City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at the Union Train Station. Mayor Parham called the meeting to order at 6:30p.m. 1. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member Annette Smith-Lee Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Council Member Darrin Hill Council Member W. Howard Myers Vice Mayor John A. Hart, Sr. Mayor Samuel Parham Absent: Council Member Charles H. Cuthbert, Jr. (arrived after roll call) 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, “Now at this time we would have Apostle Maxine Wilson, Pastor of ‘In His Presence Apostolic Ministry’ of Petersburg to start our meeting with prayer.” Pastor Wilson led the City in prayer. 3. 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 (1) of the Code of Virginia, 1950 as amended, council will be in closed session for discussion, consideration, and interview of prospective candidates for employment, assignment, appointment or promotion where such evaluation necessarily will involve discussion of performance of specific individuals; and under 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 a specific legal matter requiring provision of legal advice by counsel. 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 Myers. 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 6:34 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 Hill 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 Myers.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Abstain: Cuthbert 18-R-28 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. Vice Mayor Hart made a motion to accept the contract for Brian Gordineer as the new City Assessor with a starting date of May 22, 2018. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 18-R-29 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING BRIAN GORDINEER AS THE NEW CITY ASSESSOR. 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. 6. DETERMINATION OF THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM: Ms. Jackson stated that all City Council Members are present for a quorum. Mayor Parham stated, “At this time I would like to give our Positive Petersburg Story for tonight’s council meeting. I would like to recognize and thank our Petersburg Fire Department for their dedication to our Community – recently shown through the Smoke Alarm Blitz Five! Petersburg Fire Department, in collaboration with volunteers and other agencies, traveled through the County Drive neighborhood installing new smoke alarms in homes on Saturday, May 5th. About 175 smoke alarms were installed bringing the grand total to more than 1,000 smoke alarms installed throughout all the smoke alarm blitzes. This mission is proven effective – as a resident involved in a home fire last month could escape the home without injury and call the Fire Department and that was Due to a smoke alarm installed during Smoke Alarm Blitz Four. We would also like to thank the multiple volunteers who came out, American Red Cross, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Ft. Lee USO, Ft. Lee US Army, and Petersburg Support Six. The next Blitz is scheduled for June 9th in the Mistletoe Area. A round of applause for Petersburg Fire Department.” 7. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATION OF CEREMONIAL PROCLAMATIONS: (Each presentation will be limited to 10 minutes.) a. A Proclamation for Preservation Month BACKGROUND: May is the month set aside to recognize the profession and efforts of volunteers and communities who work diligently to preserve places that matter. The City of Petersburg is proud of its long and continuing history of active citizen participation in historic preservation activities. This proclamation recognizes the current members of the Architectural Review Board (ARB), Preservation Virginia, Historic Petersburg Foundation, Petersburg Preservation Task Force (PPTF), and professional staff for their contributions to the preservation of the City’s historic and cultural resources.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: Proclaim May 2018 as Preservation Month Mayor Parham read the proclamation out loud and presented it. Kate Sangregorio, Preservation Planner, stated, “Good Evening, Mayor Parham, Vice-Mayor Hart, members of Council, City Staff, our preservation Partners and our great citizens. Thank you, City Council, for this proclamation recognizing MAY as PRESERVATION MONTH! Our heritage and built environment has been shaped by many different cultures, ideas, and traditions, and our community provide support and recognition for historic sites representing a wide range of cultures and values. Preservation Month is a celebration of all things heritage in the City of Petersburg. We want to thank all those who collaborate with the City in our preservation efforts. We know that the task may seem great, but with the continued teamwork to move forward we are up to the challenge.” b. A Proclamation designating Municipal Clerks Week BACKGROUND: Municipal Clerks Week was initiated in 1969 by IIMC and is endorsed by all of its members throughout the United States, Canada and 15 other countries. In 1984 and in 1994, Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, respectively, signed a Proclamation officially declaring Municipal Clerks Week the first full week of May and recognizing the essential role Municipal Clerks play in local government. Municipal Clerks Week was May 6-12, 2018. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Mayor Parham read the attached proclamation and present it. Mayor Parham read the proclamation out loud and presented it Clerk of Council, Nykesha Jackson. Ms. Jackson thanked everyone for the proclamation. c. A Proclamation designating Teacher Appreciation Week BACKGROUND: Since 1984, National PTA has designated one week in May as a special time to honor the men and women who lend their passion and skills to educating our children. PTA events at the national, state and local levels celebrate the outstanding contributions teachers make. This year National Teacher Appreciation week was celebrated May 6th -12th. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Mayor Parham read the attached proclamation and present it. Mayor Parham read the proclamation out loud and presented it. Superintendent of Petersburg Public Schools, Dr. Marcus Newsome, accepted the proclamation and asked all of the school staff to come up to take a picture. d. Recognition Proclamation for Mr. Edward B. Bish, Jr. BACKGROUND: Mr. Edward B. Bish, Jr. began as a junior crew member with the Southside Virginia Emergency Crew in February 1967. He has served this community without reservation and continues his services today to our citizens. RECOMMENDATION: Present a Proclamation for service to Mr. Edward B. Bish, Jr. for his heroic efforts during a house fire on November 8, 2017. Mayor Parham read the proclamation out loud and presented it to Edward B. Bish, Jr.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ A video was also shown acknowledging Mr. Bish. Mr. Bish stated, “Thank you all. Mr. Mayor, Council Members and the wonderful citizens of Petersburg, thank you. That’s all I can say. It gives me great honor to know that I have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Petersburg. Thank you.” e. Recognition of National Emergency Medical Services Week BACKGROUND: The National Emergency Medical Services Week was first established by President Gerald R. ford, Jr. in 1974. This has continued to be an annual event recognizing those who have dedicated their lives providing pre-hospital care to those in need. RECOMMENDATION: Present a Proclamation recognizing a My 20-26, 2018, as National Emergency Medical Services Week. Mayor Parham read the proclamation out loud and presented it to Fire Chief Dennis Rubin. Mayor Parham asked Petersburg Fire and Southside Emergency Crew to come to the front. Mr. Bish stated, “I am going to do a little better this time. I want you to know that Southside Virginia Emergency Crew and Petersburg Fire and Emergency Services have a great partnership. During EMS Week on May 21-23rd at Station 5, each day they will have a luncheon starting at 11:30am. If you can take any chance to get by there please do to see the partnership and to see a lot of the guys working together. Please try to make an attempt to come see us and thank you again.” f. Presentation from Police Chief Kenneth Miller Lieutenant Sheldon Wills stated, “Good evening Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council Member, City lead and citizens of Petersburg. Tonight, we like to take a moment to recognize participants from our Citizens Police Academy Session I under the direction of Chief Miller. Our Citizens Police Academy is vital to the community policing efforts of the Petersburg Bureau of Police. Chief Kenneth Miller thanks the academy participants. These members are stakeholders to our community for your willingness to participate and make a difference and learn about the police department, its mission and the men and women serving you in your community. The goals for this Citizens Police Academy is to educate the community members in the Petersburg Bureau of Police procedures and pressures associated with law enforcement to allow citizens of Petersburg to meet the men and women who serve them. And to provide Petersburg Police Officers the opportunity to meet and hear from citizens they serve. There were several topics that were covered during that Session I, that started January 1st of this year. We discussed testing, the hiring process and the organizational structure, evidence based policing, the risk training modeling and emergency communication and a tour of the 9-1-1 center, the animal control operations, defense tactics and handcuffing techniques, use of force in deadly encounters, investigation and crime scene management, crime prevention techniques, tactical operations, high visibility enforcement and fire arms familiarization which will take place on June 2nd. This will be there final class with a graduation that will follow on June 6th. I like to take the time to recognize the eight individuals that were participants for Session I. Michael Edwards, John Jarratt, Rhonda Ross, My Parham, Robert Williams, Susan Tracey, Drake Duncan and Leslie Speight. Would they all come up front. And I wanted to add, if I could, it was very important to reach out. This is National Law Enforcement Week and today is, May 15th, which is actually Peace Officers Memorial Day. So, we thought it was very important to do this today with you all. We have a gift from Chief Miller and from the Bureau of Police that we like to present to them today.” g. Information from Mally Mason Mrs. Mason stated, “Good evening Mayor Parham, Vice Mayor Hart and Council Members. My name is Mally Mason and I come here with happy news. We have been planning and talking about Petersburg. Petersburg is such a beautiful City and it seems like the people from the outside see the beauty in Petersburg.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ And one of the things that I was looking at is that Petersburg doesn’t have anything that really draws people hear. So, I was able to attend an event in Norfolk, it’s the Caribbean Festival. And they have such a wonderful time. I thought why don’t we have something like that in the Richmond area. And then I said forget Richmond what about Petersburg. So, I decided to talk to several people including Mrs. Parham, Mr. Parham and Mr. Myers. And I said do you think we can have a Caribbean Festival in Petersburg and they said that sounds good. So, I am coming to you to as you if we can have permission to have a Caribbean Festival in Petersburg and have your backing. It will be a family event. Come out there and work your hips and work your body and there will be exercise. You get a chance to learn about the cultural. You hear the accent so you know I am legit from Panama. I have the Jamaican and I have the Benign and we have one of the ladies that introduced me to the festival in Norfolk and she is from Trinidad. So, you know Trinidad is great for their carnivals. So, we are looking forward to bringing it here. So, every year we can hear people say we are going to Petersburg for the Caribbean Festival. Do I get your support? Do I get your backing that we can bring some excitement to Petersburg?” Mayor Parham stated, “We are excited and we look forward to it.” Mrs. Mason stated, “Yes!! And thank you very much.” Mayor Parham stated, “Thank you.” 8. COMMUNICATIONS/SPECIAL REPORTS: a. City Manager’s Report Mrs. Benavides stated, “Good evening Mayor and City Council. You have a copy of my report before council. I like to start with this morning we met with the Virginia First Cities Board. As part of the First Cities Board and as a member, we have two members that serve on the board. One by virtue of title, the City Manager, and another a representative of City Council. What they have asked council to do is to identify a member of council to serve on that board as a representative. So, we will be asking council at the next meeting to let us know so that we can push forward a name on council on. My self and the chief operating officer, deputy city manager and our economic development manager met with Delegate Lashrecse Aird this week just to give her an update on our budget items that are happening. She gave us a little bit of an update on where they are with the state budget and we are going to start to schedule quarterly meetings with the delegate as well as hopefully with the senator. And we like to at each meeting do this on a regular basis and have at least two members of council to be present at those meetings and we will work with council on that. From the public works and utility standpoint I am pleased to say that Guarantee Street is 100% complete. That has taken a long time but I like to give Mrs. Innis a hand in getting that project complete. Just as an update there were two water main breaks at the pump station on Crater Road. We are also doing hydrant service according to the City’s Department of Public Works on Market and Tabb, Woodmere Drive and also at Jefferson. Another project that is moving forward quickly is our Social Service front entrance renovation. Our Department of Public Works and Utilities is working on that and the lobby demolition is complete and the City is awaiting quotes for new construction in the lobby. All surplus furniture has been removed and that is a beautification effort with support from the state service. Stormwater Projects, many ask about our budget and what is being expended. Brickhouse Run Stream Restoration Project has also restarted as well as Walnut Drainage Improvement has restarted. Advertised bid packages have been posted on April 18, 2018, and we are waiting on establishing a contract. Another question that came from council is about St. Andrews Bridge. St. Andrews Bridge was closed in 2007 after routine inspection found deficiencies and settlement on the deck. In January 2018, Clark Nexsen submitted an application for State of Good Repair (SGR) the funding to replace the St. Andrew Street Bridge Project. We have not received any notice as to status of the application. If funds were awarded they may not be available for construction until 2022. The total cost that we have estimated is $1,433,000 for the work on that bridge. Other things that I like to highlight to you is how can we go about streaming live our council meeting. The City of Petersburg has complete a autonomy in creating media content for the public access on our channel. The public information officer and the assistant to the City Manager have been looking at option for us to stream live as well as to post meetings on line via the internet as well as live. There are three options that we have looked at. One is which we actually have now is through Facebook Live. Facebook Live is an  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ innovative social media process and it is no cost to the City but we have over 7,201 Facebook followers and this would give them the opportunity to see it. This can be combined with other avenues but this is one way we can do it. The other way is the potential to have a taping and do a delayed broadcasting. Uploading videos recording equipment and using that equipment to tape the broadcast and then broadcasting it on our Channel 15. The other option which we have looked at is a live broadcast on Channel 15 as well as on Live. The City participated in a presentation from Swagit. It’s a progressive company that provides clients with hands free approach to do streaming videos. Swagit provides the set-up for all fixated cameras. The company remotely controls the cameras and a number of meetings per year. These videos are streamed live on the internet and can be streamed on our channel. The approximate cost of it is around $37,000 a year. Swagit is the company in which I used in my prior City which we broadcast live. It allows you to replay, playback and also see it. We are interested in looking at what options you would like to choose. This is just a brief update of where we are at this time. Thank you.” There were comments from City Council and City staff. 9. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (to include minutes of previous meeting/s) a. Minutes: Regular City Council Meeting: May 1, 2018, Special Meeting: May 7, 2018 b. Schedule a public hearing on the potential renaming of Timber Road to Hummingbird Way from Rives Road to the City Limits. c. Schedule a public hearing on the potential conveyance of an easement for Wilcox Lake to Virginia Outdoor Foundation. Vice Mayor Hart made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda with the scheduling of two public hearings for June 5, 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 10. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. A public hearing on the FY2018-2019 Petersburg City Schools Budget. BACKGROUND: The Schools proposes a budget of $51,814,843, which includes a transfer from the City General Fund of $9,745,976. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council receive comments from the public on the school’s budget. Mrs. Benavides stated, “Mayor and Council, the superintendent presented his school budget and his proposed budget for the next fiscal year at the last meeting. This is our public hearing for the council to take official action. It stated that we should approve their budget by May 15th and the superintendent is here if there are any questions regarding the budget. Included in your packet is a summary of the cost break down allocation for the schools. And if you have any questions on that the superintendent before beginning the public hearing.” Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Linwood Christian, 613 St. Matthew Street, stated, “We just had a proclamation for ‘Teacher Appreciation Week’ and I am going to say first and foremost as a parent of a child that is a product of Petersburg Public School System, the best way I can say thank you to our teachers who had to deal with me popping in unexpectedly in the class and who also had to deal with me at time when my son wasn’t doing right and make sure he did right and likewise. The best way I can appreciate our teachers especially those that had to deal with me as a student. The best way that we can show real appreciation to our teachers is that I know that it is not everything that the school system wanted but let’s give them their money. There was a part of a song that said, ‘give that money baby.’ We need to show that we appreciate our teachers. We need to show that we are glad our teachers are producing students in which some of you all are product of the public-school  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ system. They need to get contracts signed. Let’s show that we appreciate our teachers. Give them and the school system their money so we can get those contracts signed and let’s say keep our teachers. I close like this, we had one superintendent say that no school has the best teachers, which led me to advocate for his resignation or fire. Because Petersburg, if a teacher had to deal with me we have the best teachers in the world and we need to make sure that we give them the money to do what needs to be done. We don’t need our kids populating Riverside. We need to have our kids educated so that they can advocate for the elimination of these private jails and then they can take the places of the seven of you that are sitting here. Thank you.” Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated, “My concern is that I know it is a big issue about renaming the schools. There was a lady that I believe in renaming the schools was going to donate money to the schools. With the school budget is this still in effect or how will they report this as miscellaneous to the budget or is the money still there from the lady. How will this be paid? Is it going to paid out this budget or this lady said she was going to give the money to rename the schools? Are the schools still going to be renamed? Is it going to be out of her money or the school’s money?” Scott Miles, teacher at A.P. Hill Elementary, stated, “I am here today to speak in support of Petersburg School System budget, public education in general. From what I understand the City Manager included a $1.3 million dollar increase in local funding for schools for the 2018-2019 school year. This is a definite step in the right direction but is still almost $2 million dollars short of what the school board approved in its budget. The school system needs this funding to help maintain competitive salaries and for needed technology and infrastructure. I also support funding the school’s capital improvement plan that would fund the construction of a replacement school for Walnut Hill Elementary and Westview Childhood Center. On my first point Petersburg Public Schools need to maintain competitive salaries. Our pay scale is one of the most competitive scales in the region, particularly for teachers that teach for five or more years. This is likely what brings many teachers to the area in the first place. Unfortunately, due to budget shortfalls teachers are not actually placed in the right places on the scales. The scale was actually implemented by PCPS and it shows that we were only two of the seven five-year tiers. Petersburg Public Schools are not the easiest schools to teach in and it’s hard to convenience a successful teacher to stay in Petersburg if we cannot pay them what we promised them when we started. This is why we see teachers working in Petersburg for a year or two and then taking jobs in Henrico and Prince George or other districts that better fulfill commitments to teachers. Approving the proposed budget would reassure teachers by putting them in the correct run of the pay scale and raising salaries two percent to keep up with the inflation. Also, one of Petersburg’s innovation goals is to provide digital learning for 21st Century students. The proposed budget would help to support the five-year technology plan that was adopted by the school board last year. By upgrading digital infrastructure in providing necessary equipment in support personnel. Part of the funding would also be used to support academic mastery by establishing a steam residency program in providing expand digital resources. If we want to develop our students, citizens of the future we have to invest in them now. Finally, I support the proposed capital improvement plan to build a replacement school for Walnut Hill Elementary and Westview Early Childhood. At Walnut Hill teachers have reported seeing plants growing out the ceiling and there are concerns of mold growing out of control. The proposed 900 student capacity school would provide the necessary new building without additional necessary cost. In some I fully support the approval of the Petersburg Public School System Budget as proposed by Dr. Newsome and the school board. Thank you so much for your time.” Annie Mickens, 1013 Melville Street, stated, “Good evening Mayor Parham, Vice Mayor Hart, Members of Council, staff and the community. I stand on behalf of Petersburg Educational Association where I serve as Co-President representing teachers, support staff and employees of the Petersburg School System. I do stand in support of the request of the Petersburg School Board. Recognizing that the difficult situation financially both City and the school system. But before movement in recouping what was a loss to the school system when the City had to balance its financial crisis. We have not replaced what was necessary to replace what was taken. And so, we appreciate the forward movement but with regard of that forward movement it is important to recognize that the school system is the driving factor for economic development and that we know that it is the investment in the school system that is truly going to make a difference in terms of the image of our community. I will say that many people talk about the quote and unquote Petersburg dilemma. But our dilemma is no different than quite a few other places. They just don’t get the conversation. And so, with the conversation now we can say that we are working forward. There is too much of a revolving door for the employee within the  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ Petersburg Public School System. And I believe that the request that the school system has submitted to you will help to stabilize that movement. It is true that anyone that stays at least a year in Petersburg can work anywhere. They can work anywhere and for the vast majority of them they are accepted anywhere. On behalf of the employees of the Petersburg Public School System I say thank you for the forward movement and we recognize that there is a lot to be done. And we recognize a tremendous amount of what depends upon with the state will done. We would hope that this does not in any way impede what you have already indicated to be the allocation to the school system. The 2% that is included for salaries, because it is true that the salary scale that you saw does not reflect where everybody is to rightfully be placed. And it is important that we fairly compensate people for the work that is being done. With that I thank you for your time and I thank you for your support.” Julian Green, 1625 Blair Road, stated, “I come as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Petersburg Public Schools Education Foundation Incorporated. And I come also to advocate support of the school budget and proposal being made to City Council. Why? Because as goes the school system, goes Petersburg. When national news published negative things about the school system it affects all of us. If we want to improve our economic positions then we must have a skilled workforce. We must have individuals that can go into the job market. If you have a skilled workforce then businesses are more apt to come to where you are. There is no reason for where we are fiscally located that we cannot attract the kinds of businesses and the citizens to be able to give the return on investments that plays in Petersburg and be able to have the skilled workforce. So, we must take whatever action we possibly can do. We cannot let a generation go and hope that something will happen. We have to put ourselves in the Joshua mode to march around the City for seven days and the walls come down. We must begin right now and our kids are moving and growing and as soon as they graduate from school and high school and many instances from college they relocate to Maryland or to the Tidewater area. We don’t have them billing out on sea. We must now plant our own seed so that they can grow to become the individuals and representative that we need in this fair City. So, my request to you, I know it’s hard and difficult but then there is no problem to large or too small for God. Without faith and investment in him we can make these barriers come down. Let us plant our seeds with our kids and our future and give them the necessary resources to move us forward. Because we are dying. Are young folks are rising and coming. We must give back to them so they can be the future leader for us. Thank you so very much.” David Wright, 1200 Harrison Creek Boulevard, stated, “First, I would like to thank City Councilman for forwarding the opportunity to speak on some viewpoints surrounding our school board’s approved budget. It is my intent to speak in full support of Petersburg Public School System City Budget. I am a proud student product of Petersburg City Public Schools. I am equally if not more proud and honored as an educator to be able to make a daily change in the lives of our students within the City in which I was raised. Ultimately, I am a fully invested resident of the City of Petersburg. As an educator we often wear many hats. On a given day we can take on the roles of counselors, parents, friends, coaches, mentors, role models and the list goes on. With consuming such necessary responsibilities as educators, we often perceive the short end of the stick. Many of our colleagues work two to three jobs just to make ends meet while ultimately sacrificing their families all in the name of changing other people’s lives. We also face difficult teaching situations such as extremely limited instructional resources and a lag of opportunities to real life experiences, environmental situations, major limited technology, minimal parental community support, restricted funding for professional development, damaged school buildings, significant needs of repairs and so on. Naturally such situations as those previously mentioned heightened the overall instructional fatigue, anxiety and overall stress with our educators. Nevertheless, the teachers of Petersburg Public Schools continue to push forward on a daily basis to meet the overall educational, social, physiological and emotional needs of our students in our City. I, for one feel that this is long overdue. We are not necessarily speaking solely on the educators of Petersburg Public Schools, although competitive salaries would be nice. Rather by ‘we’ I mean the entire City of Petersburg Public Schools District as a unified body. I think that it is important for everyone to remember when choosing to financially support the school systems you are not only investing in your educational and instructional staff infrastructure but rather important you are investing in the students and into our future. Thanks again to you Mr. Mayor, Vice Mayor and City Council for the opportunity to articulate my position and beliefs and again I am speaking in full support of the City of Petersburg Public Schools FY2018-2019 Budget. Thank you.” Drake Duncan, 28 Flank Road, stated, “I am a teacher at the high school and I agree with everything  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ that I heard tonight. A few years ago, they took away the step system or told us they had because they couldn’t meet payroll for the school staff. Those of us at that time, I had 13 years and I was bumped down with a scale seven. Now they put the scale back in place so those of us who have years of service and are dedicated to Petersburg with in my case has 16 years now. I am still at a step seven. But if someone from another district is hired with ten years of experience they are brought in with a step 10. That is why there is hemorrhaging at the high school from what I have seen in the past three years and it is getting worst. Because those of us who are veteran teachers feel like we are being penalized for staying and providing the consistency that are students need. The new teachers that come in, we are lucky at the high school if they stay the first full year. We have teachers that are leaving in middle of the year which I have never seen in the previous 14 years. You are not going to get the consistency in the kids knowing their teachers and knowing what to expect out of their teachers. Every year it’s going to be a new batch. Stability is critical for anybody especially our children. Thank you.” Lafayette Jefferson, 1746 Brandon Avenue, stated, “There is a lot of talk in Petersburg going around about trauma informed care. And what the gentleman just stated as far as stability is one of the keys of trauma informed care. And so, in order to create a stable Petersburg especially when it comes to the youth they need to be in environments that are absolutely stable. And so, without thinking about the external there is a business case to be made for the continued investment in the school systems. I would say that this is one that is an easy equation. Because if we are going to build Petersburg back up that’s one of the key components where we need to start. Thank you.” Kayce Berry-Zell, music teacher at A. P. Hill Elementary School, stated, “It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you that tomorrow I have a job interview. It is a heavy heart that I come in front of you. And I have been with the City of Petersburg Public Schools for five years and I have built my program, K-5 and I am finishing up next year. And I cannot give them the instruction that they deserve because our schools are currently underfunded. Because my W-2 at five years in says $39,000 a year. And as a mother of five that is not cutting it. I qualify for SNAP benefits. We have issues in our schools that need to be resolved and they can only be resolved by funding our schools. You have to believe in the potential that is here in Petersburg. I believe in these kids. I am mother, I am aunt, I am social worker, I am a candy-giver, I wipe tears, I clean noses, I clean up accidents and I teach more than five hundred kids every week without fail and I am there every day. So, when will someone be there for us to fund our kid, to fund our programs and to invest in your teachers? We need you to absolutely step up. Thank you.” Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public comments. Council Member Hill made a motion to approve the budget of$51,814,843, which approves a transfer from the City general fund of $9,745,976, as requested in the FY18-19 budget. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion among City Council and staff. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 18-ORD-17 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE PETERSBURG CITY SCHOOLS BUDGET FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2018 AND ENDING ON JUNE 30, 2019, IN THE SCHOOL OPERATING, FOOD SERVICE, AND SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS. b. A public hearing on the FY2018-2019 Operating Budget BACKGROUND: City Manager has recommended an operating spending plan of $102,116,709 for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2018, and ending June 30, 2019. The public hearing will allow citizens to comment on the City Manager’s recommendations before City Council. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council hold a public hearing to receive public comments on the proposed FY2018-2019 Operating Budgets. Mrs. Benavides and Mr. Michael Rogers briefly went over a PowerPoint recap of the City’s proposed budget.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Seeing no hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public comments. There was discussion among City Council and staff. No action was taken at this time on the proposed City budget for FY18-19. 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. Shahid Shabazz, 33 West Washington Street, stated, “I come up here speaking on behalf of my nonprofit ‘Shaping up Our Future.’ We are here to act as an umbrella to other nonprofits and organizations who have the same mindset to help the problems and issues when dealing with the community and youth here in Petersburg. We are a group who does midnight basketball and a large annual kick-back to school drive at the YMCA each year. We are the same group who knows preachers and practice unity when it comes to solving and helping the problems in the City such as poverty, violence and employment. We know that it takes efforts from us, the community, the schools and the churches and the City leaders together to make a difference in the City. Our first major event that we can all work together on is this year’s upcoming back to school drive on Sunday, September 3rd at the Petersburg YMCA. We have the backing of the community and the schools and the churches. The last piece we need at the table are you, the community leaders. So, we are here to publicly ask you for your help and support in doing one unified school drive for the City. We are getting killed with duplicate events that divide our City and allow people to use our efforts by selfishly return items to the store for money. So, for doing one City-wide drive we feel we can eliminate those problems. We are asking that you all do not plan a separate school drive on September 1st or any other day to continue to divide our community and our resources. Can we get an obligation from you all to be a part of one of the biggest community events that the City has to offer? We are not asking for any money. We are not asking to use any buildings because we have all that taken care of. We just want our City leaders and our community, schools and churches finally work together. So, again we are offering an invitation to join the rest of our community in sending our children back to school the right way on Sunday, September 2nd at the Petersburg YMCA. Thank you.” Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated, “Mayor Parham and City Council, R. J. Bragg came and spoke at the last City Council meeting about she hadn’t received her real estate bill. I didn’t think about. I went down to pay my utility bill and the young lady said, ‘you know you haven’t paid your real estate. We usually receive it on time.’ And she checked and I have a penalty in interest of $150 in real estate on the island. I do not understand why it is not mandatory that you have to send the bill out. But if you cannot maybe you should put an ad in the paper that the real estate bill is due by a certain date. There is a gentleman that informed me today that maybe you can put it on the back of the utility bill because maybe there is some people out there that have not paid their bill that effects your budget. I didn’t know but I know that you have to pay it every quarter. But I am so used to getting the bill and then I go and pay it. I didn’t get one this quarter. I was saying that something needs to be done as far as informing the public of when it is due. I thank you.” Ken Pritchett, 1113 Overbrook Road, stated, “Having been in City Hall now for over four months, one thing that has been quite obvious to me is the safety of City Hall and the employees in it. We have a considerable manner of money on hand on a daily basis and you all have approved that the Treasurer’s Office move to the annex. What plans have you put in place to guarantee the safety of our employee who has to walk the money across the street. Not just for the safety but being mowed down by a car or by some deranged person and the police officer that would have to escort them. I have talked with the risk management person  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ and the police.” Vice Mayor Hart stated, “Mr. Pritchett can this be a private discussion. I understand it and we will make sure that our staff handles this. Because talking about transporting should not be done in a public setting.” Mr. Pritchett stated, “I have invited you all to my office to discuss this and not one of you have set foot in it.” Vice Mayor Hart stated, “I will be at your office tomorrow morning.” Mr. Pritchett stated, “I have a meeting with Mr. Bobb at 9am. Anytime when we finish that you are welcome.” Vice Mayor Hart stated, “Well call me and I will be at your office. Mr. Pritchett stated, “You are welcome and so is everybody else. I will refrain from the rest of my comments on that issue. The next question I have is as a courtesy to your citizens and a respect to them I would ask that you have your closed sessions before the opening of the council meeting so that you don’t run half the people away before we get to this part of the agenda. The next thing that I would like to bring up and I figure I get 15 minutes instead of the three minutes. There was a 10% reduction in people’s pay last year at certain levels. We lost a lot of people because of that especially in public safety. I would urge you to consider on seeing how you can restore the 10% to the people that are still employees in the City.” Mayor Parham stated, “That has been restored Mr. Pritchett.” Mr. Pritchett, stated, “Great, thanks. Next question, was the collection transition plan, description of the roles was put in place in July by that ordinance, was that approved by council? And a follow of up that, was the plan tested by the city attorney to see if it is in compliance with state code and statues? Thank you.” Ella Sykes, 510 North Azalea Road, stated, “You see this, I shouldn’t have almost $200 water bill. I don’t use that much water. And I get so sick of these high bills with being a senior and getting paid once a month. That’s not right. Something is wrong. We got to stop using and abusing our seniors because you all are making thousands and thousands a dollar a month. It’s terrible. The next thing I want my city sticker if I got to pay for it. Don’t think I’m stupid but you want me to pay for it. Petersburg need to get on the ball and stop playing around.” Linwood Christian, 613 St. Matthew Street, stated, “Couple of things that I would like to definitely bring up for your attention and I don’t know if Mr. Myers did it or not. But on behalf on the Harding Street Neighborhood Association and working with Mr. Myers we thank all of you who attended the ward meeting at Third Baptist Church, Mr. Parham and other members. We really appreciate it. Because one thing it does show that even where disagreements care bound that we are coming together to work for the betterment of our City and we want to continue that. Also, we definitely have to thank you all because if no other time something really that is helpful to our City that was done by this council the hiring of Mrs. Benavides. She has come out to quite few events and most of the people, especially the people in our neighborhood association and in our area and our pastor, have been very impressed with her. And as a citizen I think, and I am going to tell you all like I used to tell the people in school board meetings, not only her but the chief and others are doing their job, do what you can do to keep them here for a while. Because we have been through too many people that have done things in this City. We know that this financial situation that the City is in, we tried to make the former City Treasurer the escape goat but we know good and well he was not the escape goat. Former members of council as well as former city managers have gone and have left us in a mess. And so, we need to do better than that. And I would hope that you all would stay on that plan, Mr. Myers, I do not know who but somebody help him. The little informational meetings that should do by wards. You don’t realize how much of a difference that makes and to even hear now that some of the information and feedback that you all are getting at these meetings when you are coming back and bringing them up, it makes the citizens feel good. And I would hope that you would continue that and I definitely heard when the commissioner of revenue, when some issues  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________ came up, she said, ‘maybe I need to put out an educational something on that.’ So, there are a lot of things. And with the water billing being a big issue it needs to be something to let the citizens know that we are addressing this. Not just say it but show that actions are being taken. Last but not least, I would hope something is done with the school that I had my best education years in. Even though I did organize and walk when I was in the fifth grade there, Virginia Avenue looks terrible. And every time I go past that school I start crying. The windows are broken and we see people coming in and out of there. Those doors are open. Please, if we don’t do anything, if there is one black monument in this City that we need to keep up in addition to some others, please let’s address Virginia Avenue School. Thank you.” Lafayette Jefferson, 1746 Brandon Avenue, stated, “Since I have been in Petersburg, I have seen Petersburg come a far, a decent way in a short amount of time. And with the different things that I am hearing about the budget process I would like to encourage you all to keep moving forward in an orderly fashion. And I also like to say that if the urge comes up to please resist the self-serving motions and maintain the course of action as they have been laid out. Especially if they run contrary to the budget. So, let’s stay focus, let’s keep moving Petersburg forward. Thank you.” 12. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR COUNCIL MEMBERS: Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Thank you, Ms. Jackson. Two things. I would like to thank the City Manager and Mrs. Treska Wilson-Smith and the constituents of Wards 1 and 4 and Mr. Rogers and his staff for making the joint meeting on May 7th at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church such a success. There was a lot of good information shared by the City administration to the members of the public. A lot of good questions came from the members of the public. And I thought it was a very constructive evening. I am very grateful and I am sure Treska Wilson-Smith is as well for the opportunity for having that joint meeting and that exchange of information. The next thing I would like to talk about is a special meeting that I would like council to consider. I want to make a motion that we hold such a special meeting for the purpose of discussing the City Manager’s plan for fixing the problem associated with its utility billing. I want to pass these motion’s down the row if I may. I have scratched out a specific date for this special meeting. I thought it would probably make most since to begin with to determine whether it’s council will to hold such a special meeting and if so than we can go about picking the date for that meeting. The motion that I would like council to consider which I sent out earlier this afternoon around 4pm. There were a couple of false starts that I was hoping to present to tonight.” Council Member Cuthbert made a motion that City Council hereby schedule a special meeting for the purpose of discussing the City Manager’s plan for fixing the City’s problems associated with its utility billing. The City Manager is hereby instructed to present a plan at that time. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. There was discussion among City Council and staff. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Mr. Mayor I respect what the City Manager said about the meeting with the Bobb Group but I think that it would be helpful to have a date now established for the special meeting so that council can receive any outcome from that Bobb Group Meeting. Also, like the Vice Mayor said to include the City Treasurer in the discussion so that we have all the important players at the table and we can work our way through and analyze the Bobb Group’s conclusion and decide for ourselves if that is the path we want to go down or the City Manager to go down. Or whether there are any aspects of the problem to be considered.” Mayor Parham stated, “We are actually going to, Mr. Bobb will be here tomorrow and afterwards I will have Ms. Jackson send out dates that work after tomorrow. We will definitely know something with 24hrs.” Council Member Wilson-Smith, stated, “I only have one comment. This weekend in the City of Petersburg I am calling it ‘Education Weekend,’ Congressman McEachin will be here at the Library from 9am- 2pm to discuss parent’s rights within the educational system. And our own Dr. Marcus Newsome will be the guest speaker for the Citizen’s Academy on Sunday, here at the train station from 3pm-5pm. All are welcome to attend. He will do a presentation and you may ask him any questions that you may have about the Petersburg Public School System. Thank you in advance.”  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 - 13 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Smith-Lee stated, “Good evening everybody. Thank you for coming out. One of the things I want to say is thank you to all the citizens that participated in the citywide cleanup and bringing their items to the dumpster. In Ward 6 we have quite a few people to come and I appreciate them bringing their items up. Also, I would like to invite you all on May 18th-20th, there will be a Power of Pentecostal Conference at Cavalry Temple Church, 110 North Dunlop Street. So please come out and join Pastor Taylor. Also, one other thing I need to do.” Council Member Smith-Lee made a motion for City Council to approve the recommendation to the Petersburg Department of Social Services Advisory Board with the five members: Ann Taylor, Florence Rhue, Pam Harnett, Arnold Westbrook and Herbert Colton. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion among City Council and staff. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 18-R-30 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING ANN TAYLOR, FLORENCE RHUE, PAM HARNETT, ARNOLD WESTBROOK AND HERBERT COLTON TO THE SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD. Council Member Myers stated, “Nothing at this time.” Council Member Hill stated, “Good evening everyone. I would like to let the City Manager know that the Poplar Lawn Park, I believe it was a group before you came to the City, a nonprofit group of different members, that clean the park out. But I am seeing vegetation starting to grow back on the east side. So, we really need to pay attention to that. Our public works would cut the top but not on the east side where the hill is and vegetation is starting to grow back there. If we can get someone over there. I would like to thank Mr. Lionel Lyons for the ride around on today. He rode through my ward to get his self-accolade to the City, in particular Ward 2. So, I appreciate him for the meeting e had today. Special thanks to the finance department who gave the budget meeting on week before last for Ward 2 and Ward 3. I am sorry I was late but I had to teach a class. For my citizens in Ward 2, they were happy with the turn out. I don’t know if we have any jurisdiction on this but there is a train that run like alongside of Good Shephard Baptist Church. I have been getting complaints that the train comes through all sorts of time at night waking up the residence. I don’t think we have any residence jurisdiction over that but if someone can check on that for me. I have been getting a lot of complaints when the train run through there. So that we won’t forget and although we voted the budget in for the school board but I do want people to know that the City employees took a 10% reduction when the school system didn’t. I have a daughter that is in the school system right now. I support the school system. But I really want to thank those individuals who stayed around during the 10% reduction that the City had to take during that time. I know that there is an influx of people leaving the school system and what have you. But the population of the schools, the students are down 400 students this year. But we do need to fund them. So, I am not disagreeing with that but I really want to give kudos to those employees who stayed around. Another thing, this is not throwing the jab at anyone in particular, so please if it does not pertain to you please do not take it to heart. We need to be careful about scheduling certain events on certain days of worship especially with our employees. They work hard every day. We just have to be careful about having ward meetings and things like that, in particular on Saturdays and Sundays. I know that we are all at a lot of different events, ribbon cuttings and things like that. I just like for this council to really consider when you are doing your events on Sunday. I have talked to some staff about a certain things on some things that I wanted to do and it happened to be on a Sunday and the look on their face I was like ‘no’ we can actually try another date. This is a day that they should have with their family in my opinion. So after, that is the end of my comments. Thank you.” Vice Mayor Hart stated, “Good evening everyone. Thank you for sticking around for this late hour. Just a couple of things. I want to thank you all for participating in the City cleanup. I know from the citizens side they are looking for the next one to cleanup some extra stuff out of their garages and yards. It is showing that it is beneficial to the citizens of Petersburg. Also, thank those that came out to ‘Jazz in the Stacks’ last Friday. Look for us again on the second Friday of next month. We will have ‘Rocky’ the soul singer performing. Get their early because he brings a crowd. As this continue just be aware of those that will be participating and performing. It is getting a little bigger and better. So, please help us support it. The more things that you come  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 - 14 – ______________________________________________________________________________ out to the better off we are in creating new events in the City. When you show up we can do more so thank you.” Mayor Parham stated, “Good evening again everyone. I would like to thank everyone for hanging out again with us tonight. I also want to thank Pastor Wilson for during our prayer today. She has started something called ‘Refreshing Spring’, which I a shower ministry at her church at 2787 South Crater Road. One of the big challenges with homelessness is not having a place to shower. Her church will be providing those services. I just want everyone to be abreast and encourage her on. I talked to Donald McEachin’s office and they are in town to piggy back on what Councilwoman Wilson-Smith said. He will be here from 9am-2pm at Petersburg High School. It is at Petersburg High School from 9am-2pm. Also, I ask everyone that is available to join us on tomorrow at police headquarters at Peace Officers’ Memorial Day Event at 10am. And followed by Thursday, Sheriff Crawford is having her TRIAD event at Peabody at 10am. This weekend I know that PAAL has their ‘Art in the Park’ event if it doesn’t rain. Petersburg will keep rolling long. Thank you.” Mayor Parham made a motion to reappoint Richard Taylor to the Economic Development Authority. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion among City Council and staff. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 18-R-31 A RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING RICHARD TAYLOR TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BOARD. Mayor Parham made a motion to appoint Robert Walker to the Economic Development Authority. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion among City Council and staff. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Hill, Hart and Parham; Voting No: Myers 18-R-32 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING ROBERT WALKER TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BOARD. There was discussion among City Council Members regarding the Rules of Council, Standing Committee and the Citizens Academy. 13. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: No items for this portion of the agenda. 14. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: No items for this portion of the agenda. 15. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: No items for this portion of the agenda. 16. NEW BUSINESS: a. Consideration of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Alpha Zeta Chapter (VSU) of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated for a little free library. REASON: The Sorority has requested to locate a little free library (a freestanding structure holding books) along the Appomattox River Trail on the west side of University Boulevard near an existing park bench. This agreement is for one year, as long as the Sorority meets the conditions provided herein, and the City dos not exercise its Termination for Convenience right. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that City Council will consider the benefit of a little free library and allow the City Manager to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Alpha Zeta  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 - 15 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Chapter (VSU) of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Vice Mayor Hart made a motion consider the benefit of a little free library and allow the City Manager to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Alpha Zeta Chapter (VSU) of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. 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 17. REPORTS/REPONSES TO PREVIOUSE PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: Stephanie Harris, Assistant to the City Manager, read the questions and answers from the previous meeting regarding the public information period on April 3, 2018. 1. What is the process for appointing members to the Economic Development Authority and why have there been no appointments since 2016? Answer: Citizens apply for the Economic Development Authority and appointments are at the discretion of the City Council to appoint members to vacant seats. There has been no recent action for appointments to this board. Members are permitted to continue serving even after an expired term. 2. When quarterly bills are due, shouldn’t notification be sent to the property owner? Answer: Personal Property bills are sent to all property owners within two weeks of the due date. In addition, according to City Code Sec. 106-10. - Proration of personal property tax. (a) The tangible personal property tax, at a rate established by the ordinance which annually fixes such rate, shall be levied upon motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers and boats which have acquired a situs within the city on January 1 of any tax year. The tax shall be due and owed on or before February 28 of each year and June 10 of each year after being billed by the collector of city taxes. Any person failing to pay any taxes on or before the due date shall incur penalties and interest as established in the ordinance which annually fixes the rate for personal property tax. 18. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: 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 9:44 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 15, 2018 - 16 – ______________________________________________________________________________ APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor