City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 21, 2016 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, at the Union Train Station. Mayor Myers called the closed session meeting to order at 6:30p.m. 1. REGULARLY-SCHEDULED MEETING – 6:30 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member David R. Coleman Council Member John Hart, Sr. Council Member Darrin L. Hill Council Member Brian A. Moore Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Vice Mayor Samuel Parham Mayor W. Howard Myers Absent: None Present from City Administration: Assistant City Attorney Danielle Powell 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.) Mayor Myers stated that he would like to recognize all post and veterans that are present today. He thanked them for attending and that they would like to show them honor and support for all that they have did in service for this country. 6. CONSENT AGENDA: a. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting of June 7, 2016 Council Member Coleman made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda. The motion was seconded by Vie Mayor Parham. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers 7. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: (In accordance with the Rules of Council, public comment will be heard before discussion by Council. Once discussion has started, no further input from the public will be accepted. Each speaker will be limited to three (3) minutes.)  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 21, 2016 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ a. A public hearing for the disposition of property located at 29 South Union Street, 41 South Union Street and 801 South Adams Street. BACKGROUND: The Petersburg Freedom Support Center has established a full-service, one-stop location providing an array of supportive services for area veterans. Since its inception, the Freedom Support Center has received national acclaim for its services to veterans. The Freedom Support Center is requesting the purchase of city-owned property to expand its core mission and services to include affordable and supportive housing for disabled veterans. It is anticipated that its housing development activities would occur in two phases. Phase I would be developed as Freedom Lofts at 29 South Union Street, consisting of approximately 64 housing units. Phase II would be a mixed-use housing development located at 801 South Adams Street. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends City Council approve the disposition of 29 South Union Street, 41 South Union Street and 801 South Adams Street. Tara Anderson, Executive Director of the Freedom Support Center, introduced Mr. Rick Gregory to give a PowerPoint presentation on the project pertaining to Freedom Lofts. Rick Gregory, Chairman at Fountainhead Properties, gave a PowerPoint presentation on Freedom Lofts. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comments. Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated that he is a 28 year Vietnam Veteran. He stated that envies the veterans and that he also loves Petersburg. He stated that there are so many things that happen in Petersburg. He stated that on Hinton Street they wanted housing for poor people and that this did not go very well. He stated that they were going to zone this historical but it never came about. He stated that there is a church in that area and he would like to know what have they said about it. He asked would they put this on South Avenue and if history was involved in this in. He stated, “No.” He asked whether Colonial Heights or Dinwiddie going to share anything with this project. He asked whether the City is just going to bail these people out of it. He stated that this is what he is concerned about. He stated that once they put this here is it going to produce income or anything valuable out of it. He asked whether the military was going to help with this or whether the City is going to take all of this. Karen Graham, 402 High Street, stated that this is a pretty vague proposal. She stated that there is no mention of how many units per building with all three parcels of property. She asked what the rent scale will be for the units and how long will there be funding coming from the Freedom Support Center to assist tenants. She stated that if these are short-term funds from Freedom Support Center then where the other funds will come from. She stated that she wondered why the planning director has not made any kind of presentation or input as to recommendation for additional affordable housing. Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated that she did not hear anything about how the property would convey to this gentleman speaking. She stated that originally when this was put on the agenda it was noted to be a public hearing on the sale of property. She stated that this seems to be an unsaid piece that is pretty important. She stated that if they recall eight weeks ago she communicated a letter to City Council regarding the financial problems in the City and that the various actions in the pipeline could be something to affect the City’s ability to regain its financial footing. She stated that this particularly came right after she attended the budget work session. She stated that she heard that there may be an $8 to $9 million dollar hold even after the reduced budget had been proposed. She stated that it sounds like now that they are talking about the selling of three valuable City-owned properties. She stated that they are assessed collectively at over $2.7 million dollars. She stated that she does not know if they are being sold to the Freedom Support Center or Fountainhead Properties. She stated that it seems like they are lacking some very important details.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 21, 2016 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ She stated that she does not think that with the City situation that they can afford to be giving the properties away for a small amount of money. She stated that this is a time that the City should be getting fair market value for the properties. She stated that everyone finds the cause of homeless or disabled veterans compelling one. She stated that no one wants to get up and say we shouldn’t do it. She asked that on the other hand if they weigh all of the other needs that the City has where this does really rank in terms of everything else that needs to be done. She stated that there have been enough promised partnerships that have come along and begun the transfer of City property. She stated that there is going to be a hotel and conference center in the area of City Hall. She stated that there is going to be a retail complex in the gateway to Virginia State University. She stated that those things have not been realized and that these are City properties. She stated that there was also the BB&T building. She stated that they heard at the work session that the rent for the Economic Development Department is almost quadruple because of a lease agreement that the City has with it. She stated that she does not think that the City has a stellar track record of some of these developments. She stated that she would say that even with some minor miracle and some of this could be pulled off and that she is not hearing anything that says that they can afford it. She stated that she is still concerned that if they actually ask council members to go to their constituents and say that if they had to balance and wright against things in the City then she thinks that they would say I would like to help the veterans but that we need to help the City first. Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated that he is a 20 year veteran in the Vietnam. He stated that as he follow the political arena there are veterans, kids and one other thing that they always bring up to help them get promoted or boost their power. He stated that he has spent right much time at the VA place. He stated that they send him everywhere. He stated that he has been as far as Texas on a case that involved him. He stated that there are numerous people right here that comes from everywhere with an appointment from the VA. He stated that if it is not scheduled right or whatever they need some place to stay until they can get things straight to go back over 150 miles. He stated that if they do not know this then they do not take this serious. He stated to take this serious. He stated that as many problems that the City has they have had numerous problems also with the veterans. He stated that the technical details and all of the things regarding the problems was the same as all the housing going down in Petersburg. He stated that he is present to say give it a chance and then factor out all of the other entities in it. He stated that the support center was the greatest thing to come to Petersburg. He stated to hold on to it and don’t let it die because it will pay off. He stated that everybody everywhere will be coming here as soon as it get better and better for service. He stated that the City has Fort lee right here and that it is centrally located. He stated that the veterans are right here. He stated that they called on them and they went and that now they are back and those they want them to show some appreciation. He stated that talking is not enough. He stated that they have to do something and show it. He stated that he is for everything that has veterans on it. Atiba Muse, 104 South Plains Drive, stated that he has a few questions before he start. He stated that he has the highest regard for the veterans and the service that they have provided for everyone and the care that they have given this country. He stated that at a time when the City is unable to pay some of the more basic bills with regularity. He stated that he would love for the properties with high value to go for market rate and not be disposed of at the earliest convenience. He stated that beyond this he is very interested in how 801 South Adams Streets goes into this equation when no information was given. He stated that this is like what they just saw in this PowerPoint. He stated that lastly he is most concerned that they are giving the City away. Her stated that at a time when they need taxable revenue for the school system and other departments. He stated that they need to act smart and take stock of what the City has. He stated that he has the highest regard against the veterans. He stated that he is a representative of Bouie State and that the American leaders sent him back in 1997. He stated that at the same time he is very concerned. He stated that the City needs certain things but let us not give away things of high value and high regard now. Pat Nunnally, 1205 Rome Street, stated that she is a Vietnam Era veteran. She stated that she did not go to Vietnam. She stated that they are talking about affordable housing not being for the veterans. She stated that these veterans went and came back so that the people can complain. She stated that all of the guys that  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 21, 2016 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ have come back have had some problems. She stated that many of the problems are that they did not have anyone to go to for information or anyone to work for. She stated that she has two guys that live at her house. She stated that one was homeless for 11 years. She stated not because he did not have any money but because he did not have anyone that cared about him. He stated that they did not make sure that he took his medicine or none of that stuff. She stated that she has another guy that has been fighting for 15 years to get his 100% disability. She stated that she gets $638 per month. She stated that he now has 100%. She stated that all of the guys that need affordable housing are not necessarily homeless. She stated that some are homeless because they do not have anybody else. She stated that if they can put this together and bring it for the veterans then this would be the best thing that could happen. She stated that they would not only have access to people that are going to fight for them. She stated that it cost $70 round trip to get to the VA. She stated that there may be a way to get to the VA and get their benefits worked on. She stated that there is a Bon Secours Help Center. She stated that Medicare does not pay for their benefits. She stated that there are a lot of veterans that need some help and that they cannot get it if they are not in a place where someone cares about. She stated to put it up because it is not drawing any money anyway so what are they complaining about. Sherl Brooks, 5380 Oaklawn Boulevard –veteran, stated that Petersburg is her home and that she is a veteran. She stated that she was homeless as well. She stated that she is now staying at the Baymont Inn & Suites. She stated that the Freedom Center has been tremendous in trying to help her. She stated that something is missing. She stated that she would love to be in a nice place again and feel at home. She stated that she would like to feel like she has a real home. She stated that she does not know about all the prices of this and that but she is speaking as a homeless veteran. She asked City Council to please help people like her that would love to walk in her front door again. She stated that anything that they can do she appreciates it. Adele Barnes, 3333 East Princeton Road, stated that he has been here for 18 months. He stated that the Freedom Support Center is one of the best things in Petersburg. He stated that when he came here Virginia Supportive Housing helped him out. He stated that he supports this project. He stated that he hears people speak on property taxes. He stated that these properties are just sitting here. He stated that he hopes that City Council supports this project. Connie Claiborne, Crater Road, stated that she agrees wholeheartedly with trying to help and do more for the veterans especially the women. She stated that she can only speak for herself. She stated that they go and try and get help. She stated that she has been trying to get her disability through the VA since 2007 and that she is still waiting. She stated that she is trying to pay rent with what social security just gives her. She stated that nobody else would try to help. She stated that the people at the Freedom Support Center are helping her but they need a lot more things. She stated that they are still human beings and that they still need to be treated like them. Brandon Martin, 1546 Berkeley Avenue, stated that the Freedom Lofts is an excellent idea and that he supports it. He stated that he would suggest that City Council be prepared to due diligence on the proposal. He stated that there is one aspect to the property located at 801 South Adams Street. He stated that this is the need for public works for one central location. He stated that utilities on St. Andrews Street reside in a bunch of old buildings. He stated that their offices are in a trailer and that he does not know if they are still rented. He stated that utilities, the garage and building and grounds need to be in one place. Eugene Atis, 109 Perry Street, stated that he is a navy veteran. He stated that there are guys out there like him that really appreciate coming out of service to find a home. He stated that this is extremely difficult to go through. He stated that he just started his journey. He stated that if he can come back to Petersburg where he is from to put his family then this would be awesome. He stated that to City Council to please consider the young guys that are coming out and there are conflicts that change around them. He stated that they would really appreciate something like this.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 21, 2016 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ Rowena Carter, 2519 Deerfield Drive, stated that she is a Vietnam Era veteran and a Cold War veteran. She stated that she has been hearing so many people having problems getting to the VA to get things started. She stated that if they are in walking distance of the Freedom Support Center then they can help you. She stated that they have helped her with her problems and her husband as well. She stated that her husband has 100% service connected. She stated that her husband served 26 years. She stated that the property is a god idea to be used to accommodate veterans. Fenton Bland, 1840 South Westchester Drive, stated that he understands the just of the problems that the City is facing. He asked can they have a thing called Regional Corporation. He asked why everything is put on Petersburg. He asked why can’t everyone sit at the table and come up with a decision and a place that can be beneficial for everyone and not just Petersburg. He stated that they all need to deal with this problem collectively. Richard Taylor, 828 West Tuckahoe, stated that he is a lifelong resident of Petersburg of 73 years. He stated that he doubts that he has to have many of his fellow Petersburg natives to stand up in the back that are supporting veterans. He stated that he is also a veteran that served in Southeast Asia 1968-1969. He stated that the person before him asked one of his questions of why Petersburg has to have all of the affordable housing. He asked why planning voted down to putting veterans in the PACE Center. He stated that he thinks that this place is excellent and that it is great walking distance to the Freedom Center. He stated that the Freedom Support Center is doing a great job in supporting the veterans. He stated that those were his suggestion. He stated that he has one further suggestion to table this tonight and get all of the details and answers to the questions that were asked tonight. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that he listened to all comments. He stated that just like the veterans of the civil rights movements the veterans that came back by choice are often forgotten and overlooked. He stated that veterans represent some of the most overlooked populations. He stated that they are seniors, black people and young people. He stated that when he looks at the people that cannot get his attention he looks at some of the veterans that have mental issues that are so deep. He stated that not only are they hurting themselves but they have done harm to their family. He stated that everyone just sits there and look and move on to the next case. He stated that they should look at other properties that others have moved out of. He stated that this is not the real issue. He stated that this is a human rights issue. He stated that the City has done nothing to address the homeless issue of non-veterans. He stated that he would say that if they are not going to treat him right at least do something for the people who fought so that City Council can have a seat where they are. John Newby, Commissioner of Virginia Department of Veteran Services, stated that he apologizes for being out of uniform. He stated that the Governor has put him in charge of veteran services across the state. He stated that they are partnered with the Freedom Support Center who has a fantastic executive director. He stated that they do miracles for veterans in this area. He stated that the Freedom Support Center is a model for the entire state of cooperation among the locality to provide services to the veterans. He stated that this is a great example to have the locality to say that they will not wait to do something for the veterans and that they will do something now. He stated that while there are many questions with respect to this project, he is becoming familiar to what is being proposed. He stated that there is still a need in Virginia for supportive housing for the veterans. He stated that if anyone wants to take up that cause he will support that service and he will encourage the governor to support those services as well. He stated that as long as it makes sense for the community. He stated that while there are a lot of questions in regards to the resources behind this and what is being done here from Petersburg budget perspective he will say that he ask them to consider what is being done here. He stated to not look at it as the right thing to do because it is the right thing to do but that there are many things in the locality to prove when they look out towards those that are among them. He stated particularly those that are homeless. He stated that these are people that want to be a part of society again. He stated that they cannot do this without a roof over their heads. He stated that it all starts with housing. He stated that recovery cannot happen until someone has a roof over their head. He stated that this is a very  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 21, 2016 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ important first step. He stated that it can be at this location that is proposed or another location. He stated that he is a resident of Richmond and that he is an air force veteran of 12 years. He stated that his father is a veteran of 30 years of Fort Lee. He stated that he knows Petersburg from since he was a small child. He stated that he ask that they keep an open mind. He stated that what is being proposed may not be the answer. He stated that there is an answer and that he asks that City Council get to the answer. He stated that the answer should be yes to something that will help the veterans. Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. There was discussion between City Council Members and Mr. Gregory. Council Member Hill made a motion to table action on this disposition and to get the answers and then come back to them. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hart. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Wilson-Smith and Parham; Voting No: Moore and Myers 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 address first the City’s address website. He stated that he would to specifically speak on the BZA portion of the website. He stated that the last posted agenda and minutes dates to April and June 2014. He stated that on the BZA’s webpage the agendas and notifications are for July 2015. He asked whether the BZA functioning. He stated that the land books have been filed in the Clerk of Circuit Court Office of City of Petersburg since 1820. He stated that land books are very important. He stated that it is the only record that has liability on when a building was constructed or major modification. He stated that beginning in 2002 the land books that were filed in the clerk’s office were simply computer runs and that they were never found. He stated that this has been going on since 2002. He stated that it is the Commission of Revenue job by statue to prepare the land books. He stated that there are four copies. He stated that one goes to the State Treasurer, the Commission of Revenue, City Treasurer and Circuit Court Clerk. He stated that the one that goes to the state and treasurer have been scanned. He stated that you can look at the land books as far back as 1784. He stated that the ones that are present are used on a day to day basis. He stated that someone is not doing their job. He stated that they need to be bound since 2002. Kyle Dixon, 232 High Street, stated that they are an inaugural team for the City of Petersburg. He stated that he is the coach. He stated that they won the regular season championship this year. He stated that this is their first season. He stated that he would like to take a picture with all the City Council Members after the City Council Meeting. Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon, stated that she would like to thank the council members that elected to try and take some space to breathe regarding the proposal that was for consideration for the housing for veterans. She stated that she was afraid. She stated that she is usually not a mellow dramatic person but that if it had been voted and passed then she would have come up and tore it into a thousand pieces. She stated that she would have talked about financial responsibility and right sizing and prioritizing. She stated that there is not enough money to cover in the City. She stated that what they just heard is taking a property that has not been put up for sale and then saying we are going to take $150,000 for it. She stated that this just seem like an overly simplicity explanation. She stated that she heard some of them saying that they wanted to learn more  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 21, 2016 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ about it. She stated that she hopes that all gets brought out it. She stated that she would like to see the planning director involved in this and that she thinks that this really helps. She stated that Ms. Belton will be getting up in a minute to give some hard truths. She stated that she is not going to overreact regarding the property spoke about for disposition. She stated that she probably will at a later date. Ellie Fitzell, 2104 Bishop Street, stated that she was about to comment on some of the issues that were mentioned previously by Michael Edwards regarding the damages to Centre Hill mansion by the film crew that has been in the City for the last few years. She stated that the producer of Mercy Street has repaired many things that were not of their doing. She stated that the ears of the greyhounds on the porch are one thing. She stated that another big thing is the plaster in the house. She stated that she has worked for Centre Hill for about 9 years. She stated that there has been plaster damage the entire time. She stated that Mercy Street brought in a master plasterer that people have paid around the world to fix plaster. She stated that there are other things that are too numerous to mention. She stated that she may also add that Mr. Edwards no longer works for the department because he was terminated. She stated that he must be getting his information from the inside. She stated that although she cannot determine who it is but that she may say that there is numerous posts on Facebook where people have been reprimanded in the department. She stated that this must be poor management from the museum manager. She stated that on a very short note she has been dealing with the treasurer and commission of revenue for two weeks and have gotten nowhere. She stated that she would like for someone to tell her what to do. Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated that he would like to comment on the Freedom Support Center. He stated that it took him 30 years to get his 100% and to have a place centrally located is good and that it does not get any better than that. He stated that tonight he would like to talk to them about work in progress. He stated that this took place during the first part of the year in a speech given by Mayor Myers at the gifted school on Washington Street. He stated that he is Petersburg, VA. He stated that in the pamphlet it names all the departments that move Petersburg. He stated that the City of Petersburg goal is in there and maintained. He stated that in it is a plan and future vision. He stated that the next thing is to go and look and visit all the departments and see how they are planning and to see what they need to improve on. He stated that this is a plan that he sees. He stated that they have been stuck on the Police Department, the City, the taxation and everything else. He stated out of all these 17 items and the Freedom Center is last. He stated that they have to put everything in place. He stated that they cannot concentrate on one place. He asked that if they have spent all this time on the little problems that the City has then where is the committee that will spend time on the other little things. He stated that he wants a plan. He stated that they are moving too slow. He asked how long will it take from what they are dealing with now until they can spend some time on the other departments. Cory Harris, 2316 Anderson, stated that he has been very passionate about the City and things that they need to do. He stated that he can understand both sides when it comes to struggling and being without. He stated that he knows how it feels to be on food stamps. He stated that he was on food stamps for two years and struggling. He stated that this is the very reason why he started his business. He stated that he knows the pain and that he wanted to get better. He stated that has a business owner he understands the business in fear of investments. He stated that the City needs to get their priorities straight. He stated that they must stop the City from being mocked. He stated that enough is enough. He stated that the nitpicking and name calling has to stop. He stated that this does not help Petersburg. He stated that they are angry and losing focus. He stated that the focus is Petersburg and not individuals. He stated that they need to focus on the City and not them. He stated that they need to focus on the City as a whole. Ken Pritchett, 1113 Overbrook Road, stated that he has questions and that he will start with the Farmer’s Market and its operation. He stated that the City still does not have a Farmer’s Market. He stated that this is about 400 or 500 people on Saturday morning coming down Petersburg to spend money. He stated that he has discussed this several times before. He stated that the meeting that was held back in October was not a citizen or community meeting. He asked could they get an accounting of the cost of the “I AM PETERSBURG” branding, including the merchandise the golf course was dictating by that had “I AM  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 21, 2016 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ PETERSBURG GOLF” on it. He stated that they can be making money it. He stated that it is just sitting there. He asked where is the City with the payments to the water authority, Central Virginia Waste Treatment, Virginia Retirement System and how much money does the City owe Container First. He asked what the plans are for the budget for taking care of some of this. He stated that he heard that the City is going to request that they revert back to a town status. He asked whether there were any comments to be made about this. He asked how much is in the new budget for homelessness for citizens in and from Petersburg and also for veterans. Prince Duke, 2793 South Crater Road, stated that he has several businesses in the City with no support. He stated that he comes tonight to share some personal views. He stated that he is a veteran and that he supports anything that helps veterans. He stated that he says this with a caution. He stated that he does not want to cost the citizens of the City. He stated that they do not want to take anything away from the community. He stated that they understand that the homelessness for veterans. He asked City Council Members what is their vision for Petersburg. He asked them why did they join council and what is the value that they perceive. He asked the value that they are bringing to the community. He stated that the City has been down for a lot of years. He stated that he believes that the worst has happened and that they can get up from it. He stated that until City Council come together and decide that they want something better for this community not as veterans but as for everyone. He stated that he before Mr. Johnson left he had a great project that he presented to him. He stated that he had a project that he was going to partner with the citizens to create jobs. He stated that it would have created 100 jobs. He asked why the City must give away the most relevant thing that it has. He stated that they are closing down schools in the City. He stated that it is sad if they do not get together to work to help these people. He stated that he has talked to people that just want to work. He stated that he is asking the seven of them to work together and help the community. He stated that this is a very poor community and that the people are suffering and that they are angry. He asked City Council to come together and find a way to help the community. 9. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: a. Consideration of an appropriation of Health Literacy Funds for $475. BACKGROUND: The Petersburg Public Library has received a grant from the Sports Backers to enhance its health literacy efforts. These funds will be used to purchase items that will facilitate the continued success of the Healthy Living and Learning Center located in the Library. Specifically, these funds will be used to purchase exercise equipment and storage containers for the equipment. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council approval the attached appropriation ordinance in the amount of $475. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to approve the appropriation ordinance in the amount of $475. 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 16-ORD-29 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 $475 FOR LIBRARY HEALTH LITERACYFUNDS. b. 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 the proposed FY2016-2017  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 21, 2016 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ Operating Budgets of $102,312,073 with recommended amendments. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Ms. Belton gave a review and bi-monthly update of the budget. Council Member Coleman made a motion to approve and adopt the proposed FY2016-2017 Operating Budgets of $102,312,073 with recommended amendments. The motion was seconded by Council Member Moore. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson- Smith and Myers; Voting No: Parham 16-ORD-30 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND TO ADOPT A BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF PETERSBURG FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2017. c. Consideration of amendments to the Citizenry Committee Policy adopted May 17, 2016. BACKGROUND: On May 17, 2016, City Council adopted a policy to govern the Citizenry Committee but it requires additional clarity. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council approves the amended policy for the Citizenry Committee. The changes are as follows:  The citizens must be registered voters.  The committee term has been established  The City Attorney (or designee) will be a representative on the committee  The committee must meet at least twice. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. Council Member Moore made a motion to approve the amended policy for the Citizenry Committee. 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 16-ORD-31 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NUMBER 16-28 THAT ENACTED THE POLICY FOR CITIZENRY COMMITTEE. Council Member Wilson-Smith asked Ms. Jackson to schedule interviews for the Anti-Poverty Commission. She stated that she would like to invite everyone to the next session. She stated that there are flyers on the back table. She stated that the title is “Money Matters.” She stated that there are pictures of individuals who will be present to discuss financial situations in the City. She stated that this will be Sunday on the Union Train Station at 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Council Member Coleman stated that Ward 6 will meet at A.P. Hill Elementary School. He stated that the time and date will be announced at a later time. He stated that the would like the City Manager to call a meeting as soon as possible so that City Council can get their questions answered regarding 29 and 41 South Union Street. Council Member Moore stated that he would like to thank all the citizens that came out to the Ward 4 meeting last Wednesday. He stated that it was quiet informative. He stated that it was an opportunity to see a water bill with actual numbers in it. He stated that there were a couple of issues that came out of the meeting. He stated that it pointed out that the water escalating grievance of the localities and the City of Petersburg. He stated that some of them have not been changed in 20 years. He asked Ms. Belton if she can get on this. He stated that there was also a great discussion on tourism. He stated that he asked the clerk to look through the  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 21, 2016 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ records. He stated that she did not see an active Tourism Committee. He stated that they will try to move forward on that. He stated that there was also a great discussion on review collection. He stated that it was also a discussion on the administrative duties of the treasurer and commission of revenue could fall under the City. He stated that he has had this discussion with the City Attorney’s and that he would also like for them to look into this happening and then report back to City Council. Council Member Hill stated that it is almost like people think that City Council is divided. He stated that they are not. He stated that he was going to speak on the collection and revenue as well. He stated that he thinks that they need to look into this and try to manage it and try to get more involved in it. He stated that on this coming Monday at the school board office he will be having a town hall meeting for everyone in Ward 2 at 6:00pm. He stated that they will be talking about the vision of the City at the retreat that will be held in the City. He stated that a lot of them have great ideas and that they have talked about a lot of things. He stated that they are trying to get the City stable and implement the vision as they go along. He stated that they are more together than what it may seem like to the public. He stated that at least he likes to think they are. He stated that he would for everyone to come out to the town hall meeting this Monday. Vice Mayor Parham stated that he would like to announce that on Monday, August 22, 2016, he will be having a Joint Ward 3 meeting with Ward 2 Council Member Hill. He stated that they will have a business meeting at Mad Italian to discuss signage. He stated that it will be Monday with the Director of Planning and Community Development, Michelle Peters. He stated that they would like to get feedback from all the businesses on Sycamore Street, South Crater and all the business in that area. 10. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: a. City Manager’s Report 1. Why is there no flag at the City Hall Annex? a. Currently the City Hall has a flag in the front on E. Tabb Street and another next to the side entrance on Union Street. Due to the proximity of these flags which are displayed 24 hours and 7 days a week, a decision in the past was made not to require an additional flag at the City Hall Annex. 2. What is the status of the City’s Financial Obligations? a. The City is currently making payments, pursuant to payment plans agreed upon by the City. As we approach the end of the fiscal year the City continues to pay its vendors as revenues are received. The City has paid all past due amounts to the Water Authorities, avoiding any financial obligations to our neighboring localities The City has also made payments to Riverside Regional Jail, and Petersburg City Schools within the last week, along with other smaller payments to vendors. The City is currently working to meet our obligation for our short term loans and debt repayment by June 30 2016. 3. What is the City going to do about the Sheriff’s cars on Pocahontas Island? a. The City has been working with the Sheriff’s office to reassign up to four vehicles for the use of passing out papers and transporting inmates. Currently, two vehicles have been return for these purposes. 4. Staff was asked to locate a green box with the records of the common council from the 1830-1860s. a. At this point staff has not been able to locate this box. Staff will continue to search for the location and existence of the green box. 5. Staff was asked about the Henry Williams building.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: June 21, 2016 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ a. Facilities Management has been directed to ensure that this building is included in the asset management plan for buildings being developed this fiscal year. 6. Is the City giving land to the Freedom Center? a. The City has received a proposal for the purchase of three parcels for the purpose of providing affordable and supportive housing for veterans. The purchase price will be determined as fair market by City Council vote at the June 21, 2016 meeting. 7. What is the justification for the location of the traffic camera at lights throughout the City? a. The location of the cameras at lights was determined by the three highest crash data intersections in the City which were Wagner and Crater Road, Washington and Adams Street and Wythe and Jefferson Street. Flashing only occurs when a vehicle has passed the stop line when the light is red without coming to a complete stop. An officer may, upon review, use his/her discretion to determine if the motorist came to a stop before proceeding safely through the intersection. The purpose of this program is to prevent fatalities, provide camera evidence for accidents and provide another source of revenue for the Police Department traffic operations divisions. 11. CLERK OF CITY COUNCIL'S AGENDA: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 12. CITY ATTORNEY’S AGENDA: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 13. CLOSED SESSION (IF NECESSARY): No closed is necessary. 14. ADJOURNMENT: City Council adjourned at 8:43p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor