City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, July 17, 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 Annette Smith-Lee Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Council Member W. Howard Myers Council Member Darrin Hill 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, “At this time we will have Dr. Sonya Williams of Sign’s and Wonder’s Ministry’s to open up with our opening prayer.” Dr. Williams led the City in prayer. 3. CLOSED SESSION: *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. 6. DETERMINATION OF THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM: All City Council Members were present. Mayor Parham stated, “For tonight’s Positive Petersburg story, I would like to highlight the Student Development Academy – Job Shadowing Program. Can everyone in the program please stand and give a round of applause please. This program is an important initiative to expose young students to the day-to-day operations of local government. This is the first year for this program in Petersburg and we have the wonderful opportunity to briefly hear from these students tonight. The participants in this program will spend their summer shadowing City staff leadership and will also engage in Educational Awareness Sessions at Virginia State University, attend college tours and travel to Florida to visit Disney and Universal Studios. Thank you to the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Ms. Tyus, and Tami Yerby for bringing this program to Petersburg. I look  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ forward to hearing more about this and meeting the students later in the meeting. Thank you.” 7. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATION OF CEREMONIAL PROCLAMATIONS: (Each presentation will be limited to 10 minutes.) *No items for this portion of the agenda. 8. COMMUNICATIONS/SPECIAL REPORTS: a. Anti-Poverty Commission Report BACKGROUND: The Anti-Poverty Commission was formulated to study the effects of poverty on the City of Petersburg and to report to council its findings and recommendations. RECOMMENDATION: Listen to the presentation and consider the commission’s recommendations. Michael Edwards of the Anti-Poverty Commission gave a PowerPoint presentation report on the commission. Key points:  The Anti-Poverty Commission was established in 2015.  The Anti-Poverty Commission’s goal is to influence public policy to address poverty and its impact on the City of Petersburg.  Strategies are to address interventions by the local government of Petersburg in conjunction with the community and private sector.  The Anti-Poverty Commission is dedicated to the role of identifying strategies to reduce poverty and to make Petersburg a Tier One City.  The official poverty rate in 2016 was 12.7 percent, down 0.8 percentage points from 13.5 percent in 2015. This is the second consecutive annual decline in poverty. Since 2014, the poverty rate has fallen 2.1 percentage points from 14.8 percent to 12.7 percent. Council Member Hill stated, “I just want to thank Treska Wilson-Smith and the Poverty Commission for all that you do. It’s a lot of data in a short period of time. We understand the gravity of poverty in Petersburg and that’s something that we are trying to work on as a council and as a City. So, any recommendations that you all may have that may help us and help people get out of poverty we are looking forward to those recommendation. But that you and your committee Treska Wilson-Smith.” b. City Assessor Report Brian Gordineer, City Assessor, gave an overview with a PowerPoint presentation on the transformation of the Assessor’s Office. Key Points:  Working with the Department of Social Services to have members of their ‘View’ program to join in with the effort with the document scan. (two people)  Office will be completely electronic soon and everything is being scanned through the home- based filing system.  Keeping records that are in need of evaluations.  Records will be lease than five years old.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________  Bringing to council, assessment cycle & date of valuation, ‘Office’ & BOE appeal date, BOE hearing schedule, education and compensation and rehab exemption application fees. c. City Manager’s Report Mrs. Benavides stated, “Good evening Mayor and City Council. Today you have a copy of my report and as we started the process now where I will actually have each of our deputies to present in their area. Just as a highlight last Tuesday on July 10th I celebrated my one-year anniversary serving as your City Manager. And I am quite excited in celebrating my anniversary and looking forward to my next anniversary next year. Despite rumors I will always be around here, so we can stay together.” Key points from memo:  Police Department currently has four recruits in the police academy.  Operation No Guns, Safe Streets is still in effect. 179 guns have been taken off the streets.  Shots fired have been reduced by 35% and traffic safe points are still in effect.  Updates on Planning and Community Development will be given by the Deputy City Manager.  An update will be given by the budget procurement office.  Have started uploading the FY2018-2019 Budget online.  Update on billing and collections from Mr. Rogers.  Kimberley Robinson has been appointed as the Interim HR Director for the City.  Update on Public Works will be given.  378 potholes were repaired over the last month  354 tons of trash and brush has been collected from the City.  480 acres of grass has been cut from various areas in City.  Repaired sidewalks and curbs and 184.16 miles of streets have been swept  Deputy City Manager for Community Affairs – Darnetta Tyus 1. Introduction of Summer Job Shadow Participants Darnetta Tyus, Deputy City Manager, stated, “The Mayor spoke earlier with his positive thought about the professional shadowing program. The introduction that we are about to do now is nothing short of simple bragging. Sorry we get to do that too. We would like to introduce you all to our professional shadowing. As the shadowers introduce themselves they will also introduce who they are shadowing and then after we have met them all we are going to pin them with an official City pin because as of today they begin to represent you at Virginia State with their talent search program, where they will be all week. And next week they will be in various places in Florida and two universities. Where we talk about Orlando, Florida and Universal Studios they are going to spend two days with the business side of Disney World. And for that we are all excited. Without further or due I want to introduce you to this year’s first class of professional class of professional shadower’s.” All the students introduced themselves and the department heads and employees that they shadowed. City Council Member shook the hands of all the students.  Deputy City Manager for Development – Lionel D. Lyons 1. Economic Development Update Reginald Tabor, Economic Development Manager, stated, “I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the City Manager and to her staff and to the council. Today marks my one week second day anniversary as the Economic Development Manager of the City of Petersburg. What I would like to do as Mr. Lyons mentioned is a quick summary update on some economic development activities that is happening in the City of Petersburg.”  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ Key points from PowerPoint presentation:  Established Five (5) Fingers of Economic Development Operations-Business Development, Real Estate Development, Workforce Development, Real Estate Development, Workforce Development, Real Estate Development, Workforce Development, Tourism Development and Intergovernmental Relations.  Management Strategy of Three Cs – Communication, Coordination and Collaboration.  Leverage Resources and Services  Internal Partners in Economic Development – City Manager, Deputy City Manager for Development and Community Affairs, Chief Operating Officer, Commissioner of Revenue, City Assessor, Real Estate Consultant and Various Departments.  External Partners in Economic Development – Existing and Prospective Businesses, SBA, ES EDA, Realtors, Site Selection Consultants, One-Stop, WIOA, VA Tourism Corporation, VA Logos, Congressional Representatives, Legislative Representatives, Federal Departments, Governor/State Departments, VGR, Crater Planning, VEDP, Preservation Taskforce, Petersburg EDA, Chamber of Commerce, GoVA, DHCD, VDACS, Private Property Owners, Developers and DHCD  Economic Development Resources and Services – Tax Abatement, Grant Funding, Loan Funding, Training Programs, Seminars, Direct Counseling, Referrals, Advocacy, Referrals, and online documents  Begun business meetings with business retention.  AMPAC was recently purchased by SK Holdings.  The City and the Chamber with DHCD are hosting events including a Downtown Hospitality workshop to offer resources and services to local businesses. The workshop will be August 14, 2018 from 1-4pm.  380 E. Washington Street (Cambria Hotel and Suites Development) – Total Grant $350,000 for property. The City received information from the developer that the abatement work has been completed. The City received the requisition for the final grant payment with the documents attached. The Developer anticipates hiring a new contractor ad resuming work within two weeks.  405 E. Washington Street (Formerly Broadway Inn) – This property was not formerly City- owned; however, it is a significant site at the City’s gateway. The owner’s contractor resumed demolition work and clean-up this week. The owner is planning to meet with the city within the next two weeks to discuss development plans.  201-25 Hinton Street – The developer completed a preliminary development review and will submit site plan for review. The developer has extensive experience in multi-family development and is planning 106 Market-Rate Apartment Units with interior courtyards.  29 and41 S. Union Street – The roof and a wall section collapsed, and an engineer’s inspection determined several structures problems. The building was then demolished. Union Street will be opened once the hazard is abated.  Petersburg Works (Pilot Project) – Engage five employees with more than 50 job opportunities which meets the needs of the first cohort. Anticipate second Cohort of Workers will be available in September.  Will incorporate Preservation Taskforce Tourism Plan into City-wide plans.  Attending VML and VFC meetings and workshops and attending legislative committee meetings There was discussion among City Council and staff. 2. Jarratt House Update  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ Michelle Peters, Director of Planning and Community Development, gave a briefing on the Jarratt House with a PowerPoint presentation. Key points:  Jarratt House listed a part of Preservation Virginia’s Most Endangered Sites List in 2014.  Structural Evaluation completed by Koelzer & Associates Consulting Engineers, 2014.  CDB funds allocated for the project in the amount of $192,330.  Plans for temporary stabilization done by McPherson Design Group, 2015.  Kathleen Morgan (former preservation planner), John Young, Brian Little, and Marie Coone met to determine an end-use for the Jarratt House, 2015.  Applied for Cameron Foundation Grant for temporary stabilization of the house. Goal was to not let the house collapse.  Grant was awarded for June 22, 2016, for the amount of $81,060.  Procurement process to bid the Historic Structures Report and Cultural Resources Survey and then it was awarded to Gray and Pape, Inc of Cincinnati Ohio.  Final report was delivered to Planning Office January 2018  Planning Director met with Cameron Foundation to provide an update February 2018.  New Preservation Planner is Kate Sangregorio, March 2018.  Staff prepared a sole source statement and a requisition for the services of McPherson. Procurement issues a purchase order for services. McPherson prepares stabilization plans, bid package and provide construction administration. Procurement process begins to bid work and then the work begins. Council Member Cuthbert requested that an update be given by Mrs. Peters on the Jarratt House and also end use on September 4, 2018, at the regular council meeting.  Chief Operating Officer – Michael C. Rogers 1. Monthly Financial Report (Unaudited Year-End Numbers) Mr. Rogers gave an update on the financial report of unaudited year-end numbers. Key points:  Operating Budget for this fiscal year 2017-2018 was $102,870,501.  Projected $74 million for revenue.  Value on revenue collected as of June is $55 million dollars.  Amount expended was $67,599,430  The amendment from this Spring projected $33.6 million and as of June have collected $25 million.  Doing a lot of blocking and tackling in closing out the budget. There was discussion among City Council and staff. 9. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (to include minutes of previous meeting/s) a. Minutes: Regular City Council Meeting: June 19, 2018 b. Schedule a public hearing to amend Sec. 106-63. – Time for Assessment; Tax Lien of Real Estate. c. Schedule a public hearing to amend Sec. 106-14. – Permanent Board of Equalization. d. Schedule a public hearing to amend Sec. 106-66. – Deadline for Appeal of Assessment to City Assessor and Sec. 106-67. – Deadline for Appeal of Assessment to the Board of Equalization. e. Schedule a public hearing to amend Sec. 106-131. – Rehabilitated Residential Real Estate;  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ Qualifications; Application; Fee; Building Permits; Verification through Sec. 106-137. – Rehabilitated Real Estate located in the Virginia Trunk and Bag Building Complex Historic Site. f. Schedule a public hearing to amend Sec. 106-138. – Miscellaneous Exemptions. g. Schedule a public hearing on a proposed ordinance granting the City Manager the authority to sign a Deed of Ingress/Egress Easement on City owned land located at 1540 Baylor’s Lane. Council Member Myers made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda with the scheduling of six public hearings for September 4, 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, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Wilson- Smith 10. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. A public hearing for Robert F. Dance, owner of 227 St. Andrew Street, Tax Parcel 022-27-0016, is appealing the decision of the Architectural Review Board (ARB). BACKGROUND: Mr. Dance filed an application on April 24, 2018, for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to raze the existing structure. The meeting was held on May 9, 2018; the applicant was present at the meeting. The applicant presented his request to raze the structure, he also stated that he had an Engineer’s Report that stated the house was not structurally sound. The ARB denied the application to raze the structure and recommended that owner follow the appropriate code compliance process for stabilizing the rear wall, and to put the property up for sale for four months. An appeal was received by the Clerk of Council on May 24, 2018, requesting that City Council allow him to raze the structure. RECOMMENDATION: Following a duly advertised public hearing, Council by majority of those members present and voting, the council may affirm, reverse or modify the decision of the Architectural Review Board (ARB) in whole or in part. Mr. Dance gave a briefing on the appeal of the decision of the Architectural Review Board on his property located at 227 St. Andrew Street. Kate Sangregorio, Preservation Planner, gave a briefing on the property and the decision of the Architectural Review Board. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Joe Battiston, 600 W. Wythe Street, stated, “I am the Chair of the Architectural Review Board. Thank you for letting me speak City Council. We have done this process several times over the years and other members and citizens in the community have followed this process. Some of the houses we have given permission to take down after they followed the process and the houses are still standing. This house happens to have been owned by this individual for many, many years. The house when he first purchased it was in much better condition. This is a perfect example of demolition by neglect. I think it’s only fair that we give the public the opportunity to possibly purchase it and save it. That’s the whole purpose of the ordinance that City Council put in place so that someone else could have the opportunity in buying it and getting it back on the tax roll. So, we have been following the process that we have trying to do for years. And since his hearing we have also did the same with another property that came before us. Thank you very much for the opportunity.” Linwood Christian, 613 St. Matthew Street, stated, “Once I looked at the picture of this house, I am  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ going to tell you these words exactly that have come out of my mouth. And that have come out of the mouth of people that live around there. If that house was in that condition in any other neighborhood you all wouldn’t have even asked who owned, you would have torn it down. One thing that the young lady said that was right is that that house has been looking like that since my 22-year-old son was in diapers. And nothing has been done. I’m sorry but it is his problem. First of all, City Council even before some of you all got on here should have been after him to do what he was supposed to do anyway. Because in certain neighborhoods if there was a piece paper on our lawn we get a citation. And yet this house, Freddy Kruger wouldn’t even haunt this house. If the man wants to sell it or tear it down I would has this council to deny the request to deny the request of the Architectural Review Board because enough is enough. We have a lot of ordinances on the books that in some cases still enable saving that need to be done away with for the betterment of the City. And as I said I know quite a few people in that neighborhood. If that house was in any other neighborhood you would have torn it down. So, if the man wants to tear it down let him have at it.” Karen Graham, 402 High Street, stated, “I am going to piggyback off Joe Battiston comments. I am going to ask you to please uphold the decision of the ARB and not allow the demolition of 227 St. Andrews Street. Council you should be supporting the ARB decision as you are the ones who appointed the members of the ARB based on the knowledge of preservation and revitalization. Hope you all had time to drive by the house in the neighborhood. Mr. Dance owns virtually the lower side of St. Andrews Street. It includes seven properties. You will see the condition of the north side of the street and see how it has impacted the whole neighborhood. He has owned 227 St. Andrews Street since 2005. It is apparent that he has been the one to allow the building to deteriorate and to get to where he quoted the condition to be uninhabitable and a danger to the neighborhood. One of the properties he has owned since the earlier years of 1992 with the exception of one that is getting some new siding on it, it doesn’t appear that he has done much of anything to the properties in that neighborhood and he is just contributing to the blight in our City. He doesn’t even live in our City, so he is not directly impacted by the condition of these properties. Council should also be concerned that this building and others are being allowed to deteriorate by neglect. And that is a City-wide problem. Code enforcement should be enforced city-wide. Allowing these buildings across the City to be demolished rather than maintained is a lost to the City’s tax base. And we just had a presentation about our fiscal condition and the fact that we keep projecting revenue and taxes that we are not getting in. And despite the fact that this property my only be assessed for $20,000 that is better than a vacant lot that is being assessed for $1,000 or $2,000. We just can’t afford to be losing that revenue. This property owner should be forced to put the property up for sale as required by the City zoning ordinance. That would be for a period that this property is assessed for $25,000 and its actual assessment is $29,300. It is a contributing structure to the Poplar Lawn Historic District and it never should have been allowed to get in this condition. We should be allowed to have the property to be potentially in the hands of somebody who can turn it around. There have been numerous building that have been taken and renovated. It would really help the neighborhood and that neighborhood in particular on Jefferson Street if Mr. Dance would divest himself of all the properties that he owns. Thank you for your consideration.” Bo Tindall, 211 Marshall Street, stated, “I am with the Poplar Lawn Historic District. We would want for council to vote to save this house. It’s a wonderful house that somebody could restore. The problem has been with Mr. Dance and has made the whole neighborhood go down. There have been several houses across the street that have been restored and have done very well. These houses have had a very hard time to be sold. Code Compliance did a neighborhood walk thru about a year ago. We are asking City Council to upgrade Code Compliance. These houses are falling down due to neglect. It is not only effecting losing a wonderful house, but you are losing revenue. If you have the tax roll the assessment goes up. You have got to get these neighborhoods to start turning around. And one of the major ways is code compliance. So, I ask you to save this house and save the neighborhood.” Ron Flock, 1708 Pender Avenue, stated, “Just listening to the whole thing is just disturbing that someone can be allowed to come into the City and buy property and let it just rotten away and then try to tear it down. I am bothered that cod compliance has not taken action years over this. But it is not too late. Something  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ should be done, and fines should be hosed on the property owner or any property owners that allows their property to diminish like this. It is terrible, and I hope you will uphold the ruling. Thank you.” Lawrence McLaughlin, 115 Marshall Street, stated, “Ditto everything that Karen Graham said. She articulated all of the stuff. But you all have been on your trolley bus tour of the City. You seen what Mr. Dance owns. That whole landscape going to the water department down the hill. Still today much of those houses are fixed up then that whole street would be pretty neat. That is demolition by neglect. We have to get code compliance going.” Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated, “I could be in agreement with the gentleman back there. But if you go down North Jefferson Street and see a 200-year-old or 300-year-old house down there that they have torn down. I would never want to see that again. If anybody want to make a decision on what to do about this house go down and look at that vacant lot on North Jefferson Street. It is terrible, and I have been living in that area for 70 years and never seen anything look that bad. If there is some kind of way that you can save this house because once it is gone it is gone. I look at what the tornado did to Pocahontas and knocked down them old houses over there. We will never again get them old houses back. Even though they rebuilt the chapel it is new boards. It is not like old boards. The history is not in the new boards. If anything can see and come save this house. I am just telling you to look at the house on North Jefferson Street. Thank you.” Celeste Wynn, 319 E. Fillmore Street, stated, “I am on the Architectural Review Board and Mr. Dance’s home is in my area. And please let it be known that my area is developing. I have three homes in my neighborhood that are being purchased. I myself bought a home and my mother thought I was crazy because when you step out on my steps you can see both corners. I bought this home six years ago. So, I ask that you please let Mr. Dance go through this process of selling his home before demolishing it. Thank you.” Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public comments. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to affirm the decision of the Architectural Review Board (ARB) in whole to deny Mr. Dance Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish 227 St. Andrew Street. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. 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-ORD-20 AN ORDINANCE AFFIRMING THE DECISION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD IN WHOLE TO DENY ROBERT DANCE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS TO DEMOLISH 227 ST. ANDREW STREET. 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. Gary Talley, 2323 Fort Rice Street, stated, “Ms. Jackson I am going to ask you to point to me because when that buzzer goes off I can’t hear it. But I will try to summarize my comments. I told you all before that I had concerns about my water bill and my property taxes being applied to my water bill. I have been trying to resolve this for seven months now. It has gotten to be observed. I went down their last Friday and found out they were closed early. If I can get text alerts that trash is going to be picked up an hour early because of heat,  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ how about a major office closing to also get a text alert. I took off half the day for nothing. I went back last Tuesday and talked with a woman named Katecia, who was wonderful and patient. She found out that I paid everything and that I had proof that everything was paid. She couldn’t fix it in the system. Something is wrong with our system. The computer system. I was supposed to get a call the next day from Mr. Mullins who had stepped out that afternoon and never got the call. I checked online for my bill on Friday morning. My water bill shows that I have a balance of $224.31. I called Jay Baxter and he finally called me back. The printout shows today that I have $350 of a balance. That a payment was made on July 10th in the amount of $417, which of course was not done. Today I have a payment of $126.06. None of that is correct. My paper bill that came in the mail on yesterday shows a credit of $125. What is going on? This is observed. And those numbers, they can’t be right because nobody knows how much anybody owes anybody.” Demetra Taylor, 808 S. Gillfield Drive, stated, “I am here today because I have two houses here in Petersburg. I live at 808 S. Gillfield Street in Ward 6 and I had a house in Ward 1 on Old Church Street. After a brief illness my aunt passed, and I passed my property and it was gone. So, the whole house was demolished by the City of Petersburg and I was not notified. I just passed by it and it was gone. I understand that Petersburg has a lot of blight properties. I am also a user of the Petersburg system. I have made numerous attempts to repair the house but the parts in Petersburg do not work together and they don’t come together. Now just to find out some of what happened to the house and why it just disappeared. I have been trying to do this for a whole month and a week. I went to code and compliance and the staff told me what they thought happened. I went to City Hall try to make appointments to get the problem resolved. On Friday was the first call I got back. I was supposed to get a call back today and did not get it. I have been trying to get on the City Manager’s calendar. I made four attempts to do that. I was told today that it would take three months to get on her calendar. It is just crazy. But last night I got a bill for $8,400 for the City of Petersburg demolishing my house without my permission. And I have no one that I can reach out and have a conversation with to talk about it. Maybe I don’t need to talk to the City Manager, but I need to talk to somebody that can walk me through the process so that we can resolve it. And in 30 days the City of Petersburg is going to want a payment. Unlike people in Petersburg that own blight properties I have actually made steps to repair my property or sell it to someone that is ready to do so. I can prove it if I need too. But you all have meetings concerning properties. Sometimes you need to consider bringing in the property owner to understand the challenges that we face when we use your system and try to talk to you and we can’t get to you. Even if we get into the office we are not given answers, or it is said that it is not my responsibility and talk to this person. I have talked to Mr. Preston on the street. So, we need to have someone to contact us back. My number is 919- 1333. I need a human to call me back about this bill. Thank you.” Ron Flock, 1708 Pender Avenue, stated, “Real quick just to follow that up. About three or four weeks ago, I tried relentlessly to get somebody to read my meter so that I can fill my swimming pool. After 27 calls I finally got a hold of somebody on Facebook messenger. Nobody in this City answers their phone. They take a voicemail and they do not call back. That is ridiculous. There is a house being built in my neighborhood and I like to know if it is supposed to be a part of the process that you allow a house to be built in a neighborhood that is nothing like the houses in the neighborhood. In my neighborhood it is all single story and split levels. And they are putting up a two-story house and it looks like a sky scraper. The second issue that I have is on the building permit. You can see right on their structural reinforcing in the concrete footers and it’s x’d out not necessary. There was no steal put in there. I questioned it and I got a letter from the City with the engineer signing off on it that there were two number four bars in the footers. There was no number four bars in the footer because there was no number four bars on the job site. That’s my job, the structure. None of that was done, but I got this letter saying I am good. I would like to know who is letting this bogus engineer sign off on these without even doing. I will email all of you a copy of this bogus letter that I got with the engineer signature. But it really bothers me that I have this skyscraper in my neighborhood. So, somebody needs to get structures permitted that fit the neighborhood. Are we as a City proactively lobbing to keep that train station here. Are we on top of this? We can’t look forward to losing that. There are too many people here and Virginia State that need that. So, let’s make it a conservative effort. Thank you.”  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated, “Good afternoon council and audience. I am rallying prep talk and motivation. The Nile is not a river in Egypt. There is no luggage rack on a hearse. People come in a lot of varieties but perfect isn’t one of them. We always know the right thing to say after the right time to say it has passed. The horse is not dead yet so do not dismount. If we look closely we will see that we are given even amounts of blessings and sorrow. What if there is no God? Believe anyway. You might not divide, come together not separate. Keep what we have and make it work. Give time, time. Take back Petersburg. If we can’t be first don’t be the last. We know what the game rules are. Let’s play the game. Do what is right and reelect. Ten stars for the Mayor and his staff. I am tired of looking at the new face at the reception window. It’s just a reflection of me. In need of dental work, poor vision and hearing loss and motivation. I am Petersburg. A citizen, age 50 thru 85. 20 years retired and veteran of wars and home to live the American Dream but nowhere to be found. I paid the postage, why can’t I receive the goods. There is a bit of good in the worst of us and a bit of bad in the best of us. Spirituality is not leaving point ‘A’ to go to point ‘B’, its leaving point ‘A’. A few need to know questions. The President of the United States, the Mayor of Petersburg, the population you are a waste in age. History is stores, churches and etc. Number of neighborhood watches and number of members, vet home owner, married, separated, divorced, children, a record, 95-85-36, and number one colleges. How important is response time and follow-ups? Ever seen $100,000 in one lump sum. In general, how well would you rate your overall health? Excellent, good, very good, fair or poor. Mental or emotional health. Highest grade or level of schools. English, Spanish or Latino. White, black, Asian maybe Hawaiian, Indian or Alaskan. I am coming to close. What main language do you speak in your home? English, Spanish, Chinese, Latin, Portuguese or others. Some of the answers to these questions and also you were supposed to fill this application out in ink, but you did it in number two black pencil.” Bo Tindall, 211 Marshall Street, stated, “Council Members I put a picture in front of each one of you. This is a house at 256 Grove Avenue. This is a duplex on Grove Avenue. The left side of the duplex has been restored very tastefully. On the right side of this it is very hard to see that the siding of this house is almost completely gone. This house has been vacant now for five years. I don’t think any work has been done on it in the last ten years. Here is another case of code compliance. I know from your vote that you all agree that code compliance is very necessary. But I think that code compliance needs help. So, I think that if there is a possible way to put it in your budget you need to add to code compliance. Thank you.” Linwood Christian, 613 St. Matthew Street, stated, “It is two things that I would like to bring to your attention. One has to do with an intersection that has a little blind spot. One of many is at the intersection of Liberty and Halifax Street. Right there in front of the Health Department. That is just one of those and it is kind of dangerous. I don’t know if the Traffic and Safety Commission is still meeting or if there are any members on that commission. But a lot of times before you actually have to pull out, you have to actually pull out in the middle of the street to see if another car is coming, especially from the left. Before you make a left or right turn on Halifax Street. So, I would hope that someone would pay close attention to that and at night especially with the way that the building is sitting. When you go up Halifax where it veers off to Harding Street where the laundromat is you can’t see by that and sometimes it is almost too late to realize another car is coming. Also, on Shore and Sycamore Street. If there could be a larger sign up there telling people, no left turn. Because again and especially I called to the post master general because I saw a mail truck make that turn. And it was almost an accident there. So, those are just two areas. And then, last but not least. One of the areas, and I have always heard City Council and people in the audience say thinking outside the box. I would implore upon this council, let’s not burn out our City Manager. Let’s put her deputies, since you all voted them into the budget, let’s put them to work. And what I mean by that is that we have property that could be developed such as that on Wagner Road. When we are a City that sits on two major interstates on the east coast, one of which stops in the City of Petersburg. Why isn’t there a truck stop, or something similar to one on I-95? It can happen. We are talking about tourism. Also, this City puts out a lot of money or puts out RFPs for people to come and do things. I have always been a big proponent. But right over here where Roper and those warehouses are could have been transferred into a convention or conference center for this City. Let’s not always look at our City Manager. City Council your proception by the citizens is not a good one because when you have other City Council Members telling people when they should and should not have their meetings or  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ when you have City Council Members going out actively recruiting people to run against other City Council Members and then you talk about unity. Stevie Wonder could see the flaw in that. Thank you.” Celeste Wynn, 319 E. Fillmore Street, stated, “I happen to be a member of two wonderful non-profits organizations in the City of Petersburg. Both of which focuses on our youth in the City and the progression of the youth in this City. One of those also have a summer program that has been held for the past three summers, Petersburg Communities Incorporated (PCI). We partner with parks and recreation for the past summer and we do a teach, talk and tour summer camp. In which we have a group of students, this year it will be 65 students to come out at First Baptist and we do a PowerPoint presentation in which we show them some historical sites in Petersburg. We talk about the sites. We teach them information about the sites. Whether they are important people who are involved in the sites. We also do a tour of the sites. We take them to Gillfield Baptist Church, Pocahontas Island and some other spots. We talk about the Reverend Dr. Wyatt T. Walker with Gillfield. We talk about the slave trade. We talk about Pocahontas Island and the first black free settlement and we also talk about the Thomas Wallace House where Lincoln and Grant actually met for the movie. Those are a few spots that we talk about in our presentation. We actually had an opportunity to sit down and talk to the Reverend DR. Wyatt T. Walker. This summer we will have 65 students participating in this activity and with the support of the Mason’s and the Shridder’s of Petersburg we were able to come together with some t-shirts. We wanted to leave with something tangible to express their gratitude and appreciation with, so we came up with the idea of a t-shirt. So, we wanted you all to have the t-shirts that we are presenting to these students at the end of the program. Not only will they have the t-shirts to wear on the last day of the program, but we are going to take them to the Honorable Roger Gregory Chambers and he is going to be presented with a t-shirt as well. The t-shirts say, ‘I’ve got it, P-Town Pride.’ So, we are presenting you with these t-shirts.” Lawrence McLaughlin, 115 Marshall Street, stated, “I certainly cannot compete with this, but I can give you an easy fix. I am reading something in which you recognize the heading. ‘City of Petersburg, Repair or Demolition Notice.’ Alright that sounds pretty impressive. And it says, ‘Notice you are hereby served that the owner of the structure is required to abate the nuisance by demolition or repairing the building. This was sent November 7th, last year to Robert F. Dance, Colonial Heights. And he is talking about 227 St. Andrew Street. That is what we have been talking about all evening. The problem is that it is in a uniform form letter. It talks about historic property, but historic properties don’t fit on this one. So, we need to take that paragraph out and close the top and one goes to the historic district and one goes to him and maybe you would have him coming up here to get it demolished. Thank you.” 12. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR COUNCIL MEMBERS: Council Member Cuthbert stated, “I think all of council received an email from Mr. Marlow Jones pointing out that there is a problem with recycle bins throughout the City. And there are couple of ways of addressing this and Mr. Jones took the initiative of suggesting a way and I am very grateful to him for taking the initiative. But it looks like it would take an awful lot of staff time to follow the procedure of giving notice and following up and so on. I was wondering what council thought about banning recycle bins across the City. That would certainly simply or eliminate the proud. There are still ways to donate clothing to the poor. I know when my wife cleans out her closest I find myself taking the clothes that she has discarded and carrying them over to Goodwill. And I think that this is what people can do if they want to recycle their clothes. Apparently the recycle bins invite a lot of unsightly accumulation of clothing. I wonder what council thinks about asking Mr. Jones and the City Attorney to craft an ordinance for council consideration. We are not voting on the adopting of the ordinance, but the concept is at least worth exploring. I did not want to step out of line and suggest something that Mr. Jones did not want to explore. But if council would like to explore that I think the way to get action on it would be for Mr. Jones to work with the City Attorney and see whether a ban on recycle bins could be put in paper for consideration in September. Do any members of council have any thoughts on that.” Council Member Hill stated, “I am the one who called that meeting and that was my project that I called Mr. Jones in on that and the City Attorney met on that day. So that is the reason why you saw those emails  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________ and things like that going. This is one of the things that I have been dealing with in my ward. I am pretty much helping spear head this. We have a code that speaks to nuisance in our City that falls up under the same thing as the grass that is not cut or abandoned cars or anything like that on your property as well as commercial property. And after a meeting with Mr. Jones along with our City Attorney we came up with these particular types of steps that we were enforced, and we have on the books. The problems is that people put those bins and the commercial people thought it was the City allowing them to put it on there. But after further investigation they thought it was us and it was not us. It goes through a process and it goes through the courts. So, we are within in the law and things like that. I know it seems like it is kind of lengthy but it is not but it cuts down on a lot of the paperwork. Basically, what is going to happen is that he will give them a letter and then if they do not we will just snatch them up. So, that’s pretty much the standard in what we have. There is so much time in which they can get it back and if not we will sell it for scraps of metal or what have you. We had a meeting on Monday. After we come up with where it is going to be and I talked to Mr. Lionel about it as well we will come back to council and present it to them.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “It looks great. I didn’t realize….” Council Member Hill stated, “That is why you seen so many emails because I had been talking back and forth with them.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “I think that is great. I haven’t seen any, but the fourth ward has plenty of problems from what you have seen from tonight and recycle bins are not on our list. Councilman Hill would you consider an alternative on a total ban on all the recycle bin and perhaps when we put all of this on the table at the same time we can sort through the options.” Mr. Preston stated, “Actually, people have tried to ban this, but it is very difficult on constitutional grounds to ban these. Because they are considered charitable devices and I will have a discussion with you in more depth about it. Several places have tried to ban them, but they will allow you to regulate them but will not allow total ban.” Council Member Hill stated, “Mr. Jones stated the same thing. There is a way to get rid of them or either a fine. Things of that nature.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “I said that if it is council’s desire to do something about the problem in a constructive way. Good and thank you.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “There should be some flyers in the back announcing the Citizens Academy on Sunday and this is the final one of the year. Senator Dance will be the presenter. Please come out and hear from her and talk to her and ask questions. And the event is free. I wanted to ask if we are going to have our retreat in August.” Mayor Parham stated, “Mrs. Benavides, we have been looking at some dates. Can we share those with council? Mayor did we say the 9th or 10th, or the 16th and 17th? We were looking at either four dates. And it is a council decision for you to make. We were looking at the second Monday and Tuesday in August or the third Monday and Tuesday. Which would be the 6th, 7th or 13th and 14th. It would be completely up to council. But we definitely want to move forward in August and I have been working with Mr. Rogers on starting the process of planning. So, we ask council and staff is ready whenever you are.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “When we do the retreat can we look at the development of some type of ordinance which I believe is what Mr. Hart and Council Member Hill were saying about an ordinance that protects our neighborhoods from blight. In other words, before the house gets to that point that we can have something and look at the possibility of having a resolution. Also, can we also discuss the rental agreements for the City. I have been in discussion with Mrs. Peters about it and she have some documents  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 - 13 – ______________________________________________________________________________ and we just need to update and bring it forth, so council can vote on it. I was approached twice this week at the YMCA and a guy came up to me and said I have a petition for Moses Malone Street. And I am thinking that I don’t want that at the YMCA. He said, ‘I am going to get it to you.’ I told him what the process was and said that you have to go talk with Mr. Myers. I do not know if he has. The same day I got another call from somebody who said I have a good idea for Moses Malone Street. When I heard it, I thought that it is a good idea. Where Moses Malone grew up on St. Matthew Street on the corner of High Pearl. You keep High Pearl out until once you get to the bridge. Once you get cross the bridge it becomes Johnson Road and it is the exact same street. The division was that the bridge served as the separation between the African American community and the Caucasian community. So, the guys idea was that this is the street to change and name it Moses Malone Boulevard. If we can discuss that during our retreat I would appreciate.” Mayor Parham stated, “I will work through the clerk to schedule those dates. And Ms. Jackson will send out an invite.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “’Forgive me please I have something else. I am noticing the vendors on the street. Is someone checking to see if they have licenses? There are vendors on Crater Road and Sycamore Street selling fish, crabs and stuff.” Mrs. Benavides stated, “Business licenses would be under the Commissioner of Revenue. We will follow up with her and economic development.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “I did meet with Mr. Preston about the Rules of Council. At his suggestion I will be sending it out to everybody so that we can discuss when we do meet again. In the meantime, for the Standing Committee, each Standing Committee is supposed to have a staff person appointed by the City Manager. We don’t have a staff person yet appointed for us. If you don’t mind can you do that?” Mrs. Benavides stated, “Consider it done. Ms. Tyus you will take care of that?” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “Thank you.” Council Member Smith-Lee stated, “Good evening everybody. Mines is short and sweet. Men getting healthy in Petersburg in Ward 6. Wesley Nicholas, myself and Craig Tucker and the WHOP Group is going to start in August walking on Saturday mornings at 6am. It is a two mile walk on Saturday and then on Sunday evenings doing the same thing. But what we are going to do is go around in the neighborhood and encourage some of the kids to be more proactive. That is all I have. Thank you.” Council Member Myers stated, “I am going to pass down a request to the City Manager. I will read the request while they are passing it out. ‘A request for authorization for the City Manager to execute a MOU with Sports Backers with details and thorough bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and recommendations and best practices to be considered for docketing to the 2019 update of the City of Petersburg Comprehensive Plan.’ And if you need that in the form of a motion I would be happy to do that once you all have reviewed this document. And the City Manager is prepared to answer any questions if so desired.” There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Myers made a motion to authorization for the City Manager to enter into an MOU. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham Council Member Hill stated, “When we go over at our retreat I would like to add one thing in the Rules of Council to discuss. I am not going to say what it is right now but maybe one thing to look at before we  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 - 14 – ______________________________________________________________________________ approve them for the next year. We approved that Reverend McLaughlin have a street named after him and I would like to see if we can get the signage as soon as possible to celebrate in September to celebrate his 36th Anniversary. The recycling bins I will try to give an update on that as soon as possible, maybe at the next meeting. Maybe not the recycling bins but the clothes bin. I have a town hall meeting coming in September some time, but I will announce it then. Thank you that will be all.” Vice Mayor Hart stated, “Good evening everyone thank you for coming out. Just a few things. I just want to thank Wayne Crocker, Jay Baxter and City administration and City employees and citizens that attended the Jazz in the Stacks. Another full house. I want to thank those from council that came out to show your support. I feel it was a great event. They have been talking about it for the past week. It is looking good and we are looking to extend until the later months of the year and also bring it back next year so be prepared. On August 11th, I am doing a day at ‘Buckroe Beach’ for some kids in the City. I have talked with parks and recreation and Annette Smith-Lee to join in. We are going to get some kids and take them to Buckroe Beach and just have a day of fun near the water. The permission slips will come to you guys before the end of the week, so we can hurry up and get those out to you and other churches that are involved. One of the things that I am looking to come back to you with is historical scavenger hunt in October and November timeframe. It is to show some history in Petersburg. There is a lot of markers in Petersburg that most people will not know unless you fall into. We want to just showcase that. And one question that I have for the City Manager. Whatever happened with the guy that came out about the solar plants and stuff? Do we have an update on that?” Mr. Tabor stated, “Unfortunately he has not moved forward with that.” Mayor Parham stated, “Good evening again everyone. The thing I have is from a project that has been going on. We have been having talks with Mr. Tony Wood and the Center for Innovative Technology and Expanding the broadband initiative here in Petersburg. Madam City Manager can you give a little background on what is needed from us tonight.” Ms. Benavides stated, “One of the things that we identified in my one year of being here is that we are behind the curve ball in technology. Not only internal but external. One of the challenges that many of the communities across the state have is broadband. We have been working with the state. The government has reached out to us and realized that we have a number of challenges and they are trying to assist us in this process. One of the request and one of the results from the meeting that we had with the state is the potential of us doing an assessment in our broadband and develop an expansion plan through the Center for Innovative Technology. The secretary of IT is working with us to help us do that. What they are asking for is our support today in helping us to look at what we can do for our community in an information technology standpoint. They are also looking at other opportunities internally in how they can help us with internal infrastructure. But part of that with the infrastructure is that you got to get that stuff updated. We will come back with a presentation and update about it because as many individuals have talked about it the billing and collections and some of our systems, we have to do a really big IT overhaul in the City for us to move forward. But it takes money. And so that the state realizes that this is one of the things we are in a shortfall for. This is one opportunity where they are looking to come in and help us move forward with this. Thank you.” Mayor Parham made a motion that council partners with the Center for Innovative Technology to facilitate the City of Petersburg broadband initiative. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. There was discussion on the motion among City Council and staff. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 13. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: No items for this portion of the agenda. 14. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 - 15 – ______________________________________________________________________________ a. Consideration of a resolution to approve Petersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s recommendation to issue up to $30 million in bonds to assist in financing a 226-unit apartment project in the former Brown & Williamson plant. BACKGROUND: The Petersburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority adopted an inducement resolution on May 30, 2018, which gives preliminary approval to the proposed bond financing of the ArtistSpace Loft Apartments. It allows the borrower to go forward with the proposed bond financing project; however, no bonds can be issued before City Council approval, the obtaining of a volume cap allocation from the state ceiling through VDHCD, and the adoption of the final bond resolution by PRHA, which will approve the final documents and the overall parameters of the bond issuance (amount, interest rate, terms, etc.) This resolution approves the issuance of up to $30 million of bonds by the Petersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority to assist in financing the 226-unit apartment project known as ArtistSpace Loft Apartments, as recommended by the Authority. The approval of the issuance of the Bonds does not constitute an endorsement to a prospective purchaser of the Bonds of the creditworthiness of the plan of finance or the borrower. Neither the City nor the Authority is obligated to pay the principle or interest on the bonds, and neither is pledging its full faith and credit or taxing power to the repayment of the bonds. The bonds will be repaid solely from project revenues. On January 16, 2018, City Council approved a resolution (18-R-4) “recommending that the Authority consider issuing the bonds or, in the alternative, permitting another Authority to issue the bonds.” Re-zoning for the project has been approved as well as the plan of development. ArtistSpace Lofts Apartments is a 226-unit adaptive re-use apartment development in the former Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company manufacturing plant. It is the third phase of a 407-unit campus that includes market rate (45%); workforce (43%) and artist (12%) housing. The project represents a $55 million investment, which will include a utility connection fee of approximately $630,000; a recordation tax of about $110,000 and annual real estate taxes of over $100,000. The workforce housing in this phase will be limited to persons with incomes of 60% of the area median income, which is $34,980 for a single person, based on tax credit rules. Eligible city positions would include Transit Operators, Benefit Program Specialists, Family Services Specialists, Library Assistants, Water Technicians, and many others. The target market will include millennials, artists, seniors, the workforce at the Southside Regional Medical Center, Ft. Lee, VSU, Meadowville Technology Park, City and Schools employees, etc. Tax credits will enable the rents to be somewhat lower than market for a very similar, high quality housing product. The project will feature a clubhouse, fitness center, business center, galleries, classrooms, studios, shared pool, 4-story atrium, elevators, 12-foot ceilings, stainless appliances, granite countertops, etc. The redevelopment of the Brown and Williamson tobacco plant reinforces the emergence of downtown Petersburg as a very desirable place to live. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that City Council consider the resolution and provide staff with a recommendation. Jack Berry gave an overview of the consideration of Brown and Williamson apartment project. Key points from PowerPoint:  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 - 16 – ______________________________________________________________________________  Approve bond resolution in assisting this $30 million dollar of bonds by the Petersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority.  Property has been vacant for a long time.  “Brown & Williamson Community” will be unique in the Petersburg market in that it will offer the largest concentration of mixed-income rental units (407 units)  Demand will be fueled by Ft. Lee, VSU, Meadowville Technology Park, (including Capital One and Amazon) Medical Center and Regional Mall.  They will have onsite management.  ArtistSpace Lofts will receive no project vouchers.  ArtistSpace Lofts will not give preference to vouchers  ArtistSpace Lofts will apply uniform requirements to all applicants.  Petersburg is authorized for 737 vouchers; 693 are actively used.  There will be application requirements.  Site was acquired in 2011 and 2016; Architectural plans approved by HUD in 2017; Zoning approved by City in 2011.  Site Plan approved by City in 2016.  Building Permit issued by City in 2017  The Petersburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority adopted an inducement resolution on May 30, 2018, which gives preliminary approval to the proposed bond financing of the ArtistSpace Loft Apartments. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Wilson-Smith made a motion to approve the resolution to approve Petersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s recommendation to issue up to $30 million in bonds to assist in financing a 226-unit apartment project in the former Brown & Williamson plant. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comments. Ron Flock, 1708 Pender Avenue, stated, “It just sounds like a lot of cotton candy. When Mr. Berry is talking about our target is this median income of 30-year old’s then it comes back later and say seniors are our target too. It just doesn’t sound right. I am asking you to proceed cautiously. That’s all. Thank you.” Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public comments. On roll call vote, voting yes: Smith- Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hart and Parham; Voting No: Cuthbert and Hill 18-R-38 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ISSUANCE BY THE PETERSBURG REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY OF ITS MULTIFAMILY HOUSING REVENUE BONDS FOR THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, REHABILITATION AND EQUIPPING OF THE APPROXIMATELY 222-UNIT PETERSBURG ARTISTSPACE APARTMENTS MULTIFAMILY HOUSING FACILITY LOCATED IN THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA. 15. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: No items for this portion of the agenda. 16. NEW BUSINESS: a. Consideration of a Resolution of support and Endorsement of the City of Petersburg application  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 - 17 – ______________________________________________________________________________ for the smart scale HB2 round of funding for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). BACKGROUND: The Virginia Department of Transportation adopted House Bill 2 (HB2) which provides the general overview and eligibility of projects that the State will fund and through the Smart Scale application process localities can apply for funding of transportation projects that meets the goals of the Vtrans 2040 plan with respect to moving people, goods, and creating Economic and Joh Hubs. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that City Council consider a resolution of support and endorsement of the City of Petersburg application for the funding of transportation projects along I-95 and I-85, and Colliers Yard and provide staff with a recommendation. Vice Mayor Hart made a motion to approve a resolution of support and endorsement of the City of Petersburg application for the funding of transportation projects along I-95 and I-85, and Colliers Yard. 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 18-R-39 A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT AND ENDORSEMENT OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG HB- 2 APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDING. b. Consideration of a Resolution to enter into a Construction Agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). BACKGROUND: The City was required to install standard handicap ramps for sidewalks. The ramp will be located at the intersections of E. Washington Street, Jefferson Street, and E. Wythe Street. The existing pavement will be milled two inches and paved two inches with the pavement markings applied. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council consider the resolution and provide staff with a recommendation. Council Member Hill made a motion to approve the resolution to enter into a construction agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). 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 18-R-40 A RESOLUTION AFFIRMING COMMITMENT TO FUND THE LOCALITY SHARE OF PRODUCTS UNDER AGREEMENT WITH THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PROVIDE SIGNATURE AUTHORITY. 17. REPORTS/REPONSES TO PREVIOUSE PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: Folakemi Osoba, Public Relation Officer, read the questions and answers from the previous meeting regarding the public information period on June 19, 2018. 1. What is code enforcement doing to actively require 329 St. Andrews Street to be fixed? Answer: In May, the Architectural Review Board (ARB) approved a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the replacement of siding, scraping and painting of the home. The Certificate is required because the property is located in the poplar Historic District. To date, a corner section was replaced as required, scraping is going on and another section of the wall is to be replaced. Rewiring outlets to the service panel has been completed. The COA is good for up to a year. 18. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA:  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: July 17, 2018 - 18 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Mrs. Benavides stated, “Quick note. I want to thank our team. As many of you have come by the City Manager’s Office and seen that there has been a lot of change. I want to thank Mr. Lyons for taking the lead in helping us to start to cleanup in the City Manager’s Office and the City Attorney’s Office and to make some substantial changes. So, I want to thank him for his efforts and the staff. 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. Council Member Hill stated, “I am trying to think about this. Councilwoman Treska Smith helped me out with something. Today on Channel 6 right at the 5:30 hour there was a report on the Habitat for Humanity. What the City of Richmond is doing, if you watch Channel 6 if we can get there fast enough. They had a story with the Habitat for Humanity along with the City of Richmond had homes that were abandoned that they gave to Habitat for Humanity and they fixed them up to move residents in. So, I think that this is something that we can kind of partner with them to see how we can partner and do the same here in Petersburg. They have a young lady and some other homes renovated. I would like to direct our City Manager along with our Deputy City Manager to look into that with the Habitat for Humanity. And you can look up the story on the 6 News. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.” 21. ADJOURNMENT: City Council adjourned at 11:04 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor