City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 17, 2017 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at the Union Train Station. Mayor Parham called the meeting to order at 6:30p.m. 1. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member Charles H. Cuthbert, Jr Council Member Darrin Hill Council Member Annette Smith-Lee Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Vice Mayor John A. Hart, Sr. Mayor Samuel Parham Absent: Council Member W. Howard Myers Present from City Administration: Interim City Manager Tom Tyrrell Interim Finance Director Nelsie Birch City Attorney Joseph E. Preston Clerk of Council Nykesha D. Jackson, CMC Mayor Parham stated he would like to start the City Council meetings off with a positive message before the meeting starts. He spoke about an article where Jim Carrey vehicle broke down in Petersburg and some nice citizens helped him out and also took him to a restaurant in the City called “Big Mike’s.” He stated that Mr. Carrey also stated that if this was in LA it would have never happened. He stated that Mr. Carrey laughed and said that he was going to move to Petersburg when he retires. Mayor Parham read the article out loud to the citizens, City Council and staff. 2. CLOSED SESSION: City Attorney Joseph Preston stated “Council moves to go into closed session to discuss the employment contract of the City Attorney pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711.A ‘1’. Council also moves to go into closed session regarding consultation with legal counsel pertaining to actual or probable litigation regarding the disposition of properties located at 29 and 41 South Union Street and 801 South Adams Street, Petersburg, Virginia pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(a) ‘7’.” Council Member Wilson-Smith made a motion to go into closed session for the reasons stated by the City Attorney. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee. There was no discussion on the motion, which was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Myers City Council entered closed session at 6:34 p.m. CERTIFICATION: Mr. Preston stated “Council moves to certify to the best of member’s knowledge that 1) only public business matters lawfully exempted from the open meeting requirements under this chapter and; 2) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered in the meeting by the council.” *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 17, 2017 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Hill made a motion to come out of closed session pertinent to the information given by the City Attorney. 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: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Myers 17-R-4 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. City Council returned to open session at 7:19 p.m. Council Member Hill made a motion to rescind the sale of properties at 29 and 41 South Union Street upon advice from the City Attorney. The motion was seconded by Council Member Cuthbert. There was no discussion on the motion, which was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith- Lee, Wilson-Smith, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Myers 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. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 6. CONSENT AGENDA (to include minutes of previous meeting/s): a. Minutes: January 3, 2017, Regular Council Meeting and Organizational Meeting. b. Schedule a public hearing on the 2nd amendment to the Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budgets. Council Member Hart made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda as read with a public hearing scheduled for February 7th, 2017. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Myers 7. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: There were no official public hearings. 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 *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 17, 2017 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ fewer speakers, each shall speak for a maximum of 3 minutes. If there are more than ten (10) people desiring to speak, Council, by majority vote, may increase the 30-minute time period and/or decrease the three minutes otherwise allotted to each resident to speak. 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. Council Member Hill made a motion to limit the time for two minutes per person. The motion was seconded by Council Member Cuthbert. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham; Voting No: Wilson-Smith; Absent: Myers Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, spoke on the limiting time period for public speaking. He stated that he thought it was disrespectful for them to be in closed session half of the council meeting. He stated that he hopes that the new council members come up to speed on a lot of things. He stated that he hopes that they realize that the City Treasurer does not fall under City Council. He stated that he is asking City Council Members to read their charters and understand the rules of the job of the City Treasurer and Members of Council. He stated that he thinks that it is bad that nature cleaned the streets more than the City did. Dolores Smith, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated that she is hoping who they have as Council Members will work with the people. She stated that there are a lot of closed sessions and she knows that there are a lot of things they cannot bring to the public but it seems like they can have an open session to let the citizens know what is going on. She stated that people come to the meetings and complain and fuss because it’s like coming to the meeting with the lights out. She stated that everyone is and should be here to work together. She stated that she would like to congratulate Council Member Cuthbert and everyone else on City Council. She stated that she would like to know what is going on with the Sheriff’s cars and that they are just sitting there doing nothing. She stated that she would like to thank everyone. Mack Carter, 1206 Rome Street, stated that he comes to speak for support for the Freedom Support Center. He stated that the veteran center saved his life. He stated that he was drug addicted, homeless and a lot of other things waiting on the VA or the government to make a decision. He stated that the waiting game has been terrible. He stated that the support center has helped him. He stated that he is working on his second degree and he is no longer homeless. He stated that he has been living in his home for four years. He stated that he is the liaison to the homeless men’s shelter in Petersburg. He stated that this is from the support from the Freedom Support Center and the center helping him out. He stated that the center has done phenomenal things for a lot of people. Joseph Hickey, 1930 South Sycamore Street, stated that he is a retired veteran and a homeowner in the City of Petersburg. He stated that the Freedom Support Center is an organization that has helped him. He stated that it also has helped his son as well in attending a local college. He stated that there are new businesses in the City and different activities in the City as well. He stated that he is asking City Council to consider being more about the people and not about the budget. Jeffrey Fleming, 1819 Chuckatuck Avenue, asked that when all the cuts are made why public safety has to suffer. He stated that he attended the budget work session meeting and he heard another council member ask about closing Station 5 again. He stated that he thought that they put this behind them in August. He stated that he would think that the council member would do some research to see that this is not feasible. He stated that because the City mismanaged funds they take from the fire department. He stated that it was asked what firefighters do for 24hrs. He stated that he invites everyone to come out and ride with them and that he guarantees that it will change their entire life. He stated that they will see how they serve the great citizens of Petersburg. He stated that this is something to think about before their next meeting and budget amendment. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 17, 2017 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ Vernel Gannaway, 652 Old Wagner Road, stated that he would like to applaud Mr. Fleming on his statements regarding public safety and the fire department. He stated that he would like to commend the Interim Police Chief because there was a situation and that Chief Rohde handled it immediately. He stated that he would like to welcome the two new members of council. He asked what is happening with the investigation of the cameras that has been put in the City. He asked where the money that is collected from these cameras is. He stated that he is glad that Mr. Bobb is here and that he is glad that they are on the path of getting things done. Ron Flock, 1708 Pender Avenue, asked whether the City is enforcing that City vehicles are not being taken home at night. He asked whether the RBG employees, are employees of the City or contractor service providers of the City and are they driving the City vehicles. He stated that if they are not City employees and are service providers then he is sure that the City’s auto insurance policy does not cover them while they are driving. He stated that he is bringing this up because he received information on last week that a City vehicle being driven by a RBG person was parked outside of a private residence late one evening. He stated that he understands that a considerable amount of time went into the solar farm. He stated that he feels that there weren’t any clear answers in regards to revenue to the City. He stated that he understands that it is a bit early for revenue projections. He stated that he would like to know the source. He stated that he would like to know the anticipated cost for specialized training for the fire department. He stated that solar panels are unique issues and that they really need to give that some thought. Talibah Majeed, 1847 Brandon Avenue, stated that she didn’t make the last meeting so she is not sure if it was already discussed. She stated that she asked at the last meeting she attended about the Economic Development Director. She stated that her recommendation was that she be terminated and that someone at a lower salary and higher commitment to doing the job is placed in that position. She stated that she has not seen any progress as far as economic development. She asked how much money was generated by the TV and movie industry last year in the downtown historic Petersburg. She asked how this compares to the potential of earnings in that area. She stated that she is Muslim and that this is not a religion it’s a lifestyle for her. She stated that they follow the Quran. She stated in the Quran it says that a truly faithful person who wishes for her brothers and sisters what she wishes for herself. She stated that in the bible it says that we are to be our brother’s keepers. She stated that when they make decisions that they ask themselves if this decision is going to improve the quality of life in the City and if that answer is no that she encourages them to not sacrifice their personal agenda but to go back to the table and revamp. She stated that she hopes that they make a decision based on what is best for them. Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated that she has heard the last few speakers speak on revenue. She stated that she knows that this is a revenue producer. She stated that she is speaking on the approval by council regarding an unsolicited proposal to sale water and wastewater assets of the City to Aqua Virginia and that they will provide services to the citizens. She stated that all of this is interesting. She stated that citizens that have been reading on this entire process have not seen anything except negative reports about Aqua. She stated that she would like to encourage them to pay attention to the track records of these providers. She stated that they need to make their selves aware about the proposals and that they need to be cautious about what they do. She stated that if they move to go forward next month with the public hearing and consider outsourcing the services through the PPEA then she believes that having some citizens in the evaluation proposal is very important. She stated that they need a voice at the table as they consider these proposals. Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated that he had questions about the 200 meters of crushed rock. He stated that there was a curfew that large trucks were not supposed to come in until after 7:00am and small trucks at 7:00pm. He stated 4:30am and 5:00am there were trucks. He stated that they could not sleep. He stated that a letter was sent to these people that they could not do this anymore. He stated that tonight he will put everything on hold until the next council meeting and he will bring back an update. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 17, 2017 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated that he would like to thank everyone who has shared their prayers for him. He stated that tonight he is speaking on the Freedom Support Center. He stated that safety is the number one thing but that he does not like for it to be mentioned to close to the Freedom Support Center. Mr. Noise read information from a handout that he brought to the meeting regarding soldiers. He stated that the City has the Freedom Support Center and that the City should try not to lose it. Dwayne Lockett, 321 Webster Street, stated that he has heard everyone speak tonight about the budget. He asked that when everyone gets letters to pay taxes he cannot see where it is going. He stated that the streets look bad in the City and that they have to pay for citizens vehicles to get fixed when they are damaged from the City streets. He stated that the City needs to vitalize Petersburg. He stated that when you go to Colonial Heights they are always doing something over there. He stated that they have movie theatres and the City has nothing. He stated that every time something is put up it is the same thing but in a different location. He stated to put something here that is going to be for the younger generation. 9. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: a. Consideration of an appropriation for Capital Improvement Fund BACKGROUND: During the November 15, 2016, regular City Council Meeting, City Council approved to update and amend the descriptions of the 2013, 2014 and the 2015 Projects to defer or reduce expenditures on certain projects originally included as part of such Projects and to provide additional funding for other capital needs and related expenses including capitalized interest on the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Bond, as appropriate, all such project costs to be funded only as permitted under Section 62.1-199 of the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended. This appropriation designates the funding to the specific capital projects. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council approves the attached appropriation for $4,685,060.21 in the Capital Improvement Fund. Nelsie Birch, Interim Deputy City Manager and Finance Director, gave a brief overview of the Capital Improvement Fund. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Vice Mayor Hart made a motion to accept the recommendation to approve the appropriation for $4,685,060.21 in the Capital Improvement Fund. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Myers 17-ORD-3 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BUDGET, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2016 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2017. THIS AMENDMENT APPROPRIATES $4,185,060.21 FOR 2017 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT VRA CARRY-OVER. b. Consideration of CDBG Funds Reprogramming BACKGROUND: This provides for the completion of sidewalks in neighborhoods provide for support of code enforcement to contribute to a revitalization strategy for Petersburg neighborhoods and assist in improvements to Sycamore Towers. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this reprogramming of prior year funds. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 17, 2017 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ Michelle Peters, Director of Planning and Community Development, gave a briefing and PowerPoint presentation on the reprogramming of prior year funds. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Hill made a motion to reprogram prior year funds in the CDBG funds. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Myers 17-ORD-4 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE DEFINITION OF “DETERIORATED” AND “DETERIORATING” FOR THE REVITALIZATION STRATEGY PROGRAM AND TO DESIGN THIS DETERIORATED AND DETERIORATING AREA TO INCLUDE THE CENSUS TRACTS OF 8101, 8102, 8103, 8104, 8105, 8106, 8107, 8108, 8109 AND 8112. 17-ORD-5 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCNG ON JULY 1, 2106, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2017. 17-ORD-6 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING TRANSFERS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2016, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2017 IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $118,000. 17-ORD-7 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCNG ON JULY 1, 2106, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2017. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he would like to go through a couple of items that they talked about at the last City Council meeting. He stated that one of the efforts was to decrease the dust and to enforce the curfew on the trucks in Pocahontas. He stated that he asked the City Manager to look into this and to report back to council. Mr. Terrell asked Council Member Cuthbert if he would for him to respond to this now or during his portion of the agenda. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he is not sure what the protocol is but that if it can be done that would be great or if he wanted to wait until it was his portion of the agenda that would be fine as well. Ms. Jackson stated that in accordance with the way that the agenda is set-up it is supposed to be done during the City Manager’s portion of the agenda. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he would like to have the City Manager to give an update on the graffiti and the lapel cameras as well during his portion. He stated that he also asked that the City Treasurer have some information for them tonight as well regarding properties and real estate tax that is owed. He asked whether the City Treasurer was present tonight to answer any of those questions. Ms. Jackson stated that the City Treasurer is on the agenda this evening to do a presentation and update on the information requested. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he would like council to adopt a resolution. He stated that he circulated a resolution dealing with office of the Mayor that is currently for the Mayor’s use. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 17, 2017 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to adopt the resolution regarding office space of the Mayor that effective February 1, which the Mayor and Members of Council should not be provided dedicated office space. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. There was discussion on the motion among City Council Members and staff. Motion does not pass on roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert and Wilson-Smith; Voting No: Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Myers Council Member Cuthbert stated that the work session last week was helpful. He stated that he would like for council to schedule two work sessions. He stated that one meeting is to explore the City’s revenue streams one at a time. He stated that at the work session they focused on expenditures. He stated that the other half that needs to be discussed is the revenue streams. He stated that they need to make sure that they are billing and collecting everything that the City is entitled. He stated that he would like to ask the City Manager to schedule a work session on this. Mr. Tyrrell stated that this is the purview of the clerk. He stated that he will be happy to provide that information whenever the meeting is scheduled. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he would suggest a week from today to have the work session. Ms. Jackson stated that she needs a consensus from City Council to schedule this meeting. Council Member Hill stated that they have to check their schedules and that they would like to do it the way that they normally do it. Council Member Cuthbert stated that it would be at the Union Train Station at 6:30pm like the last work session. He asked whether they were in that position to make that decision tonight. Ms. Jackson stated that a lot of Council Members have stated that they need to check their calendars and that she needs to make sure that the train station is available for the requested date as well. Ms. Birch stated that they have added two weeks for work session on the budget calendar. She stated that for one week to turn around and talk about revenue will be confusing on what year they would be talking about. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he thinks that they would benefit talking about this information one at a time. Ms. Birch stated that she is working with everyone in getting this information currently. She stated that the budget that was presented last week was based on the performance of the City year-to-date. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he is focused on the revenue stream base and any holes that may be within it. He stated that he feels that this City Council needs to have a work session on the income streams. He stated that he understands that January 24th is too early to schedule this. Ms. Birch stated that she does not disagree to this. She stated that she wants to just make sure that they are doing this on a structured basis. She stated that she wants to make sure that the Treasurer and the Commissioner of Revenue are available to provide that information as well. She stated that this is information that she could not do without them. Council Member Cuthbert asked can a work session be scheduled for February 14, 2017. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 17, 2017 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Hill stated that it appears that Council Member Cuthbert needs a one-on-one session regarding this information. He stated that he had a one-on-one today with the group and that all of his questions were answered. He stated that they all have to check their calendars and see what other dates they can meet. He stated that normally the clerk is given this duty and she checks with everyone’s calendar. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he does not need a one-on-one. He stated that the public needs to be a part of this discussion. He stated that he thinks that the public needs to see what is going on and a part of the process. He stated that he would like to move this forward. Mayor Parham stated that Ms. Birch stated that she needs time to move this forward. He stated that they will get with Ms. Birch and schedule as soon as she can produce. Council Member Cuthbert asked when they are going to make a decision on a date. Mr. Bobb stated that they think that this is a great idea. He stated that he thinks that they should put every revenue up on the screen so that everyone can see. He stated that everyone present and not attending should know. He stated that they should understand and know the major revenue sources. He stated that he doesn’t think that they need to spend a lot of time on items of revenue where there is only $5,000 projected. He stated that there are certain revenue streams that the City needs to get their arms around. He stated that they will take City Council and citizens on every detail of the revenue streams. He stated that they are willing to do this but that they just need to make sure that they get this scheduled and that they are well prepared. He stated that they also need to have the Treasurer and the Commissioner of Revenue to play a part in this as well. He stated that they need to work with the City Clerk and Council Members on working on a schedule. Council Member Cuthbert stated that they should leave this to the first regular meeting in February to pick a date. He stated that there is another issue to schedule a work session on. He stated that this meeting would be on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that has been submitted to the City about the Southside Virginia Emergency Crew. He stated that it is his understanding that they submitted it last November to the City and no action has been taken on it. He stated that there are many issues involved in this. He stated that he wants a work session on this topic. He stated that again this requires a coordination of calendars. Mr. Tyrrell stated that part of the larger conversation regarding the fire department are within issues that the City has had lately. He stated that they would like to include all of this information as well. He stated that he would leave it to City Council on when to hold these work sessions. He stated that they are going to need some time on this to get the information together. He stated that it is a complex issue and that the firefighters are not put in jeopardy. Council Member Cuthbert asked whether they could suggest a date at the first meeting in February so that they can get this on everyone’s calendar. Mr. Tyrrell stated that he will leave that to the clerk. He stated that they are going to need two or three weeks to compile that information. Council Member Cuthbert stated that there are several items. He stated that it is the information that is to be discussed and then get it on people’s calendars. He stated that he suggest that they select a date when they meet at the first meeting in February. He asked was this feasible? Mr. Tyrrell responded yes. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he has some notes that he would like to share with everyone regarding the budget of the current year. He stated that he would like to have a footnote on each line item that *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 17, 2017 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ is reimbursable at all. He stated that in the footnote they would put the source of the reimbursement and the percentage of the dollar amount. Mr. Tyrrell stated that there is a new format that they will be presenting going forward. He stated that it does include that information in the exhibit. He stated that the guidance is going to go public. He stated that this will be available for them to look at after they get the format revised. Council Member Cuthbert stated that this is great and he appreciates this. He stated that he would like to speak on the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016. He stated that he is told that traditionally it is prepared by the first December after the fiscal year. He stated that he understands that they have not yet received it and that he wonders when they will receive this. Mr. Bobb stated that the CAFR has not yet been received. He stated that when they came on board they stated that the accounting and finance system was broken. He stated that they are currently fixing and working on the system. He stated that auditors are being brought on board and they will have it by April 1st. He stated that they are in the process of making this information known to the auditor of accounts in Richmond. He stated that there are a number of jurisdictions that have not submitted this information as well. He stated that the recommendation that they will make to City Council is a process on when the CAFR is completed instead of the auditor coming and having a ten minute presentation to City Council, they will have a work session on this audit. He stated that it is a hefty document. He stated that it is the most important financial document that they City has. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he is scared that the Bobb Group is going to leave before they receive the comprehensive report. He asked does anyone have an idea of when to expect the document. Mr. Bobb stated that he believes that he said April 1st. He stated that this is his goal. He stated that if it is sooner than April 1st they will have the work session with City Council. He stated that they will be leaving a marker and whether they are present or not the message that they want to convey is that they do not want them to just present this but for the future City employees to do a presentation on the entity of the report. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he is in appreciation of the comments and that he is in agreement of everything. He stated that it is his understanding that there are other localities that are in the same situation and that it is small in number. He stated that he would like City administration to look at safely storing artifacts on items removed from the Siege and Centre Hill Museum. He stated that he heard that they are stored in a building that is not properly heated. He stated that perhaps the problem has been fixed or perhaps it was true at one time and is no longer true. He stated that they need to be stored in an environment that is properly heated and properly cooled with humidity control. He stated that he would ask that the City Manager look into this. Council Member Hill stated that he would like to thank all the directors that came out to the work session. He stated that they appreciate it. He stated that he would like to thank the directors that are still with them and the City workers. He stated that he knows that they worked a full day today and that they are still here now in the meeting. He stated that he knows some time ago they used to have prayer at the meetings. He stated that he would like the City Attorney to get with the clerk on whether this is feasible again. He stated that he would like this to be brought back to the meetings. He stated that he will do everything in his power to make sure that the City does not lose the Freedom Support Center for the veterans and citizens. He stated that he would like to thank public works, police department, fire department and EMS. He stated that he had a great meeting with City Manager and the Finance Director. He stated that he thanks the citizens for hanging in with them. He stated that on a personal note that before something comes out he is noticing that they have been a City that says “no” before they get the facts. He stated that he appreciates all the citizens and their expertise and their research. He stated that they cannot be a City that says “no” to the things that come up before they *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 17, 2017 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ know all the facts. He stated that in the past he thinks that they have hurt Petersburg. He stated that no those places are in surrounding areas. He stated that he will do his part and that he is sure his council members will do the same thing. He stated that there will be Town Hall Meeting coming up in Spring. Vice Mayor Hart stated that he would like to thank everyone for hanging in at the meeting as well. He stated that a while back he remembers that they set out to meet with the school board twice a year. He stated that he would like to go back to those two meetings outside of the budget. He stated that they will get with the clerk to get with school board to have those meetings. He stated that this way they will know what they need from the City and they can try to help them as best as possible. He stated that he would like to direct the City Manager to direct HR to come up with a residency policy. He stated that this is nothing that has to be pushed right but that this is something that they have to create. He stated that he wants to give a personal thank you some of the parents for allowing him and others to take some Petersburg students out to see “Hidden Figures” on yesterday. He stated that this was a great movie and that he encourages them to grab a child and take them to see this movie. Mayor Parham stated that he would like to thank everyone for coming out tonight. He stated that he would to personally thank all the directors that have hung in with them through all these hard times. He stated that he appreciates all that they do. He stated that this is part of the reason why they wanted to bring them closer in as they are restructuring the City of Petersburg. He stated that they need all of their input and that they value it from this point forward. He stated that he is reserving the first row for media. He stated that he wants to thank Mr. Richardson for having the 1st Time Home Buyers Class as well as Ms. Jackson attending. He stated that he is proud of Ms. Jackson for attending and he wishes her well on buying her first home here. He stated that he will be sending Mr. Tyrrell a few questions that he has in taking consideration of forming a work meeting and work session. He stated that he will email them and that Mr. Tyrrell can forward that information to all council members. 10. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 12. NEW BUSINESS: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 13. COMMUNICATIONS/SPECIAL REPORTS: a. Update on Collection Results from City Treasurer’s Office BACKGROUND: City Treasurer contracted with Propel Financial Services and TACS to assist in the collection of delinquent taxes in November 2015. RECOMMENDATION: City Treasurer prepared and presents a monthly collection of delinquent revenue presentation to City Council. Kevin Brown, City Treasurer, stated that he is present to do his monthly report. He stated that tonight he has asked the TACS Authority Consultant Group to come out and speak. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 17, 2017 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ John A. Rife, Partner TACS, and Jeffrey A. Scharf, Partner TACS gave a summary with a PowerPoint presentation. He stated that they are a law firm that does this for 65 other government entities. He stated that they are currently holding tax collections on the front end. There was discussion among City Council Members and Mr. Rife and Mr. Scharf. Mr. Brown gave a summary update with a PowerPoint presentation on monthly collection of delinquent revenues. 14. REPORTS/RESPONSES TO PREVIOUS PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: *Items moved under City Manager’s Report. 15. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: a. Response to questions on the 2nd amendment budget proposal b. FY18 Budget Calendar Review c. Response to Council and Public Inquiries d. City Manager’s Report Mr. Tyrrell gave a PowerPoint presentation on the responses to the questions on the 2nd amendment budget proposal, FY18 Budget Calendar Review, Response to Council and Public Inquiries and the City Manager’s Report. There was discussion among City Council and staff. 16. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE CITY CLERK: *No items for the City Manager’s portion of the agenda. 17. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY: *No items for the City Attorney’s portion of the agenda. 18. ADJOURNMENT: City Council adjourned at 10:23 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor *Audio available