City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 20, 2018 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, 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 W. Howard Myers Council Member Annette Smith-Lee Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Vice Mayor John A. Hart, Sr. Mayor Samuel Parham Absent: None Present from City Administration: City Manager Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides City Attorney Joseph E. Preston Clerk of Council Nykesha D. Jackson, CMC 2. PRAYER: Mayor Parham stated that Bishop Shawn Lewis of Rhema Word Ministry to lead the City in prayer. Bishop Lewis led the City in prayer. 3. CLOSED SESSION: *There were no closed session items. 4. MOMENT OF SILENCE: a. Clerk of Council, Nykesha D. Jackson, led council and the audience in a moment of silence. 5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: a. Clerk of Council, Nykesha D. Jackson, led council and the audience in the pledge of allegiance. Mayor Parham stated that for tonight’s “Positive Petersburg Story” he would like to recognize Chief Kenneth Miller and the Police Department for their active pursuit toward ending gun violence and removing illegal and legal, yet unwanted, firearms off the Petersburg streets. He stated that officers seized more than 200 guns in 2017 and have seized 40 illegal guns since the start of 2018. He stated that the Bureau of Police is holding a recruitment event this Saturday, at 8:00am at the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School. He stated that also taking place this Saturday is Petersburg’s Annual Black History Month Festival. He stated that the festival will feature live performance as well as food and unique craftsmen vendors. He stated that the festival is from 2:00pm to 7:00pm this Saturday at Petersburg High School. He stated that he encourages everyone to attend. 6. DETERMINATION OF THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM: Ms. Jackson stated that all City Council Members are present for a quorum. 7. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATION OF CEREMONIAL PROCLAMATIONS: (Each presentation will be limited to 10 minutes.)  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 20, 2018 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ *No items for this portion of the agenda. 8. COMMUNICATIONS/SPECIAL REPORTS: a. Petersburg City Schools Update by Superintendent Dr. Marcus Newsome. Dr. Marcus Newsome stated that he would like to thank everyone for allowing him the opportunity to address everyone tonight and to provide City Council with a very brief update. He stated that before he gets started he would like to thank City Council for personal privilege and their support and leadership and taking on some tough challenges in leading the City. He stated that he especially would like to thank Mrs. Benavides and her staff for their support. He stated that he would also like to thank Chief Miller. He stated that since the shooting in Florida last week the world has been on edge. He stated that without any request Chief Miller and his officers showed up at the schools the next day and that they have been very vigilant with the children and staff and making them feel safe. He stated that in attendance he has members of the school board and staff of Petersburg Public Schools. He stated that children in the schools an City has dreams that they need to support. He stated that the Department of Education stated that Petersburg Public Schools is the model for collaboration in the area. He stated that their strategic plan drives the school system. He stated that he would like to speak on three young men in the Petersburg School System. He stated that Rashad Seaborne is a freshman at Maggie Walker Governor School. He stated that Chris Jones is a senior at the high school and that he represents the best in Petersburg. He stated that he has 4.3GPA and that he is captain of the football team. He stated that they have arranged for him to speak at a state conference in May and that he will be followed by the governor. He stated that Mr. Jones is narrowing down his choice of college between Princeton, Harvard or Morehouse. He stated that Jamari Jones is an elementary school student who just won the citywide spelling bee a few days ago. He stated that the students are engaged in activities in school and out school. Dr. Newsome showed a PowerPoint presentation to City Council and the citizens and staff present. There was discussion and comments among City Council and Dr. Newsome on the accomplishments of Petersburg public Schools. b. Petersburg City Schools, john Tyler Community College, and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Presentation on Continuing Education for Petersburg Residents. Dr. Ann Ifekwunigwe and Ms. Elizabeth Creamer gave a PowerPoint presentation on continuing education. Dr. Ifekwunigwe stated that it is really nice to hear Council Member Wilson-Smith speak on how important it is to develop, sustain and maintain the partnerships. She stated that they are really excited to show the partnerships that they have to serve the adult education population. Ms. Creamer stated that it great to be at the meeting tonight. She stated that she is a new Vice President of Workforce Development for Reynolds and John Tyler Community College. She stated that they share a division called Community College Workforce Alliance. She stated that she helps businesses find the skilled workforce that they need and help unemployed and under employed residents of the region find good job. She stated that she is particularly charged to help technician and trades workforces. She stated that these are jobs that are accessible for individuals that need more skills than a high school diploma. She stated that through the General Assembly they are doing this through the workforce. She stated that they have put together fast paced programs. Dr. Ifekwunigwe stated that in the past they had low enrollments in their programs. She stated that the programs also required tuition and fees. She stated that the way that the programs were advertised left out a few details and information. She stated that the information was posted in the local newspapers. She stated that if one did not subscribe to the local newspaper then this was a challenge. She stated that transportation to and from the high is a challenge. She stated that now they offer free of charge in Petersburg Logistics and  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 20, 2018 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ Warehousing, Certified Nurse Aide, NCCER Certification and Clinical Medical Assistant. She stated that they have the information and catalogue posted online. She stated that as of yesterday they had 233 students that registered for the CNA course, 34 students for Logistics and Warehousing and 49 for the NCCER Certification. She stated that 71 of the students stated that they would need transportation. She stated that some of the students stated that they have never taken a class with them. She stated that at this moment they have 60 students taking the TABE Assessment Test at the high school. She stated that the space is limited for the CAN program and that there are only 20 slots and 200 who applied for it. Ms. Creamer stated that this is really more than a standard workplace training program. She stated that because they are pulling in so many partners in the same classroom the students are able to finish the program in a fast amount of time. She stated that they have employers that are lined up and interested in interviewing the students. She stated that this is part of a grant program. She stated that they have alternative ways for funding that they are already exploring. She stated that they are obligated to continue working with their partners. There was discussion among City Council Members and Dr. Ifekwunigwe and Ms. Creamer. Vice Mayor Hart stated that he would like to make a presentation to a citizen in Ward 7 tonight. He stated that he asked them to be present because they are helpful in every ward throughout the City. Vice Mayor Hart read what the plague states. He stated that he would ask that Ann and P.T. Taylor come forward to receive the award. He stated that he would like all of City Council to come up as well. Mr. Taylor stated thank you and that he is glad to be a citizen in the City of Petersburg. c. City Manager’s Report Mrs. Benavides stated that she would like to invite Mr. Nicholas Riggs and his father and Paul Mullin to come forward. She stated that Paul Mullin is a City employee who has been active in boy scouts for a number of years. She stated that they have a special day before them. She stated that she has asked Mr. Nicholas to come forward to talk to City Council about his eagle school project. She stated that the top honor of a boy scout is to become an eagle scout. She stated that it is a lot of hard work and dedication. She stated that he would do his project with the City of Petersburg. She stated that she asked Paul to stand up as a boy scout leader with them. Mr. Riggs stated that he is 15 years old and that he attends the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School. He stated that he is a life scout with Boy Scout Troop 900. He stated that tonight he would like to present his eagle scout project. He stated that his project is that he would like to restore the grounds of the Doughboy Statue. He stated that he would do by removing over grown shrubbery and giving it a fresh lawn. He stated that he would like to put a flag pole up with the American flag. He stated that he would like to reach out to the National Guard or Fort Lee to have the monument rededicated. Mayor Parham stated that the City is with him 100%. He stated that he knows that he will get the eagle scout and to keep up the good work. He stated that the City will be behind him on his next project. Mr. Preston stated that he wanted to make Nicholas aware that the gentleman that just came up is a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. He stated that this is the highest award that the Boy Scouts of America can give. He stated that he is a life scout and a boy scout himself. He stated that he could not pass up a moment of sharing this information. Mrs. Benavides stated that the next item that she has is for Stephanie Harris to bring forth a resolution. Ms. Harris stated that she is present to give a resolution regarding the request of change for the due date of personal property taxes. She read the resolution out loud for City Council and the citizens.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 20, 2018 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ Vice Mayor Hart made a motion to accept the adoption of the resolution moving the taxation period back to March 16th and going out February 21st. 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 Council Member Myers made a motion to reschedule the public hearing to March 6, 2018. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public discussion. Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, asked are they paying it all, half or one fourth of it. He stated that people are bombarding City Council when something happens regarding the water. He stated that some people were told to pay $500 and ended up paying $1,000. Ms. Harris stated that she believes that a couple of years ago City Council voted to have personal property taxes split into two halves. She stated that the first half is due in February and the second half is due in June. She stated that the residents have to pay something in February and cannot just pay all of it in June. Mrs. Benavides stated that the Commissioner of Revenue is present to answer any question in regard to the process. She stated that she thinks that it was a problem with the technology issue. Ken Pritchett, 1113 Overbrook Road, stated that he thinks that they should do something other than a resolution. He stated that it may be an ordinance because the taxes were set to be due on February 28th by ordinance. He stated that he thinks that they have to pass it by ordinance. Mr. Preston stated to Mr. Pritchett that he is incorrect. He stated that they reviewed this issue. Mr. Pritchett stated that if it is a resolution than it is fine but that if they have to do it by ordinance than they have to come back and do it again. Gary Talley, 2323 Fort Rice Street, asked will the bills be available online now. Mayor Parham stated yes. Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed public discussion. Council Member Hill stated that he would like to hear from the Commissioner of Revenue. Ms. Flowers stated that NADA is the company that the City uses. She stated that NADA had a new system so they were pushed back by a week in a half. She stated that this is the company that they use to assess all personal property. Council Member Hill asked that the timeline that they are given they will be able to make this. Ms. Flower stated that it is already done and that they bill just need to be mailed out. She stated that the assessments are completed. Council Member Cuthbert asked does this mean that every Commissioner of Revenue throughout the State of Virginia experienced the same problem. Ms. Flowers stated yes but that not every locality first half is due in February. She stated that most of them are due in June and December. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 20, 2018 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ 18-R-11 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA PROPOSING THE CHANGE OF THE DUE DATE FOR THE PAYMENT OF PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES. Mrs. Benavides stated that they have received an updated memo in regard to the date change. She stated that she wanted to bring some information to their attention. She stated that she believes that they have some individuals from Preservation Task Force present. She stated that she received a letter asking for a letter of endorsement. She stated that they talked about this once before. She stated that this is in fact for the Siege Museum. She stated that there is a grant available. She stated that the Preservation Task Force has been managing it. She stated that the task force is looking at a matching grant of about $350,000 to help do some needed changes to the Siege Museum. She stated that she believes that there is a representative of the task force present. She stated that she believes that Chip Mann is present. She stated that she will give him the opportunity to let City Council know what was presented. Chip Mann, Executive Director of Petersburg Preservation Task Force, stated that there is a federal opportunity to apply for a grant of $350,000 for construction. He stated that they identified the exchange building as the top priority. He stated that they have taken two of the studies that the City instigated in 2013 and 2015 and had new eyes to look at them. He stated that the priority of this request is to shore of the dome of the building. He stated that there are several joints that have separated. He stated that this is one of the situations where an old building like this can last another 100 years or could last two weeks. He stated that this is a very urgent need. He stated that it does not cost the City any money. He stated that it is a grant that is only applicable to National Historic Landmarks, which the exchange building is. He stated that they felt that this was the appropriate route to go ahead and have this central structure addressed. Mrs. Benavides stated that she has given a copy of the letter to the City Attorney to look at. She stated that this is the Siege Museum. She stated that the City maintains ownership of the museum. She stated that they know that they have to invest in the capital assets and that this would be an opportunity for the City to partner with the Preservation Task Force to look at additional dollars to make improvements to that building and structure. She stated that the direction she would like is for Council to approve her working with the task force to do this. Council Member Wilson-Smith made a motion that City Council directs the City Manager to work with the Petersburg Preservation Task Force in applying for the grant. 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 9. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (to include minutes of previous meeting/s) a. Minutes: Regular City Council Meeting – February 6, 2018 and Special Meeting of February 6, 2018. Vice Mayor Hart made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda. 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 Mayor Parham stated that Council Member Cuthbert would like to have a moment of personal privilege. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion that City council hereby declares the policy of this City Council not to sell Petersburg’s water and wastewater system assets. In furtherance of this policy, he moves that Council hereby instructs the City Manager:  To reject the offer made by Aqua Virginia, Inc. by letter dated January 12, 2018, to buy Petersburg’s water and wastewater assets;  To discourage any future offers to buy Petersburg’s water and wastewater assets;  To withdraw any outstanding request for proposal to purchase Petersburg’s water and wastewater assets;  To concentrate all available City resources on devising a plan, with timeline milestones, for  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 20, 2018 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ raising the City’s utility billing collection rate to at least 92% and to bring Petersburg’s water and wastewater assets into compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that it appears to her that the sentence that references the letter dated January 12, 2018, from Aqua Virginia, that because the letter was considered confidential information that this is something that they need to address in closed session. She stated that according to number four under closed session rules that this is prospective business retention. Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that she would like to make a substitute motion to go into closed session. The motion was seconded by Council Member Cuthbert. There was no discussion on the motion, which was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham City Council entered closed session at 7:28 p.m. CERTIFICATION: Mr. Preston stated that pursuant to Section 2.2-3711.A (29) of the Code of Virginia, City Council is coming out of closed session and certifies 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 Hill made a motion to return City Council into open session and certify the purposes of the closed session. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 18-R-12 A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING, AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, SECTION 2.2- 3712, THAT TO THE BEST OF EACH MEMBER’S KNOWLEDGE, ONLY PUBLIC BUSINESS MATTERS LAWFULLY EXEMPTED FROM OPEN MEETING REQUIREMENTS OF VIRGINIA LAW WERE DISCUSSED IN THE CLOSED SESSION, AND ONLY SUCH PUBLIC BUSINESS MATTERS AS WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE MOTION CONVENING THE CLOSED SESSION WERE HEARD, DISCUSSED, OR CONSIDERED. City Council came out of closed session and entered back into open session at 7:42 p.m. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he would like to correct a subpart of the previous motion that he made. He stated that he will start from the top and read the entire motion including the correct language. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion that City council hereby declares the policy of this City Council not to sell Petersburg’s water and wastewater system assets. In furtherance of this policy, he moves that Council hereby instructs the City Manager:  To reject the offer made by Aqua Virginia, Inc. by letter dated January 12, 2018, to buy Petersburg’s water and wastewater assets;  To discourage any future offers to buy Petersburg’s water and wastewater assets;  To reject any outstanding request for proposal to purchase Petersburg’s water and wastewater assets;  To concentrate all available City resources on devising a plan, with timeline milestones, for  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 20, 2018 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ raising the City’s utility billing collection rate to at least 92% and to bring Petersburg’s water and wastewater assets into compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements. 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 10. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. A public hearing to amend the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Enterprise Fund and Special Fund budgets (Postponed until further notice.) BACKGROUND: The proposed budget amends Special Revenue Funds, and Enterprise funds. The Special Revenue Fund amendments include the Community Development Block Grant Funding, Grant Funds, and Street Funds. The Enterprise Funds amendments includes Public utilities, Stormwater Fund, Golf Course, and Petersburg Area Transit. RECOMMENDATION: No action taken at this time. Ms. Jackson stated that it is staff recommendation to move this public hearing to March 6, 2018. She stated that a motion needs to take place to do so. Council Member Myers made a motion to move the public hearing to March 6, 2018. 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 11. PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: The Public Information Period is established by the Rules of Council to hear input from City residents or owners of businesses in the City. It will last for a maximum of 30 minutes. Speakers will be called in the order that they have signed up to speak. If there are ten or fewer speakers, each shall speak for a maximum of 3 minutes. If there are more than ten (10) people desiring to speak, the time allotted to each person may be adjusted or the number of speakers limited to meet the time limitation. A speaker may speak on items except those that are listed on tonight’s Council agenda. Any matter brought before the attention of the City Council during the public information period will not be acted upon by the City Council at this meeting. Kyle Dixon, 232 High Street, stated that he is present to bring some great news to the City. He stated he represents the Petersburg Cavaliers. He stated that to his left he has two of his basketball players. He stated that they start the season on March 3rd at Petersburg High School. He stated that the doors open at 4pm and the game starts at 5pm. He stated that they would love to have the City to support and come out to the game. He stated that one of the players has guaranteed a championship this year. He stated that this is kind of tough but that they will do their best and give it their best effort in order to achieve this goal. He stated that he would like to thank the City for allowing them to have their basketball team in this wonderful City. He stated that he would like to introduce Robert who was last year’s 6th best player in the league of 16 teams. He stated that he missed the vote by five votes. He stated that he appreciates Robert for coming to the meeting tonight. He stated that he has Jamel who is one of the youngest players on the team. He stated that he appreciates everyone’s time on this occasion. Karen Graham, 402 High Street, stated that she comes to City Council this evening as a member of the Board of Equalization. She stated that her and two other board members are extremely concerned that the City does not have a full-time functioning real estate assessor’s office. She stated that their board met in December with the Mayor, City Attorney and March Altman to express their concerns. She stated that unfortunately Mr. Altman is no longer with the City and having read the recent audit that was presented to City Council in January she felt compelled to come before them. She stated that all three members have be on the board for a while and that this is their fourth year. She stated that it was an extremely difficult period this year hearing the appeals and getting the necessary information out of the accessor’s office to properly review appeals. She stated that the City’s main source of income is through the payment of real estate taxes. She stated that she  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 20, 2018 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ wants to have accurate property assessments. She stated that unfortunately they have been unable to obtain regular and accurate property assessments because they do not have a real estate assessor nor a fully staffed assessor’s office. She stated that she hopes that everyone has reviewed the report. She stated that it is council’s responsibility to get a person to fill that position. She stated that she would like to hit points on the audit. She stated that it said that they need an assessor in the office. She stated that there has not been an assessor in the office since June. She asked can they expect to hire an assessor if there are not job postings on the website for the position. She stated if there is no plan to hire an assessor where is the City in contracting a firm to come in to do a Citywide assessment. She stated that they are late in getting the process late this year. She stated that reassessment notices should be going out by the end of June. She stated there are over 14,000 parcels in the City. She stated that a citywide reassessment needs to be done and that it has not been done in a number of years and that it should be done on a regular. Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated that he would like to thank City Council tonight for prayer on the agenda. He stated that if you feel as good as you look then you are feeling alright. He stated that they get a procedure in place and then seem to forget about it. He stated that having a picture when they talk about properties is something that they use to do. He stated that lately they talk about lots and properties in Petersburg and he does not know what they are talking about. He asked why they have stopped this. Jennet Rooney, 1993 Ridgewood Drive, stated that she is present to discuss water billing. She stated that she was recently awarded her home in a divorce settlement. She stated that she moved back in on December 8th. She stated that she had everything transferred over in her name including the water bill. She stated that she has not received a bill for three months. She stated that she has not been told how she is getting billed or why she is not getting billed. She stated that she is getting the run around trying to get this resolved. She stated that the only thing that she has been told is that she is being charged for the size of the meter which was put in by her builder. She stated that it is a one-inch meter. She stated that she is being charged a flat rate of $140 a month. She stated that she owes so far $300 for the three months that she has not been billed for it plus what else is included in it. She stated that there is supposed to be a form that is filled out regarding the meter size by the builder of the home. She asked whether anyone knew about this and if so how do you get a hold of the form. She stated she wants to know what is going on with their bills. She stated that it is great that they are not going to sell the water to another company but that they are still going to raise the rate. She stated that she is paying the commercial rate for that size and that this is wrong. Ken Pritchett, 1113 Overbrook Road, stated that he has couple of items. He stated that one is that they are paying an outside delinquent tax company to collect money from the citizens. He stated that on top of the penalties and the interest that they already have the company is charging 20% more. He stated that he would like to see if City Council would consider an ordinance to collect only 10% penalties on delinquent taxes after the state statue time has been met for turning over taxes to delinquent companies. He stated that the reason that he mentions this is that the City needs money and the schools need money. He stated that the tax collector would be collecting primarily delinquent taxes instead of paying a company. He stated that he is considering dissolving that contract with a 60-day notice to TACS so they do not keep penalizing the citizens. He stated that the other thing that he has is that he wanted to know if City Council has plans to purchase a safe to put in the new office for the treasurer in the City Hall Annex. He stated that the treasurer’s office has a safe right now and it house things that he will not mention. He stated that this is something that he would like to find out if this would be available by the mandated move date of February 28th. He stated that the last thing is that he concerned about a City employee having to walk across the street with a lot of money daily. He stated that he wonders what provisions have been made with the police department to escort this person at a set time everyday so that they can process the money. He stated that he has not heard anything from the police department. He stated that if they can tell him their plans regarding this he would appreciate. Michael Edwards, 409 Grove Avenue, stated that he comes before City Council at the direction of the Board of Directors of the Petersburg Area Art League. He stated that they understand as well as the other art galleries in the City that the City has some extreme financial burdens. He stated that they are asking City Council and the City administration to at least make an attempt to start promoting arts in Petersburg once again. He stated that they constantly monitor the Petersburg Facebook page and that they very rarely see anything being promoted for the arts in Petersburg. He stated that downtown is a driver for the City. He stated  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 20, 2018 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ that they have people coming in Richmond and that last Friday they had a group come in from Fredericksburg, Virginia Beach and Winchester, Virginia. He stated that the came to see downtown Petersburg and to check out the art galleries. He stated that the trolleys used to take people around to the different areas. He stated that they know because of the City’s financial problems that they can no longer do this. He stated that they are asking to at least give them some type of PR shout out or something to promote the arts. He stated that it is a driver for the City and that it does bring people to the City. He stated that it also put people in the restaurants downtown as well. He stated that the recently had a 67% drop from when the City used to promote them. Ron Flock, 1708 Pender Avenue, stated that they have not always seen eye to eye on a lot of things. He stated that he thinks that City Council know that everyone keeps the City number one and first. He stated that he would like to thank Council Member Cuthbert. He stated that what he brought in tonight he let a lot of people in the City sleep easy. He stated that he would like to just say thank you. Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated that what City Council just did changed the plans of what a lot of them was about to say. She stated that she thinks that this is a good thing. She stated that she was going to comment that the citizens ask that City Council definitively reject the sale of water and sewer assets and to not leave the slightest opening that Aqua or Virginia America can squeeze into. She stated that she thinks that they have done this and that she thinks that this is super. She stated that she is really pleased. She stated that the final piece is that they take the issue of the table so that Robert Bobb can evaluate operations and improving technology when he comes back on April. She stated that this is kind of the final piece. She stated that may be some of them do not agree but most of them are aware that herself and some other people found that Mr. Bobb spent a big amount of his effort on pushing the sale of water and sewer assets. She stated that he does not seem like the type that gives up easily. She stated that he comes back in April she hopes that the City Manager along with City Council’s backing makes it abundantly clear that this is no part of his agenda. She stated that she thinks that this is a great day in Petersburg and that she would like to thank council. Linwood Christian, 613 St. Matthew Street, stated that he would like to thank Council Member Myers for attending the Harding Street Neighborhood Association Meeting that was held at Harvest International Full Gospel Baptist Church. He stated that the would like to thank Mary Bonner as well. He stated that he would like to thank Council Member Cuthbert, Commissioner of Revenue, City Treasurer and one of the City’s concerned citizen, Michael Edwards, who is also there. He stated that they appreciated the attendance. He stated that in addition to them looking at council to do things that the citizens have to be on their game as well. He stated that in addition to what Mr. Noise had to say regarding prayer he would hope that the same pastors would encourage citizens that do live in the City to attend council meetings. He stated that a lot of times this is where misinformation come from. He stated that he would like to thank Council Member Wilson-Smith when she spoke about a retreat. He stated that when they go on the retreats and conferences they would like reports from these conferences and events. He stated that Hopewell went to the same conference and that they dedicated an entire meeting to reporting the conference. He stated that the CCRA is in the charter. He stated that City Council cannot just do away with it just like that. He stated that they would have to go to the legislation in order to get the charter changed. He stated that this is something like what they tried to do to the City Treasurer. He stated that the charter dictates what the City is supposed to do. He stated that the citizens are looked at as the villains. He stated that November 2018 is right around the corner. Lafayette Jefferson, 1746 Brandon Avenue, stated that in his prepared statement he was going to take them back to all the manipulations of Aqua that actually didn’t work. He stated that he was going to outline everything that they did this past month but that there is no need for that. He stated that he had a whole bunch of questions for City Council and some of the crowd but that he does not need that information. He stated that what they saw tonight was actually free people being heard. He stated that free people elected leaders. He stated that the fight started December 2016 and that they are ending it February 2018. He stated that his birthday was this past weekend and that “Black Panther” came out. He stated that now the water battle is over with. He stated that today is a good day and that it has been a good month. He stated that this is a testament of the things that are important in life. He stated that the hard battles are the ones that they need to fight every day. He stated that they need to stay as free people. He stated that City Council did a good job and that he would like to thank each and every one of them.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 20, 2018 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Janet Rousch, 17 Jarratt Court, stated that she has been living in the City for the past 11 years. She stated that they have a situation with the utilities. She stated that she knows that she is not the only one. She stated that her bill has gone up three times in the last three months. She stated that someone needs to explain her bill and the changes. She stated that she lives by herself and that she is not wasting water. She stated that she is requesting that someone comes out and check her meter and make sure that it is operating right. She stated that she did hear that they are not judging her bill on the usage. She stated that it is according to the size of her meter and that it makes no sense to her. She stated that she would like for her meter to be checked. She stated that she reminds them that senior citizens cannot afford for the bills to go up each month. 12. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR CONCIL MEMBERS Council Member Cuthbert stated that he wanted to thank his fellow members of council for supporting the motion dealing with the water and wastewater assets. He stated that they made the right decision. He stated that he is very gratified that they did so. He stated that this could not have happened without the support of the other members of council. He stated that he is delighted that they all share the same vision. He stated that he wants to thank the City Manager for this approach and for taking on the task that lies ahead. He stated that a person with fewer talents may not be able to accomplish this. He stated that he is confident that Mrs. Ferrell-Benavides is fully capable of accomplishing their goals and that he is grateful to her for shouldering this burden and for all her other services to the City of Petersburg. Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that she would like to thank the citizens for coming out to their council meeting. She stated that she appreciates every last one of them. She stated to the citizens to continue to come out to the meetings. Council Member Smith-Lee stated that she thanks everyone for coming out and supporting them and the City. She stated that they appreciate them. She stated that they are working together as a team and that it is working. She stated that she thanks everyone for coming out. Council Member Myers stated that he does not have any items. Council Member Hill stated that he wants to thank the employees for the good job that they are doing. He stated that he would like to thank the finance department and the utilities department and the police department. He stated that they have really been on it for the last few months. He stated that to all the citizens he would like to thank them for coming out. Vice Mayor Hart stated that he would like to thank everyone for coming out. He stated that he will be having a joint meeting with Mr. Dance and himself on this Thursday at Stuart School at 6:30pm. He stated that he wants to thank the City Manager and her team for doing the ride along last week. He stated that it was very enlightening and that he hopes that they can get a lot of things done. He stated that they had a house in the area that they have been having an issue with for the last eight or nine months. He stated that the police were called along with code compliance. He stated that they went around and took care of the problem. He stated that he would like to thank Chief Miller and the team that was alongside him. He stated that his constituents in the neighborhood are very happy that the problem was taken care of. He stated that they have to continue to address problems in the neighborhood. He stated to the citizens that City Council does hear what they bring to them. He stated that sometimes it may take them a while to go through code and other departments. He stated that he would like to thank everyone for their participation. Mayor Parham stated that Ward 3 will be having a meeting on March 1st at Vernon Johns at 6pm. He stated that it is a joint meeting with school board Chairman Ken Pritchett. He stated that Dr. Newsome will be on Chairman Pritchett’s side and that he will have the City Manager on his side. He stated that he would like to thank Kemi for all she does in getting the word out in Petersburg. He stated that she helps moves in getting a lot of information out and around the City of Petersburg. He stated that tonight he wants to touch on another story involving the Ampac Pharmaceutical Plant. He stated that one of the quiet bright spots in the City of Petersburg. He stated that they purchased the old B.I. Chemical site. He stated that the VCU program is backed by $60 million in grants. He stated that they have tested AIDS drugs bound from Africa. He stated that  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 20, 2018 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ the main site for the new type of pharmaceutical site will be the Petersburg factory that was closed by B.I. Chemicals. He stated that according to VCU they think that this will be a great shot in the arm for the Petersburg facility which was information stated by Dennis Morrison. He stated that they are really excited about the plant revamping to create jobs and additional revenue for the City of Petersburg. He stated that he looks forward to seeing everyone at the Black History program. He stated that they put a lot of work into and that it should be a great program. 13. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 14. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: a. Consideration of an appropriation of the amended Fiscal Year 2017-2018 General Fund Budget. BACKGROUND: The budget team completed a Mid-Year review of the FY17-18 general Fund Budget. The budget team analyzed every revenue line item and every expenditure line item, analyzed budget to actual variances by department, analyzed trends and identified errors and omissions. At the conclusion of the meetings, it was determined that adjustments to several departmental budgets were necessary. The Budget Amendment was advertised in The Progress-index, pursuant to Section 15.2-2507. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that City Council approve the resolution and ordinance to appropriate the funds. Council Member Myers made a motion that the City Council approves the resolution and ordinance to appropriate the funds. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public discussion. Seeing no hands, Ms. Jackson closed public discussion. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 18-R-13 A RESOLUTION FOR THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA, AMENDING THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018 AS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE NO.17-ORD-28. 18-ORD-7 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2017, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2018, IN THE GENERAL FUND FOR PETERSBURG FUTURE SERVICES. 15. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 16. NEW BUSINESS: a. Consideration of a resolution confirming an amendment to Petersburg Area Transit budget to include a local Match as required by the Federal Transit Authority. BACKGROUND: The commitment of local match funds will allow PAT to meet FY2018 Grant application [FAIN:1457-2017-1] operating [funding source 5307] and capital [funding source 5339] budget requirements; as outlined below in the table 1.1:  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 20, 2018 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Operating Budget -1457-2017-1 FTA Local State Projects - Funding Source [5307] Amount Amount Amount Total Operating [07/01/17 - 06/30/18] $770,928 $770,928 $0 $1,541,856 Preventive Maintenance [07/01/17- 06/30/18] 740,000 185,000 $0 925,000 $0 Total $1,510,928 $955,928 $2,466,856 Capital Budget -1457-2017-1 Local State Projects - Funding Source [5339] FTA Amount Amount Amount Total Buy Replacement 30-FT Bus (3) $112,000 $16,000 $272,000 $400,000 Buy Replacement >30 FT Bus (1) 54,400 2,720 10,880 68,000 Acquire Shop Equipment 72,000 3,600 14,400 90,000 Total $238,400 $22,320 $297,280 $558,000 Grant Total $1,749,328 $978,248 $297,280 $3,024,856 Table 1.1 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council Approve the attached resolution. Council Member Hill made a motion that the City Council approves the proposed resolution. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public discussion. Seeing no hands, Ms. Jackson closed public discussion. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 18-R-14 A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT AND ENDORSEMENT OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA FY2018 GRANT APPLICATION FOR OPERATING (5307) AND CAPITAL (5339) FUNDING. 17. REPORTS/REPONSES TO PREVIOUSE PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 18. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA:  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: February 20, 2018 - 13 – ______________________________________________________________________________ *No items for this portion of the agenda. 19. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM CLERK: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 20. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY *No items for this portion of the agenda. 21. ADJOURNMENT: City Council adjourned at 8:26 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor