City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 7, 2017 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, February 7, 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 Council Member W. Howard Myers Vice Mayor John A. Hart, Sr. Mayor Samuel Parham Absent: None 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 of the night with the “Positive Petersburg” story. He stated that this story is all about mentoring. He stated that the Department of Public Works have created an outreach group to go to the schools and reach out to the children. He stated that last week some workers took their break time and went to A. P. Hill Elementary School. They had breakfast with the students and their parents. He acknowledged public works workers Janelle Sinclair, Steven Stinson, Berry Harrison, Germaine Hinton and Daniel Harrison. He stated that he would like to thank them for their services. 2. CLOSED SESSION: There were no closed session items. 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 10, 2017, Budget Work Session and January 17, 2017, Regular Council Meeting. b. A request to schedule a public hearing for disposition of surplus property. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 7, 2017 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ c. A request to schedule a public hearing under PPEA for acquisition and operation of City of Petersburg Water and Wastewater Utility Assets. Vice Mayor Hart made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda as read with a public hearing scheduled for February 21st, 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, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 7. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. A public hearing of David B. Allen, Inc. for an amendment to the proffers of a previously approved ordinance 05-ORD-50 adopted July 5, 2005. BACKGROUND: This is a request to amend the proffers previously approved in 2005. The proffered conditions was submitted to the City of Petersburg by Mr. Allen back in 2005, and staff has met with Mr. Allen back in 2005, staff has met with Mr. Allen several times to see if there was any compromise in the proffers he is asking to amend. The request is to complete section 2 and section 3 of the Westpark Subdivision with the amended proffered conditions. This will include the construction of 32 home in Section 2 and 15 homes in Section 3. Mr. Allen proposes allowing concrete slab as a foundation option, to have 25% of the homes to be built with brick features, but not be required to have a complete brick façade, and to allow smaller homes. The existing ordinance has a minimum square footage of 1,800 square feet and majority of the existing homes exceeds the minimum square footage. Mr. Allen would add as a proffer condition under plantings that he would provide a landscape buffer along Gustavo Lane to separate the existing subdivision from the proposed newly constructed lots. He would also give the newly constructed section a new subdivision name to distinguish to from the existing area. He proposes the name of Creekwood for the newly constructed houses. Mr. Allen has also proffered to have a one car garage built with each new house, as well as provide a landscaped buffer between the existing houses and the newly constructed homes. RECOMMENDATION: Following a duly advertised public hearing, Council may affirm the Planning Commission recommendation, overturn the Planning Commission recommendation, table for further consideration, or return the item under consideration to the Planning Commission requesting further review. Planning Commission denied this request at its December 7, 2016, meeting. Michelle Peters, Director of Planning and Community Development, stated that she received a request from Mr. Allen asking for a request to continue as a member of his presentation team is ill. He stated that he put it in writing and that everyone should have a copy of the request. She stated that she is asking on his behalf a continuance of his request. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Leslie Speight, 1015 Gustavo Lane, stated that he opposes the ordinance that had been approved in the past. He asked how Mr. Allen get away with not clearing off all the lots of land before building property. He stated that since he has moved in his home in 2006 he has had to replace and fix a lot of things with the home. He stated that everyone in the West Park area is having problems with their home and Mr. Allen. He stated that they are telling people to not move into the West Park neighborhood. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 7, 2017 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ Yvonne Griffith, 3261 Forest Hills Road, stated that she is a retiree from the military. She stated that she has lived in West Park for ten years. She stated that she has paid good money for her home. She stated that it looks good on the outside but there are major problems inside the home. She stated that she has paid almost $300,000 for her home. She stated that when it rains it leaks in her home and that the garage is falling apart as well. She stated that before Mr. Allen tries to bring in smaller homes he needs to fix and take care of the homes that are already there. Serena Reese, 3091 Homestead Drive, stated that she moved to Petersburg because she was excited about the history in the City. She stated that she has been having communication problems with Mr. Allen during the entire process of getting her home built. She stated that when she talked to Mr. Allen she wanted her home to face a certain way and that he did not build it the way that she had requested. She stated that she was going back and forth with Mr. Allen in arguments and disagreements. She stated that he put the house not in the area where she asked for it to be. She stated that she has a bonus room in the house and the air and heat does not work in that room. She stated that she has been living there for about four or five years and there is a live electrical wire that is just standing out in the open in her house. She asked the mayor how does he feel about this being that he is there neighbor. She stated that she would like to ask the mayor to help the West Park area with this problem. Ruth Speight, 1015 Gustavo Lane, stated that in October of last year she went out on her deck and stepped on step number two her left foot went through the hole. She stated that the wood was decayed. She stated that she wears a strap on her knee because of this. She stated that she has to wear this on for six months. She stated that she was struggling and calling for help because she was hurt and stuck. She stated that she advises everyone to watch out for their wood and where they step because they do not want to be in the pain that she is in today. Vernel Gannaway, 652 Old Wagner Road, stated that he does not live in West Park but that he has friends that live there. He stated that he recommends that City Council have someone to check on the builders that come in the City. He stated that some of them just want to make money. He stated that his daughter had a house built with cheap labor. He stated that they have to be careful. He stated that in Berkeley Estates the houses are now being rented instead of sold. He stated that they were supposed to pave the road and that they never paved it. He stated that since his death nothing has been done regarding the roads or the area in Berkeley Manor. He stated that he has been living there for 17 years. He stated that the same thing will happen if they do not stay behind these buildings when they come in the City. Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to adopt the recommendation of the Planning Commission and deny the request to amend the proffers. 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, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham b. A public hearing on the 2nd amendment to the Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budgets. BACKGROUND: The City Council was presented with the second amendment to the FY17 budget at the Budget Work session on January 10, 2017. The public hearing for the amended budget was added to the consent agenda January 17, 2017. The budget synopsis was advertised in the Progress Index on January 31, 2017, pursuant to Section 15.2-2507. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council approve the appropriation ordinance and adopt the *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 7, 2017 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ second amendment to the proposed FY2016-17 General Fund budget of $68.2 million. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comments. Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated that she would like to thank them for having the hearing. She stated that she would like to also thank them for providing so much information last month about the budget revisions. She stated that she had a couple of things that she wanted to ask about that could be highlighted by administration. She stated that one is regarding that there has been a lot of lawsuits that have been settled in the past several months. She stated that she thinks that these are unexpected cost that had to be taken care of. She stated that she wonders how this was factored in the budget for 2017. She stated that here other questions have to do with the Robert Bobb Group. She stated that it is her understanding that Ms. Birch and Mr. Berry are assigned to vacant positions that are regular unfilled City positions. She stated that it is a bit of confusing on what pot of money is spent on what. She stated that more clarity is useful in that area. She stated that there is a potential that the City can go to the state for funds to pay the Robert Bobb Group for extra time. She stated that this is something to bear in mind. Arthur Capuano, 1931 Matoax Avenue, asked is there a way to make it so that this room so that it is not such an echo so that people can actually hear what is going on. He stated that it is very hard to hear. He stated that he is having a hard time but for everyone to enjoy. Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Hill made a motion to accept and adopt the 2nd amendment to the proposed FY2016- 17 General Fund budget of $68.2 million. 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, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 17-ORD-8 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2016, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2017 IN THE GOVERNMENTAL OPERATING FUNDS. 8. PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: A public information period, limited in time to 30 minutes, shall be part of an Order of Business at each regular council meeting. Each speaker shall be a resident or business owner of the City and shall be limited to three minutes. No speaker will be permitted to speak on any item scheduled for consideration on the regular docket of the meeting at which the speaker is to speak. The order of speakers, limited by the 30-minute time period, shall be determined as follows: a) First, in chronological order of the notice, persons who have notified the Clerk no later than 12:00noon of the day of the meeting, b) Second, in chronological order of their sign up, persons who have signed a sigh-up sheet placed by the Clerk in the rear of the meeting room prior to the meeting. Brandon Martin, 1546 Berkeley Avenue, stated that the treasurer recently had the purchasing office issue a IFB for vehicle decals. He stated that it is a direct cost to the City of about $6,000 per year. He asked why is the City bothering this. He stated that many Virginia local governments have eliminated the use of decals and that some have done so for many years now. He stated that the decal fee is around $30 on top the personal property tax. He stated that this is fine but that there is a cost for staff time. He stated that the City Code requires the treasurer to issue decals and that only City Council can amend the code. He stated that this has been on the books since about 1918. He stated that he has a copy of a report called the “City of Petersburg, Virginia.” He stated that this is the result of having an aggressive City Manager, Mr. Lewis. He *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 7, 2017 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ stated that they would be surprised at what is in the books and that this information is valuable. He stated that it had information in there about purchasing new fire equipment. He stated that he has one more question. He stated that he would like to know who has custody of the little green box and whether the inventory has been prepared for this. He stated that if so he would like a copy of it and that this is a formal FOIA request. He asked what plans have been made for its future. Karen Graham, 402 High Street, stated that she has questions regarding 801 S. Adams Street. She stated that in July council passed a resolution issuing an RFP to dispose of this property. She stated that the City Council recently went into closed session about these properties. She stated that they came out of closed session reversing their decision on the disposal of the two properties on Union Street but there was nothing stated about the property on Adams Street. She stated that she would like to know what is going on with this property. She asked whether it is still under contract, proposed to be sold, or whether it was still on the table. She stated that she had questions on the BB&T building and the leases that are involved with it. She stated that she would like to thank the Petersburg Police Department. She stated that they have been very visible out in the community recently. She stated that she has been asking Council Member Myers to have ward meeting. She stated that it would be great to have one since they are the only ward that doesn’t seem to meet. Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated that his concerns are the trucks, dust and noise on Pocahontas Island. He stated that he commends Mr. Tyrrell for talking to him about the situation and for Council Member Cuthbert visiting the island. He stated that the trucks and the dust have slowed down. He stated that Mr. Cuthbert came to Pocahontas Island and saw the blighted areas. He stated that the Roper Brother’s property looks bad and needs to be maintained. He stated that it looks like they are sitting on the edge of the ghetto. He stated that someone needs to come down and look at the pipes at the Roper Brother’s property. He stated that he thanks everyone for the assistance and help. Ron Flock, 1708 Pender Avenue, stated that he likes to speak on the hiring of Mr. Cornwell for Mayor Parham and Council Member Myers for the case to remove them from office. He stated that from the information that he was able to obtained it was said that Mr. Preston cannot represent them because he was named in the complaint. He stated that there is nothing against the City Attorney in the paperwork and information. He stated that the hiring of Mr. Preston was stated solely regarding the hiring of the best interest of the City. He stated that this is not a complaint against Mr. Preston and that there is no reason why Mr. Preston cannot represent them. He stated that the City Attorney is to render legal services to all employees and officials of the City. He stated that outside legal counsel is something the City would have to pay for. He asked when did City Council approve that there be outside legal representation for this case. He stated that he appreciates the response on solar farms. He stated that it is incomplete for what he saw. He stated that it did not answer information on emergency responses if there was a fire on the solar panels. Carl Ridley, 15 N. Crater Road, stated that his comments are for Council Member Myers and Mayor Parham. He stated to Council Member Myers that in an interview with Brent Solomon his capability was questioned and that he asked what does capable mean. He stated that according to Marion Webster, capable means having the ability and quality to do or achieve a specified thing. He stated that it is the citizens and voters that can and will determine who is capable to be on council. He stated that it is based upon results and that they have determined that it is time for a change. Bar Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated that she wanted to draw some attention to some things that were left on the table. She stated that there is a small wrapped package that is a book on Robert’s Rules of Order. She stated that she still thinks that there need to be some boundaries on it. She stated that they got copies for council members, City Attorney and the Clerk of Council. She stated that she also left a handout of the organizational chart. She stated that she is giving this as a reminder. She stated that her last comment is that she was looking at the Rules of Council and she was looking at an item that had been in the rules for a while. She stated that this is under the rule regarding ordinances and amendments. She stated that it states *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 7, 2017 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ that the Mayor shall give the citizens the opportunity to speak on ordinances and resolutions for public hearing. She stated that public comments would be made after a motion to adopt. She stated that under business and reports there are ordinances and resolutions that the presiding officer should open the floor for comments from the public on. Talibah Majeed, 1847 Brandon Avenue, stated that her friends ask her why do she keep coming to the council meetings. She stated that she comes because this is the only place that can voice her opinion with regards to what is going on in the City. She stated that it is a lot easier to get public assistance and section 8 then to get a quality education and a livable wage job. She stated that this concerns her. She stated that she is concerned about the response about what is going on in the City right now. She stated that some of City Council say that this happened before they got here and that it didn’t happen on their watch. She stated that they are smart enough to know that they did not create it but that they expect City Council to solve problems. She stated that if they don’t do this then it makes them wonder why should the citizens keep them on Council. Tomeika Moody, 1862 East Boulevard, stated that she wanted to know if Petersburg had a panhandling ordinance. She stated that she sees a lot of people doing it in the City but when you go to other areas you do not see people doing it. She asked what is the status of the Virginia Employment Commission looking for an area in Petersburg. She asked can they do some research on water group AQUA. She stated that there has been a lot of complaints on them and that she does not think that they want to turn this into another water meter issue. She asked who is responsible for the graffiti on the Ramada Inn. She stated that it looks horrible getting off the exit and seeing this. She stated that there was a community meeting in Ward 4 and that it was very, very positive. She stated that it was a lot of good information and that she likes seeing people coming out. She stated that she is hoping that this can happen in other wards in the City. Michael Edwards, 409 Grove Avenue, stated that he would like for City Council to ask themselves how do they want to be remembered. He stated that with the news and the watch from ACLU that they should see a remind them that it is time for a reality check. He stated that it is now time to be leaders. He stated that the time has come to put City before self. He stated that the decisions they make affect the citizens and their own families. He stated that the time for change was yesterday. He stated that again he asks what do they want to be remembered for. Mayor Parham made a motion for City Council to take a five-minute recess. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith- Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham City Council went into recess at 7:47pm. Vice Mayor Hart made a motion for City Council to come out of recess. 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, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham City Council came out of recess and back into the open meeting at 7:56pm. Council Member Hill made a motion to suspend the Rules of Council. The motion was seconded by Council Member Cuthbert. There was discussion on the motion. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham Council Member Hill made a motion that City Council approve the resolution of City Council of the City of Petersburg, Virginia for payment of costs of defense of removal petitions filed against City Council Member W. Howard Myers and Mayor Samuel Parham. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. There was discussion on the motion among City Council Members and staff. The motion was approved on roll call. On *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 7, 2017 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Voting No: Smith-Lee and Wilson-Smith Council Member Hill made a motion to reinstate the Rules of Council. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 9. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: a. Consideration of approval of City Residency Administration Regulation 3.2. BACKGROUND: The City’s Residency Requirement Administrative Regulation, dated 10/21/1986 was general and did not indicate which positions were subject to the residency requirement. On May 3, 2016, City Council adopted the current residency requirement to include a salary threshold along with the broad identification of essential and non-essential staff. RECOMMENDATION: The recommendations are as follows: 1. Revise the current residency requirement which requires all essential and nonessential employees with an annual salary exceeding $80,000 and who are deputies, executive assistants to the City Manager, agency head, or department heads or the equivalent to live or require permanent residency within six months from the start of their employment. 2. Adopt the amended Administrative Regulation that requires residency for essential executive staff allowing for discretion as appropriate for the following positions: a. City Manager b. Chief of Fire, Rescue & Emergency Services c. Director of Public Works d. Police Chief e. City Attorney There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to adopt his ordinance addressing the residency issue. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. There was discussion among council members and staff. Council Member Wilson-Smith made a substitute motion to table this until the Robert Bobb Group and human resources department has had time to review both documents and come back to City Council at the next regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Council Member Cuthbert. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Hart and Parham; Voting No: Myers and Hill b. Consideration to approve the transfer of Interstate 95, Exit 52 Gateway, Washington Street Bridge Fence Replacement from a Locally Administered project to a Virginia Department of Transportation project. BACKGROUND: The City of Petersburg is requesting approval from City Council to allow VDOT to administer the referenced project. This project was originally a Locally Administered Project. Due to complexity of the advertisement, design and construction of the project, the City Administration has sought the assistance of VDOT to manager the project from advertisement and award of contract through completion. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council accept the resolution to allow VDOT to administer the Interstate 95, Exit 52 Gateway, Washington Street Bridge Fence Replacement project. Additionally, to *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 7, 2017 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ allow the City Manager to execute all agreements and/or amendments to the contract documents. Council Member Hill made a motion to accept the resolution to allow VDOT to administer the Interstate 95, Exit 52 Gateway, Washington Street Bridge Fence Replacement project. Additionally, to allow the City Manager to execute all agreements and/or amendments to the contract documents. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public comments. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 17-R-5 A RESOLUTION TO TRANSFER GATE WAY WASHINGTON STREET BRIDGE UPC 107151 FROM LOCALLY ADMINISTERED TO VDOT ADMINISTERED. c. Consideration to Carry-Forward Community Development Block Grant Projects BACKGROUND: These are ongoing CDBG funded projects that were appropriated in 2015-2015. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council to bring forth these funds to complete ongoing projects. Council Member Hill made a motion to bring forth these funds to complete ongoing projects. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comments. Yvonne Griffith, 3261 Forest Hills Road, asked what are the projects. Mrs. Peters stated that the projects were McKenney Street Sewer Project and the Jarratt House Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public comments. There was discussion among City Council and Mrs. Peters. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 17-ORD-9 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2016, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2017. d. Consideration of the River Street Market Memorandum of Understanding BACKGROUND: The River Street Market aims to create an accessible, inviting, and diverse, South Virginia cultural experience in Old Town Petersburg. The goal is to be more than just a “farmers market”, it is to design a cross pollinating event that will benefit local shops, restaurants, artists, as well as the image of the City of Petersburg. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 7, 2017 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council allow the City Manager to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Richard Cuthbert for the River Street Market. Mayor Parham made a motion to allow the City Manager to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Richard Cuthbert for the River Street Market. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Abstain: Cuthbert e. Consideration of approval for the ratification of the Petersburg Generals Sales Agreement. BACKGROUND: In 1999, the City entered into an agreement with the Coastal Plain League to acquire the right to own and operate a franchise for $50,000. The City has operated the franchise since its inaugural season in 2000, retaining all revenues and paying all expenses associated with the franchise. Over the past three years, the City has provided an average annual subsidy of approximately $147,000 to cover the operations of the team and sports complex. During this time, annual revenues have averaged $13,000 and annual expenses have averaged $160,000. Due to the increased annual subsidies required to operate the franchise and sports complex in the context of the current financial condition of the City, the City has decided to cease operations of the franchise for the 2017 season. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council ratify the Purchase and Sale Agreement with SRO Partners, LLC for $100,000 dated January 27,2017. Council Member Hill made a motion that City Council ratify the Purchase and Sale Agreement with SRO Partners, LLC for $100,000 dated January 27, 2017. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham f. Consideration of reappointment to the Virginia Gateway Region Board. BACKGROUND: Virginia’s Gateway Region is a private, nonprofit organization that is funded new business opportunities, work with existing businesses, advance resources that will enhance the economic viability of the region, and foster regional cooperation among the public and private entities that are involved in economic development activities. Virginia’s Gateway Region includes the Cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell and Petersburg and the Counties of Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Prince George, Surry and Sussex. Each member jurisdiction appoints one (1) local elected official and one (1) local business representative to the Board of Directors. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council appoint Mayor Samuel Parham to the Board. Council Member Myers made a motion to appoint Mayor Samuel Parham to the board. 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, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 17-R-6 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING MAYOR SAMUEL PARHAM TO THE VIRGINIA GATEWAY REGION BOARD WITH A TERM EXPIRING FEBRUARY 28, 2018. g. Consideration of an appropriation for Fire Programs Donations Fund *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 7, 2017 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ BACKGROUND: Through the generosity of the public $5,811 was donated to the Petersburg Fire Department. The donations will need to be appropriated prior to the Fire Department being able to spend. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council to approve the appropriation ordinance in the amount of $5,811. Council Member Hill made a motion to approve the appropriation ordinance in the amount of $5,811. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public comments. There was discussion among City Council and Mrs. Peters. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 17-ORD-10 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2016, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2017, IN THE SPECIAL FUNDS FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,811 FOR FIRE PROGRAMS DONATIONS. h. Recommendation amendment to the Rules of Council and establishing standing committees. BACKGROUND: City Council adopted the Rules of Council on January 3, 2017. There have been some updates recommended throughout the rules as well as establishing standing committees. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the Rules of Council be amended as detailed in attached draft resolution. Robert Bobb, President of The Robert Bobb Group, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation on recommended changes. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Mayor Parham stated that Ms. Jackson will get with City Council Members in scheduling a day to go over the Rules of Council and recommendations. He stated that on March 4, 2017, they will have a vision session that will be discussion on goals and missions of City Council Members for the City of Petersburg. i. Consideration of appropriation and amending the Utility Fund Budget by $45,000 to record activities related to Public-Private Education Facilities Infrastructure Act (PPEA). BACKGROUND: Pursuant to the Public-Private Education Facilities Act of 2002, the City shall receive an analysis of the proposals from internal staff or outside advisors or consultants with relevant experience in determining whether to enter into an agreement with the private entity. In regard to proposals submitted, with an additional proposal fee of $10,000 to be paid within (5) days after notice from the City should the project proceed beyond the initial review. The initial processing fee shall be submitted with initial proposal or competing proposal. The City will refund any portion of fees paid in excess of its direct cost which include, but are not limited to, all staff costs, and outside consultants, financial advisors, engineers and attorney fees, associated with evaluating the proposals. The City’s Purchasing Office has collected $15,000 as of date and anticipates additional collections; therefore, the funds need to be appropriated. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 7, 2017 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council adopt the attached appropriation ordinance in the amount of $45,000. Council Member Myers made a motion to adopt the attached appropriation ordinance in the amount of $45,000. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comments. Arthur Capuano, 1931 Matoax Avenue, asked what will determine what fees are excessive and not just running the limit out on someone. Mr. Tyrrell stated that typically they answer the questions at the next council meeting and that there is a lot of information for the response. Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public comments. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 17-ORD-11 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2016, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2017, IN THE UTILITY FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,000 FOR PUBLIC-PRIVATE EDUCATION FACILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE ACT. Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that she would like to thank the members of the “Clean Sweep Group” that passed out the Robert’s Rules of Order. She stated that she passed out the two resolutions on CCRA and Citizen Auditing Committee. She stated that she is asking them to please review them. She stated that she understands that she has to add the qualifications to the committee and the standing rules. She asked Ms. Jackson if this was correct. Ms. Jackson stated that it is the qualifications and terms. Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that if they have ideas about it to please let her know so that they can vote on the resolution at the next council meeting. She stated that she has sent it to them three times by email. She stated that she needs their input. She stated that since they have a brand new HR person can they ask the HR Director about the establishment of the volunteer bank for the City. She stated that it is called a volunteer bank and that they learned about it at VML conference. She stated that there are several citizens that have knowledge about things going on in the City. She is requesting that the look at conducting evaluations on the individuals that are responsible to answer to City Council. She stated that she believes that it has been since 2015 since they initiated the job description. She stated that they have not evaluated their City employees. She stated that it is crucial for them to do this. She stated that if they could establish some type of date so that they can get on the employee evaluations for those people that they supervise. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he and the Mayor would like to take this time to recognize Mr. Richard Stewart. Council Member Cuthbert and Mayor Parham recognized Mr. Stewart with a plague of framed news article on history of himself for Black History Month. Mr. Stewart stated that he thanks Council Member Myers for introducing him to Washington Post. He *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 7, 2017 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________ stated that he has spent millions in keeping up the history in Pocahontas Island. He stated that the Washington Post was excited and could not believe all the history on the island. Council Member Cuthbert thanked Mayor Parham in allowing him to honor Mr. Stewart for what he has done and what it stands for. He stated that he would like to ask the City Manager if he has been able to find a place on the calendar for them to have a work session to explore each of the City’s revenue streams. Mr. Tyrrell stated that it is going to be addressed in the budget calendar presentation that is coming up next. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he would like to continue the discussion of revenue streams and that he has handouts in regards to this. He stated that the second half of this is the revenue. He stated that if the revenue grows then the budget would have less of a strain. Council Member Cuthbert went over his prepared document of revenue streams. Mayor Parham stated that there is so much information that has been presented to them that they need a separate date and workshop to discuss all of this. He stated that they will discuss a workshop date to have conversation on this. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he appreciates the opportunity to discuss this and to put this item on the table to be discussed. He stated that if anyone in the audience would like a copy of what he has given to City Council that he would be delighted to give them a copy. Council Member Smith-Lee stated that she would like to thank everyone for coming out and staying late at the meeting. She stated that in the month of January she visited several businesses in Ward 6. She stated that she visited the Heartless Auto Body Shop. She stated that Mr. Charles Bullock is the owner and that he would like to expand his business. She stated that he is interested in purchasing the Coca-Cola building that is next to it. She stated that she met with the Director of the Salvation Army Men’s Shelter, Kenneth Samuel. She stated that she met with them regarding the status of the properties on West Street and Commerce Street that house the men’s shelter. She stated that men’s shelter is really sad. She stated that there is some work to be done there. She stated that she met with Mr. Maylin who is the President of Presentation Virginia. She stated that if they see anyone taking pictures in Ward 6 that is no harm they are taking pictures of properties that are boarded up. She stated that they are trying to see what they can preserve. She stated that she spoke with an investment group that is interested in purchasing the Titmus building on Commerce Street. She stated that she will have more information on next month. She stated that she wanted to do two spotlights on two people in her ward. She stated that she wanted to do this because they are people that are inspirational in her ward. She stated that once a month she will do a spotlight to people in her ward and present them with a $5 card to spend on a business in the City. She stated that the first one is Tier 7 which is a restaurant in the library. She stated that she wanted to present Mr. Lewis and Mr. Williams with these gift cards. Council Member Hill stated that he would like to thank all the employees and directors that are staying at the meetings for the long haul. He stated that he would like to thank the citizens as well. He stated that he had a couple of emails on residents that will not bag their leaves up. He stated that he will get with the City Manager regarding this. He stated that there may be an issue with the drains in his ward. He stated that they talked about it before but he thinks that they need to come up with another strategy. He stated that he knows that the City is short on manpower but if a letter can be sent out to the citizens letting them know that their leaves need to be bagged up. He stated that he will be having a Town Hall Meeting in the spring time. He stated that he likes to thank the citizens, the previous council and the current council for their dedication and hard work. He stated that he prays over them and get all the information that they can get. He stated that they make the best possible decisions that they can make for the City of Petersburg. He stated that he wants to City thrive. He stated that better days are shortly around the corner. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 7, 2017 - 13 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Vice Mayor Hart stated that Ward 7 Meeting will be held on February 28th at J.E.B. Stuart School, at 6:30pm. He stated that it will be Mr. Dance and himself and other guest to be announced. He stated that in a response to Mr. Noise question regarding an area that he needed clean has been taken care of. He stated that he thanks the citizens for the Robert’s Rules of Order book. He stated that he keeps his copy in his bag and that he reads through it and that he will keep this copy as well. Council Member Hill stated that he went to a work session Saturday before last. He stated that Delta Sigma Theta had a workshop on parliamentary procedures. He stated that it was a very instrumental work session. He stated that the book that the paid for was the same book. He stated that he would like to give the book back to Bard Rudolph and thank them for the gesture. He stated that he already has three copies of the book. He stated that the work session was a great refresher course. Mayor Parham stated that there were a lot of good points tonight and that he would like to make a motion. Mayor Parham made a motion for City Council to schedule a meeting on March 4, 2017, to discuss the vision for the City of Petersburg, starting at 9:00am until 12:00noon, to discuss revenues, Rules of Council and Standing Committees. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. There was discussion among City Council Members The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham Mayor Parham stated that they did interviews to the Petersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority. He stated that they had a lot of candidates and that he would like to make a motion to appoint a new member. Mayor Parham made a motion to appoint Joseph Dickens to the Petersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority to replace John Conwell. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion among City Council Members The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Voting No: Wilson-Smith 17-R-7 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING JOSEPH DICKENS TO THE PETERSBURG REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR A TERM ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2015. Mayor Parham stated that there are a lot good attractions going on in Council Member Hill ward with the new Sheetz. He stated that if anyone knows of anyone that needs a job they are taking applications right now. He stated that they broke ground this past week. He stated that he would like to instruct the City Manager at the next meeting to recommend to City Council the financial reports needed. He stated that they would like to know about monthly cash flow, receipts and remaining cash balance in the bank. He stated that they would also like monthly disbursements and monthly itemization on all checks not released and quarterly accountable payable. He stated that he would like to know a table of the low-income housing units that the City has and surrounding localities. He stated that he would like this information from Mrs. Peters and Mr. Tyrrell. He stated that he would like to thank everyone for coming out tonight as well. 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. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 7, 2017 - 14 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 12. NEW BUSINESS: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 13. COMMUNICATIONS/SPECIAL REPORTS: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 14. REPORTS/RESPONSES TO PREVIOUS PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: Mr. Tyrrell stated they will be making changes with the submission of responses to the public by getting this information to them in writing. He stated that this information is made on the back table and in Council’s packet. He stated that this information is available online as well. He stated that there were ten questions that they responded to. 15. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: a. City Manager’s Report Mr. Tyrrell stated that the printed questions and responses to City Council Members in their packets and prior to the meeting. He stated that if there are any questions he will entertain them. Mr. Tyrrell stated that they have been moving forward with hiring and finding an executive search firm and that they will continue on the timeline that City Council presented. He stated that they will have candidate flow somewhere between 90 and 100 days. Mr. Tyrrell gave an overview of a PowerPoint display regarding updates on the City and inspection protocol. 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 10:43 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 7, 2017 - 15 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Mayor *Audio available