it is more like the blind leading the blind and that each of them seated are just wasting the people’s time. He stated that as he look around and watch this City come to ruin his question to them is what you are all doing. He asked City Council where is the creative vision and what area their plans for growth. He stated that all he see is division which offers him no hope. He stated that all around the region the City has become the laughing stock. He stated to the Mayor and City Council Members that this pettiness has to stop. He stated that the public schools are failing and that the City is in desperate need of jobs and that there are things more prevailing other problems that need to be solved. He stated that there are things they would like to know like where is the money and why can’t the City pay their bills. He stated that the people deserve to know what is really going on. He stated that he is a lifelong resident and that he has never seen anything this bad. He stated that it has become more than evident that the City’s situation has gotten sad. He stated to City Council that they need to heed them because they are running out of time. He stated that they call themselves leaders but that it is more like the blind leading the blind. Gina Harrison, 1687 S. Crater Road, stated that she recently made a couple of FOIA request and that she found herself ill of the abuse of the citizens tax dollars based on the small amount of data that she received. She stated that she received information on tickets to London for economic development. She stated that she does not understand London and Petersburg economic development. She stated that Virginia Municipal League and National League of Cities need to stop. She stated that memberships are not necessary and what bills are. She stated that breakfast, lunch and dinner meals every day. She stated that there are too many meals to account for. She stated that there are 11 meetings with Myers, six with Parham, 11 with Mr. Telfair and several with Catina Wright (Mr. Johnson’s wife). She stated that while have a meal and meeting might not be illegal but it is logical and immoral to spend the City’s money in this manner. She stated that even though it is on the previous City Manager credit card statements to know that the Mayor and Vice Mayor participated is unethical. She stated that the City has spent thousands of dollars between the four of them and countless others. She stated that meanwhile the City is not being able to pay things like VRS. She stated that according to the information that she obtained via FOIA there was $56,000 spent on meals alone in 2015. She stated that the Mayor, Vice Mayor, Mr. Telfair, Mr. Little and several others when to places like Ruth Chris, Neptune’s, Longstreet’s, Croaker Spot and other restaurants in the City. She stated that it is like Richmond’s magazine restaurant list. She stated that more importantly there were several breakfast, lunch and dinner meetings to discuss items such as City Council agendas. She stated to stop spending the City’s money. She stated that she is going to continue to send FOIA’s. She stated that if they want lunch then go to McDonald’s or bring in bag lunches. Simone Shelton, 527 Kenmore Drive, stated that on last Friday she went to City Hall to pay her real estate tax that was delinquent and current. She stated that she want to pay in full. She stated that she was told by the cashier that she could not make payment and that they would not accept it. She stated that they told her that the account had been turned over to collections. She stated that she understands that delinquent taxes may have been turned over but that she offered to pay the current taxes but they stated that she is not able to pay anything on her account. She stated that if she was to pay anything on her account she would have to contact collections in which she did. She stated that the amount that collections have is a $1,400 difference from the amount that she has with her. She stated that they stated that she owes taxes from 2014 which she has proof that she does not. She stated that the statement that she has in her hand state that she only owes  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 7, 2016 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ for 2015 and 2016 only. She stated that she did not receive a notice that her account was being turned over to collections. She stated that she has a bill stating that she has until June 30th to pay the full amount. She stated that she offered to pay on June 3rd and that they would not accept her money. She stated that she has been given the runaround trying to figure out why she cannot pay this. She stated that she still has her money order dated June 3rd and that today is only June 7th. She asked that if she is not allowed to pay her current taxes then will she be penalized. She stated that upon talking to collections today there is a 30 day process once they receive delinquent taxes. She asked why it takes 30 days to put into a system that you paid in full. She stated that she needs to talk to someone directly to tell her why there is a $1,400 difference between what the system shows and what her statement shows. She stated that she is tired of seeing that the citizens owe all this money but that they are refusing to take the money that is in people hands. Michael Edwards, 409 Grove Avenue, stated that following the budget work session at the transit station last Thursday, the citizens have become aware that the City projections end with a $9 million dollar deficit. He stated that this alone is very disturbing. He stated that when considering this addition to already amounted debts the projected figure is appalling. He asked how the City will pay their debts when they keep adding more and more to the pile. He asked what are more important, premium services or the future of the City. He stated he is like every other citizen realizing that reducing means cutting services. He stated that obviously the City cannot finance the current size of government. He stated that cutbacks and downsize is something that someone never wants to hear or like. He stated that often it is necessary. He stated that he would have rather endured with the rest of the citizens the temporary reduction in City services while they balance the budget more than let the debt continue to grow. He stated that they cannot simply sit back and watch as the City dive further and further in a negative numbers. He stated that this is a City and business and that this is not a circus show. He stated that they must continue to be very vigorous in tackling the debt. He stated that the City is the laughing stock of their neighbors. He stated that the City’s neighbors are dogging them tremendously. He stated that they are calling City Council incompetent. He stated that there is nothing in the City that is incompetent. He stated that they must work together to secure the future of this City. He stated that a news article was released which expressed concerns of surrounding localities that the million dollar debt to the water authority. He stated that they are going to have to pay $80,000. He asked what is the City going to do and when are they going to do it. He stated that they must act now. He stated that there is a rumor that says that Colonial Heights is going to pay our debt of $80,000 and then tag interest onto the City. He stated that the City cannot pay their bills now but yet they still have numerous employees with six figure salaries. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that he would like to say congratulations to Council Member Hart on the event that he had at Petersburg High School. He stated that although it was not the super majority turnout that they wanted it goes to show that someone is thinking about single dads. He stated that he is a single father. He stated that he is present to speak on the gateway and the entrance to the City. He stated that he is going to remind City Council to not forget that just like New Orleans redid the French quarter go look at the lower 9th Ward. He stated that he knows that his representative is not present tonight but that on numerous occasions he has sent him and some of the other council member’s pictures of houses that have been opened. He stated that people are going in them. He stated that since last year these houses are still open and that the weeds are so high that they don’t know if they should pass them because they are afraid that they may get robbed raped or mugged. He stated that yet they want to develop the gateway. He stated to not forget that not everyone in that gateway votes for City Council. He stated that there are those in the hood that vote for them. He stated that there are those of them in the hood that will not vote for them but vote for someone else. He stated that they need to understand that when they are talking about the gateway there are other entrances to the City that need their looking into. He stated that Crater Road looks bad but they are all talking about the gateway to the City. He stated that it is wonderful that they are talking about the redoing of the hotel. He stated that they better ask themselves why people were asking about the person that is developing the hotel. He stated that he will tell them why. He stated that it is the connection with the former City Manager. Dolores Smith, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that about three or four council meetings ago they were asking about the sheriff’s cars. She stated that there was no response regarding this and what they are going to do with them. She stated that they are over on Pocahontas Island. She stated that she does not know if they are going to be part of the weeds or whatever. She stated that no one has let them know. She stated that the  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 7, 2016 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ citizens need to know what is going on. She stated that City Council is just sitting up at the table looking ridiculous. She stated that half the time they do not get any response back. She stated that citizens come up there with complaints but City Council will not let them know what is going on. She stated that they can go back in the little room and criticize someone because they do not like what they said. She stated that they can do that and that it can be all over the paper and everywhere. She stated that they have no response from what the citizens come up and request. She stated that she is looking at the responses on the paper and the only thing they have is what people say but there is no response. She stated that she does not know where the Mayor is or whether he had another bomb scare or not but that they have not had a ward meeting from him since he has been on the board. She stated that they need a response back. She stated that they all go to meetings and that they do not know what the meetings are all about. She stated that City Council is not paying for these meetings out of their pockets. She stated that the monies come from the citizens. She stated that they would like to know what the meetings are about. She stated that Colonial Heights went to the same meeting similar to what City Council went to and that they brought back what went on at the meetings and a response. She stated that they have nothing. She stated that they need to get City Council on the ball and stop criticizing this lady for bringing back the truth of what they do not want to hear. Vernel Gannaway, 652 Old Wagner Road, stated that he would like to address some things that really concern him. He stated that one of the things put in the paper about giving land to the Freedom Center. He stated that he does not know what the ramifications of this are. He stated that he remembers the old Petersburg Hospital and that there were a lot of major people apart of it. He stated that they have not received information on why they giving this land to them. He stated that he has not seen any reports. He asked whether this was one of the Mayor’s hidden agenda. He stated that they need to know about giving this land to the Freedom Center. He stated that it was on the television about a week ago about the cameras that were put out. He stated that he felt back then when the cameras were introduced that they were just money makers. He stated that there was a lady on television that stated that in certain states the cameras were setup to see certain accidents. He stated that Petersburg did not have any report on accidents or any report on money that they are collecting. He stated that he paid $50 and that it was the last $50 that he is going to pay. He stated that he has seen those cameras and that when cars are standing still he sees the flash. He stated that they need to know if this is one of the ways of the former City Manager to collect money. He asked what this is all about. He stated that the City does not need the cameras if there are no major accidents. He stated that there is one accident that is about to happen on Rives Road. He stated that he has mentioned to them numerous times about the exit. He stated that there are no signs or lights blinking to let them know to come off the exit. He stated that yesterday he was coming down Rives Road and a person from New Jersey was coming right in front of him. He stated that he had to beep his horn and that he almost got hit. He stated that someone is going to get killed there. He stated that a lot of things that are happening in the City are coming from their votes. He stated that their votes are coming from City Council. He stated that some of them are coming into administration. He stated that they need to do their homework before they say aye. He stated that some do their homework and some don’t. Raymond Crockett, Jr., 248 Southwood Drive, stated that today going forward the City needs to make some tough choices in the City. He stated that he would like to see all department heads have a meeting with all their employees. He stated that they have to tighten their belts. He stated that they are not going to keep wasting their money anymore. He stated that it is a new day. He stated that they look at the checks and balances and that it is not there. He stated that as a business person they are going to have to make some tough decisions. He stated that if the people are not doing their job they will get laid off. He stated that they are not going to be playing around with City vehicles and riding around burning gas and costing expenses. He stated that he understands that they need a new chief. He stated that he would like to see them look at what they have in the City right now in the police department. He stated to not spend $50,000 advertising and looking for a new police chief. He stated that there might be someone present that is qualified, bring the morale up and make people want to come to the City and work because they have a chance for promotion. He stated that the City trains them and then they go off someplace else and work. He stated that the City needs to get real tight. He stated that he likes what Mr. Parham stated that they cannot keep borrowing money and get further and further in debt. He stated that then the tri-city area has to bail the City out for a water bill that they went slacking on. He stated that when he gets a bill it is not accurate it just state that it is an estimated bill. He stated that this is month after month. He stated that when they do get the bill and the bill is right then who is  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 7, 2016 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ going to say that they paid too much or paid enough. He stated that he understands that there are over 12,000 water meters hooked up in the City. He stated that they need to get to the bottom of this and that they need to do it soon as possible. Gloria Brown, 1557 South Sycamore Street, stated that she comes to them because she came before them at a couple of City Council meetings ago. She stated that she is a person that if she is going to express her concern and that she wants to do this in public. She stated that she wants to express her acknowledgement in public also. She stated that she had some issues with communication with the inspector at a couple of properties. She stated that she would love to let them know that Chief Hairston came to her immediately and asked her about the issue. She stated that the next day she did hear from his staff and that they did have a meeting and they straightened the situation out. She stated that she understood and that she thinks that this is the key for a community. She stated that they do not know what they do or how the process is but communication is the key. She stated that she wants to commend the entire office and Chief Hariston and for hashing out the issues that she had. She stated there is an elephant in the room. She stated that she knows that Mr. Crockett alluded to it. She stated that she is upset that she received a phone call that someone decided that Chief Dixon’s services was no longer wanted in the City of Petersburg. She stated that she remembers when Chief Dixon came into Petersburg and that the mess that the City had going on as far as safety, he jumped right in and begin to work with every entity in the City. She stated that he was present to clean up every corner. She stated that by just a thought that he is not part of clique. She stated that may be he told someone no and they didn’t like it. She stated that they have to get pass all of that. She stated that the only three key positions in the City. She stated that they are walking on thin ice and playing a very dangerous game. She stated that they are trying to turn the City around. She stated that if they are letting go of certain people, all that they are going to attract to the City of Petersburg to try and move it forward is people that need a job or want a job. She stated that they have to concentrate on people that do the job and stop getting into this personal messy business. Julian Greene, 1625 Blair Road, stated that he is chair of the Petersburg Advisory Committee. He stated that his concern is the same that the people before indicated. He stated that they were present when Chief Dixon came on board. He stated that they are aware of his dedication and commitment and his work ethic for this community. He stated that whenever he is called he is there. He stated that they are aware of the waiver lift for department heads that may not live in the City. He stated that this was granted and permitted to him as well as to other department heads. He stated that if anyone knows what goes on in the department, they do. He stated that they meet monthly in all of them know this as far as the advisory committee is concerned. He stated that Chief Dixon was president of N.O.B.L.E (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement.) He stated that he also worked with Vice President Joe Bidden and that President Barack Obama appointed him to work on gun laws for the entire country. He stated that when they have competent people in the City who have commitment and dedication to do what needs to be done it is up to them to maintain them there. He stated that they look like them. He stated that he is asking them today to rescind the decision that was made to terminate him and bring him back. He stated that the City needs him. He stated to not listen to what the crowd is saying. He stated that they will be next in paying a dear price. He stated that he does not come to threaten but that he is coming to bring careful words of administration to them. He stated to rescind decision and they will be willing to get back into discussion with them. 9. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: a. Consideration of approval and adoption of Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Operating Budgets. BACKGROUND: City Manager has recommended an operating spending plan of $102,312,073 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2016, and ending June 30, 2017. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council approval and adoption of the proposed FY2016-17 Operating Budgets in the amount of $102,312,073, with recommended amendments. Council Member Hill made a motion to adopt the 2% increase for the school board only and the rest of the operating budget is tabled so that the finance department can do more investigation on cuts so that they  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 7, 2016 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ can be physically sound as a City. 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 and Parham; Absent: Myers b. Consideration of reappointment to the Economic Development Authority. BACKGROUND: The Economic Development Authority consists of 7 members appointed by City Council. The duties of the board include, but are not limited to, the following: The Authority shall have the powers to acquire, own lease, and dispose of properties. Such authority may be able to promote industry and develop trade by inducting manufacturing, industrial, governmental and commercial enterprises to locate in or remain in the Commonwealth and further the use of its agricultural products and natural resources; to issue its bonds for the purpose of carrying out any of its powers. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council make an appointment to the Economic Development Authority. Council Member Hart made a motion to appoint Gloria Brown and Orlando James to the Economic Development Authority. 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 and Parham; Absent: Myers 16-R-32 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING GLORIA BROWN FOR A TERM ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, AND ORLANDO JAMES FOR A TERM ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2020, TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. Council Member Hart stated that he would like to thank everyone that came out to the 1,000 Father’s Initiative. He stated that it was a great start and that hopefully they can keep this moving forward for years to come. He stated that it is very important to recognize fathers. He stated that even though they can look around and see that the numbers are low in stat they are seeing more and more fathers walking around with their children in Petersburg. He stated that you are seeing more and more fathers involved in their education. He stated that they have to continue their process. He stated that it is not a slight to the mothers and that the mother’s do a great job. He stated that they want to give them a day’s break to do some things. He stated that it was more than just the picture in the event. He stated that they had health screenings and other things going on. He stated that they will give a date in the future for the second event forthcoming. He stated that he would like to thank all that came out and that they appreciate it. Council Member Moore stated that he has one item that he is giving to the City Attorney and that he will pass out copies in draft form. He stated that he ask that this information be put on the 21st agenda. Council Member Hill stated that he would like to announce that on Monday, June 27th at the Petersburg Administrative School Board Office he will be having a Ward 2 Town Hall Meeting. He stated that he invites all to come out. He stated that they have some expressions from the City Manager along with the Planning Commission. He stated that he would like to thank the City Manager. He stated that they did a ride out throughout the ward and the City. He stated that he identified some areas of great concern. He stated that they have one more item in Lakewood that he is working on. He stated that he would like to thank her for getting on top of those issues. He stated that he would like to thank public works for getting to the grass and the potholes in the area that were identified. He stated that he was out canvasing in the neighborhood the other and he ran into some citizens. He stated that he would like to thank the citizens. He stated that they gave words of encouragement. He stated that he feels like they are on the right track with the changes that the City has been making. Vice Mayor Parham stated that he would like to thank everyone that came out to his and school board chairman, Ken Pritchett, joint ward meeting at Petersburg High School on May 23rd. He stated that he would like to thank the new superintendent of schools for coming. He stated that one of his constituents came to his  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 7, 2016 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ office by the name of Ms. Blume. He stated that she came by and told him of a good testimony that she had when she came to the water department in the City. He stated that Ms. Blume explained what a wonderful job that Ms. Sinclair did in helping her with her bill. He stated that there is always negativity going on in the City and that this is something positive that he would like to make know. He thanked Ms. Sinclair for becoming a part of the team and for helping fix the problem with the water billing issue. 10. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: Ms. Belton stated that she will briefly touch on meeting from last week on Tuesday which was the budget work session. She stated that she was tasked with looking at a $5 to $6 million dollar reduction in the $70 million budget that the City currently has. She stated that these large reductions are proposed to assist while the City looks at the revenue section and what they are bringing. She stated that they have to slow the spending. She state that she can also say that they are restructuring so that they are as efficient as the City can be. She stated that there is no exception to this and that they will continue to provide key essential services that the tax payers are currently affording the City. a. City Manager’s Report 1. Is the City violating the following terms in the Centre Hill Mansion deed “…this conveyance is made upon the express condition that the mansion property shall be exclusively and perpetually administrated and maintained in the public interest as a public museum.”? a. The City uses the Centre Hill Mansion in the public interest as a museum exclusively and perpetually as per the stipulations in Centre Hill Mansion deed. Throughout the year, the museum is open to the public for events including the Garden Tours in April and various other tour groups during other parts of the year. The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), a not for profit television station, occasionally films Mercy Street at the museum – a series about the Civil War. Additionally, the Mercy Street set is used as an exhibit which is open to the public. Due to the not for profit status of PBS, the historical nature of this series, and the exhibits added to the museums for public viewing, it is the City’s determination that the museum is being used exclusively an perpetually administrated and maintained in the public’s interest. 2. How will the City reach residents who believe they may be overcharged for water bill? a. Each utility bill sent to residents includes information for residents to contact the City if they feel they have been billed incorrectly. Additionally, updates on utility bills such as extended due dates are posted on the website and Petersburg’s Public Access Channel – Channel 15. 3. Can the strategic plan and progress reports be placed online? a. Departments are currently finalizing their plans and performance measures for the manager’s review. The ability of adding the plans and the progress reports will be then be evaluated once this process is complete. 4. What research went into moving the farmers market? a. Economic Development Office Staff researched operations and requirements from markets in neighboring localities and other areas of the state. Other city-owned properties that offered greater visibility and access to the market were also considered. Additionally a community meeting was held in October 2015 prior to the relocation of the farmer’s market. 11. CLERK OF CITY COUNCIL'S AGENDA: *No items for this portion of the agenda.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 7, 2016 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 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 7:39p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor