City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 19, 2016 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at the Union Train Station. Mayor Myers called the closed session meeting to order at 5:30p.m. 1. CLOSED SESSION MEETING – 5:30 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member David R. Coleman Council Member Darrin L. Hill Council Member Brian A. Moore Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Mayor W. Howard Myers Absent: Council Member John A. Hart, Sr. (arrived at 5:46pm) Vice Mayor Samuel Parham (arrived at 5:33pm) Present from City Administration: Assistant City Attorney Danielle Powell Acting City Manager Dironna M. Belton Clerk of Council Nykesha D. Jackson, CMC 3. CLOSED SESSION: Assistant City Attorney Danielle Powell, 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 of salary of City Council appointees; under Subsection 3 to discuss or consider the disposition of publicly held property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body relating to one parcel that the City currently owns; and under Subsection 7 to consult with legal counsel regarding specific legal matters as it relates to contractual issues and obligations requiring the provision of legal advice by counsel. Council Member Hill moved that the City Council go into closed session for the purposes noted by the Assistant 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, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith and Myers; Absent: Hart and Parham City Council entered closed session at 5:31 p.m. CERTIFICATION: Council Member Coleman made a motion to return City Council into open 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, Parham and Myers Council Member Hill made a motion to certify the purposes of the closed session. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Parham. There was no discussion on the motion, which was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 19, 2016 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ 16-R-37 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 – 6:51 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.) a. Zika Virus Disease Presentation BACKGROUND: With the recently outbreaks of Zika Virus Disease, the Crater Health District is providing a presentation on the virus and the Crater Health District’s Response to the any potential threat in the area. RECOMMENDATION: For information only. Louise Lockett, Epidemiologist and Deborah Whitacre, Emergency Planner - Crater Health District, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation. b. A Proclamation to observe July 17-23, 2016, as Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week. BACKGROUND: During the week of July 17th through the 23rd, 2016, people across the United  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 19, 2016 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ States and Canada will join together to recognize the work that probation, parole and community supervision professionals do for our public safety. This year, many localities will highlight the efforts of communities involved in Justice Reinvestment. Justice reinvestment is a data-driven approach to improve public safety, examine corrections and related criminal justice spending, manage and allocate criminal justice populations in a more cost-effective manner, and reinvest savings in strategies that can hold individuals accountable, decrease crime, and strengthen neighborhoods. Today in America, there are over 5 million adults on community supervision and most of these individuals are monitored by pretrial, probation and parole officers. Monitoring may take the form of home contacts, drug testing, making sure the individual attends mental health and substance abuse counseling sessions, or other specialized treatment services, and helping individuals to find suitable housing and employment. Budget shortfalls mean that community corrections professionals must be creative in finding solutions to make sure those they supervise have the support needed to find jobs, housing and treatment. By collaborating with community leaders and volunteering their own time off work, many officers are making a difference while faced with expanding caseloads and additional responsibilities. Members of our community are encouraged to join together during Probation, Parole & Community Supervision Week to honor those who work to make our communities a safer place to live. For additional information about Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week, please contact Nicole Loving, Director, at Petersburg Community Corrections (serving Dinwiddie and Petersburg), at 804-861-4275, Ext. #4275. RECOMMENDATION: Mayor Myers read and presents the proclamation. Vice Mayor Parham read and presented the proclamation to Nicole Loving, Director of Petersburg Community Corrections. 6. CONSENT AGENDA: a. Minutes of July 5, 2016, Regular City Council Meeting and July 11, 2016, Special City Council Meeting. b. Schedule a public hearing for the adoption of the public Downtown Petersburg Tourism Zone Project Ordinance. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda and schedule the public hearing for August 17, 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, Parham and Myers 7. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: (In accordance with the Rules of Council, public comment will be heard before discussion by Council. Once discussion has started, no further input from the public will be accepted. Each speaker will be limited to three (3) minutes.) a. A public hearing to amend the Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A) of the 1981 Code of the City of Petersburg, as amended, to add uses to commercial zoning districts, to add definitions, to delete definition and to change definitions in the Zoning Ordinance. BACKGROUND: The Code of the State of Virginia section §15.2-2286 (7) whenever the public necessitate, convenience, general welfare, or good zoning practice requires, the governing body may be ordinance amend, supplement, or change the regulations, district boundaries, or classifications of property. This change is necessary to facilitate future development that should be permitted by-right, allows the City of Petersburg to come in-line with zoning practices and standards as it relates to definitions and the use of certain terms with respect to governance of land use.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 19, 2016 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ The Planning staff and a subcommittee of the Planning Commission have been working on amendments to the zoning ordinance since late 2014. This is the first of several rounds of amendments that will be necessary to align with the updated Comprehensive Plan and to further the goals and objectives of the City of Petersburg. We currently have definitions that are found in City Code, the Zoning Ordinance, and the Fire Code that conflict one with the other. Making amendments helps to eliminate the ambiguity and allows the City to do a better job in enforcement, prosecution, and ultimately abatement. In 2012, when the off-street parking requirement was revised the medical and dental offices were not included. Therefore, this proposed change is to have medical and dental offices to have an off-street parking requirement the same as professional and business offices. RECOMMENDATION: Following a duly advertised public hearing, Council may take action on the request. The Planning Commission forwards a recommendation of approval of the additions, deletions and modification to the definitions in the Zoning Ordinance and the approval of adding a use to the commercial zoning districts. Michelle Peters, Director of Planning and Community Development, gave a briefing and a PowerPoint presentation on amending the Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A) of the 1981 Code of the City of Petersburg, as amended, to add uses to commercial zoning districts, to add definitions, to delete definition and to change definitions in the Zoning Ordinance. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Seeing no hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council Members and Mrs. Peters. Council Member Coleman made a motion to approve the additions, deletions and modification to the definitions in the Zoning Ordinance and the approval of adding a use to the commercial zoning districts. 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 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 to Council Members that he would like them to listen to a short phrase, “Trust and Verify.” He stated that he has watched this council over the years put faith in the administration. He stated that he questions at time on whether it has been independent effort to verify what has been brought to them. He stated that he ask them to please think outside the box and to explore and investigate. He stated that they should use their common sense. He stated that what the administration feeds them is not necessarily what they should know. He stated that they should remember that they are representing the citizens. He stated that his late mother had a phrase to not be a complainer. He stated that no one likes a complainer. He stated that this City has been running from complaints. He stated that when he worked for the City someone in Building and Grounds said that this is the only way that they function. He stated that the administration, department heads and etc. probably get belted with requests on a daily basis. He stated that when he worked for the City he was peeved to have to deal with it because he could not get on with the work because he had to respond. He stated that you go to the City’s website and that he cannot find  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 19, 2016 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ any instruction anywhere about how to address a FOIA, to whom and to what fashion. He stated that maybe he missed something but that this is the way that he sees it. He stated that there are some real questions coming up about how to deal with real estate. He stated that to his knowledge there has never been a real estate policy. He stated that it is just whatever way the winds blowing and that this is not right. He stated that two months the City’s curator, Mr. Jacobs, resigned. He stated that his name was still on the website at Centre Hill as of this past Sunday. He stated that he suggest that City Council reconsider the pay cut to the citizens that are served by the employees of this City. He stated that there is another way to get around it and that there really was no discussion on the special meeting. He stated that he is sorry that it is late and that he needs to sit down. He stated that he will discuss some other things another day. George Frederick Brown, 230 South Adams Street, stated that he comes to commend them after all the negative that he has heard going around. He stated that he is present to commend them on their service. He stated that he would like to thank them for what they are doing knowing that there is a higher power and that God is giving them all elements, leaders and those in authority. He stated that he prays that they as citizens also will give City Council their due respect. He stated that he also comes to pray for everyone. He stated that they can think that they are in control but everyone is out of control. Mr. Brown prayed over the City and Council. Marlow Jones, George Street, stated that he is a resident of Ward 2. He stated that what he is about to say is with all due respect. He stated that this may not be for everyone but they know if the shoe fits. He stated that you cannot lead something that they do not love or love something that they may not know why they love it in the first place. He stated that the needs of their leadership are not measured up to the needs of their circumstances. He asked where the substance of City Council’s leadership is when their employees of police, fire, social services, parks and recreation, streets and utilities provide work and substance through their sacrifice. He stated that it is pride and ownership that they choose to stay working for a low paying job. He stated that it is not the benefits. He stated that out of emergency and desperation they have created crisis and hardship. He stated that the lies that they hear from certain department heads or assistance are the lies that they live by and turn around to depend on. He stated that he is not asking them but telling them to leave their paychecks alone and for them to lead the way and chip in their paycheck first. He asked them what sense of trust they will have in City Council after this point. He stated that as they sit there with their minds already made up he would like to inform them that Petersburg is dying from an internal rot of corruption, buddy-buddy system and conspiracy. He stated that he has told them this in writing. He stated that he was told that City Council cannot get involved in personnel issues. He asked that if City Council cannot get into personnel issues then why they are getting involved in personnel pay. Talibah Majeed, 1847 Brandon Avenue, stated that in the past Council Members have declared love and dedication and commitment to the City of Petersburg but yet at this moment Petersburg is the State of Virginia’s joke. She stated that they went from outrageous water bills to $17 million dollars in debt. She stated that they have witnessed petty infighting and ego tripping character assassination attempts, gross mismanagement of resource and major lack of accountability. She stated that now City employees have been mandated to take a 10% pay cut. She stated that not have everyone has to take the pay cut. She stated that supposedly because they have contracts. She stated that they are very high priced contracts. She stated that the City is in severe crisis. She stated that everyone should be subject to the sacrifice that is required in lowering staff. She stated that there is a big difference in 10% of $30,000 and 10% of $100,000. She stated that 30% across the board is not equity. She stated that she heard the Mayor say that it would be illegal to break the contract by changing the pay rate. She stated to him to figure it out. She stated that they are in a crisis. She stated that she said it before that someone is benefiting from Petersburg being in such dire straits. She stated that this has been going on way before this council has been assembled. She stated that they have had the opportunity to break the cycle. She stated that had no doubt that many people in government and leadership and probably on council knows who is really in charge of City. She stated that her suggestion is that they add six people to help Councilwoman Pritchett and Councilwoman Smith run the City and then the rest can gather up their balls and leave the playground and then “Game Over.” Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mount Vernon Street, stated that her comments are directed to members of  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 19, 2016 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ council. She stated that they are not showing themselves to be up to the task of running the City in this time of financial crisis. She stated that on March 7th just days after they fired Mr. Johnson she wrote to them specifically requesting a complete and thorough status report at the March 15th meeting. She stated that this was to include all known facts of revenue short falls, budget deficits and unpaid bills and what would be done about them. She stated for her troubles several of them went after her and that the Mayor and former City Attorney seeking to deny her right to free speech and harm her standing with her employer. She stated despite this from some of them she continued to follow the financial status with interest and offered suggestion thinking that some of them were listening. She stated that the June 2nd meeting on the budget was a real eye opener. She stated that they learned then that the amount of the gap was about $9 million dollars and still growing. She stated that since then they have found out that it is definitely still growing. She stated that she wrote to City Council on June 7th and June 8th and offered a number of suggestions and encouragement in trying to empathize their situations. She stated that it is really hard to resolve issues that have an impact on employee’s livelihood and that in this case they are City workers. Ms. Rudolph read an exert from her email on June 8th. Ms. Rudolph stated that she outlined several different ways of budget cutting. She stated that the first was to do not draft from the FY17 budget that was discussed at the work session. She stated that this was basically head in the sand. She stated that they did move beyond this and she had a second method that she called “Cookbook Easy Time Budget Cutting Salami Slice.” She stated that this was where it was the same percentage across the board reduction. She stated that they learned earlier that this is exactly what they done. She stated that this detracts every activity to operate directly. Ms. Jackson asked Ms. Rudolph to bring her comments to closure. Ms. Rudolph stated that she will. She stated that she will take as long as the people that prayed and other people that talked. Mayor Myers stated to Ms. Rudolph that her time is up. He stated for her to not come up in front of the public and tell a lie on him. David Batts, 1127 High Pearl Street, stated that he is so much like the other speakers that have spoken before them. He stated that his biggest problem is that he will take the 10% cut but he is asking that City Council remove them. He stated that it is crazy and that they cannot handle their finances. He stated that if he had a house and all the bills were not paid then they will put him out the house. He stated that it is just like a football game. He stated that when the coaches lose the whole team loses and they get rid of everyone. He stated that he is talking about everybody. He stated that the only person that has said anything is the young lady that took of the management part. He stated that no one actually said anything. He stated that it is a form of disrespect to all of the employees that they would have the meeting after they take the money. He stated that this is crazy. Samuel Rhue, 1952 South Westchester Drive, stated that a couple of comments regarding the finance and the budget. He stated that he knows that part of the audit talks about shortfalls and anticipated revenue. He stated that primarily he is talking about the personal property tax. He stated that there is an issue going on when it takes 32 days for a check to be cashed through the bank for personal property tax. He stated that this is not an isolated incident. He stated that this is numerous people. He stated that they have a problem that is not the City Manager’s responsibility and that it lays in the treasurer office but that it directly affects the revenue and cash flow. He stated that this problem needs to be addressed immediately when they have IPhones and IPads. He stated that they can deposit checks directly from their desk. He stated that this needs to be done. He stated that in addition to this he does not know what happens to the cash. He asked whether this was deposited every day. He stated that this is a bigger problem on the real estate side. He stated that in real estate they are talking about larger amounts. He stated that he would suggest that someone looks at this process to find out where is the cash. He stated that this immediately needs to put in the bank to help the cash flow. He stated that the deficit increase went from $10 million to $17 million dollars. He stated that this is a large increase. He asked can they get an update on a strategic plan on a monthly basis. He stated that they  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 19, 2016 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ are in a difficult situation and that they need to know strategically how they are addressing this. He stated that they just finished the end of the fourth quarter so where are they with the production of the financial statement. He stated that $4.5 million dollars was stated. He stated that the internal funds money was spent. He asked can they get an idea of what this money was spent on. He asked where the forensic audit is and what the numbers are. He asked is there a communication plan to communicate. He stated that they are dealing with people lives when they talk about pay reduction and those types of things. Karen Graham, 402 High Street, stated that she understands that the RFP has run its course to the two South Union Street properties and the 801 South Adams on yesterday. She stated that she is curious to know how many proposals came in and that she would anticipate that this will come back up during the City Council Members business session when citizens cannot comment. She stated that she does want to know and point out that should they vote to dispose these properties that they state their reason why given that part of the proposal is that they were expecting an $850,000 grant from the City as well as to purchase the property for $150,000. She stated that she quotes from their PowerPoint that the amount is $935,700 donation from the City. She asked how the City can afford this. She stated that they need to explain where the monies will come from. She stated that also Fountain Head would be using Litech monies. She stated that City Council already rejected a proposal on the Titmus Optical building on Commerce Street for the use of Litech funds. She stated that as far as the 801 South Adams Street property there is not proposal or use or projected sales price. She stated that she would hope out of transparency of that property would come back up for a public hearing. She stated that also in terms of a forensic audit if this has already begun and out for bid then what is the projected cost. She stated that at one time they use to get Council Communicates Newsletter that came out. She asked what happened to it and can it be brought back out. Vernel Gannaway, 652 Old Wagner Road, stated that he has been here all his life. He stated that he is saddened. He state that he is saddened because now they are doing something and that he knows that the City is in a difficult situation and that he knows that they can overcome it. He stated that they have been through a lot of struggle before but that they do not need to put the people in struggles. He stated that taking money out the pocket of citizens. He stated that people are trying to raise families. He stated that they have to seek the truth. He stated that the truth will make them free. He stated to not try to hide anything from the citizens because they are doing their homework. He stated that they are all accountable and that they will be replaced. He stated that at this point they need to go forward. He stated that they need to keep their essential people. He stated that they do not have a buddy system here and that they do not need one. He stated that they are one City. He stated that it is not “I AM Petersburg” it is “WE ARE Petersburg.” He stated that they reason why he is still here is because Petersburg is his homes. He stated that he is not here on his behalf but for everyone. He stated that they need to pray and come together. He stated that now is the time to go forward. 9. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that she had one question that she wanted to pose to City Council on the budget. She stated that it is on City Council’s budget. She stated that on their budget on 5530 under “Subsistence and Lodging” they went from $7,201 to $38,500. She stated that they have a new policy in place for trips and attending conferences. She stated that since they have initiated the 10% cut for employees she would like to see them entertain and take that particular line item back down to the $7,000 or at least cut it to $10,000. Council Member Wilson-Smith made a motion to take the salary down for “Subsistence and Lodging” and “Travel” line item in City Council’s budget to $10,000 each. 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 Council Member Hart stated that he would like to thank Mr. Willie Noise for reporting issues in Ward 7. He stated especially when it comes to grass cutting and trees. He stated that some of the issues have been addressed and other will be addressed this week or next week. He stated that he was to thank Mr. Noise for pointing these items out. He stated that he will be conducting a regional forum with himself and Council President from Richmond. He stated that they will be discussing policing and community issues. He stated that  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 19, 2016 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ a date will be determined. He stated that this will be something that they will get out to the public. Council Member Coleman stated that Ward 6 will have its meeting on August 8th at 6:30pm at A. P. Hill Elementary School. He stated that everyone is invited to attend. Council Member Hill stated that during their last meeting when they had the session he was one of the ones that voted against the 10%. He stated that he wanted to go with the tier model that they had with cutting 20%, then 10%, and then 5% for the employees who got paid more and then the ones that got paid a little less. He stated that they were told that they could not do that model. He stated that this has been a rough week because he has family members that work for the City and he has clients that work for the City. He stated that he has heard their cries. He stated that this is something that they did not want to do this. He stated that he knows that it is on the burden of a lot of them. He stated that with some of them they want to take their own salary but that the way the vote went down they could not do it because of laws. He stated that after research and talking to the attorneys they are able to do some things that he wanted to do at the last meeting. Council Member Hill made a motion that the employees that are appointed by City Council which are the City Manager, City Attorney, City Assessor and City Clerk have 10% of their salaries is reduced to be in line with the other workers in the City. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. Council Member Moore made an amended motion that City Council will take a 10% cut and City Council appointees that make less than $55,000 take a 10% cut, appointees that make over $100,000 take 20% cut and that there be a 30 day wait on the reduction of the 10% for City employees and that following more information will be provided. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion among City Council Members. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers Council Member Hill stated that he would like to thank the City employees for the hard work that they have done. He stated that it does not go unnoticed. He stated that the bubble just happen to burst on City Council. He stated that this has been building over years. He stated that he just want the citizens to know that. He stated that he is not blaming anyone. He stated they will get it right. He stated that he thanks them for their patience. Vice Mayor Parham stated that everyone is invited to the Ward 3 job fair with himself and School Board Chairman, Kenneth Pritchett. He stated that it will be from 9:00am to 2:00pm at Petersburg High School. He stated that one of the businesses that he would like to highlight that is coming is Teleperformance will be at the job fair. He stated that they are looking at hiring 100 people. He stated that they will be paying $10 to $15 an hour plus bonuses. He stated that they are hiring for inbound customer service. He stated that they are expecting another huge turnout at the high school. He stated that if they know of anyone that is looking in the City of Petersburg they are welcome to come out on that date. He stated that on August 22nd there will be a Ward 2 and Ward 3 Joint Business Meeting. He stated that they will be discussing issues with zoning and signage for business. He stated that it will be at Mad Italian at 6:30pm. He stated that the guest speaker will be Michelle Peters, Director of Planning. He stated that in speaking with the City’s consultant of years ago the City was broke four years ago. He stated that this is according to Davenport and Associates. He stated that nothing was done. He stated that he hopes today that City Council will support him in his motion. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion that the City retain outside litigation to assist the City with warranty claims against Johnson Controls and their subcontractors and their work and ask the state police to pursue criminal investigations on the performance contract dated April 28, 2013. The motion was seconded by Mayor Myers. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Parham and Myers; Voting No: Wilson-Smith Mayor Myers stated that on July 30th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Third Baptist Church, located at 550 Farmer Street, there will be a Ward 5 meeting. He stated that there will be food and fun and to please come out and join them.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 19, 2016 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ 10. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: Ms. Belton stated that currently all of their actions are very critical to the success of the City. She stated that they are managing the financial crisis where they look at it at a stage of financial recovery as they begin to plan their way out of the crisis. She stated that they have been very much supported by the Secretary of Finance and the State Team of Analyst that have been helping to get a lot of the items and information that they need. She stated that they look forward to the team briefing council and providing everyone with a clearer picture of some of the items that have led to the big the decision that council had to make at the last few meetings. She stated that per the adopted resolution of April 21, 2015, that would increase the utility rates for FY17 by 13.4% be withheld until the service agreements are clarified with pending that the motion goes through FY20. She stated that she wanted to put this on the table. She stated that it was supposed to be effective beginning the July fiscal year. She stated that she thinks that they need to address this. Council Member Moore made a motion to accept the City Manager’s recommendation on the mentioned item. 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 a. City Manager’s Report 1. Are there any criminal, federal, or forensic investigations going on in the City? a. In January 2016, the Petersburg’s Commonwealth’s Attorney requested that Virginia State Police conduct an investigation, into the missing money at the Petersburg Police Department evidence room. This investigation has not concluded. Currently, we are in the final steps of the procurement process for the Forensic Audit. It is an estimated cost of $250,000 to $300,000. There are no other investigations at this time. She stated that on an update of the Southside Emergency Virginia Crew she has met with both parties and plans to have a joint meeting. She stated that it has been scheduled to make a recommendation to City Council regarding that item that was requested. 2. What is the status of the construction at 500 block of Hinton Street? a. The City is currently working on a storm water management project to realign the drainage area. The construction was impacted by weather events and contractors were unable to finish the project. The City is working with the Department of Environmental Quality to redesign the project, secure additional grant funding, and ensure that the project compiles with current grant funding requirements. The City is scheduled to cut the grass near the curb and gutter no later than next week. However some vegetation is necessary to prevent erosion. 3. What is the status of the brush piles on South Boulevard and Monticello? a. The property owners were given violation notices and a week to remedy. Once this time period is up the City will remove the brush piles. If residents have concerns regarding the right-of-way violations they may call (804) 733-2353. 4. What is the City doing about the growing deer population? a. When Animal Control receives a call regarding wildlife issues the staff provides residents with methods to keep them away. In the instance of deer, residents may minimize feeding environments; plant deer proof vegetation etc. to limit their occurrences. The department is not allowed to trap, bait or intentionally injure an animal without a special permit. 5. What is the status of the regular maintenance of the roads and grass on Youngs Road?  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 19, 2016 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ a. The City contact Dominion Power and CSX to have the trees cut back at Youngs Road. Typically Public Works rotates the grass cutting of public spaces every 21 days. This schedule is adjusted as needed for issues such as rain or equipment repair. Residents may report overgrown grass on the City’s website by visiting www.petersburgva.gov and clicking on the button on the right hand side of the page called “Help Center.” Ms. Belton stated that she was contacted by the Petersburg Professional Firefighters Association and that she will be sharing a copy of their letter with City Council. 11. CLERK OF CITY COUNCIL'S AGENDA: Ms. Jackson stated that Council Member John Hart will have his Ward 7 meeting on July 28th at 6:30pm at Stuart Elementary School at 100 Pleasants Lane. 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 8:10p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor