City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 5, 2017 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, September 5, 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 Annette Smith-Lee Council Member W. Howard Myers Council Member Darrin Hill Vice Mayor John A. Hart, Sr. Mayor Samuel Parham Absent: Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Present from City Administration: City Manager Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides City Attorney Joseph E. Preston Clerk of Council Nykesha D. Jackson, CMC 2. CLOSED SESSION: City Attorney Joseph Preston stated that City Council will now move to go into closed session for one purpose pursuant to Section 2.2-3711.A (3) of the Code of Virginia, 1950 as amended, council will be in closed session to discuss the disposition of publicly held real property where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the City of Petersburg; and pursuant to Section 2.2-3711.A (7) of the Code of Virginia, 1950 as amended, council will be in closed session for consultation with legal counsel regarding actual or probable litigation where such consultation or briefing in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the City of Petersburg. Council Member Hill moved that the City Council go into closed session for the purposes noted by 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, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith City Council entered closed session at 6:32 p.m. CERTIFICATION: Mr. Preston stated that City Council now moves to come out of closed session and certify that only public business matters lawfully exempted from an open meeting requirement pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and only such business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered in the closed meeting. Council Member Myers made a motion to return City Council into open session and certify the purposes of the closed session. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion on the motion, which was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 5, 2017 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ 17-R-54 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. 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. Mayor Parham stated, “I know riding around Petersburg you will see a lot of the love signs that has been displayed out the course of the City. I would like to recognize ‘Petersburg Community Volunteers’ founded by Lemar Johnson, who is a 17-year veteran of our Fire Department. He has put ‘Love’ signs on Washington Street, Halifax and Market Street Triangle, Wythe and Sycamore Street, Lee Park, Dunlop Street and Lee Avenue. This evening he is working on a new ‘Love’ sign at Harding Street. “Petersburg Community Volunteers’ also installed air condition units for the elderly residents of the community. We just want to share tonight that love will always overcome negativity. Lemar wants the community to know whatever the present circumstance love supersedes. And on that note I want to also share that ‘Guns and Hoses’ are having a blood drive on September 11th. Please show love to our fire and police department as they raise blood donations for the Red Cross. We know we have had some trying times in this country and we are blessed to have what we have here. Please come out and support the ‘Guns and Hoses’ blood drive and do whatever you can help the Red Cross to help those in need in Houston, Texas. Thank you.” 5. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: a. Proclamation for Buffalo Soldiers of Virginia Motorcycle Club. BACKGROUND: In 1995, the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Virginia was created. They are a club that provides service to many citizens in the City of Petersburg. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Mayor Parham read the attached proclamation. Mayor Parham read the proclamation out loud and presented it to the Buffalo Soldiers of Virginia Motorcycle Club. b. Proclamation for National Suicide Prevention Month. BACKGROUND: Organizations such as District 19 Community Services Board, the Coalition Against Alcohol, Nicotine & Drug Under-Age Use and Team Save A Life Suicide Prevention Committee which are dedicated to reducing the frequency of suicide of suicide attempt and death, and the pain of survivors affected by suicides of loved ones, through educational programs, research projects, interventions and bereavement services urge that the City recognizes suicide as a national and state public health problem and declare suicide prevention to be a statewide priority. RECOMMENDATION: Proclaim September 2017 as National Suicide Prevention Month. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 5, 2017 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ Mayor Parham read the proclamation out loud and presented it to the Buffalo Soldiers of Virginia Motorcycle Club. c. Appreciation Proclamation for Dr. Boyd R. Wickizer, MD. BACKGROUND: The Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services is a licensed EMS agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a requirement, Dr. Wickizer has served as the City and Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services Operational Medical Director for more than 15 years. RECOMMENDATION: Present a proclamation for years of service to the City of Petersburg and Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services. Mayor Parham read the proclamation and presented it to Dr. Boyd R. Wickizer, MD. Fire Chief Dennis Rubin introduced the new medical director for the City of Petersburg. Mrs. Benavides stated that she would like to introduce some of the new members that have joined the City staff. She stated that today is the New Deputy City Manager of Community Affairs first day. She stated that her name is Darnetta Tyus. She stated that she would like to also introduce the new Public Information Officer, Folakemi Osoba, who is also known as Kemi. She stated that the City also has the new Assistant Director for Finance over budget and procurement, Mr. Robert Floyd. She stated that also there is another employee that started today as well. She stated that this is the new Assistant Director of Planning, Jeremy Tennant. She stated that she is very pleased to welcome these new additions to the community and to the City. She stated that she is happy to have them on board. She stated that if there is anything that City Council needs they are available. 6. COMMUNICATIONS/SPECIAL REPORTS: *Fire Hydrant Update Chief Rubin and Jerry Byerly gave a PowerPoint update on the fire hydrants in the City. Chief Rubin stated that they conduct semi-annual testing of all the devices in the City. He stated that they do a thorough inspection of the caps and the fire hydrants. He stated that they are not currently in the position to do a flow test but that they hope that this will be available for them to do soon. He stated that they are doing this in conjunction with the water department. Jerry Byerly, Acting Director of Utilities, stated that if they find a hydrant with a problem then they inspect the hydrant and they dispatch it as well. He stated that they had to repair 53 hydrants and replace 23. He stated that the average cost is $4,086 each. He stated that there are currently 14,700 and that currently they have eight out of service. He stated that 99.9% of the hydrants are currently in service in the City. Mayor Parham stated that this was a huge issue and that this is great work. He stated that he would like to thank Chief Rubin and Mr. Byerly for jumping on top of this. a. International Association of Assessing Officer Update on City Assessor’s Office. BACKGROUND: The International Associations of Assessing Officers was contracted by the City Council to maintain the day-to-day operations of the City Assessor Office and provide an audit. RECOMMENDATION: Informational purposes only. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 5, 2017 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ John Nelms, Acting City Assessor for the City of Petersburg through the International Associations of Assessing Officers. He stated that they did an analysis on the Assessor’s Office operations. He stated that he will be going over the accomplishments that they have done so far in the PowerPoint presentation. He stated that he might add that Crystal Green is owed a depth of gratitude for keeping the lights on in that office. He stated that she has done a great job and that he has enjoyed working with her. He stated that the main thing is that they have completed the land books for the City. He stated that they have also had interviews for the City Assessor position. He stated that a suitable candidate was selected but that they turned down position. He stated that additional information can be provided by human resources and that a future date has not been scheduled for the interviews. He stated that this week on Thursday he has prepared a meeting with the City of Petersburg, Department of Taxation and the Board of Equalization. He stated that this will be a discussion as it relates to the assessment appeals process. He stated that since there is no one in the Assessor’s Office the appeals have been forwarded to the Board of Equalization. He stated that 27 of the appeals is from one person. He stated that with his position he will complete his part on September 15th. He stated that there has been an extension requested at this point. He stated that the City of Petersburg is currently running Assess Pro 4.7.2. He stated that there has been an update to 4.75. He stated that there was a web demo scheduled for August 30, 2017. He stated that they went over the ins and outs. Mr. Bobb stated there were two issues. He stated there was an issue with the data system and then there was an issue with a former employee controlling the City’s domain. He stated that this information was in the report. He stated that this is a risk. Mr. Nelms stated that he would like to give an update on that information. He stated that as of today, the City of Petersburg is in control of the domain. He stated that he was told that this domain is updated every six months. He stated that he thinks that it should be updated more often than that. b. Davenport & Company Strategic Financial Plan. BACKGROUND: Davenport and Company has assisted the City in the development and implementation of the 2017 strategic plan of finance. This presentation will include strategic next steps to continue the City’s path toward financial stability. RECOMMENDATION: Presentation only. David Rose, representative from Davenport and Company, stated that he will be doing a briefing on where the City is and hopefully where the City will go in regards to financial matters. He stated that they have created a 27-page capital strategic finance plan. He stated that the plan has executed successfully on August 17th. He stated that one of the objectives was to allow them to reduce payments of debt service starting with the 2018. He stated that the second that it did was provide the critical essential needs of $2.8 million for some essential equipment for fire and rescue. He stated that this was provided and funded. He stated that the third thing is that they are going to provide the City with some recommendations with the flexibility that they would like to see the City do. He stated that last thing is that the City still has a $20 million-dollar cushion. He stated that this means that the City can go forward the next several years with $20 million dollars with utility funds and that they can fund this without the current levels of debt service from FY2018. He stated that the last thing is the rating agency. He stated that they know what the City has been through. He stated that the rating agency was very impressed. He stated that the City is not out of the woods. He stated that they took the negative outlook that they put on the City a year ago, and moved it to stable. He stated that they are doing things that are necessary. He stated that they have to remain vigilant and keep the positive momentum. He stated that they cannot forget where they came from. He stated that the City was literally steps away from not making payments, payroll and other items. He stated that they are going to recommend that the City continues payment of the past due bills and all of the obligations that have been out there. He stated that second, they will be critical to keeping structured balance of the 2018 budget. He stated that the budget is alive and was *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 5, 2017 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ recognized immediately. He stated that they are watching the spending and cash flow in the City. He stated that he would like to thank staff for all the assistance with keeping the finances in good standing. He stated that the next thing is regarding the revenue anticipation note (RAN). He stated that the good news is that the City has made every payment and on a timely basis. He stated that they may recall that one of the requirements of the RAN is that the City makes monthly payments towards it this. He stated that this is not the typical in the industry. He stated that the bad news is that the City still needs a RAN. He stated that one of the reasons that they restructured it was to balance it and speed up those extra dollars to add to the fund balance. He stated that the more that they have in the fund balance the less the City has to do with a RAN. He stated that the last thing is the utility system. He stated that they have done amazing work with Jack Berry. He stated that they have restructured most of the general funds. He stated that they are recommending any cash at least a substantial amount of cash through a liquidity event and dump this amount into the other side of the fund balance so that they do not have to be here next year to talk about another RAN. He stated that if they have to talk about another RAN that it is not the size of the other RAN today. He stated that from the RAN last year a majority was to cost pay. He stated that they should continue to monitor the 2018 budget. c. Robert Bobb Report. Mr. Bobb presented a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Bobb stated that they will be briefing their report. He stated that he would like to thank Davenport and Company for their financial operations. He stated that he will now give City Council a briefing report on their work project. He stated that the good news is that they received $420,000 in state funding. He stated that the funds have been deposited in the City’s account. He stated that he will give an update on the process review of the City Collector and then it will be a utility collection and billing update to follow. He stated that from the list of things that they are working on, some of these things have been completed. He stated that one of these would be the development of the five-year plan that is in the process. He stated that they are currently working on standard operation and procedures. He stated that they will be working with the Finance Director. He stated that they address and report to the City administration the findings that they uncovered during the forensic audit. He stated that they will talk to City Council at their next meeting. He stated that they have already begin meeting with City staff in regards to the current budget. He stated that they put together the budget for City Council and that City Council approved the budget. He stated that there were some challenges within the budget. He stated that they have done the research of the collector of City taxes and they will report this at the next meeting. He stated that they will be combining some of these functions. He stated that the City auditors reported that the City has a negative $7.7 million-dollar unassigned fund balance. He stated that the City tax dollars depend on a $19.8 million-dollar fund balance. He stated that they must eliminate the deficit which is $7.7 million dollars. He stated that his last meeting with the City is coming up in a couple of weeks. He stated that the City needs to have a liquidity event. He stated that no amount of improved collections or sales of real estate taxes will generate a fund balance to what is actually needed in the City. He stated that they need strong fund balance to change the image of Petersburg. He stated that they need to thank Senator Dance and Delegate Aird. He stated that they need to thank the Governor and Secretary Brown as well. Jack Berry, Assistant City Manager, stated that City Council asked for a monthly update on utility billing and collections. He stated that he has summarized this information on one page for City Council. He stated that each month will be a report on the progress and the steps that are being taken on collecting utility bills. He stated that they have all heard about the 70% collection rate that has been in the past. He stated that it is very low by industry standards. He stated that their goal is to get it over 90%. He stated that FY17 the collection rate was 73%. He stated that the City has made some progress since then. He stated that the progress rate has been consistent. He stated that they have established an audit task force to review specifically 68 major apartment complexes. He stated that some of them have not been billed correctly or not at all since 2015. He stated that with the review some of the complexes which resulted in a revised billing of $345,677. He stated that they feel good about the direction they are going in. He stated that he would like to also thank the team *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 5, 2017 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ that has been working on this. He stated that he would like to thank Mrs. Sinclair and Mr. Savage who has been working on this and the department director, Jerry Byerly. He stated that was asked to look at the 5/8 and 1 inch meter system. He stated that the capacity is based on the meter size and the consumption is based on how much water you use regardless of the size of the meter. He stated that three quarters of the bill is capacity charge. Council Member Cuthbert stated to Mr. Berry that on behalf of City Council and the public they would like to thank him and Mr. Byerly and everyone else who has worked hard to improve the collection rate. He stated that it is impressive with the progress that they have made. He stated that it can be done. Mr. Berry stated a lot of people in the utility department work very hard for this. Mayor Parham stated that he would like to thank Mr. Berry and Mrs. Sinclair who is present tonight as well. Mr. Bobb stated that he would like to conclude his report. He stated that in the packet actual savings and dollars that they have brought to the City over the last eight months are at a savings. He stated that with the Director of City Taxes they are making some progress with restructuring and reorganizing that operation with the City Manager’s Office. He stated that the City Manager has put together a structure in terms of how the collector of City taxes and utility can work through the finance department with very strong leadership. He stated that he is working with Mrs. Benavides to show that the leadership is strong. He stated that this is the heart and soul of the City’s ability to collect revenue to operate the City. He stated that over the next few weeks they are tasking two members from his firm along with two people from the City Manager’s Office to put together a detailed policy on practices and procedure. He stated that this consolidates the operation that they can do legally from the treasurer’s office and the utility billing office. He stated that they are also looking at ways to use outside vendors for collecting City taxes. He stated that they are developing a good solid plan to turn over to the City Manager and her team. He stated that this will be effective October 1st when they are ready to go. He stated that hopefully by the next City Council meeting they will be able to give a full report on going forward. He stated that this is not in their report but that they have engaged in the service of an internal auditor. He stated that they will have the internal auditor to review all the processes so that on October 1st they can turn over everything with clean hands. He stated that anything that happens after October 1st that is negative is on the City Manager. He stated that the City Manager is to give a monthly report on the Collector of City Taxes operation and on the finances of that particular operation. He stated that this would be separate from the report of the financial operations of the City. He stated that they are challenged by the excitement of putting together something new and different. He stated that he thinks that in the long term and going forward it has to be setup correctly. He stated that it has to have the right policy and procedures and be focused and trained. He stated that with the City Manager working on this it has to have the right leadership to drive it. He stated that he asks that City Council on a monthly basis to ask the hard questions and make sure that things are working appropriately. He stated that finally when City Council put together their legislative agenda then at that time they can address the issue of the treasurer’s office. He stated that they are going to give a lot of details in their report that they give City Council. d. City Manager’s Report. *No items for this portion of the agenda. 7. CONSENT AGENDA (to include minutes of previous meeting/s): a. Minutes: July 31, 2017, Special Meeting; April 12, 2017, Work Session; July 18, 2017, Regular Council Meeting; June 29, 2017, Working Session; July 11, 2017, Special Session; April 10, 2017, Working Session. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 5, 2017 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ Vice Mayor Hart made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda. The motion was seconded by Council Member Cuthbert. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith 8. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. A public hearing for consideration of a petition for a Special Use Permit to operate a self-storage facility at 2530 South Crater Road. BACKGROUND: The Zoning Ordinance requires that City Council must take action once a recommendation is forwarded from the Planning Commission. This use in the Zoning Ordinance requires a Special Use Permit. U-Haul currently operates a truck rental and moving supplies retail store along South Crater Road. This parcel is in the rear of the existing business and will include an indoor self-storage facility. 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 voted at its meeting on July 5, 2017, 6-0 to approve this request. Michelle Peters, Director of Planning and Community Development, gave a briefing on the petition for a Special Use Permit to operate a self-storage facility at 2530 South Crater Road. She stated that it is a 24-hour facility and that it will have cameras around the site. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comments. Linwood Christian, 613 St. Matthew Street, stated that he has a lot of serious issues with this. He stated that it may be his flashback of some of the best years of his life when Rollercade was then Skateland. He stated that it was the one place that he knew that if he did not do right in school he could not go roller skating on Sunday. He stated that this is becoming a common occurrence. He stated that they are selling off some prime property that could be used for things. He stated that he understands that they need the business but that there are some things like the young people in the City that they are overlooking. He stated that there are no decent recreation facilities for the youth. He stated that one of the facilities is being used as a greenhouse. He stated that the A.P. Hill Community Center is just sitting there. He asked how long will it be before this is thrown to someone. He stated that he looks at the Rollercade to say that enough was not done to fix the issues. He stated that the attorney that the City had in the past they can see what type of trouble he got into. He stated that he does not think that enough was done. He stated that he hates to see this go to waste. He asked how long will it be before someone gets vested like they did on Washington Street. He stated that these are his objections. Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council Members. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to approve the petition for a Special Use Permit to operate a self-storage facility at 2530 South Crater Road. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith 17-ORD-36 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A SELF-STORAGE *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 5, 2017 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ FACILITY AT 2530 SOUTH CRATER ROAD. b. A public hearing on an ordinance which will allow for an additional assessment of sums relative to the electronic summons system. BACKGROUND: The Petersburg Police Department was awarded $23,951 by Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) to develop automated solutions to streamline the traffic ticketing and summons processes by implementing an integrated Electronic Summons (e-Summons) solution to capture and transfer of traffic summons information from the point of issuance, through the Police Department and to the Courts. To help offset the cost of the system, the Police Department recommends that the City Council allow a fee of not more than $5.00 to be charged on all criminal and traffic cases to assist with funding the system. The Code of Virginia §17.1-279.1 makes this fee allowable to be assessed by circuit court clerks for information technology. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council approve the attached ordinance to allow for an additional assessment of sums relative to the electronic summons system. Police Chief, Kenneth Miller, gave a brief summary on the ordinance regarding the additional assessment of sums relative to the electronic summons system. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. Council Member Myers made a motion to approve the ordinance to allow for an additional assessment of sums relative to the electronic summons system. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith 17-ORD-37 AN ORDINANCE TO ALLOW AN ADDITIONAL SUM NOT IN EXCESS OF $5 AS PART OF THE COSTS IN EACH CRIMINAL OR TRAFFIC CASE IN THE DISTRICT OR CIRCUIT COURTS. c. A public hearing to amend to the City Code, Article IV Emergency Medical Services Vehicles. BACKGROUND: The current ordinance for maximum charges list rates less than those allowable rates for emergency medical care and transportation. Ambulance billing is a tool that the City uses to off-set the cost associated with this vital service. In essence, this is a “user fee” to obtain a portion of the operating costs for the City of Petersburg. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council approve the attached ordinance to increase the allowable rates for emergency medical care and transportation. Fire Chief, Dennis Rubin, gave a brief summary on amending the City Code, Article IV Emergency Medical Services Vehicles. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. Council Member Myers made a motion to approve the ordinance to increase the allowable rates for *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 5, 2017 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ emergency medical care and transportation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith 17-ORD-38 AN ORDINANCE INCREASING THE ALLOWABLE RATES FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE AND TRANSPORTATION. 9. 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 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. Wendy Austin, 1964 Wakefield Avenue, stated that she is from the “Friends of Lower Appomattox River.” She stated that they have a mission to serve and protect the river for all to enough. She stated that City Council should have a handout that was given to them. She stated that she is giving a three-minute update on the Appomattox River Trail. She stated that this project is fully funded with a grant. She stated that this project increases economic growth and strengthens community connectivity. She stated that this creates signage and communications to and about the Appomattox Trail to strengthen community ties and to promote walking and other physical activities. She stated that the pilot focuses on the Battersea neighborhood. She stated that this is on the first page of the pamphlet. She stated that they have a team of experts that complete community studies. She stated that they receive a number of community input. She stated that they work with the stakeholders including staff that is handy and parks and leisure and recently public works. She stated that through this plan they reloaded neighborhood symbols and signs. She stated that they will complete and install 15 banners and signs. She stated that there is no direct cost to the City for this project. She stated that they are excited to be completing it before the end of the year. She stated that the full plan is available online on their website. She stated that there some members in attendance tonight who are on the board who are Richard Taylor and Dama Rice. Karen Graham, 402 High Street, stated that she has a couple of items. She stated that she would like to talk about graffiti in the City. She stated that they have had a problem down on Lafayette Street and on Hinton and High Street. She stated that a number of years ago, the Commonwealth Attorney Office and the Police Department had a coalition on that handled the graffiti. She stated that she does not know if this program is still in place. She stated that she is curious to know how the City is dealing with covering graffiti and if there is a way to clean the graffiti up on Lafayette and High Street. She stated that she wants to thank the City employee for cleaning up the liter on Harding Street. She stated that she was driving through and saw this morning. She stated that she appreciates everyone cleaning up the City. She stated that some of the boards and commissions post agendas online. She stated that there is not one posted for the Planning Commission or BZA. She stated that they may get posted in the paper but that no everyone checks the paper. She stated that it would be nice that the City’s website is comprehensive to post all the agendas in advance so that they can attend for a particular item that is important to them. She stated that it used to be that the questions that are asked during the public information period were answered in an open form. She asked is there some way that the answers could come across either through the minutes that come out or posting them on the City’s website. She stated that this way people can find out the answers to their questions if they are unable to attend the following meeting. Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated that she was going to come up with a positive frame of *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 5, 2017 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ mind. She stated that herself and a number of other citizens were heartened and saddened to see the PPEA detailed stage had been removed from the agenda this afternoon. She stated that this seemed like a very positive thing and that she is going to thank the people at the table who was responsible for doing this. She stated that she knows that no all of them set the agenda but for those that took the opportunity to say to move this off the agenda. She stated that when she comes in and Mr. Bobb talks about this in his briefing was a buzz kill for her. She stated that she wanted to say that this is good and that it looks like it is on its way to being dead. She stated that he is not going to let it die. She stated that they heard about this $19.8 million-dollar magic number that they must take care of. She stated that it is all coming back. She stated that there have been so many money problems in Petersburg. She stated that her concern is how do you trust somebody that tells you a different explanation of numbers and the facts that he is presenting. She stated that the $19.8 million dollars just got brought up in July. She stated that some of this was the $7.5million cushion that was built in the budget and the rest dealt with the City’s fiscal policy that was passed recently. She stated that tonight he showed a slide that itemized a bunch of things. She stated that she does not want to say that everything is wrong but that there are enough things that change the shift that creates a trust issue. She stated that she thinks that City Council was given two different pictures that reconcile and that at the very least she thinks that they should question this. Dolores Smith, 510 Mistletoe Street, stated that as she stated before that she has been coming to this council meeting for 30 years. She stated that she has never seen anything like she has seen now happening. She stated that there are people sitting on City Council that should not be sitting there. She stated that she is talking about how they did Mr. Brown. She stated that she is appalled at what she heard. She stated that they threw him up under the bus. She stated that they did not have concrete information. She stated that they got up there and spoke on what he did and that they did not have the correct information on him. She stated that if they are going to do this that they should make sure that their information is right. She stated that the citizens are the constituents here and that they are all the council members and leaders. She stated that even when they have the closed session meetings, most of the time they do not get the information on what they are closing about. She stated that City Council need to get it together and come together as a whole. She stated that they are the people that are supposed to know what is going on in the City and that City Council is supposed to provide that. Linwood Christian, 613 St. Matthew Street, stated that most of them have gotten an invite. He stated that this goes out to the City Manager. He stated that on the 12th of this month his neighborhood association is having their monthly meeting and that the new chief will be their guest. He stated that it will be at 6:30pm at Tabernacle Baptist Church. He stated that the Ward 5 representative and the school board representative will be attending as well. He stated that he saw in the paper where they were talking about bringing up the technology to deal with the water billing. He asked how long will this take and why do they have to with for updated technology. He stated that the updating the technology is not going to help a lot. He stated that people make technology and that there will still be mistakes. He stated that they need to hurry up and do something. He stated that the people at City Hall should not have to endure the citizens jumping on them because things are not right. He asked that with a City this size why is there an Assistant City Manager. He stated that the last time the City had an assistant city manager, Beverly Brewer was with the City. He stated that this is too much. He stated that with the situation with the City Treasurer, the City is skating on thin ice. He stated that they are messing with charter changing issues that they are trying to go around. He asked who are they going to go after next. He stated that what the school board is trying to t City is what the City is doing to the City Treasurer. He stated that the City has made excuses on giving them their money. Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated that he would like to thank the police department first for patrolling Pocahontas. He stated that Mr. Braswell was in their area today heling them with a car. He stated that he would like to thank Chief Miller for trying to clean up the guns in Petersburg. He stated that they do not realize how many guns are in the City. He stated that he would like to thank the City Manager and Council Member Cuthbert for coming down and visiting Pocahontas. He stated that it was outstanding. He stated that *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 5, 2017 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ he would like to thank john Adams and the Washington Post. He stated that people have been coming up and down the east coast. He stated that it is unbelievable how many people have been coming to Pocahontas to just view the promised land. He stated that when he thought things were cooling down in comes the Pamunkey Indians. He stated that they have come down and now want to be a part of them. He stated that they have chased the Jarratt Family back to their ancestors. He stated that this weekend he is supposed to go to Sussex County to speak at the courthouse. He stated that Council Member Cuthbert has added some history to him today involving a picture of a certain guy. Ron Flock, 1708 Pender Avenue, stated that Mr. Bobb has been lying to the citizens and lying to City Council. He stated that he wants to point out that it is not just to City Council but outside the City representing the City. He stated that in regards to the bond issue it states that the City raises rates to pay for infrastructure. He asked are they telling anyone what they need to hear. He stated that this is the way it looks like. He stated that they need to go back and read the documents. He stated that they contradict each other. He stated that cannot use the same money for two different entities. He stated that anyone that knows mathematics knows that you cannot use averages to come up with an average. He stated that he has had it with the Robert Bobb Group. He stated that they change the documents every time and that this information and the changes are not suitable or trustworthy. He stated that he understands that City Council is under a lot of pressure. He stated that he knows that each council member has it in their heart to do the right thing. Pastor Wesley Taylor, Jr, 110 N. Dunlop Street, stated that he is the pastor at the Calvary Temple Church on Dunlop Street. He stated that they are currently doing initiatives at their church and that they wanted to get involved in their community. He stated that they have had several conversations with Council Member Smith-Lee and Vice Mayor Hart. He stated that they just wanted to come and introduce themselves to everyone. He stated that he would like to introduce Cherita, and that she is his niece. He stated that she is working on their team as well for the community initiatives for the church. Cherita Johnson, 110 N. Dunlop Street, stated that they are having a community clean-up at their church on September 16th. She stated that they would like the citizens of Petersburg and City council to come out to support their efforts. Gloria Brown, 1557 S. Sycamore Street, stated that in some research she stumbled upon a couple of things that concern her. She stated that they had addressed this before. She stated that Mr. Christian touched on the concerns earlier. She stated that there have been a lot of questions from the community about the same regarding the budget moving forward. She stated that this would also be looking at line items and addressing salaries. She stated that they want to compensate the employees well. She stated that in a City with 33,000 people with the median household income of $32,000, per capita is $19,000 and the average value of a home in Petersburg is $117,000. She stated that they do the calculations and the taxes of what revenue can come in. She asked that her concern is and that she has addressed her concern with the implementation of different positions, how can they fiscally spend those line items every day. She stated that when a project comes in front the City cannot fund them. She stated that they are taking line items at six figure salaries. She stated that the City cannot carry this. She stated that what has happened is 27 positions were eliminated. She stated that there is high grass all over the place. She stated that there are hourly and productive workers that need to be in working in the City. She stated that in the City of Richmond the population is 222,000, median income is $40,000, and per capita is $30,000. She stated that this does not include City of Richmond commercial development and revenue that Petersburg does not have. She stated that Petersburg top salary comes in only a little under $20,000 of City of Richmond’s top salary. She asked can they please in the future look at these things. She stated that the City has to be responsible. She stated that if not the City will never be in the light. 10. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: Council Member Cuthbert stated that he had ward meeting tonight and that it went well. He stated that *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 5, 2017 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________ they focused on neighborhood issues and that they were honored to have Mrs. Ferrell-Benavides in attendance to his meeting as well as Ms. Tyus, Mr. Tennant, Captain Braswell and Mrs. Innis. He stated that they had the team at the table who could address the problems. He stated that the management team excepted with grace the citizens’ complaints. He stated that they were assured from the team that they would work on the problems. He stated that his next ward meeting will be at 5:00pm just before the second meeting in October. He stated that this will allow the City administration to report back on progress that has been made. He stated that everyone in the room felt like it was a constructive meeting. He stated that he is grateful for Mrs. Benavides and her team on helping him and taking the time in addressing important neighborhood issues. He stated that there is a community meeting about the Jarratt House at the Pocahontas Chapel located at 143 Witten Street. He stated that the public is invited. He stated that may want to get in the loop and stay in the loop on this important project. He stated that the Jarratt House is a remarkable and unique historic artifact. He stated that he is delighted to see the City respond to the challenge. He stated that this can be something that the entire community is proud of. He stated that this will be Wednesday, September 27th, from 6pm to 8pm at the Pocahontas Chapel. He stated that he will be present. Council Member Smith-Lee stated that Ward 6 will be having a ward meeting on Thursday, September 7th at A.P. Hill Elementary School, beginning at 6pm. She stated that she hopes that everyone can come out. She stated that she and her husband will provide fish. She stated that if anyone plans on coming to bring a covered dish. She stated that the Calvary Temple Church is having a Community Clean-Up Day. She stated that it will be held on September 16th from 10am to 1pm. She stated that they will assemble at 110 N. Dunlop Street. She stated that they hope to have the church adopt Dunlop Street. She stated that they are working on this. She stated to please come out and help clean Dunlop Street. She stated that she has participated in several activities throughout the City. She stated that one of things that she wants to share is that at the YMCA event it was amazing to see how many kids came out. She stated that the had hair stylist and different activities and free school supplies and snacks for the kids. She stated that one of the things that they should always remember is that in order to have a good community they have to always give back. She stated that the convocation at Petersburg High School was really amazing. She stated that the superintendent got up and spoke and stated that all the children from grades kindergarten to the 12th will be receiving a computer. She stated that this is something that the City needs. She stated that she wanted to thank everyone for coming out to tonight’s council meeting. Council Member Myers stated that he would like to say Happy Birthday to Mayor Parham. He stated that he would like to thank everyone on City Council for coming out to the Delectable Heights Reunion. He stated that they had a very successful day last weekend. He stated that the children were out having a great time and they provided lots of things for the children. He stated that he would like to present a motion. He stated that he would like for the members of council to consider it. Council Member Myers read information out loud. Council Member Myer made a motion that the City of Petersburg City Manager will assume full and complete responsibility for the financial review of all City of Petersburg, State and Federal financial reporting, and that the policy is retroactive to January 1, 2017. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion on the motion among City Council and staff. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith 17-ORD-39 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PETERSBURG CITY MANAGER WILL ASSUME FULL AND COMPLETE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FINANCIAL REVIEW OF ALL CITY OF PETERSBURG, STATE AND FEDERAL FINANCIAL REPORTING, AND THAT THE POLICY IS RETROACTIVE TO JANUARY 1, 2017. Council Member Hill stated that he wanted to say thank you to City Council. He stated that there are not a lot of people present at the meeting tonight. He stated that everyone knows where the City was some time *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 5, 2017 - 13 – ______________________________________________________________________________ ago. He stated that people think that City Council is divided but that they are not. He stated that in order for them to get to where they are right now they have to work together. He stated that he thanks everyone for working together. He stated that there are several different opinions but that they are taking some great to get them to where the City is currently right now. He stated that he would like to thank the staff who has worked so hard to get them where they are right now. He stated that he would like to thank the Robert Bobb Group. He stated that things fell out when Mayor Parham and Vice Mayor Hart took position. He stated that he wants to thank City Council for working hard together. He stated that they are “One” up there. He stated that he would like to thank all of the citizens that work with Lemar Johnson and all the different churches and people that clean up and cut grass on a daily basis. He stated that he has worked with them. He stated that he wants to thank the public works department. He stated that they are doing a very good job and that you can see the results now. He stated that in spite of what people say, normally when the grass is cut people do not liter. He stated that the still have a way to go but that he can see a great improvement. He stated that again he wants to thank Mr. Johnson and his crew. He stated that one thing about Mr. Johnson is that he is a firefighter. He stated that when he told Mr. Johnson that they were going to be using him for a highlight he said no that he will be working. He stated that Mr. Johnson is on Harding Street putting up a sign where the family lost their lives in the fire. He stated that this is how dedicated he is to what he is doing. He stated that if you see him pat him on the back. He stated that he also would like to welcome staff that came on board. He stated that they restructured the way that the City does their government. He stated that some things were getting and the City was not functioning well under the old way. He stated that they are trying something different. He stated that some people had to be let go in order to get some functioning going on around in the City. Vice Mayor Hart stated that he would like to welcome everyone back to the first September council meeting. He stated that there is a tentative date for the Ward 7 Meeting on September 26th at J.E.B. Stuart Elementary School. He stated that it will be himself and Mr. Dance. He stated that he wanted to thank the City for the drainage repair on Darby Drive. He stated that the citizens are happy in that area. He stated that if at all possible can they do something about the lighting in the train station. He stated that they can increase the lighting. He stated that he thanks the all for the cleaning up around the City. He stated that the citizens are really stepping up and doing a great job in cleaning up Petersburg. He stated that he business in ward 7 is the What-a-Burger. He stated that he will be delivering signage for them on tomorrow. He stated that he just wanted to thank them for their business. He stated that he sat in there last week to get something to eat and he listened to some of the stories about the building. He stated that he thanks all the employees for all the hard work. He stated that he also wants to thank the police department. He stated that he did a ride around last month. He stated that the job that they are doing is great. Mayor Parham stated he wanted to speak again on the love signs in the City. He stated that this morning at the schools they saw a tremendous amount of love at every school. He stated that it started at 6:30am. He stated that he would like to thank his council members for heading out to Petersburg High School, Vernon Johns and Walnut Hill. He stated that the President of Virginia State University (VSU), President Abdullah, brought his entire administration to the schools. He stated that it was about 70 people that attended from VSU. He stated that the children enjoyed that warm welcome. He stated that it will take another community effort to get the schools to where they need to be. He stated that this means understanding everything that is going on and not just in Petersburg but the schools as well. He stated that in August during council’s break they attended a Child Trauma Session. He stated that it was a great session and meeting. He stated that Ward 3 on Thursday, September 14th, 6pm-8pm at Vernon Johns Middle School. He stated that they want to take a tour of the school. He stated that speaking on the school board side is Dr. Marcus Newsome, Superintendent of Petersburg Public Schools. He stated that on the City’s side is the new City Manager is Mrs. Benavides. 11. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT: *No items for this portion of the agenda. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 5, 2017 - 14 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 13. NEW BUSINESS: a. Update on State supported two-percent increase for Local Department of Social Services. BACKGROUND: To inform City Council that a request for a budget amendment, to provide 2% increase will be made at future City Council Meetings. RECOMMENDATION: For information only. Kimberley Miles, Director of Social Services, stated that this is an information item. She stated that the 2017 General Assembly approved a 2% increase for the state employees including the local Department of Social Services. She stated that they are 120 across the Commonwealth. She stated that they will come back to a future meeting in October to make a formal presentation. b. Consideration of an appropriation of VRA Series 2015 A Utility Revenue Bond for Utility. BACKGROUND: The Utility Department has identified the most serious issues facing the Petersburg Utility System. Staff has created a plan to resolve them. On June 6, 2017, City Council adopted the FY2018 Capital Budget and 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan, which addresses $6,050,000, of which $5,300,000 is to be financed with VRA Bonds 2015A series previously allocated to Petersburg. The remaining projects are to be funded by a $750,000 loan from Department of Environmental Quality, staff will be appropriated once this funding is secured. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council approve the attached appropriation for $5,300,000 to the fiscal year 2018 Capital Budget. Blake Rane, Chief Financial Officer, stated that this item appropriates $5.3 million dollars that the City can draw from 2015 Bonds. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. Council Member Hill made a motion to approve the attached appropriation for $5,300,000 to the fiscal year 2018 Capital Budget. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith 17-ORD-40 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2017, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2018, IN THE UTILITY CAPITAL BUDGET. c. Consideration to approve an amendment of the Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Agreement. BACKGROUND: The last agreement was signed in 2007. The updated agreement provides for future Sheriffs of localities without police department to join into the agreement both immediately and in the future. *Audio available  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 5, 2017 - 15 – ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council approve the amendment of the Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Agreement. Vice Mayor Hart made a motion to approves the amendment of the Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Agreement. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith 14. REPORTS/RESPONSES TO PREVIOUS PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 15. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 16. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE CITY CLERK: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 17. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY: Mr. Preston stated that he has a report. He stated that the City does have the bus station back. He stated that all of the paperwork and documentation has been signed. He stated that they are waiting for one document and the Trailways Bus Station will be back in the City’s hand. 18. ADJOURNMENT: City Council adjourned at 10:01 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor *Audio available