City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at Petersburg High School in the auditorium. Mayor Myers called the closed session meeting to order at 4:30p.m. 1. CLOSED SESSION MEETING – 4:30 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 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 Jackson 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 7 to consult with legal counsel and briefings by staff members pertaining to probable litigation, where consultation or briefing in the open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the public body. He stated that this concerns the sale of a piece of property that the City had. Vice Mayor Parham moved that the City Council go into closed session for the purposes noted by the City Attorney. 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, Parham and Myers City Council entered closed session at 4:32 p.m. CERTIFICATION: Council Member Hill made a motion to return City Council into open session. The motion was seconded by Council Member Coleman. There was no discussion on the motion, which was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers Vice Mayor Parham 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, Parham and Myers 16-R-45 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  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ 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 – 5:00 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 Jackson 3. MOMENT OF SILENCE: a. Clerk of Council, Nykesha Jackson, led council and the audience in a moment of silence. 4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: a. Clerk of Council, Nykesha Jackson, led council and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 5. PRESENTATION/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: (Each presentation will be limited to 10 minutes.) There are no items for this portion of the agenda. 6. CONSENT AGENDA: a. Minutes, Regular City Council Meeting July 19, 2016; Special City Council Meeting July 26; Special City Council Meeting July 27; Special City Council Meeting August 3; Council Advance August 4; Special City Council Meeting August 17; Special City Council Meeting August 23; Special City Council Meeting August 29. b. Request to hold a public hearing to operate a nightclub at 3270 South Crater Road, T.P. 088- 01-0809. The property is zoned B-2, General Commercial District. Council Member Coleman made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda that scheduled a public hearings for September 20, 2016, regular City Council meeting. 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  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ heard before discussion by Council. Once discussion has started, no further input from the public will be accepted. Each speaker will be limited to three (3) minutes.) a. A public hearing on a proposed ordinance amending Section 106-262 of the Code of the City of Petersburg – Lodging Tax BACKGROUND: During the Special City Council meeting held August 23, 2016, PFM made several recommendations that will assist the City’s current financial status. One of the recommendations was to increase the City’s lodging tax from 6% to 10%. During that same meeting, Council made a motion to schedule a public hearing for this matter on September 6, 2016. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached ordinance. Dironna Belton, Acting City Manager, gave a brief overview of the proposed ordinance amendment for the Lodging Tax. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated concerns about the homeless people in the City and how this would increase those numbers. He addressed concerns on the factor that some of the families in the hotels have children that are attending Petersburg Public Schools. He stated that if the families became homeless then the children would also be homeless and the streets. He stated that he is opposed to the increase on lodging taxes. Crystal Brown, 733 Confederate Avenue, stated that she has some recommendations for bringing revenue to the City. She stated that there needs to be a decrease in pay of the City employee that received an increase while other employees received a 10% reduction. She stated that some things in the City are unethical. She stated that she calls on the resignation of the City Treasurer and his staff for mismanagement and not being organized as well as embezzlement of payments. She stated that the State of the City leads her to questions how many leaders live in the City of Petersburg. Concerned citizen stated that she is requesting that the City does not give up the senior program at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Vernel Gannaway, 652 Old Wagner Road, stated that he has seen many changes but no mismanagement. He stated that embezzlement falls under mismanagement. He stated that some of the trips that were taken need to be recruited. He stated that there needs to be an understanding with miseducation. He stated that they need to bring back the former council members that went on trips to Paris who brought back no information. He stated that the City needs help to go forward but that they need to know what happened from behind. Delores Smith, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that there are a lot of cuts going on but that she does not see any cuts up on stage. She stated that Mrs. Yerby is the babysitter of the City and that they are talking about cutting her. She stated that the City has an attorney so there is no need for an assistant city attorney. She stated that that salary needs to be cut as well. Doug Martlin, concern citizen, asked City Council do they know what a “Triple B Rating” is. He stated that the City is now a “Triple B Rating.” He stated that this is the rating of a crackhead standing on the corner after you give them a $5 dollar and expect the money back. He stated that it is his understanding that the City cannot get a loan unless the Commonwealth gives them the loan. He stated that also the City has to pass the 19 recommendations. He stated that with this being stated he does not understand the need for a public forum. Nona Wartella, Ward 3 citizen, stated that she bought a historic home in 2007. She stated that she has continued to work part-time as a museum tour guide. She stated that she begin this about 30 years ago. She  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ stated that she wanted to buy a historic home in the City of Petersburg. She stated that she would like City Council to consider not closing the sites down until the foundation is on its feet. She stated that she realize that they have to have a reduction in staff. She stated that visitation is up at the tour sites and that they are all patriots. She stated that she hopes that they continue to spread the word to get the people to continue to visit. She stated that she just would like City Council to reconsider the closing of the sites. Tracy Eden, Business Owner on Farmer Street, stated that she owns a building and a business in Petersburg but lives in Prince George. She spoke on the police and firefighters being taken away. She stated that the firefighters are right next door to their business and that they have helped them numerous times. She stated that the area that they have their business in is very poor and dilapidated and that it needs a lot of help. She stated that getting rid of the firefighters will not help it. She asked that being a resident of Prince George and having a business in Petersburg how can she register to vote in Petersburg. She stated that she is entitled to make comments and have a say in things. She stated that she does not get it. Karl Dingledine, 248 Southwood Drive, asked City Council Members if they loved the City. He asked whether they love it enough to give up half of their salary to sacrifice for the crunch that the City is going through. He stated that the firefighters are important to the seniors and the City. He stated that 35-40% of the people that live in the City are seniors. He stated that the insurance companies will increase if they look at how many firefighters are in the City to protect. Barbara Vaughn, citizen of Petersburg, stated that she would like to thank the citizens of Petersburg that have taken their time to volunteer to cut the grass and the money out of their pockets to have grass cut. She stated that they talk about bringing people here but cannot afford to get the grass cut. She stated that the City cannot afford to pay the contractors that cut grass in the City. She spoke on the increase of refuse going up. She stated that it is attached to the water bills so they have to pay the bill. Ida Edwards, 30 Corling Street, stated that she has been a resident at her address since 1965. She stated that when she moved in that area her family was the second African American family to move on that street. She stated that everyone moved because they did not want to be near them. She stated that since 1965 she has seen the street sweeper come on her street about five times. She stated that the last time she seen them they only did half the street. She stated that they pay their taxes so where are their services. She stated that she has called and reported the home across the street regarding the overgrown grass. She stated that the grass in the street is growing out in the street. She stated that she pays the bills but yet they are talking about taxing being raised. She asked where the money that they are collecting is. She stated that if it wasn’t for the fire department she would have been dead. She stated that there have been four house fires around her home. She stated that she does not beg because she is too proud to beg. She stated to Council Member Moore that is he drives on her street he can see the overgrown grass. She stated that she would like to know where the money went to that was collected. Cynthia Jones, citizen of Petersburg, stated that the fire department and police department are important to her. She stated that she does not want anyone to go into the building without the proper gear. She stated that the Census states that there are 34,000 people in the City of Petersburg. She stated that they cannot burn and not have police around to protect them. She stated that they should start saving the City and stop arguing. She stated that if the City gets redlined anymore they will not have a Fire Department, insurance and they will be sitting around looking like stats until shipped around to their time again. Concerned citizen spoke on the firefighters. He stated that he is not from Petersburg and that all his friends that lived in the City moved to Richmond for a better horizon. He stated that the City has the chance to change. He stated to help the people in the City of Petersburg. Seeing no further hands, Mrs. Harris closed the public hearing. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to adopt the ordinance amending Section 106-262 of the Code of the City of Petersburg increasing the lodging tax of 6% to 10%. 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-  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ Smith, Parham and Myers 16-ORD-34 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 106, TAXATION, SECTION 106-262 OF ARTICLE VII, INCREASING THE LODGING TAX; OF THE 2000 CODE OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, AS AMENDED. b. A public hearing on a proposed ordinance amending Section 106-292 of the Code of the City of Petersburg – Meal Tax. BACKGROUND: During the Special City Council meeting held August 23, 2016, PFM made several recommendations that will assist the City’s current financial status. One of the recommendations is to increase the City’s meals tax from 6% to 7.5%. During that same meeting, Council made a motion to schedule a public hearing for this matter on September 6, 2016. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached ordinance. Dironna Belton, Acting City Manager, gave a brief overview of the proposed ordinance amendment for the Meal Tax. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Gloria Brown, 1557 South Sycamore Street, stated that she does not agree with the meal tax but she understands that they are trying to bring in more revenue. She stated that they have great restaurants in the City. She stated that they would like to keep these restaurants in the City. She stated that she thinks that they should hold off on the increase in meal tax. Henri Dozier, 1762 Monticello Street, stated that he is proud to have moved to the City of Petersburg. He stated that most of the things that the City is proposing are the type of things that will chase people away. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that he does not agree with the meals tax but that he can understand why they are doing this. He asked that with the last 2% meals tax what is there to show from it. He asked that because of the increase in the meals tax, will anyone from PMF let the homeless people come to their house and eat. He stated that this is not something that happened overnight. He stated raising a meal tax and the recommendations by PMF; these people will be gone and can afford to eat wherever. He stated that the City’s people cannot. He asked with an increase in the meal tax what the City has seen. He stated that it is obvious that they have not seen much. He stated that some of the cuts that will be discussed later would not be on the table. Karen Graham, 402 High Street, stated that before they propose to raise the taxes she would like someone on City Council or the Acting City Manager to explain their rationale on how they came up with the increasing amount and how it compares to the surrounding localities before they vote. She stated that there is no real justification. She asked whether the increases in line with the surrounding localities. Arthur Capuano, 1931 Matoax Avenue, stated that he moved to the City about 30 years ago. He stated that there were eight supermarkets and a lot of businesses in the City. He stated that he has watched the City crumble. He stated that now he sees the last little bits of the town left and that he sees homes that are crumbling. He stated that this town needs to make it to where the materials that it cost to build a house at least represent the value of the home. He stated that for 30 years they have raised children and let them down. He stated that what you teach children will change their life forever. He stated that the way to make more money in town is to double, triple or quadruple the value of the homes that are in the City. He stated that the taxes that are collected will support the City. He asked about the baseball team and field. He stated that the one thing in the City that works is when he dials 9-1-1 for the police and fire department. He stated that if they want the City to succeed then they must show success. James Tynes, citizen of Petersburg, stated that he is in a band and that he performs in the district. He  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ stated that he meets people every week they have a negative feel on the City. He stated that when the people visit they have another vision of the City and they come and enjoy themselves. He stated that raising the meals tax is not a good idea. Business owner in the City of Petersburg stated that when she opened her business in 2003 she met with the then City Manager, David. She stated that she asked where the meal tax was and what they businesses were paying. She stated that she was told that the funds would go to tourism and the other part would go to the City. She stated that she pulled the restaurants together to discuss the taxes. She stated that when Mr. Johnson came to the City they had a meeting in her restaurant with the businesses. She stated that at that time Council Member Moore was the Mayor and he attended as well. She asked where the money going and what is the City is doing with it. She stated that all Council Members should walk through their districts and see the things going on. She stated that she is opposed to the increase in meals tax. Shawn Harper, 1700 Fairfax Street, stated that he is not going to give them a lecture on taxes. He stated that he is from New York. He stated that if they are going to raise the tax he asks that they put in a sunset clause. He stated that this should be done to be a confidence builder. Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. There was discussion among staff and City Council. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to adopt the ordinance amending Section 106-292 of the Code of the City of Petersburg, increasing the meals tax from 6% to 7.5%. Council Member Coleman made a substitute motion to raise the meals tax from 6% to 7%. The motion was seconded by Council Member Moore. There was discussion on the motion. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill and Moore; Voting No: Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers 16-ORD-35 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 106, TAXATION, SECTION 106-292 OF ARTICLE VIII, DIVISION I, INCREASING THE MEALS TAX; OF THE 2000 CODE OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, AS AMENDED. c. A public hearing for on a proposed ordinance amending Section 106-442 of the Code of the City of Petersburg Cigarette Tax. BACKGROUND: During the Special City Council meeting held August 23, 2016, PFM made several recommendations that will assist the City’s current financial status. One of the recommendations is to increase the City’s cigarette tax from $.10 to $.90. During that same meeting, Council made a motion to schedule a public hearing for this matter on September 6, 2016. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached ordinance. Dironna Belton, Acting City Manager, gave a brief overview of the proposed ordinance amendment for the Cigarette Tax. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Harold Rietdorf, 115 South Market Street, asked what happens to the home owners when the taxes are raised and the numbers do not come through. He asked who makes up the difference if these things do not work out. He stated that it is great to want to raise them but that they are assuming that people will be buying the same amount of cigarettes and same amount of fund. He stated that when the restaurants get overburdened they have a choice to close or not. He stated that it is scary as a property owner and a citizen. He asked how much more can they take on their own. He stated that the statistics are nice but it’s hard to predict that this will work.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ Ron Flock, 1708 Pender Avenue, stated that he would like to challenge everyone to come up with alternatives. He stated that there are 2,300 vehicles that are exempt because they are with churches and other things. He stated that he has been looking at some of the different departments throughout the City. He stated that there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians. He went over the pay scale of the firefighters and captains. Ken Pritchett, 1113 Overbrook Road, stated that he has listened to the last three subjects. He stated that the City is nickel and diming the citizens with the little amounts that they are going to get from raising meals, lodging and cigarette taxes. He stated that two years ago there was a conversation on rescinding the average of 20% of raises that department heads received. He stated that it totaled $454,000. He stated that the savings would have been about $1 million dollars by today. He stated that nobody sitting on the stage would consider that for whatever reasons. He stated that they have to spend what they collect and that they cannot keep spending more than they receive. He stated that putting the burden on the citizens is the wrong thing to do. He stated that they have to keep within the City’s revenue. He stated that they really need to get to “Item F” and let the citizens know what is really going to be cut. He stated that the meals tax was to support tourism in the City. Seeing no further hands, Mayor Myers closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to adopt the ordinance amending Section 106-442 of the Code of the City of Petersburg increasing the cigarette tax from $0.10 to $0.90. 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, Wilson-Smith and Parham; Voting No: Moore and Myers 16-ORD-36 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 106, TAXATION, SECTION 106-442 OF ARTICLE XII, INCREASING THE CIGARETTE TAX; OF THE 2000 CODE OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, AS AMENDED. d. A public hearing on an amended ordinance amending personal property tax. BACKGROUND: During the Special City Council meeting held August 23, 2016, PFM made several recommendations that will assist the City’s current financial status. One of the recommendations was to increase the City’s personal property tax from $4.40 to $4.90. During that same meeting, Council made a motion to schedule a public hearing for this matter on September 6, 2016. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached ordinance. Dironna Belton, Acting City Manager, gave a brief overview of the proposed ordinance amendment for the Personal Property Tax. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, asked who do the people think they are that are providing City Council with information. He asked do they think that the citizens in Petersburg have money falling out of their pockets. He stated that he is a cancer survivor and he has a son that is a sophomore in Virginia State University. He stated to Council Member Hill and Vice Mayor Parham that some of the comments that they are saying are bad towards the citizens. He stated that City Council has messed up jobs. He stated that they passed the cigarette tax and that they will now start to see bootlegging just like in New York. He stated that they should not continue to try to build the City on broken backs. Michael Edwards, 409 Grove Avenue, stated that he has listened to everyone. He stated that he hears that the citizens have to endure more taxes because of poor mismanagement. He stated that due to poor  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ mismanagement the citizens have to pay the price. He stated that he is sure that in the audience there are numerous independent owners that are present. He thanked Council Member Moore for having two meetings prior to the meeting tonight so that they can voice their opinions. He stated that when Mr. Canada left office there was a surplus in the bank. He stated that there was also rainy day money in the bank when the Mayor was Mayor Dance. He stated that for the record he is not campaigning. He stated that it is time that they get down to business and put the City back on track. He stated that they surrendered in 1865 and that they will not do it in 2016. Bernard Wilson, City resident, stated that it 43 years ago that the City was not known until him and his teammate, Moses Malone, put it on the map. He stated to City Council that they put the City on the map for the crime to go up and the poverty goes forward. He stated that now the City is trying to kill the citizens. Grady Milton, City resident, stated that he has 25 years of experience in government. He stated that he moved from one commonwealth to another. He stated that he does not come to them as a democrat or a republican. He stated that he comes to them as an extremist. He stated that he knows with a lot of them it did not happen when they were in office but it happened on their watch. He stated that because it happened on their watch they are responsible. He stated that he can tell them to not come to him with a problem unless they have a solution. He stated that he brings them a solution. He stated that he believes that putting middle to upper management on six months furlough. He stated that during those six months it may be a little hardship but they will be able to collect unemployment. He stated that City Council put them their now they have to shake it off. He stated that a lot of people have to work two or three jobs in order to make the city function. He stated that he is asking City Council to consider the six month furlough. Gloria Brown, 1557 South Sycamore Street, stated that she came to the meeting to handle business with everyone else. She stated that is a citizen but that she is in a special place. She stated that she lives on both sides of the fence. She stated that they blame everything on the City government. She stated that it is the citizens City. She stated that the have a responsibility. She stated that there are seven people. She stated that she does not agree with the raise. She stated that she spoke with her husband on the FOIA information on delinquent taxes. She stated that they can jump on her husband or City Council. She stated that her husband does not embezzle. She stated that no one is perfect. She stated that she has been a fighter since the time that she has stepped into Petersburg. She stated that because the people are in government it does not mean that they are responsible. She stated that everyone is responsible. Karen Graham, 402 High Street, asked that if they consider the increase on the property tax how are they going to guarantee that they will get increased revenues. She stated that she does not think that they have seen any numbers come out on what has been collected. She asked that given that there are so many delinquent taxes can they put a realistic budget together based on rates. She asked whether the increasing rate compares to the surrounding localities. She asked does the City have in place a mechanism to determine those people that are renters in Petersburg which is a larger percent of homeowners. She asked are they paying their personal property taxes. She stated that she is assuming that any increase that they vote on tonight will go into effect after the first of the year. She asked when the other increases will go into effect. Carleta Charmain Sanchez Moore, City resident, stated that she has been in Petersburg all her life. She stated that last night her grandson had a bad seizure and that if it was not for Petersburg Fire Department and ambulance she would not be able to come tonight and talk to City Council. She stated that would probably be planning his funeral. She stated that this has nothing to do with them because it is a medical reason. She stated that she is not sure where the money went to and that she does not care. She stated that she would like to know how City Council will fix it and not the citizens. She stated that when the party was started no one evented her. Aquilla Mason, City resident, stated that she has lived in Petersburg since 1997. She stated that she moved to the City fresh out of college. She stated that she learned what the true value and history in Petersburg is. She stated that since she has purchased her home she has seen the City decline. She stated that people lie and that numbers do not. She stated that the City almost killed her by cutting off her water when she was having her hot water tank changed out. She stated she received a $1,500 water bill and that she  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ lives alone. She stated that she works for Central State Hospital. She stated that the City is her home and that she cannot sell her home. She stated that the value of her home is little. She asked what City Council is going to do to correct the incompetence. Reverend John Conwell, City resident, stated that he was born and raised in the City of Petersburg. He stated that he is a pastor in Alberta, Virginia. He stated that he has been a pastor for 30 years. He stated that in 2010 he was appointed to the Petersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority. He stated that as a commissioner it was going into receivership and that HUD was about to close the door on the City. He stated to the board and some of the commissioners that they were going to dot every “I” and cross every “T” in dealing with federal money. He stated that since he has been on the board they have come out of receivership and have pulled poor performance to high performance in 2016. He stated that they now get more grant funding. He stated that they have applied for a grant to redo Sycamore Towers. He stated that they are there for policy making. He stated that in order to know policy making they have to know the business. He stated that in order to know the business they have to know accountability. He stated that they deal with finances every month. He stated that there is a hole in the City because there is no transparency. Marlow Jones, City resident, stated that God gave everyone their own identity. He stated that people have compared the City to other localities. He stated that no one can be Petersburg better than Petersburg. He stated that City Council should have been doing a job since the first day that they got elected. He stated City Council wants to take away from a lot of things in the City that affects the citizens, children and community. He stated to the Acting City Manager that someone set her up for failure. He stated that he dares the City to close a fire station. He stated that they have a training center that they do not really need. He stated that they are told that the City has a hiring freeze. He stated that the City has a hiring freeze tag. He stated that some people get to get in while others are getting put out. Breonna Cook, 165 Fairfax Street, stated that Mr. Jones just stated what she had to say. She asked City Council why they would close the police department, fire stations and EMS down when they have lives who have so many problems with their health. She stated that she has a grandmother has problems. She asked why they would close it when they have people shooting each other. She stated that the police are the ones that are going after them. She stated that they have the fire department putting out fires. She stated to think about all the people who lives are in the hands of the police and fire department. Corey Harris, 2316 Anderson Street, stated that the beauty of the City is being hidden among the chaos. He stated that his father has worked for the school system for 33 years and he worked for the police department for 17 years. He stated that in 2014 his parents had a fire at their home. He stated that the fire department came to his home. He stated that EMT was there but that the fire department stayed with them. He stated that the fire department went beyond their duties to help. He stated that his father went missing two weeks ago looking for his father. He stated that the police and fire department helped him to find his father. He stated that for two years City Council has ignored him and that this is the results of them not listening. He stated that everyone knows about the deficit and that the cuts have to be made. He stated that they need to give the people something to fall back from. He stated to City Council to never under estimate the power of image. Della Brown, 235 Elm Street, stated that she comes to ask a question. She asked what happened to the money. She stated that they are Petersburg and that they want their City. She stated that they have the lawyers and investigators. She stated that they are the IRS and that they want to know. She stated that they have fired some people and that they want to know where the money is. She stated that they want the money back. She stated that if they cannot pay then they should be punished. She asked how is it they are asked to give up extra money but that they know most of the citizens do not have it. She stated that they are going to come back later and ask for more money when they find out that it is not enough. She stated that they are going to ask the citizens to give up more now. She stated that the increase is going to cause some of them to lose their places. She stated that what City Council is doing now will help them for a few months but then it will not help after that. She stated that they need to keep everything like it is. She stated that they want to take what the citizens have and kill them.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Dave Jordan, Investor in City of Petersburg, stated that raising taxes is a bad idea and that they are going to chase investors away. He stated that they have a six and a half million dollar project going on. He stated to Mayor Myers that he has called his office several times and he has not had a return call. He stated to the Mayor that he needs to step down and that he is a clown. Vernel Gannaway, 652 Old Wagner Road, stated that he is present as a gentle reminder. He stated that he is not going to charge three of the council members. He stated that he will charge it to those in the meeting when the former Mayor, who is now senator, made a proclamation. He stated that the proclamation was when the City was given back to God. He stated that the City is not the representation of the God that he serves. He stated that there is mismanagement and that it is an embarrassment to the person that everyone calls Christ. He stated that the citizens deserve better than this. He stated that it is the whole core. He stated that it time for them to bring prayer back into the meeting. He stated that mismanagement is serious. He stated that everyone is now a part of this and that if they did not want to be a part of this they should not have put their name on the ballot. Beth Whitten, City resident, stated that there have been a number of people that have asked how they have gotten in this situation. She stated that she will tell them it is by voting for incompetent leadership. She stated that when people vote based upon their personal feelings rather than the qualifications of an applicant you wind up to where they are today. She stated to the citizens that she has a petition for the removal of every City Council Member. She stated in addition the back of the auditorium and as they leave in the cafeteria there will be members from each ward ready to take signatures from anyone interested in signing the petition. She stated that if they are scared to be seen in public that they can look her up on Facebook and she will direct them to the right individual. Kaley Penn, 2744 Forest Hill Road, stated to Ms. Whitten that she will be the first to sign the petition. She stated that she attended Petersburg Public Schools back then and that they were great schools. She stated that she left and came back to Petersburg. She stated that the men and women already do not get the compensation that they deserve. She stated that City Council is quick to cut the employees pay and have equipment repossessed. She stated that whether they live in the City or not if they call 9-1-1 they will come. She stated that if they lose Petersburg then what is City Council going to do. She stated that she is a spouse of the Rocky Mount Fire Department in North Carolina. She stated that she stands behind the firefighters and that she ask that they do not put them in danger. She stated that if they do they are putting everyone lives in danger. She stated that the fire department does not half step and that they do not get to choose who they help and don’t. She stated that they give 100%. She stated that when they mention the Petersburg Fire Department to put respect on their name. Jordan Reekes, 272 High Street, stated that she is a homeowner. She stated that she stands before them concerned about the health and safety of the citizens of Petersburg. She stated that the emergency management plan will be jeopardized if they cut fire and EMS services. She stated that mutual aid only goes so far. She stated that the City spent the Fire Departments grant money and now they want to cut the firefighters. She stated that she stands behind the firefighters of Petersburg and Southside EMS. Dan Lipford, 126 South Adams Street, stated that he comes with some concerns of actions of the Petersburg City Council. He stated that throwing money at a situation is not the social of this problem. He stated that he stated that he would like to express disappointments in the Mayor on the comments and concerns of the people that are not for him or City Council. He stated that comments such as they are republicans and racist that he finds offensive. He stated that this is hate language. He stated that this is not something that they expect from leaders of the community. He stated that these decisions will further the City in debt and in poverty. He stated that he is reminding them that they are servants of the people in the community. He stated that the same way that they were given the privilege of the community is the same way this privilege can be taken away from City Council. Former resident stated that she has been watching the news about City of Petersburg. She stated that she lived in Petersburg but has moved out of the City. She stated that when she came to Petersburg she thought the City was phenomenal. She stated that they cannot live without first responders. She stated that  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ the firefighters need the proper equipment to do their job. She spoke on the well-being of the school systems. She stated that the City has to put their money where it will be affected. Ralph Westbay, past Superintendent of Finance for Petersburg Public Schools, stated that he recently retired. He stated that he still comes down to Petersburg to visit friends and former students. He stated that he has spent 160 hours reviewing all the City’s financial documents over the last two months. He stated that he has sent City Council information. He stated that he has a recommendation to make. He stated that it is tremendous to see the passion from the community. He stated that the previous City Manager retired in June 2011 and the new manager started in July 2011. He stated that in the five years before that the general, mass and golf fund balanced. He stated that they effectively broke even in that period. He stated that he uses the golf course with some former students when he visits. He stated that mass transit was a means that people used to get an education or to get to a job. He stated that the five year period from FY12-FY16 has seen a mass to close to $28 million dollars in deficit. He stated that the difference is he budget has not been managed well. He stated that his recommendation is that he would put this on hold for a while before making decisions and bring back the previous City Manager and Finance Director on an interim basis only. He stated that he would place Ms. Belton back in Mass Transit where she came from and have her come up with a plan that is going to help balance the Mass Transit operation. He stated that once they have done this then come back and explains each operation. John Hennessee, 516 Oakhill Road, stated that he lives in a house that the City values at $135,000. He stated that he looks around and that he cannot see it. He stated that there are two houses for sale on his street and that they are bigger and better. He stated that one house is $81,000 and that the other is $72,500. He stated that the City is already taxing him bad for his house and that they want to raise his taxes and bleed him dry. He stated that all of them can say that it was past administration but it’s not. He stated that when they took that chair they should have had an accounting come in and tell them that it was a whole. He stated that if they listened to the past people that said that everything was fine and that they believed it then that they were really dumb. Arthur Capuano, 1931 Matoax Avenue, stated that he was raised to be a scientist by a scientist. He stated that he looks at numbers, facts and information. He stated that he looks at a town that has financial problems. He stated that he sees a 10% and 20% tax increase on the people. He stated that people will look at the taxes and say that it is too much. He stated that he does not hear any conversation of more or different and outside the box thinking. He stated that he does not see fundraising of any sort coming to the town. He stated that if the City had all this money then it would not be a problem adding more tax. He stated that people are not stupid and that they are not all hand and mouth. He stated that why don’t they run a town that is done so by intelligent people. He stated that he sees things being run down by small conversation. He asked where is the new money going to come from that will make them bigger or better. He stated that they need to act like a community. Seeing no further hands, Mayor Myers closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. Council Member Moore made a motion to table action on the amendment of personal and that a review will be done of the supplemental billing periods and the personal property relief amounts at the next regular scheduled City Council meeting. 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 and Wilson-Smith; Voting No: Parham and Myers Council Member Moore made a motion for recess. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hart. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers City Council went into recess at 7:49pm.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Moore made a motion for recess. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hart. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers Council Member Hill made a motion to reconsider the personal property vote and to adopt the amended ordinance. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Parham. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Hart, Hill, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers; Voting No: Coleman and Moore 16-ORD-37 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NUMBER 14-63, THE AMOUNT FOR IMPOSING AND COLLECTING TAXES ON PERSONAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA FOR THE PURPOSE OF RAISING SUCH SUMS OF MONEY AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT AND DEFRAYING EXPENSES OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA. e. A public hearing on a proposed ordinance amending Section 94-56 of the Code of the City of Petersburg – Solid Waste Fee. BACKGROUND: During the Special City Council meeting held August 23, 2016, PFM made several recommendations that will assist the City’s current financial status. One of the recommendations is to increase the solid waste fee from $14 to $20 per month. During that same meeting, Council made a motion to schedule a public hearing for this matter on September 6, 2016. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached ordinance. Dironna Belton, Acting City Manager, gave a brief overview of the proposed ordinance amendment for the Solid Waste Fee. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Arthur Capuano, 1931 Matoax Avenue, asked do the City make money or lose money due to recycling waste. He asked is there an actual revenue stream. He asked how much money was lost to recycling. Rowena Carter, 2519 Deerfield Drive, stated that she has been at her address since 1953. She stated that she has been seeing things go downhill. She stated that the first was no tax consideration given to Brown & Williamson. He stated that she talked to people from other cities and that the do not lump the refuse, water and sewer tax. She stated that they keep them separate so that they have much more accountability. She stated that if they are messing with the water they are messing with the public health. Aimee Joyaux, 22 North Sycamore Street, stated that she would like to talk more about the creative math. She stated that thinks that they have a right has citizenship to be frustrated. She stated that it would help them if City Council would take some responsibility. She stated that her question would be regarding the $900,000 to buy out the company that was responsible for trash collection. She asked how this thinking came about against their budget. Michael Edwards, 409 Grove Avenue, stated that he wanted to remind everyone in the audience that it has been voted on and that the water bill will increase over the next couple of years. He stated that $14 every month for trash collection and now they will be at $20. He stated that this little increase is a lot of money for people on fixed income. He stated that they know that everything on the public hearing must happen in order to avoid government shut down. He stated that goes with his previous statements of how much more is the City going to have these accounts to happen next year. He asked that if so will the taxes go up again. He stated that he ask on this increase that they do not go up on this jump. Ida Edwards, City resident, stated that she wanted clarification on the trash items. She stated that she was at the meeting regarding the amount of $14. She stated that the trash is supposed to be out of sight until  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 - 13 – ______________________________________________________________________________ the actual trash pick-up and that if not they would be charged a fee. She asked has anyone been charged. She stated that on Corling Street and Harrison Street the trash cans are in sight every day. She stated that she does not agree on the increase from $14 to $20. She stated that she is one of the people on a fixed income. Sarah Reed, Centre Hill resident, stated that her husband and she are military and that they chose to live in Petersburg. She stated that they chose to purchase property in the City. She stated that they really appreciate the community. She stated that they like the energy of the people in the City. She stated that she called CFS regarding their trash. She stated that CFS told them that they were not setup for trash pickup. She stated that they had been in their home for over a year and a half. She stated that this calls into question some of the policy and procedures that the City currently has and that it may not be enforced. She stated that this could be a quality control issue. She stated that she suggest that they look at the quality control issue. She stated that this is one of the issues that the city faces with utility. She stated that no one answers the phone when she calls. She stated that she called three days straight and still no answer. She stated that her husband had to go down to City Hall because their meter was reading zero. She stated that meters may have been installed improperly. She asked where the warranties for meters are. Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to adopt the ordinance to amend Section 94-56 of the Code of the City of Petersburg increasing the fee of solid waste collection fees. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers 16-ORD-38 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 94, SOLID WASTE, SECTION 94-56 OF ARTICLE II, DIVISION I, INCREASING THE FEE OF SOLID WASTE COLLECTION ESTABLISHMENTS; OF THE 2000 CODE OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, AS AMENDED. f. A public hearing on an amended ordinance to amend the City’s currently adopted budget. BACKGROUND: During the Special City Council meeting held August 23, 2016, PFM made several recommendations that will assist the City’s current financial status. One of the recommendations was to amend the City’s currently adopted budget. During that same meeting, Council made a motion to schedule a public hearing for this matter on September 6, 2016. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached ordinance. Dironna Belton, Acting City Manager, gave a brief overview of the proposed ordinance amendment for the City’s currently adopted budget. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Jeffrey Fleming, 1819 Chuckatuck Avenue, stated that he comes to City Council tonight to speak on the items and the proposal submitted by the PFM firm. He stated that he is in a very unique position being that he is a citizen and taxpayer and a member of the Petersburg Fire and Rescue Services. He stated that some people that he shouldn’t speak tonight because they can retaliate against him. He stated that he is not to blame anyone but that they have a crisis on hand. He stated that PFM used numbers in their proposals but there was no information on respond time in the community. He stated that Petersburg has unique challenges that other jurisdictions do not have when it comes to providing fire protection. He asked City Council how much a human life worth is. He stated that the proposal is depleting the man power that the City is already low on. He stated that there are many tasks that are required to handle fires in the City. He stated that it would irresponsible to cut the fire department. He stated that the City of Petersburg has a fire department that is top 2% in the nation. He stated that this is an economic driver for the businesses in the City. He asked with all the cuts in the City why is the fire department taking the biggest cuts in the City. Ben Greenbaum, 134 South Adams Street, stated that the dismal state of the City is in the Washington  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 - 14 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Post and that it has gone national now. He stated that the embarrassment continues. He stated that Chesterfield County did a survey with the citizens in the last five or six months. He stated that they asked the citizens to name things that would be positive to attract people. He stated that they ranked the quality of education then the quality of safety, fire, EMS and a police system structure. He stated that he would suggest that in Petersburg they have none of the above. He spoke on the comments from Mayor Myers saying that this was an explosion. He stated that there was information from Davenport year after year. He stated that the City has not had a real City audit for over 30 years. He asked where is the accountability of all this. He asked why the citizens are being punished for the transgression of Mr. Johnson, Mr. Carter, Mr. Telfair and members of City Council. He asked where is the FEMA money that was supposed to go to the fire department. He asked why the Freedom Support Center still here is. He asked about the raises that Mr. Johnson gave out. He stated that he is displeased with the Mayor. Michael Edwards, 409 Grove Avenue, stated that in 1748 Petersburg was a colonial town. He stated that this was when the first fire department started. He stated that in 1773 it was incorporated as volunteer. He stated that in 1775 it was then called the City of Petersburg where it became the first paid service. He stated that since then many men and women have given their service to the City of Petersburg. He stated that closing a fire station is playing with a life. He stated that no dollar figure can be put on a life. He stated that he knows when they close the public hearing that council will vote to close the station. He stated to City Council to not close the fire station and continue the partnership with Southside Emergency Crew. He stated that the Tourism Department has been under marketed for years. He stated that the movie crews come to the City and go straight to Centre Hill. He stated that the Tourism Department is needed. Sylvia Jones, Attorney with Legal Aid Justice, stated that Legal Aid has been in the community for decades. She stated that in the 11 years that she has been working in the City she has helped provide numerous services to the citizens in Petersburg. She stated that she is present to say that Legal Aid is still a good investment. She stated that she is asking that they do not cut funding for them. Gloria Brown, 1557 South Sycamore Street, stated that she would like to address issues on the raises. She stated that obviously they were a mistake. She stated that they should rescind the raises and that it is just that simple. She stated that City Council needs to put there foot down. She stated that almost all department heads make six figures. She stated that parks and recreation should be something that they do not touch. She stated that without parks and recreation they are going to put the City in a serious predicament. She stated that there will be no guidance with regards to this. She stated that she is very passionate about the children because they are the future. She stated that she would like to speak on tourism as well. She stated that tourism is needed in the City. She stated that they are about to build a major hotel. She stated that the City is going to be up the creek. She stated that they should not close the museums or tourism in the City. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that $100,000 is being cut from the babysitter of the City. He stated that the City is looking at 46 jobs for the young people and bus drivers. He stated that the money that they paid the consulting firm is the money that could have went to recreation. He stated that the firm made the suggestion to go to Virginia State University (VSU) or Petersburg High School (PHS) for programs. He asked whether the City had already went and talked to them. He stated that at VSU the National Youth Program ended a while ago at VSU. He stated that now they are also touching the education in the City. He stated that Dr. Newsome was brought to the City to help. He asked how he can turn around the schools with no funds to do this with. He stated that City Council is making a big mistake listening to the consultants. He spoke on in regards of the firefighters and police being cut. He stated that if anyone is going to be promoted the City has an Assistant City Attorney that is very bright. He stated that the City already has a lawyer and that he is not trying to take anything from the contracted lawyer with saying this. He stated that if anyone deserves a raise Ms. Jackson does. He stated that she is performing duties that are not spelled out in the City charter. Jim Vanlandingham, representative for Southside Virginia Emergency Crew, stated that he is present to speak about the group. He stated that the in 24 days they will begin the process of ceasing business and liquidating its assets to pay off indebtedness for lack of committed funding by the City. He asked City Council do they think that they are ready for them to go away. He stated that with their departure their vehicles will be  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 - 15 – ______________________________________________________________________________ lost and their employees will be going elsewhere. He stated that they run EMS and that this is what they do. He stated that they are being told that these cuts are to save money. He stated that the City is not going to be saving money. He stated that this will go down as one of the worst decisions that the City has made in history. Talibah Majeed, 1847 Brandon Avenue, stated that she is really concerned about what is going on in the City. She stated that it is heartbreaking and that it has been since she has moved to the City. She stated that City Council is stating that they are not responsible for what has happened. She stated that maybe they didn’t have anything to do with it but that they are not doing anything to fix it. She stated that she is asked all the time what is going on in Petersburg. She stated that she read the information pertaining to an employee of the City receiving a $10,000 raise. She stated that she had to read it numerous times because it didn’t make sense. She stated that it didn’t make sense because the person was in charge of purchasing and in charge of the defective meters. She asked how this person got a promotion and a raise. She stated people should not be able to get a raise now with the state of the City. She stated that people cannot pay their taxes because they may be over taxed and also they may not have a job or reasonable pay. She asked where the economic development person is. She stated that she has not head one report from this person. She stated that they see the surrounding areas around the City growing and creating jobs. She stated that she has been in the City long enough for something positive to happen. She stated that she loves the City of Petersburg. She stated that city Council needs to really look at the proposal and look at who it is really affecting. She stated that she would like to know where the money went because they City need it back. Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated that it has been real interesting to watch City Council when they are questioned about what happened and where the money went. She stated that there is always this search look. She stated that however long that they have been on council they have not been asking questions about finance. She stated that there is a lot of things that are going on in City Hall were not looked at. She stated that the City is in a situation where things can be done efficiently. She stated that if there is going to be suffering it cannot be on the backs of schools, public safety, tourism and tax payers. Francis Brown, lives off Regency Court, stated that she is speaking on the fire department and the rescue squad. She stated to City Council to please take into consideration of them. She stated that they have helped her and her son. She stated that she called on them to help her son come out of a diabetic coma. She stated that she also had a problem with her hot water heater when her home became flooded. She stated that the fire department helped to get up the water and dry her home. She stated that last year she found her son on the bathroom floor and that he had a massive brain hemorrhage. She stated that she could not get her son of the floor. She stated that they had to call Chesterfield because Petersburg was tied up with a major fire in the City. She stated to City Council to not get rid of the fire department and rescue squad. Patricia Nunnally, 1205 Rome Street, stated that in 2014 her home caught on fire. She stated that she called 9-1-1 and they put the fire out. She stated that the fire department stayed at her home until she went to get wood to cover the damage to her home. She stated that having a fire is one of the most devastating things that can happen to anyone. She stated that there are a lot of things that may need cutting but the fire department and EMS are not one of them that needs. Ginger Hawkes, Ward 5 resident, stated that she works for the City currently and that she works in the Tourism department. She stated that she plans all the tour visits in the City. She stated that she is in opposition of closing the tourism office in the City. She stated that she is not sure what she is to tell people that have set up tours in the City of Petersburg. She stated that she needs answers and that she would appreciate that they bring this to their attention. She stated that they can accept changes to their office but do not come to a complete stop. Mary Beth, wife and sister of Petersburg firefighters, stated that she would like to thank Council Member Moore for the tremendous workshop that he has had. She stated attending them her eyes has been opening to some things that people do not know. She stated that she heard a speaker speak on an investigator coming into the City to do the forensic audit. She stated that the audit has not been done. She stated that they talk about the money and the revenue that the City will bring in. She stated that there is no guarantee that they will receive this revenue because people have already stated that they will go elsewhere. She stated that if  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 - 16 – ______________________________________________________________________________ they make these changes and give this money there no guarantee that they will receive another loan or money to do things with. She stated that the firefighters already work a second job at least six or seven days a week. She stated to Ms. Belton that she spoke of special funds. She asked her where is the money for special funds to pay for the turnout gear and air packs for the new recruits. She stated that if her husband or any of her brothers cannot get out of the fire she will come as well as she will bring the wife and the children to City Council’s door step. Ron Flock 1708 Pender Avenue, stated a few weeks ago the City had these people to come in and say this is the miracle for the City. He stated that he has not seen anyone sitting up there to come up with one additional way to bring in revenue. He asked why they have not sat down as an individual looking at things. He stated that he is trying and that he is not sitting up there and that may be they should not be. Mary Harnett, resident of Petersburg, stated that she is nobody special or important. She stated that she is not a republican or a racist. She stated that the only reason that she is present today is because of the firefighters and EMS. She stated that she was attacked by dogs a while ago. She stated that EMS saved her life. She stated that she knows that she is here today because they saved her life. She stated that she knows that they have difficult decisions to make. She stated that she has difficult decisions to make as well. She stated that they have to look somewhere else to cut. She stated that she tries to give back to the City and to others. Reverend John Conwell, member of Fire Department of Petersburg, stated that he joined them in 2011. He stated that a couple of years ago they memorialized a firefighter that lost his life trying to save a life. He stated that 32 years ago was the last time that they lost a death due to a fire. He stated that has watched them and observed the firefighters. He stated that he has seen them use equipment that is old and antiquated. He stated that he watched them order equipment through a grant as well. He stated to City Council to look at what they are about to do. He stated that they need to look at the domino effects that may take place after actions tonight. John Rooney, former Petersburg resident, stated that his concern tonight is Blandford Church. He stated that the church is known all over the country. He stated that people come to visit and that they may visit some restaurants in the area as well. He stated that the churches windows are a national treasure. He stated that he is worried about vandalism happening in the area if they close the church and the visitor’s center. Arthur Capuano, 1931 Matoax Avenue, stated that he is watching and listening tonight. He stated that from what he understands that a lot of what they are talking about deals with taxation. He stated that it keeps being said of how many people is not part of Petersburg. He asked whether this was a case of taxation without representation. He stated that when they close a firehouse it is not City Council’s home that will not have a fire engine come to it when called. He stated that it is a strange question but that he wonders how true this is. He asked why they do not care the same as the citizen’s care. Seeing further no hands, Mayor Myers closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to approve the amended budget of $102,312,073 to $89,613,952 and add $183,000 to keep Southside Virginia Emergency Crew and keep the firefighters and do administrative cuts. 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  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 - 17 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 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. Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated that she does not think that she need to tell them that people are very disturbed by City’s financial situation. She stated that they are searching for answers about what happened, how it happened and who is responsible. She stated that they have heard quite a few people comment on this tonight. She stated that the stock answer from City Council was that this is what the forensic audit is for. She stated that she and other citizens are not satisfied with that answer because they have not seen the forensic audit that they have been hearing about for months. She stated that it is not the same as the work that was done by the state team. She stated that she went back and wanted to reconstruct the history briefly. She stated at the February 18th Special Meeting when City Council was deliberating on the fading of the City Manager and City Attorney, one of the center piece actions that council approved was to go out and get a forensic audit done. She stated that then they came along in a meeting in voting on selling some property that was in the historic Halifax Triangle to come up with the $300,000 to pay for the audit. She stated that all of it sounded like momentum. She stated that they will not stop asking about the forensic audit. Gloria Brown, 1557 S. Sycamore Street, stated that they have gone through and talked about what tipped the cart over. She stated that that she would like to have some answers on why they have not addressed publicly Steve Hicks, Johnson Controls and whoever else what at the table. She stated that this is basically the apple that tipped the City over to get to this point. She stated that Mr. Hicks set up the meeting and that they found out about the second hand meters that were installed. She stated that no one knows who signed off and that they are all at a new point. She stated that it makes her uncomfortable to find out why they have not brought him back to address this. She stated that no one wants to address who was at the table. She stated that may be she is naïve and that she does not know. She stated that the raises were a mistake. She asked why the raises cannot be rescinded. She stated that even if they are rescinded those persons are still making a decent salary. She stated that the raises from what she seen is over $1 million. She stated that these have to be checked. She stated that the City cars and extra cell phones are expenses that need to be rescinded also. Kevin Brown, 1557 S. Sycamore Street, stated that he would like to thank his wife for her comments on delinquent taxes that were put in the paper. He stated that they do need people to pay their taxes. He stated that he will be talking about collection results and raising the taxes. He stated that they have two collection agencies. He stated that they have collected monies since 2015. He went over the money amounts that were collected so far by the treasurer department. 9. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: a. Consideration of appropriation for Federal/State Asset Forfeiture Sharing Program. BACKGROUND: Asset Forfeiture funds are relinquished by court order to the Agency. The accounting is managed by the City. The request allows the Department to utilize Forfeited funds for purchases authorized by the State and/or Federal Asset Forfeiture Sharing Program. This request makes funds available to be expended in accordance with sharing regulations and as approved by the Chief of Police. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council approve appropriation of $57,070 to the Federal/State Asset Forfeiture Sharing Program. Vice Mayor Parham made a motion to approve the appropriation of $57,070 to the Federal/State Asset Forfeiture Sharing Program. 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 16-ORD-39 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPRORPIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2016, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2017 IN THE SPECIAL FUNDS FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,070 FOR FEDERAL/STATE ASSET  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 - 18 – ______________________________________________________________________________ FORFEITURE FUNDS – POLICE. b. Consideration of appropriation for CIT Asset Forfeiture Funds. BACKGROUND: Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) are carryover funds in support of CIT activities. The grant expires this year. The remaining funds have been specifically allocated and purchases approved by the Grantor. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council approve appropriation of $32,890. Council Member Coleman made a motion to approve appropriation of $32,890. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hart. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers 16-ORD-40 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPRORPIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2016, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2017 IN THE SPECIAL FUNDS FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,890 FOR CIT ASSET FORFEITURE FUNDS-POLICE. c. Consideration of appropriation for DMV Highway Safety Fund. BACKGROUND: This grant funding is for Alcohol Open Container initiatives with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council approve appropriation for $56,370. Council Member Hart made a motion to approve the appropriation for $56,370. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Parham. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Coleman, Hart, Hill, Moore, Wilson-Smith, Parham and Myers 16-ORD-41 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPRORPIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2016, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2017 IN THE SPECIAL FUNDS FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,370 FOR DMV HIGHWAY SAFETY- POLICE. Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that they just had a vote by Vice Mayor Parham which was an amendment to what they actually voted on from PFM. She stated that they voted on Vice Mayor Parham motion but that they did not vote on whether they accept the recommendation of PFM. Mr. Flynn stated that tonight City Council was voting on the specific legal steps that were suggested by PFM. He stated that each ordinance is required by state code if they are going to make a change in tax rate or budget. He stated that collectively the action was taken tonight with modification was the recommendations of PFM. He stated that there was no need to act on the PFM report itself. Council Member Wilson-Smith thanked Mr. Flynn. She stated that she is concerned about the City’s ability to have some checks and balances in place. She stated that she thinks that it is a serious error on the City’s part and that she thinks that they need to have some corrective action going into the future. Council Member Wilson-Smith made a motion that in the place of an assistant City Manager that they hire a Comptroller to be responsible for all financial updates every month by the second council meeting. She stated that this would be to give an account to City Council and the public for all accounts. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hart. There was discussion among City Council Members. The motion was not approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Hart, Moore and Wilson-Smith; Voting No: Hill, Parham and Myers; Abstain: Coleman  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 - 19 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Hart stated that there were two votes on the floor. He stated that it was one by himself and one by Council Member Moore as they talked about formulating committees. He stated that one was being the audit and finance committee. He stated that it was passed and that it time that they move forward in in getting the committees set. He stated that he would like to also bring forth that they bring in other committees to help the City to get back on its feet. He stated that there are a lot of areas that they need to pay attention to finance, audit and bunch of different committees out the City that they need to start looking at. He stated that the City needs to get back up and running on the path that they need to meet. Council Member Hill stated that he would like to thank everyone that came out tonight to express that concerns and love for the City. He stated that Ward 2 will be having a Town Hal Meeting on Thursday September 15, 2016, at 6:30pm at Good Shepherd Baptist Church. He stated that they will be featuring Dr. Newsome, the Superintendent of Petersburg Public Schools, and Dironna Belton. He stated that he invites the parents, students and citizens to come out to his meeting. Vice Mayor Parham thanked everyone for coming out. He stated that he wanted to give some clarity on some information to his constituents on a lot of the meetings that have been held in last couple of weeks. He read the City Code 2.2-3707 in regards to the notice of meetings and recordings of minutes. He stated that he just wanted the City Council Member’s to be aware of this. He stated that if there are three or more there is a meeting. He stated that they should adhere to this code. Mayor Myers stated that City Council will meet in the next 15 days at an undisclosed location to interview candidates for City Manager. He asked Mr. Flynn to read the code section. Mr. Flynn read the code reading the interview for City Manager. 10. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: a. City Manager’s Report Ms. Belton stated that she wanted to give an update to the forensic audit. She stated that the interviews for the procurement of the final process are set for September 13th. She stated that she apologizes for some of the items that have come up that have not allowed the process to go as fast they can. She stated that some of the items are what the cause of the final crisis is at the moment. She stated she wanted to explain briefly what the “S&P, BBB” is. She stated that “BBB” is where the City was prior to where they were a downgraded to a “BB.” She stated that in the report it stated that if they had not taken the actions tonight the City would downgrade an additional three points. She stated that she appreciates City Council in taking the steps that are necessary. She stated that the basis for what they have been working through with the financial crisis deals with three different issues. She stated that the three issues are the $18.8 million dollar unpaid obligations that exist, the $12 million dollars structurally unbalanced budget that feeds into the obligatory fund that the City has that did not structural balance and that the last is the cash flows. She stated that currently the City has a concentration account. She stated that in some cases they call it the general fund. She stated that based on the separation of funds in that account through accounting is how the different funds arrive. She stated that the concentration fund is the one fund that holds those accounts. She stated that they have been working very diligently with fund restriction for daily cash reports. She stated that restricted funds are set aside through that concentration fund. She stated that they have seen savings operationally and efficiencies as with regard to payroll. She stated that the saving of $1.3 million is what the City owed when she took the seat. She stated that they have now begun to see that bi-weekly amount. She stated that they look to have that amount down by $100,000 or $200,000 monthly with the implementation of the 10%. 11. CLERK OF CITY COUNCIL'S AGENDA: No items for this portion of the agenda.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 6, 2016 - 20 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 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 10:23p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor