City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 2, 2018 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, October 2, 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 Assistant City Attorney Rashaad Bey Clerk of Council Nykesha D. Jackson, CMC 2. PRAYER: Mayor Parham stated, “We are about to start off with our council prayer led by Damion D. Batts, Pastor of Mount NEBO Baptist Church.” Pastor Batts led the City in prayer. 3. CLOSED SESSION: Assistant City Attorney Rashaad Bey 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, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment, assignment or promotion, where such evaluation would involve discussion of performance of specific individuals and under Section 2.2-3711.A (7) for the consultation of legal counsel regarding a specific legal matter requiring the provision of legal advice provided by counsel and under Section 2.2-3711.A (3) for discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for public purpose or of the disposition of publicly held real property where discussion in an open meeting where it would adversely affect the bargaining position and negotiating strategy of the public body. Council Member Myers moved that the City Council go into closed session for the purposes noted by the City Attorney. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. 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 6:33 p.m. CERTIFICATION: Mr. Bey 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.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 2, 2018 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ 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 Wilson-Smith. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 18-R-50 A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING, AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, SECTION 2.2- 3712, THAT TO THE BEST OF EACH MEMBER’S KNOWLEDGE, ONLY PUBLIC BUSINESS MATTERS LAWFULLY EXEMPTED FROM OPEN MEETING REQUIREMENTS OF VIRGINIA LAW WERE DISCUSSED IN THE CLOSED SESSION, AND ONLY SUCH PUBLIC BUSINESS MATTERS AS WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE MOTION CONVENING THE CLOSED SESSION WERE HEARD, DISCUSSED, OR CONSIDERED. City Council returned to open session at 7:12pm. 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. 7. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATION OF CEREMONIAL PROCLAMATIONS: (Each presentation will be limited to 10 minutes.) Darnetta Tyus, Deputy City Manager, stated, “Good evening everybody. On behalf of the City of Petersburg staff and the City Council we would like for you all to join us in wishing a very, very happy birthday to our awesome City Manager. And then we want to also acknowledge the birthday of Mr. Howard Myers and Mr. Hart whose birthday is today. So, if you all would join us we would really like for you to sing happy birthday. After this is over we would like for you to join us in the back for cake and apple cider. Everybody give her a round of applause.” Everyone in attendance sang happy birthday. Mayor Parham stated, “For tonight’s positive Petersburg, I want to extend a major congratulation to the Petersburg City Public Schools! Congratulations on all Petersburg City Public Schools being accredited. This is the first time in recent history that this has occurred for our community. We have two schools where they are fully accredited. Lakemont Elementary, Pleasants Lane Elementary, Vernon Johns Middle and Petersburg High are accredited with conditions. I want to acknowledge our Superintendent, Dr. Marcus Newsome and his staff for all of the great work they have poured into our public-school system. I would also like to send a special acknowledgement to our teachers and school administrators who have put in the work and compassion with our students each day throughout the school year. Thank you.” 8. COMMUNICATIONS/SPECIAL REPORTS: a. City Assessor’s Report – Brian Gordineer, AAS Update on Field Inspection Program Key points:  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 2, 2018 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________  This gives accurate information, sales analysis and reassessment proposals.  They do periodic inspections.  A physical review including an on-site verification of property characteristics should be conducted at least every 4 to 6 years. This is something that has not been in the past couple of years.  There are 14,232 parcels in Petersburg and they do 3,000 parcels per year.  They use a City vehicle with a City Seal on vehicle and park it right in front of the property. So, the property owners know. They also show City I.D. and explain reason for visit.  They have found many omissions and errors.  Press Release will come out tomorrow to make public aware of when they see the appraisers out in the City in the neighborhoods. Information will be available on website. b. City Manager  Chief Operating Officer- Michael C. Rogers a. City Council Advance Update Presentation  Five Strategic Areas was a focus.  51 tasks were identified 1. 2 tasks for COO and 17 collaborative efforts between COO’s office and other departments. 2. 9 tasks for DCA and 4 collaborative efforts between DCA’ s office and other departments. 3. 5 tasks for Planning and 4 collaborative efforts between Planning and other City departments. 4. 2 for Public Works 5. 8 tasks across several departments  Project will be managed by a dashboard approach to have an assessment done. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Wilson-Smith requested to get information prior to the day of the council meeting.  Deputy City manager for Community Affairs – Darnetta Tyus Ms. Tyus stated, “I would like to acknowledge the presence of a group of special guests here. I would like to ask VSU Political Science Class to please stand. And you are also looking at your newest ambassadors to the City of Petersburg Volunteer Program. So, we look forward to great things from them. Thank you.” Mayor Parham stated, “Thanks VSU for coming out to our meeting. Come back any time.”  Deputy City Manager for Development – Lionel D. Lyons a. Jarratt House Update – Michelle Peters Mrs. Peters stated, “Good evening Mayor and City Council. Kate Sangregorio will be presenting to you the update on the Jarratt House. And I am going to give this to the City Attorney and ask him to pass a copy to everyone.” Ms. Sangregorio gave a brief PowerPoint presentation update on the Jarratt House. Key points:  Mortar analysis received from Froehling & Robertson.  Stabilization plans received from McPherson Design Group (35% completed)  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 2, 2018 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________  McPherson’s preliminary budget estimate is $397,334.48. The actual cost is between $320,000 and $420,000.  City staff will plan for a $100,000 contingency and any remaining funds after stabilization will be used for build-out.  The total funds available is $256,060 and the total project needs is $565,150. The project funding deficiency is $309,090. Staff recognizes a funding deficiency and plans to request additional funds from CDBG and the Cameron Foundation to complete stabilization.  The next meeting will include discussion on funding sources, budget preparation and report progress made on action items from the first meeting.  They are awaiting the approval of DHR, comments from the Pamunkey Tribe, and completion of Environment Review. The procurement process begins to bid and award the contract for te stabilization work.  The preservation planner and McPherson design group will serve as the project managers. There was discussion among City Council and staff. b. Update on 29 & 41 S. Union Street Surface Parking Lot – Michelle Peters Mrs. Peters stated, “This is a request that came from Council Member Cuthbert. So, I stand to provide to you this evening, protocol haven’t been established, the proposed layout of a parking area for 29 and 41 South Union Street. And so, when you look at this plan you see 30 spaces that are regular spaces and five spaces that are handicap for a total of 35 spaces. So, this is an example for the layout for the parking. And this is what we were requested to bring forward for tonight.” There was discussion among City Council and staff. c. Update on City Grass Ordinance – Tangela Innis Mrs. Innis stated, “Good evening Council, City Manager and City Attorney. I was requested to provide a copy of the City grass ordinance which is Section 98-22, in regard to cutting property for property owners as well as businesses. At this time, I provided you with a copy. If you all have any questions, I will entertain those now.” Council Member Wilson-Smith asked the City Manager to put this on the next agenda for next council meeting to see whether or not if they wish to continue with the ordinance or remove it. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Cuthbert asked Mrs. Innis to bring back an estimate on what it would cost the City if the City took over the grass cutting of sidewalks to the entirety. There was discussion among council and staff on grass cutting. Council Member Hill asked the Assistant City Attorney to look into the public nuisance ordinance regarding the pods that have been placed in front of businesses throughout the City especially in Ward 2.  Public Safety Managing Director – Kenneth Miller Mr. Miller stated, “Good evening. Madam City Manager, happy belated birthday. Public safety has been quite busy of the last couple of days. I want to talk about the topics that are going on in public safety. With respect to the community corrections staff, there are five interns that are working with me  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 2, 2018 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ now. Those interns are students at Virginia State University. So, it talks about those students that are dressed as professionals and work with a practitioner in their own fields. We are using Narcan to revive members in our community who unfortunately overdose on opiates. The officers and detectives have been dealing with this as well as the EMS workers to revive members in our community and get them safely to a treatment facility. The officers are also working on a burglary taskforce. We have captured young men breaking into one of our businesses. The officers took him in custody. I like to tell council that everything was done without incidence. We are engaging community members without violence which is really important to us. With respect to the fire department, there has been no arson within the last two weeks. We are still working with our federal partners and counter partners in state that is connected to investigation. Without going into further detail there are a number of people working on this in Petersburg but in Richmond as well. The officers in patrol and police have 30 body cameras on them. By October 2019, all officers will be in body cameras. We just want to make sure that with the additional of ‘Big Tex’ that we can adapt to the inflex of more body cameras coming on. We have taken 223 illegal firearms off the street. All were without incident and those firearms, once the court gives the go ahead we will destroy them as we did last time. The police did a beta test with the phone system. The police spend quite some money with phones. We have transferred our phones from Verizon to T- Mobile. We are still getting the same service and still providing the level of service to our community members at a really reduced cost. Though with the storm there was really no loss of service, but we have taken that into account and just last week we transferred fire to T-Mobile as well to reduce cost. We are still in the ‘Click It or Ticket’ mode. Sorry to say but tickets and summons are up in our City as well as arrest. Crime from a violent perspective is down.” Major Christian stated, “Good evening Members of Council, Mayor and Madam City Manager. As it relates to our holiday safety campaign, we will be utilizing our social media efforts. There will be some officers out in the community that will be sharing the holiday initiative and driving safety tips to the community and how we can better have safety during the holiday season. Last but not least, on behalf of Director Miller, the initiative that we are working really hard on, tomorrow morning October 3rd from 7:00am to 10:00am we will be celebrating our annual ‘Coffee with a Cop.’ We will be located at three different locations throughout the City. The first one will be Sheetz on Wagner Road, Hardees on South Crater Road and the 7-Eleven on 701 South Crater Road. We invite citizens and council members to come out and share this event with us. Grab a cup of coffee and share a laugh and ask questions. And most of all come out and support us as we engage in our efforts to build a better relationship in keeping a good positive relationship between law enforcement and our community.” Mayor Parham stated, “We encourage everyone to come out and have coffee with our police tomorrow.” 9. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (to include minutes of previous meeting/s) a. Minutes: Regular Meeting – September 4, 2018; Special Meeting: September 13, 2018 b. Schedule a public hearing regarding an Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to offer for sale the list of vacant City-owned real estate properties. Council Member Myers made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda and to schedule a public hearing for October 16, 2018. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 10. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. A public hearing amending Article IV, of Chapter 38, Section 38-97, changing the effective date of the Technology Zone. BACKGROUND: By Ordinance, the City Council of the City of Petersburg established the I- 95 Technology Zone in 2003. In 2014, the City Council adopted an ordinance reaffirming the Zone  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 2, 2018 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ and extending the expiration date to January 1, 2020. When the Technology Zone was established, the property within the Zone was owned by BI Chemical. BI Chemical sold the facility to UNITAO in 2014, and AMPAC fine Chemicals purchased the Petersburg facility in 2016 from UNITAO. On August 31, 2018, SK Holdings purchased AMPAC Fine Chemicals. The facility had not been in production since UNITAO purchased the plant in 2014. Going forward, the Petersburg facility will operate under AMPAC, and both SK Holdings and AMPAC expressed plans to significantly invest millions of dollars in the Petersburg Plant, and plans to maintain staffing up to 300 employees within the next several years. They also expressed that they plan to operate the facility for decades into the future. The current Technology Zone expires in 2020, and without the Zone incentives, production costs will increase, and operations at the Petersburg plant may be moved to another AMPAC site in another State. Following a presentation by AMPAC during the September 4, 2018 City Council meeting, the City Council approved a request to establish the valuation of existing equipment, and to authorize existing equipment to be considered eligible existing equipment regarding the technology zone. The incentive associated with the existing equipment will expire January 1, 2020. This is a request to change the Zone effective date expiration to January 1, 2025. If approved, starting January 1, 2020, the incentive associated with the Zone will apply only to new equipment purchased by AMPAC. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council considers approval of the extension of the Technology Zone beyond 2020, for five additional years, to 2025. Mrs. Benavides stated, “Mayor and Council we need to do a little bit more legal research regarding our ability and we have asked that this be continued or moved to the next council meeting.” Council Member Myers made a motion to table and move the public hearing on the technology zone to the October 16, 2018, City Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 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. Brandon Martin, 1546 Berkeley Avenue, stated, “Tonight I have but one topic and it’s the City Collector’s Office. For too long we have endured issues with water meters, water bills, payment schemes and customer service. I have a new issue tonight. I am essentially asking each every one of you, council and citizens alike, is your bill correct with water and sewer charges shown on the bill applying the rates that you all adopted last year in April I believe that was effective July 1st. I asked you to do that because this summer my issues began when no garden meter credits were applied when, but the readings had been furnished to the  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 2, 2018 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ office. I have been told that the credits will now appear on the bill that will be issued shortly. That is the October bill. That’s all. No dollar figure and no calculations and no explanation. They asked the question if I have a leak. I have no leak and I asked them to refer to my account history that will reflect increased consumption during the dry spell that is usually experience every summer. The staff wondered then if I had felt the bill was too high. I replied I just want it correct. I advised the staff that my calculations of the water and sewer charges based upon my usage and that the rates that were adopted last year do not correspond with the information on the bill. In short, just for this calendar year so far, I have been overcharged $386.80. And my calculations for the garden meter credit that has not yet been applied is $240.98. That is over $600 so far. There is one more aspect. That being the City utility tax being applied to my account. It appears in error in every instance and in eight or the nine months in excess of twice the codes. My request for an explanation for just how the billing amounts are calculated have gone unanswered. My request for the garden meter credit and the utility tax charge and citation in the source of the City code have also been ignored. It is time for the collector’s office to show their work. The State Corporation Commission regulates investor owned utilities. Our water and sewer system operations to include billing are not subject to SCC review. We get no help from Richmond. It appears that you, members of council, are the last result. How many other customers have a similar issue? I have no idea at all. I will be reviewing my bill for 2017 and prior years. I haven’t gone back to 2012. I ask you to look at your bills and do your own math. Maybe an outside audit is warranted. Just saying that I do not have the time to review it, but I will get around to dealing it when I have time is unacceptable. Thank you.” Robert Jones, 236 South Adams Street, stated, “I have been in that building for 42 years. I have always cut the grass in front of my house. I thought it is supposed to be. What I came tonight for is to address some of the houses. If you look at the house here, this happen more and more. I am preaching to the choir. If we could, we are spending money on salaries and so forth. Can we get a couple more code compliance personnel? If you are looking at the building that I passed you, you will notice the right-hand side behind the tree is the second half of the duplex. That property owner keeps their house up. And you can see what is happening to Mr. Elmore’s house. Mr. Elmore says that he left it and gave it to the bank. The bank is saying that a Mr. Elmore still owns it. They keep passing the buck back and forth. If we had a code compliance gentleman or lady, then they would have someone that would actually go out and enforce the law. Banks have lots of money and certainly they can do something to help us. Keeping the houses up is the utmost important. I can tell you truthfully and honestly that in my experience I have had people to stop and talk to me about the neighborhood and people that lived in the neighborhood and what is being done. I have had them say that the houses are too run down and that I cannot afford to live here and that I need to go somewhere else where the houses are being upkept so that I can get a return for my money. So, it’s important that we get this done. If we could hire someone I am sure that you would greatly appreciate. I can go back to the neighborhood association meeting next week and tell them that they are going to take care of this. Thank you.” Karen Graham, 402 High Street, stated, “I would say ditto to Brandon Martin comments. I had the same issue with my garden meter submissions and finally a week or two ago they got posted. But what I am here to talk about is that last month the City took the owner of 350 High Street to court for code violations. And this is not the first time that the owner has been taken to court and the building has continued to deteriorate over the number of years with absolutely no work being done on it. When the judge asked the City staff if they were requesting jail time of the owner the staff said no. In my opinion it is time to start asking the court for jail time. If you really want to get these absentee properties owners attention, then that will do it. This one is not an instance where neglecting has occurred over a year. It has been happening well over ten years as I mentioned to you at prior council meetings. I applaud the City for actually taking stronger action in getting some of these properties into the court. But I would ask you to take even a firmer and stronger stand and get the message out loud and clear that Petersburg will no longer let property owners to demolish by neglect. My other issue is that in July Delegate Aird held a community meeting with the landfill for the foul smell coming from it. Which is affecting residents and businesses. Some of you on council attended the meeting as well as representatives of DEQ and Container First. My question is what the City administration is doing to address this problem. Are your working with Colonial Heights and Fort Lee on this issue as their impact is just as direct as we are. City paid nearly a million dollars to get out of the contract from a trash collection company early just so Container First would take on their business. Who reaped the benefit when the deal was made? Not the residents or businesses. Stronger action or should I say any action needs to be taken. The third item to put you on notice is that the decorative lights on Washington Street between Madison and Jefferson Street don’t seem to be  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 2, 2018 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ working. If someone can look into getting those operational. And what is the status on the Ramada Inn? Both Mrs. Rudolph and Councilman Hart at the last meeting asked what was happening with the Project and we have not heard anything. And we are also considering selling another big piece of property at Exit 52 to another developer. It does give me causes to the City’s ability of putting projects into the hands of confident contractors. And on a positive note the High Street Association is having a haunted house tour on Sunday, October 14th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. I invite you all to attend. Thank you.” Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated, “My topic tonight is public information report. I waited for a good little while for you all to have this meeting a couple of meetings back. I get the dates wrong. We finally had the meeting and I had done my little research and came up here and I was ready to give my report. I gave my report and I had it down. I had asked the Mayor to ask the Vice Mayor to assist me with the different council persons in the ward. And you all had your last meeting and you closed it up with no old business and no unofficial business. When you got down to the report of previous public information period you said no business. And I wasn’t the only one that came up here during the public information period and had concerns. So, what happened to those concerns and what happened to mines? I am still trying to figure out how to understand and manipulate with the City Council. I want to understand and bring problems from out there. I hear these people crying and complaining and everything and I in turn bring them here because they are similar to mines. I just want to know what is going on. Sending you all out in the field to take a look and then I am going to compare my look and your look and see if we are on the same page. But if you all don’t answer my question when I ask them and when I take my time as well as you all are taking yours when I come down here and do the research in the field if nobody is listening and join in. So, at the tail end of it I gave my note which I do not like to give because I never get them back. I done dealt with the City on publications that I had stuff like that and I never got it back. And now my note done disappeared. This is a very important period and we don’t have but three minutes to talk to you all about things. So at least you all can answer so that we that is sitting out here can listen. I am listening to everybody else complaint and the answer that you all given them. And if you not going to give them how is that going to be transparent. We all got to be in this thing together. We got to be thinking and if I am not right then I would like for you to mention it. Where else can you do this then right here at this council meeting. Thank you. So, I am still looking for my answer. Thank you.” Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated, “I like to thank the City for doing such an outstanding job with cutting grass on Pocahontas Island in Old Towne at the wine festival. They had a boat festival on Pocahontas Island and it was great. I think that they are working on the pavilion over there and will be doing a boat festival. I think you need to take a look at it. They are doing an outstanding job. The thing that worried me was during the time of the storm, the Appomattox River downtown. If you all meet with Senator Dance, try to speak about that river out there. I am afraid. Because in 1972, this place was under water. It was all the way up to the feed place. I just wonder do the businesses in old town have flood insurance. We need to take a look at Lieutenant Run and Brickhouse Run. Anytime it rains there on Bollingbrook Street and Bank Street it floods so that you cannot go through it. The water backs up to Cameron Field. Something needs to be done. Because I believe that one day there is going to be a disaster in Petersburg if we do not get the Senator and House of Delegate people to try to help us clean up our river. Thank you.” Ron Flock, 1708 Pender Avenue, stated, “I brought this up before but you all get these handouts. Then they are up there and then you get 30 seconds to look at the screen then it is the next slide. It would be nice if there was some back there for us to look at. I want to talk about this grass problem. The last two weeks I have three houses in my neighborhood with grass that is knee high. I have gone on the website and recorded it. As a matter of fact, at the last council meeting the very next morning I got an email from the City saying that it was taken care of. It was a surprise to me because when I drove by on my way here to the council meeting it was not taken care of. I have gotten two more responses that says that it was taken care of and it was not taken care of. So, you know it is either we have City workers sitting down at Wawa drinking coffee like Richmond has or they are just not paying attention. So, something needs to be addressed with that matter. That is all that I have. You all have a good night. Thank you.” 12. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR COUNCIL MEMBERS: Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Thank you. I want to share with council an article that appeared in  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 2, 2018 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ the Progress-Index just a couple of days ago. The online version is dated October 1st. I am passing the article to Treska Wilson-Smith and so on. So, if everyone would take a copy. The article is recognizing the fact that Petersburg has raised its bond rating to ‘BB+’ with a positive outlook. The article goes on to say that this is still junk on status. It is not quite time to take a victory lap. Over on page two at the very end of the article, I want to read this a loud and ask everyone that has a copy to follow along and for the public to listen.” Council Member Cuthbert read the quote out loud from the newspaper. Council Member Cuthbert stated, “So even once we get back to investment grade, and I am confident that this council lead by Mrs. Ferrell-Benavides, will get us there. We are going to be held back from rising any higher by the wealth and economic metrics. Now, the economic metrics specifically mention to include the high tax rate. For decades Petersburg has had the next to the highest real estate tax rate in the State of Virginia at $1.35 per hundred. Even Richmond with its significant economic problems is at only $1.20 per hundred. But we are up at $1.35 per hundred. And the impact of that high tax rate decade after decade is visible when we look around out community and see that wealth has fled to the county’s in order to escape out high taxation rate. And then there is also a reference in this article by Mr. Barrett on the relatively low-income level. This is the median household income metric that I have mentioned many times before. We are being given by S & P the playbook by which to raise our bond rating. Now why do we care? One reason we care is that our bond rating is tied to our cost of capital when we borrow money for our schools for example. And that is the big consumer of capital or our water infrastructure. Another big consumer. We have to pay more for that consumer because our bond rating is not where it should be. Yet, immediately across the river is Chesterfield County with a triple plus, very high, rating. We need to ask ourselves how we got into this situation and they get in their situation. And what can we learn from them and what can we learn from this article. This is long term but terribly important to the health of our municipality. The other thing that I would like to talk about briefly is the Ramada Inn. A reference was made on that tonight. I would like us to put a discussion of that on our agenda for our next meeting of council and what are our options and how should we proceed. My impression is like many of us in this room is that work has come to an absolute standstill. And this is our gateway and yet it looks no better than it did before we sold the property. It looks worse now that all the windows are out. Perhaps this is a discussion that needs to take place in open discussion or perhaps in closed session. Perhaps it is a discussion that needs to take place in both forms. But in any event, I would like for us to address that at our next regular meeting. And I appreciate it Mr. Mayor. Thank you very much.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “According to our minutes dated September 4th, we tabled an item which talked about City owned land located at 1540 Baylor’s Lane. It was to be tabled until our next meeting. Which we have and now we are at the second meeting from the 4th and so I would like to ask where are we with that property. What decision, what has been discussed and what are we doing about it?” Mrs. Innis stated, “Yes ma’am. What staff and I have been doing is looking into the1540 Baylor’s Lane property. We have to schedule a meeting with the City Attorney. And we would like more time to set that. But we spoke with the deputy city manager and he asked us to have it completed by the October 16th meeting.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “Thank you. According to the first meeting in June, and I was not here for that meeting, but I did read the minutes, and we talked about appointing someone to the Virginia First Cities. There was discussion that Mrs. Annette Smith-Lee was to do that, but the minutes don’t reflect it. And when I talked to Ms. Jackson I think she said it was tabled. Is that correct? So, can we address that tonight and go on with the motion and get it properly done. These are just somethings that we have laid out there. And I know you hear me sometimes say that we don’t have a follow-through. So, these are things that are out there that we need to follow-up on. So, these two items if we could take care of that tonight. Any objection to that?” Council Member Myers made a motion to appoint Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith to the Virginia First Cities Board of Directors. 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-R-51 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING COUNCIL MEMBER TRESKA WILSON-SMITH TO VIRGINIA FIRST CITIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 2, 2018 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “That is all that I have for tonight. Thank you, Council Member Smith-Lee.” Council Member Smith-Lee stated, “Good evening. I would like to thank all of you all for coming out tonight especially the students from Virginia State University. I commend you for coming out and hanging out. I know you all probably have some classes but thank you so much. Happy Birthday to everybody that is celebrating birthdays in October as well as myself. October 14, mighty Libra!! I also would like to thank everybody that came out on Saturday in 6th Ward/5th Ward. And especially to the WOP City Group. We had a gathering at Farmer Street Park. The young men provided food like hotdogs and hamburgers and smoked chicken. They had a DJ. I came a little late because I was out of town but it’s just trying to make sure that we get the youth and the people in the community to realize that in order for things to work we all have to work together. And I truly appreciate the WOP City Committee. Also, in October 21st we are going to have the ‘Stop the Violence’ event at Farmer Street Park again. We changed the date from 2pm to 5pm. We will have someone to come out and speak about violence. Chief, I have not gotten with you, but I hope that you can come out. Also, we are going to have breast cancer awareness also. And what we would like for you to do is bring a balloon to release for anybody that has been affected by violence and also anyone that has lost their family member to breast cancer or any type of cancer. Also, you can bring a photograph because we are going to hang it up. I truly hope that this is going to be an event where we are going to have hamburgers and hotdogs again but just to bring the community together in reference to stopping the violence. That concludes my report. Thank you.” Council Member Myers stated, “Nothing.” Council Member Hill stated, “I just want to couple of items. I want to thank our employees of the City for hanging in there and doing the jobs that they do. I know everything can be done a little bit better. But I thank you for the hard work that you are putting forth. We have come a long way in a short period of time. I just want to publicly thank you all. We are looking forward to the cleanup that we will be having in our ward coming soon this month. So, we will get the word out. Also, I will be having a town hall meeting after elections. I am not on the ballot, but I will be having something after the elections. In our retreat no one can tell the story like we can tell our story. So, I would like for us to tell the good things that are happing in Petersburg as a City an as our administration with our PR. I want to see more good articles in the newspaper. Facebook is fine, but a lot of our elderly people read the newspaper. So, anything that happens positive in Petersburg. One of the reasons why the education that we got accredited was that they changed some of the rules and regulations that they were holding the students to in public schools in the State of Virginia. And one of the reasons that they did this was that they are looking at the totality of the student and not just the grades itself. Although, we know the grades are important, but they are looking at attendance and behavior and all those things. With that being said just like they are looking at the City, they are looking at the cleanliness of the City and the good things that are happing to the City. So, I just like for us to tell our story more so than what we are from an administrative standpoint and also from our regular citizens. Everything is not doom and gloomy in Petersburg. We have come a long way in a short period of time. So, I would like to thank our workers and employees for the hard work that they are putting out. And also, the citizens who are the feet to the fire. So, I appreciate it. That is all.” Vice Mayor Hart stated, “Good evening everyone. I have a couple of things and I will start with Mr. Noise first. If you have gotten out in the last couple of weeks, although not necessarily perfect the grass cutting was cut out no Youngs Road and some trash picked up. One of the things that we have to do is invest in some of the equipment that we have in the utilities department to make sure that they are up and running and some just need to be replaced or purchased. As we are trying to make progress and cut the grass and cut the trees there is a still a way to go. So, we are looking into that to make that that department has the appropriate tools to do the job that is required. Somethings have been addressed and taken care of. As we look at our own yards the grass is growing every day. So, bear in mind and understand that once we cut the grass then by next Monday it is already green. So, if you haven’t seen it then hey, it is something that we are trying our best at. A huge thing. Lately in the last couple of weeks I did my own self-evaluation within the water system. And I did some research and looked around and one of the things that have come up is that I think our issue is more, so software related as it come to that. I will discuss with the administration team as we move forward. I really think and have always thought that if we go back and reset the system and zero everything out it will be fine. It does  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 2, 2018 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ not have to be at this moment but until it has been proven that we have to go buy a new system itself we have to go in and make the changes that are required to if that is the issue. A few other localities across the country had similar issues and that has also been part of their fix. So, hopefully we can look into that and move forward on this issue. That’s all I have. Thank you.” Mayor Parham stated, “Good evening everyone. I just want everyone to know that Ward 3 will be having a meeting at Walnut Hill at 6pm on October 11th. That’s Thursday October 11th at Walnut Hill. We will talk about our community cleanup and other issues that are coming up along with School Board Chairman Ken Pritchett. I know him and Dr. Newsome will be there to discuss what is going on in the schools. I should say the good things that are coming from the schools. I just want to be real quick because I want to give some of my time to Council Member Cuthbert. I was in Williamsburg this past weekend for Rotary District Conference and I was looking so much of their historic buildings down there. They are in great shape that they are kept in. Their major component of that is that they did not let things go down the way things have been going down the last 20 and 30 years. So, Council Member Cuthbert and I looked at ‘Operation to Stabilize’ all tools and I am in favor too of jail time for a lot of this neglect that has been going on. So, at this time I am going to pass it back to Council Member Cuthbert.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Thank you Mr. Mayor. I am working with staff to put together a City program named ‘Operation Stabilize to Revitalize.’ This is one of several tools that will be available to the City to address demolition by neglect from something that Mr. Jones spoke about with the photograph tonight and this is something that Karen Graham spoke about as well. And it is an issue that council and all staff are very aware of. The goal of this program is to work with other offices. For example, code enforcement being a major tool for addressing demolition by neglect. And having to bid on occasions by demolition. But we hope to stop the deterioration of wonderful neighborhoods and buildings before we get to the point of demolition. So, the goal is of this program is to eliminate conditions that jeopardize public health and public safety and to stabilize and ultimately to save our historic buildings. And to revitalize our neighborhoods and build our real estate tax base and the foundation of our most important income stream. What I am saying tonight is just FYI. I am not asking council to take any action, but I will be working with staff to refine this program and staff will bring it back to council and I will anticipate councils consideration at a future point. To illustrate the problem, I have got some photographs.” Council Member Cuthbert went through some slides of pictures of properties that show demolition by neglect. Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Page 13 is an overview of ‘Operation Stabilize to Revitalize.’” Council Member Cuthbert went over the steps on how the program works. Mayor Parham stated, “Thank you Council Member Cuthbert. Council is well aware that there is a cancer that is plaguing Petersburg for far too long. I would like to ask City Attorney and City Manager to lay all options on the table to address this issue with severe penalties that the code allows. Thank you.” Vice Mayor Hart stated, “I agree with you guys wholeheartedly. One I know I mentioned some months ago is that we get out and do a press release on a new way of doing business in Petersburg. We are addressing it to each and to those that come on a regular basis, but it is time to stand in front of the cameras or the newspaper and start saying what we will not be tolerating.” 13. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: No items for this portion of the agenda. 14. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: a. Consideration of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Solara Development and Construction Corp to purchase and develop the City-owned property at 501 E.  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 2, 2018 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Washington Street. BACKGROUND: The City Council approved 17-Ord-56, November 21, 2017, authorizing the City Manager to dispose of, by sale, the publicly-owned properties addressed as 501 East Washington Street. The City has received a proposal and draft purchase agreement to purchase and develop the City-owned properties to construct a national-brand hotel. The proposed use is in conformance with the current zoning of the property, B-3. The proposed commercial use is the same as the prior use on the property and it is in conformance with the Comprehensive Development Plan. The development would result in additional revenue to the City through Real Estate property, Personal Property, Sales and Use, and Business License fees. When the ordinance was adopted, no proposal or proposed use was associated was considered. This would provide authorization for the City Manager to execute the proposed purchase agreement. The Council Standing Committee reviewed and approved the proposal prior to the development of the purchase agreement. RECOMMENDATION: City Council review and approve the attached ordinance. Reginald Tabor, Economic Development Manager, gave a briefing on an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Solara Development and Construction Corp to purchase and develop the City-owned property at 501 E. Washington Street. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Vice Mayor Hart made a motion to accept the recommendation for an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Solara Development and Construction Corp to purchase and develop the City-owned property at 501 E. Washington Street. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comment. Ron Flock, 1708 Pender Avenue, stated, “I kind of have to agree with Mr. Cuthbert on this. If you go to Solara website, they have got this whole Petersburg thing on their website. It is the first thing that pop up. But it is a very small hotel. We are looking to bring tourist to our City and a lot of tourist does come with just a parent or parents with no kids. Something that is going to offer more for a family is probably something that we should look a little closer at. That is all I got. Thank you.” Michael Edwards, 409 Grove Avenue, stated, “Mr. Cuthbert I am going to have to disagree with you on this one. I have been in the public sector in transportation for 14 years. And for 14 years I have never once had a passenger, tourist or group ask me can you take me to Petersburg, so I can get a hotel. The closest they come is Chester. We have an eyesore sitting at Exit 52. You ride down the street and see the curtains flying out the window. It looks lovely. If I was a tourist and I didn’t live here I keep right on going to Exit 45. Exit 52 was once a thriving exit. You had the Holiday Inn and you had the Best Western and Sarah’s Pancake House and Waffle House and the Ramada Inn. My mother worked 14 years at the Ramada Inn. If we knock we down the proposals before they even get here we are no better off than what we were a year ago. The hotel can be potentially a million-dollar investment in this City. The taxes on a million dollars is great. You not only get the real estate you get personal property, you get the meals you get the lodging. If they have events you get admission tax. The list goes on and on for the taxes. We talked about what the rooms run per night. Anybody with a smartphone or computer can sit down and download trip advisor, Wikipedia and Expedia and get discounted rooms. You can probably log on right now and get an oceanfront room at Virginia Beach for $150. So, to make a false assumption based off what you see online. That is what it is a false assumption. While the conversations were going I was sitting on the phone going straight to website and the hotel at the airport runs $58.49 per night if you book directly through the hotel. If you book through the booking site, you get it between $50-60 per night. So, you save a little money. You are not going to please anybody in the public sector. You may bend over backwards you may kiss the hands and the feet and massage their shoulders but if there are just foul people they are going to write whatever view that they want to write. Go read the City reviews that will tell you something. People if they want to be irate they will be irate whether you like it or not. I encourage you  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 2, 2018 - 13 – ______________________________________________________________________________ to pass this and let’s put something other than a vacant lot and start rebuilding the cash reserves in City Hall.” Karen Graham, 402 High Street, stated, “I do have concerns on the type of hotel going in there. Considering that we have a Motel 6, which is a lower grade and the Travelodge which has major issues with bed bugs and management. So, I think that we need to be looking into raising our sights a little higher for what we would like to see at Exit 52. I would also ask that I believe this developer is located in Petersburg and any properties is going to sell to the business or another property that they are current on the real estate taxes, utility bills and their business license. All those things are looked into before we sell a property. And we don’t need to be a stepchild to Richmond. We need to be raising our sites and requiring better quality projects that there is good landscaping. Because that is what brings people in. What we lack really needs to be brought to the forefront. Thank you.” Erica Young, 1 Haden Drive (VSU), stated, “If this hotel is to be built will there a minority contract in place for the progress of the establishment?” Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated, “I am really concerned about hotel and motels. I guess the one I get excited about is the old hotel on Tabb Street. What happened to that? I got so excited about it because they said that they were going to renovate it. I remember the day when people used to work there and everything. What happened to that motel? With this one that you have recommended to build, I am not against it but the crime in that area and prostitution and a little bit of everything goes on in that area. We need some properties that will really improve that area. I wonder if a hotel like that will bring crime back in that area. The number one thing that I am concerned about and we are talking about an abandoned building, what are we going to do about the hotel or motel on Tabb Street? I mean that is a beautiful place. What ever happened to that? Thank you.” John Conwell, 2604 Homestead Drive, stated, “The information that Council Member Cuthbert brought up about and those things are really common at times. Those things are upkeep. But it really dawned on me that back in the early 80s at the gateway we would call on Route 10 was the same motel. It is similar to and it might have been Windham, but it was a nice hotel. I was wondering, and it is not there now, what happened. It was good access off of 95 and it was doing good and it was brand spanking new. But it is not there now. It either sold, moved or when out of business. I think that council needs to be being that it is the gateway, what do you envision. Because like it is there is no vision. But what you envision, to me the micro is a step up from a Best Western. Are you looking at who can afford it and stay there? Or are you looking for tourist or customers coming off of 95 to stay. But I would say that you place the standard of what you want but due diligence as far as the past of what happened back then. That’s close to what Hopewell or Chesterfield could probably address in the early 80s. Thank you.” Daeishe Smith, 1 Hayden Drive (VSU), stated, “If the hotel is to come about and there is profit how will that money be spent. Will it be within Petersburg? If there is a deficit how will we prepare to handle the deficit and where will the money come from.” Sedrick Cross, 1 Hayden Drive (VSU), stated, “My question is on something that will go back to the upkeep of the hotel. I am a bus driver for Petersburg Public Schools and I notice that on some of my runs there is a large amount of kids that come out of these hotels. So, with the upkeep of these hotels will it be tourist attraction or would the upkept be for a small amount of time and then turned into another hotel. And then people like us that transport have to create another stop to pick up more kids but of living situations. And also, what would it pour back into the community.” Brandon Martin, 1546 Berkeley Avenue, stated, “What do we plan to do with the surrounding neighbors to attract this proportion. Thank you.” Asha Brandside, 1 Hayden Drive (VSU), stated, “I think this hotel can be a positive aspect for the Petersburg community that could primarily effect Virginia Stated University. We have tons of hospitality majors that could use internships that are close to our school that we are able to reach. Thank you.”  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 2, 2018 - 14 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson and closed the public comments. There was discussion among City Council and staff. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Cuthbert and Wilson-Smith 18-ORD-29 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH SOLARA DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION CORP TO PURCHASE AND DEVELOP THE CITY-OWNED PROPERTY AT 501 E. WASHINGTON STREET. 15. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: No items for this portion of the agenda. 16. NEW BUSINESS: No items for this portion of the agenda. 17. REPORTS/REPONSES TO PREVIOUSE PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: Kemi Osoba, Public Relations Officer, read comments and responses from previous public information at the September 18, 2018, regular council meeting. 1. Why is it that some meters have readings in cubic feet and others in gallons? The more recent digital meters read in gallons, while the manual meters read in Cubic Feet. 2. Why does the City webpage still list the former city attorney? Also, the job is not posted online. The City webpage has been updated to reflect current City personnel. Any website changes can always be sent via email to City PIO, Kemi Osoba at fosoba@petersburg-va.org or by calling 804-733-2307. The City Attorney position is posted via the Job Opportunities page on the City’s homepage. 3. The Staff directory on the City website only lists two telephone numbers. City Personnel and their contact information is listed by department on the City staff directory. Users should click on the department they wish to contact to access all information on personnel names, telephone numbers and email addresses. 4. What is the status of the former Ramada Inn project? The developer of this project is slated to resume work within the next month. 18. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: No items for this portion of the agenda. 19. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM CLERK: Ms. Jackson announced information regarding the Trunk-A-Treat that will be held on October 31, 2018, at the Sports Complex in Petersburg from 5:30pm to 7pm. She stated that if anyone would like to participate that they can contact her 804-733-2323. 20. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY No items for this portion of the agenda. 21. ADJOURNMENT:  Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: October 2, 2018 - 15 – ______________________________________________________________________________ City Council adjourned at 9:20 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor