City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at the Union Train Station. Mayor Parham called the meeting to order at 6:33p.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: Deputy City Manager Lionel Lyons City Attorney Anthony C. Williams Clerk of Council Nykesha D. Jackson 2. PRAYER: Mayor Parham stated, “At this time Council Member Darrin Hill will led us in our opening prayer.” Council Member Hill led the council meeting in prayer. 3. CLOSED SESSION: City Attorney Anthony C. Williams stated that City Council will now move to go into closed session for one purpose pursuant to Section 2.2-3711.A (7) of the Code of Virginia, 1950 as amended, council will be in closed session for the purpose of receiving legal advice and status update from the City Attorney and legal consultation regarding the subject of specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by the City Attorney and matters of actual or probable litigation specifically including but not limited to matters requiring legal advice by the City Attorney. Council Member Myers made a motion to go into open session with the reasons noted by the city Attorney. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. 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. Williams stated that City Council now moves to come out of closed session and certify that only public business matters lawfully exempted from an open meeting requirement pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and only such business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered in the closed meeting. Council Member Hill made a motion to return City Council into open session and certify the purposes of *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ the closed session. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 19-R-27 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. 4. MOMENT OF SILENCE: Ms. Jackson led council and the audience in a moment of silence. 5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Ms. 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, “As I start the meeting off with our ‘Positive Petersburg Story.’ I would like to talk about the City and staff attending the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) last week. The National Conference to pursue economic development opportunities for the City of Petersburg. ICSC’s mission is to ensure the retail real estate industry is broadly recognized for the integral role it plays in the social, civic and economic vibrancy of communities across the globe. During the conference council members and staff had the opportunity to meet with national retailers to position the City of Petersburg as a prime location to relocate or expand their businesses. This proactive approach to economic development and business recruitment will position the City of Petersburg as a desirable location for businesses and give us the chance to share our competitive advantage. At the conference this year, there were over 30,000 attendees, from localities and businesses across the nation seeking to build meaningful partnerships for future economic retail development. In addition, to the City of Petersburg, others from the Gateway region, such as the City of Colonial Heights and Prince George’s County also sent staff to the conference. Conference topics ranged from focusing on emerging brands in retail, innovative adaptive use, leveraging educational institutions for preparing the next generation for careers in retail real estate and a future focus on reimagining vacant retail spaces though mutually beneficial Public-Private Partnerships (P3s). City Commission and staff are excited about the opportunities for business expansion within the City. In addition, the City is committed to providing training and professional development opportunities for all its employees related to their job duties and contingent upon budget. With a specific focus on ensuring that our public safety departments, such as Police and Fire have the resources and training necessary to provide the highest levels of service to the residents of the City of Petersburg. In the ongoing slideshow you see that we met with representatives from Starbuck’s and Chipotle sharing the vast amount of properties that the City of Petersburg has. Many of those retailers are coming to check out the City of Petersburg for those potential sites. Over the last two years, the Fire Department and Police Department have attended numerous training and professional development opportunities within the state of Virginia, and when necessary at the discretion of the Department Head and City Manager, nationally. Also, when possible the Director of Public Safety leverages intergovernmental training opportunities and will partner with nearby localities, such as, Chesterfield County. With a focus on maintaining accreditation for the *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ departments, credentials for the officers, improving response times and emergency management preparedness. In addition, to public safety, the City’s administration and Department Heads also attend conferences and trainings on an as needed basis, to maintain professional accreditations, credentials and learn about new best practices to provide better City services. Most importantly, City staff are focused on providing much needed economic development opportunities to add sales and business tax revenues, which is one of the City Council’s top priorities. Some of the private meetings that we had at the conference was with:  Par 5 development regarding their Proposed Petersburg Development  CBRE regarding property they represent in Petersburg and strategies to market and get the properties leased  Meeting with Marriott regarding available properties in Petersburg  Meeting with Wyndham regarding available properties in Petersburg  Meetings with Site Consultants: Retail Strategies, Retail Coach, Buxton and Site Zeus  Sessions regarding Opportunity Zones, Coworking, Creating Unique Retail Experiences. I thank everyone for their support and sending council to push that dial to move the City forward in building up a hotel and retail and commercial spaces. Because the economy is right, right now for growth and all of these industries are looking at expand during this time. So, the City of Petersburg wants to get in before the bubble pops. Right now, with the economic being high, now is the time to strike. Thank you again.” 7. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATION OF CEREMONIAL PROCLAMATIONS: a. Proclamation designating May 19-25, 2019, as National Public Works Week BACKGROUND: Public Works Professionals provide essential infrastructure services to the citizens of Petersburg to protect the general health, safety and welfare of the community. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Mayor Parham read and present the proclamation. Mayor Parham read the proclamation out loud and presented it the Public Works Director and Department. b. Proclamation designating May 28, 2019, as W.H.O.P. City Day Mayor Parham read the proclamation out loud and presented it W.H.O.P. City, Inc. Wesley Nicholas, Owner of Another Level Barbering and Cosmetology School, stated, “On behalf of W.H.O.P. (We Help Our People) City, and we realize that it is going to take us to show the youth an example. When they see something that they can strive for and can go for, we take a pride in that. These are the men of the community and some of these men are my big brother’s. I learn from them. So, we come together collectively as an organization and say that we are going to do it all. We are going to come together as a village and we are going to train and teach our youth. We want to say thank you for all your love and support and everything that you have done for us. A special thanks to you Mayor, Annette, Mr. Myers, Darrin Hill and Mr. John. You guys have been a special blessing to us. Mrs. Treska you have been a great person as a mother to us. Mr. Cuthbert, thank you. Without you guys we cannot do nothing. Anytime we come up with an idea you all just jump on it. You do not challenge us, and you listen to us and then you give us ideas on how to make it great and successful. Again, we like to say thank you on behalf of W.H.O.P. City and we love.” 8. COMMUNICATIONS/SPECIAL REPORTS: a. City Assessor Report – Brian Gordineer, AAS, City Assessor *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ *No report for this portion of the agenda. b. City Manager Report – Lionel Lyons, Deputy City Manager Mr. Lyons stated, “Mayor and Members of City Council I stand before you in the absence of our City Manager. You have before you a comprehensive report which is the City Manager’s Report. In addition to the City Manager’s Report I am going to go through and highlight and then briefly update you as to where we are as it relate to the street name change issue. A few items that I would like to highlight is events and community affair. The River Street Market resumed in the spring/summer of 2019. The Farmer Street Pool has opened for the summer. The Petersburg School Development Job Shadow Academy has been featured in the Virginia Town and City Magazine. I want you all to know that as you gave kudos to the Public Works Department Staff we are still struggling to fill the 26 vacancies that we have. And as a result of that we have set aside time to hold a job fair on June 15th. So, if you know of anyone out there that is looking for a job with the public works department we have 26 positions. Please feel free to have them to join us at the library. In our street operations we had seven utility cuts repaired and 23 potholes during the week of May 20. Lots of notices of violations that you all can see with grass vegetation and others in that process. You all recognize as well that they have all done a lot of work at the Commonwealth Attorney’s Building. Their HVAC System was replaced. We have 20 City owned lots mold over the past week. Staff is also looking at ideas of what to do at Wilcox Lake and we will be coming back to you with some recommendations on that. Staff is also recommending that we relinquish two DEQ Grants for Lieutenants Run. And we will be bringing back to you a full presentation on that as well. Staff is also starting the meter reading process. To date we have cut-off 1,441 accounts and staff has also changed cubic feet meters to gallon meters. On the public safety side, police operations of guns safe street is still in effect. To date 116 guns have been removed from the Petersburg streets in 2019. On May 21st, the FBI Investigations Citizens Academy held a graduation that included Petersburg citizens and we are thankful for that. You also need to know that Station 4 in Walnut Hill, we conducted a mold remediation process and that process is now complete. As it relates to training Mayor, you eluded to the department. Our department is working with Chesterfield Fire Operations and Chesterfield Training Facilities. That was last week. In addition to that we are being a little more aggressive with dealing with commercial demolitions and summons. And last week Fire Marshal Jones issued six summonses during that process. And last but not least on the public safety side the smoke detector blitz in the Battlefield Park area, there were 29 detectors were installed. With public transit as you all are aware we have received three brand new buses and we have also put in a request for five additional buses. And at the request of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation they have asked us to make a request of additional buses because of the fact that are buses are older. As I eluded to this process on the public works side, transit is having some of the same things and as a result they will be joining public works as it relates to the job fair. Last but not least of this report, many of you are aware that back on May 6th staff presented you with a full comprehensive report about the issue of the street name change and mailing. Since that time there were a number of issues and concerns that were raised, and the public works staff has now endeavored to address those concerns. Before you have a report effective today of the things that have been done. So, as a result of this we are prepared now based on the result to go back out and do another mailing to see if we can address the concerns and I wanted to bring that before your attention.” Mayor Parham stated, “At this time we have been going back and forth with this street name change for quite some time. I have seen it spiral out of control and my citizens in Ward 3 on Johnson Road are highly upset about their voice not being heard of not wanting their street name changed. They have told me that it is irresponsible and disrespectful and self-serving to change the name of their street against their will. So, at this time I will pass the gavel to Vice Mayor Hart to make a motion to cease all City resources dedicated to street renaming in the City of Petersburg.” Mayor Parham made a motion to cease all City resources dedicated to street renaming in the City of *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ Petersburg. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. There was discussion on the motion. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Voting No: Wilson-Smith Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Mr. Mayor before we move off the report of the City Manager, I have got a question about two items, please. Mr. Lyons it is fine if you just stay right there. I know the audio is not great from one end of the table to the other. The report said that staff has changed 279 cubic feet meters to gallon meters. How many more cubic feet meters remain and what is the game plan for converting them to gallon meters?” Mr. Lyons stated, “Council Member Cuthbert, I will ask Mrs. Sinclair and Mrs. Innis, if you all can come up and directly address that question please.” Mrs. Sinclair stated, “It is roughly less than 100. It is about a 100 to 150. Initially, when it was reported out that it was almost 1,000 cubic feet meters, through the QVC process we have discovered that a lot of the accounts in the system still had accounts with meter information and coded as cubic feet, but they were actually stormwater accounts. Therefore, those accounts were eliminated so we roughly had 100 to 150. There are 56 industrial and commercial that we have to change and some lingering residential.” Council Member Cuthbert asked, “Are the 56 included in the 100-150?” Mrs. Sinclair, “Yes.” Council Member Cuthbert, “What is the timetable and game plan for replacing those 100-150 cubic feet meters that remain?” Mrs. Sinclair stated, “October of this year.” Council Member Cuthbert asked, “And we have got the funds to do that?” Mrs. Sinclair stated, “Yes. It was put into our capital improvement plan.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “That is great. Well thank you for that. And thank you Mr. Lyons. Mr. Lyons the other question that I have deals with weeding the borders of North Adams Street up from the river up to Franklin Street. I believe that six-eight months ago there was some discussion about the City extending some contract to see that this done. Yet, the weeds are significant and more robust now then they were this time last year. I was wondering where things stood on that.” Mr. Lyons stated, “And I will jump in on as it relates to the first item that was brought up by you and Ms. Wilson, Commonwealth Attorney, on the building. Mrs. Innis will say to you today that the contractor, we have already engaged that person and in order to address that issue that we raised earlier the same contractor will be addressing those issues. But Mrs. Innis can tell you more details on the contract.” Mrs. Innis stated, “The contract actually was awarded within the last 30 days. The City has issued their purchase order and they are actually starting next week. So, they will be coming around the downtown area. He will be spraying the weeds throughout the downtown area as well as the gateway as well as pruning and keeping the City up to its standards.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “That is great. I had no idea that my question would get such a response. I appreciate it and thank Mr. Lyons as well.” *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Hill asked, “Mrs. Innis what is the plans for Crater Road and the median with all the weeds. Is that same contractor going to be doing all of that? It seems like it needs to be weed whacked and all that.” Mrs. Innis stated, “So, we have a different contractor for road side services which is currently in the procurement office waiting to be advertised. They gave me the timeline of being advertised within the next two weeks. What we did was make the decision that we needed licensed sprayer on that contract. But what I asked staff to do was to go out there weed eater and hit all of Crater Road throughout the median and knock down those weeds. So, basically what we will do is keep staff and the contractors awarded and take care of our median, streets and grass.” Council Member Hill stated, “Are we getting anyone that is already certified that is already one of our workers that way we don’t have to do as much contracting.? We used to do it ourselves.” Mrs. Innis stated, “Yes. There is an employee on staff that said that he has his certification, but I have yet to receive a copy of that. So, what I have asked him to do is send me that certification and in fact if he is not certified we will get him recertified and we will not have to use a contractor for it and we can do it inhouse. But we have to go through the registration process with the Department of Professional Occupational Services. But we are looking into.” Council Member Hill stated, “Thank you.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “For Mr. Lyons, I think. The cut-off of 1,441 accounts, how many of those have been turned back on. Do you know?” Mr. Lyons stated, “You know I do not have that exact number and Mr. Baxter is not here. He would be the person that would have that specific information. But, I will endeavor to get that answer to you by end of day tomorrow.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “Sure.” c. St. Andrew Street Bridge Presentation BACKGROUND: For information only. RECOMMENDATION: For information only. Mr. Lyons stated, “We have Ashley Johnson from the Timmons Group.” Ashley Johnson, Project Manager for Timmons Group, stated, “Good evening and thank you for having me today. As Mr. Lyons mentioned, I am the Project Manager from the Timmons Group and construction of St. Andrews Street. I am going to give you a brief overview of the project.” Ms. Johnson gave a PowerPoint presentation on the update of the St. Andrew presentation. Key points:  Bridge is considered structurally deficient.  Their scope of work is a full replacement.  This project does have VDOT construction.  Some of the utilities south of the bridge will remain. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ There was discussion on the PowerPoint presentation. d. Presentation by Billing and Collections BACKGROUND: Since July 2018, the administration has been focused on eradicating the backlog of payments, improving customer services and the accuracy of bills and streamlining the process and improving the collection rate. The presentation will provide a status report. RECOMMENDATION: Council to receive the presentation on the status of improvements to the billing and collections process. Michael Rogers, Chief Financial Officer, gave a PowerPoint Presentation on Billing and Collections. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Mayor Parham made the suggestion of having a separate work session on billing and collections and also changing the ordinance to take cash on hand for water bills and changing the due date. 9. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (to include minutes of previous meeting/s) a. Minutes: City Council Meeting: May 7, 2019 b. Minutes: Special City Council Meeting of April 30, 2019 c. Request to schedule a public hearing and subsequently considers adoption of an Ordinance approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Purchase Agreement and proceed with the sale of City-owned property, located at 505 High Street and 801 South Adams Street, in accordance with applicable legal requirements. (June 18, 2019) Mr. Williams stated, “I had a conversation with the economic development director late this afternoon based on an email that I had received from a council member. There are a few things regarding properties in ‘9c’ that I would like to get resolved before council approves that. I am wondering if a member would be interested in tabling that until the next meeting on June 4th so that we can get that straight before council approves that item.” Mayor Parham stated, “I will entertain a motion to approve item ‘a & b’ on the consent agenda and table ‘c’ for the next meeting. Vice Mayor Hart made a motion to approve the consent agenda for items “a & b” and tabling item “c” until next meeting. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion on the motion. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 10. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. A public hearing on request of Lisa Capek for a Special Use Permit pursuant to Article 23, Section 4 (23) of the Zoning Ordinance to operate a Stand-alone vehicle and truck repair shop at 107 North South Street, T.P. 023-06-0013. The property is zoned “B-2”, General Business District. BACKGROUND: The Zoning Ordinance requires that City Council must take action once a recommendation is forwarded from the Planning Commission. This use in the Zoning Ordinance requires a Special Use Permit. The applicant is requesting to have a vehicle and truck repair shop. The applicant *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ currently manages the maintenance for a commercial fleet of a major company. RECOMMENDATION: Following a duly advertised public hearing, council may affirm the Planning Commission recommendation, overturn the Planning Commission recommendation, table for further consideration, or return the item under consideration to the Planning Commission requesting further review. Th recommendation of the Planning Commission was to approve the Special Use Permit request with a vote of 7- 0. Michelle Peters, Director of Community Development and Planning, gave a briefing on the Special Use Permit Request for property located at 107 North South Street. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public hearing. Council Member Myers made a motion to affirm the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve the Special Use Permit for property located at 107 North South 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 19-ORD-29 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 107 NORTH SOUTH STREET. b. A public hearing consideration of an ordinance authorizing the sale of City-owned property located at 627 (Rear) North South Street, 915 West High Street, 901 Halifax Street, 107-109 West Street (South), 437-37A Harrison Street, 804-806 Bolling Street; 411,520, 524, 525, 530, 516-518 Shore Street, and 725, 729, 735, 745, and 747 Wilson Street. BACKGROUND: The City has received proposals to purchase the following City-owned properties: 009-010005 627 Rear North South St 024-070019 915 West High Street 045-060006 901 Halifax St 024-280037 107-09 West St S 031-060016 437-37A Harrison St 031-400002 804-806 Bolling St 031-250032 411 Shore St 030-260004 520 Shore St 030-260003 524 Shore St 030-160006 525 Shore St 030-260001 530 Shore St 031-400001 516-18 Shore St 031-250041 725 Wilson St 031-250040 729 Wilson St 031-250038 735 Wilson St 031-250034 745 Wilson St 031-250033 747 Wilson St In accordance with applicable legal requirements, A public hearing is required prior to approving and *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ authorizing the sale of City-owned property. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council considers adoption of an Ordinance approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Purchase Agreement and proceed with the sale of City-owned property in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Reggie Tabor, Economic Development Manager, gave a briefing on the consideration of an ordinance approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Purchase Agreement and proceed with the sale of City-owned property in accordance with applicable legal requirements Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comments. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated, “Good evening members of council. Normally I would question who is buying it and why. But it just so happens that I was able to meet those persons who are trying to buy it. But I think what shocked them is when I went into my yard and parked I walked back up and I started questioning what you are going to do and why are you going to do it. My only thing is that we have had so many people even churches. Our neighborhood association cornered Reverend Diggs to find out what are you going to be doing and if you are going to follow up on what you are supposed to be doing around our way. We have had so many people come in our area and say that they are going to do things. As you see, things are as they were when folks said that they were going to do things. But in talking with some of those involved in buying the property, some want to get to state office. We have got some assurances because a lot of those persons, we found a way to contact people and make sure that we hold them accountable. Because we are tired of everyone thinking that because that is the hood you can come in and hoodwink us. But I would say again that it is not going to bring I don’t think, when I say this, I would say that City Council should approve this sale. I think a couple of those people are here. Mr. Hart was with them and he assured them that if they don’t do what they say they are going to do they are going to be put on full blast. So, I would hope that City Council would approve the sale this time. Thank you.” Ray Ferguson, 2746 Poe Lane, stated, “One of the houses that we put a bid in for is 901 Halifax Street. And I just want to throw out there what we plan on doing. What we are doing right now in the City is rebuilding a lot of houses here. Matter of fact we are calling it a Rebuilding Petersburg Initiative. We have submitted a plan to the City in the past and with this one what we want to do is take this house and gut it out and make it a three bedroom and one and a half bath. In order to finance it to someone, just a little of what we have in this property. So, their payments would be less than the rent in that area. That is our goal. Our goal is for people to plant flowers here in the City of Petersburg instead of becoming renters. One of the properties that we are working with is 901 Halifax Street. We want to convert this and make it into a nice house and have people to be able to plant flowers and be able to have a home. I will guarantee you this that the owner financing piece would be cheaper than the rents in that area. That is what we are going for and we are looking to work a lot more with the City, so we are looking for more houses like this. Thank you very much.” Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed public comments. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to table action until June 4th as the City Attorney had suggested. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. There was discussion on the motion. Council Member Myers made a motion to go into closed session. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Voting No: Wilson- Smith *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ City Council entered closed session at 8:48 p.m. CERTIFICATION: Mr. Williams stated that City Council now moves to come out of closed session and certify that only public business matters lawfully exempted from an open meeting requirement pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and only such business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered in the closed meeting. Council Member Hill made a motion to return City Council into open session and certify the purposes of the closed session. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion was approved on roll call vote. Council Member Cuthbert stated, “I want to state as the City Attorney said we should that I feel that a number of matters that were discussed in closed session that were not properly closed session matters, including the price of this property. The purchaser of this property, the intended use of this property and the terms of a performance agreement. My feeling is that all of this should have been included in the agenda. It is very much the business of the public to know this. It is not the business of the public for council to hide it from the public. I think that we have violated the Freedom of Information Act and I am not going to be a part of that. We need in the future to put this information in the agenda. That is the name of the purchaser and his intended use, sales price and the terms of any performance agreement to enforce the representation that the proposed purchaser has made to the City. So, I cannot support this motion because I think it white washes what went on in closed session. I vote no.” On roll call vote, voting yes: Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Voting No: Cuthbert 19-R-28 A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING, AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, SECTION 2.2- 3712, THAT TO THE BEST OF EACH MEMBER’S KNOWLEDGE, ONLY PUBLIC BUSINESS MATTERS LAWFULLY EXEMPTED FROM OPEN MEETING REQUIREMENTS OF VIRGINIA LAW WERE DISCUSSED IN THE CLOSED SESSION, AND ONLY SUCH PUBLIC BUSINESS MATTERS AS WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE MOTION CONVENING THE CLOSED SESSION WERE HEARD, DISCUSSED, OR CONSIDERED. There was discussion among City Council Members. Motion to table action until the next meeting made by Council Member Cuthbert is on the floor for vote. The motion was not approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert and Wilson-Smith; Voting No: Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham Council Member Myers made a motion to give the City Manager the authority to dispose of the properties and to negotiate the price. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion on among City Council Members. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Voting No: Cuthbert and Wilson-Smith 19-ORD-30 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO DISPOSE OF THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 627 (REAR) NORTH SOUTH STREET, 915 WEST HIGH STREET, 901 HALIFAX STREET, 107-109 WEST STREET (SOUTH), 437-37A HARRISON *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ STREET, 804-806 BOLLING STREET; 411,520, 524, 525, 530, 516-518 SHORE STREET, AND 725, 729, 735, 745, AND 747 WILSON STREET AND TO NEGOTIATE PRICES FOR LISTED PROPERTIES. c. A public hearing for the rezoning of a proposal of 10-ORD-101, based on the recommendation recently received from the Planning Commission. BACKGROUND: The proposed project consists of a mixed-use residential and commercial development with up to 226 units. The units are a mixture of regular units and live-work units designed for artist housing and studio space. The project also includes square footage for commercial development and well as studio space for the display of art work and creative spaces. A condition of the previously approved rezoning to the Planned Unit Development required all multi- family residential units to be market rate, until the sunset provision expired, and all units were eligible to be developed as market rate or affordable housing. This application is taking out any ambiguity by requesting to have a multifamily use without the financing provision attached to the use. In addition, this request spells out the commercial as general, meaning anything permitted in the general commercial district without the necessity to obtain a Special Use Permit. This application proposes to delete all the language that deals with the former industrial uses and the sunset provision. This is the final building to be developed at the Brown and Williamson Development, which was planned as a phased development and this is the final phase of that development plan. RECOMMENDATION: Following a duly advertised public hearing, council may affirm the planning commission recommendation, overturn the planning commission recommendation, table for further consideration, or return the item under consideration to the planning commission requesting further review. The recommendation of the planning commission was to deny the amendment request with a vote of 5-0. Michelle Peters, Director of Community Development and Planning, gave a briefing on the request for rezoning. There was discussion among staff and council members Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Sara Melissa Witiak, 22 Centre Hill, stated, “If this was not in the packet that we got that was posted online I am a little bit worried about having a public hearing without proper information being given to the citizens before the hearing. I do not know if I am confused and I missed it, but it seems that a lot of people is confused about what is present.” Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated, “Yes, there might be a little confusing but I am going to say this. If Mrs. Peters, if there is nobody else if the City is getting the best for their money, Mrs. Peters is. Because she did come up here and say the number of times hearings were held and what was done. She did not go into great detail as to why some of it was done. Thank you, Mrs. Peters. Which goes back to why we have a fantastic Planning Director. And I say that to say this. I would hope that this council again would understand that even those of us that do not make big bucks like to live the good life. And this project will help us do just that. Do not get me wrong. There are a lot of us who are renters and those of us who are on Section 8. We do not live like some say we do or try to picture as we do. And looking at something like this I would like *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________ to be there myself. But me and elevators and climbing with other health reasons is just not an option. Let’s not forget that some of our City workers would benefit from this too. I hope I don’t sound funny but why don’t we give us poor folks a chance. Not all of us live like people try to portray us. And I am going to say this. And I think you are going to know where I am coming from Mr. Myers. A lot of times even with the disagreements and all that we have had, this is one time I can say thank you for standing up for us. I don’t mean just color wise but standing up for us. The ones that do not have the luxury of whether or not we clock and we still getting paid. And again, I think that this would be a good addition in the 5th Ward. Thank you.” Michael Edwards, 409 Grove Avenue, stated, “I stand before you also as one of your appointees to the Anti-Poverty Commission. You all appointed us and tasked us to find the problem of poverty in this City. I presented to you last year the numbers of what the state that this City is in. Now not many of us can go home tonight and open up the checkbook and write a check and not have to balance a checkbook. I don’t have that luxury and 70% of this City does not have that luxury. We are a financially impoverished, household income City. We have been going back and forth for months with this project. I have bee quiet on it but it appalls me that somebody that was elected can constantly sit up here and attack the poor people of this city should not even be sitting in the seat. If you all do not pass this ordinance tonight I will look at you and say how in the world can you say you committed to the success of this City when you are fighting every project that caters to the poor people of this City. How do we not know that the folks that live in Pecan Acres and Pin Oaks will not make a move into something like this. I have told Councilwoman Wilson-Smith numerous times at her Anti- Poverty Commission meeting. I will not let my dog live in Pecan Acres or Pin Oaks. Why, because they have been neglected for so many years. You ride through the neighborhoods and you want to cry and then you come to the council meetings and you here an elected member constantly attacks the poor people of the City. Just know and it is on the record, 2020 is coming.” Seeing no further hands, Ms. Jackson closed public comments. Sandy Graham, representative of 110 South Perry LLC, gave a briefing and updated on the proposed request. Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Let me state initially that I am able to participate in the transaction before us fairly, objectively and in the public interest. I have also filed a statement with the Clerk of Council as the Virginia Code allows, so that I do not have to put council through any longer recitation of reasoning.” There was discussion among City Council, staff and petitioner. Council Member Hill made a motion that City Council approve the amendment to zoning ordinance 10- ORD-101 relating to properties 220 Perry Street, 501 Farmer Street, 214 Brown Street, 304 Brown Street and 100-120 Perry Street. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. Council Member Cuthbert made a substitute motion to postpone consideration of item 10c (relating to 10-ORD-101) until council’s meeting on June 4, 2019; and instruct Deputy City Manager Lyons to determine the anticipated revenue and anticipated cost to the City for the first ten years after this project is completed, assuming Council approves item 10c, and to report his findings at Council’s meeting on June 4, 2019. Anticipated costs shall include separate projections for each of the two five-year periods over these 10 years (because revenue will not be uniform in each of these five-year periods.) Anticipated costs shall include, among other things: a. Increases in Petersburg’s school age population due to this project and Petersburg’s portion of the corresponding cost, including yearly debt service for capital costs; and b. increases in the cost for social services, police, fire, rescue and other general services. The motion dies due to lack of second. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 - 13 – ______________________________________________________________________________ The original goes back on the floor. Council Member Cuthbert stated, “I am voting no because I think that we need to know what we are doing before we do it.” The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Hill, Hart, and Parham; Voting No: Cuthbert; Abstain: Myers 19-ORD-31 AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE 10-ORD-101 RELATING TO PROPERTIES 220 PERRY STREET, 501 FARMER STREET, 214 BROWN STREET, 304 BROWN STREET AND 100-120 PERRY STREET. There was discussion from Council Members and staff in regard to housing in the City of Petersburg. 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. Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated, “I am going to make a suggestion based on the last meeting. There was a lot of activity at the table up and down as I went back and reviewed. I think there was only one speaker at the end of the public information period who actually had everyone at the table. What I suggest that we do is that perhaps schedule a break as the regular part of the agenda. Like a five-minute break for comfort. Because sitting up there it is difficult sitting through things. Sometimes you do want to get up, but you do not want to miss anything because you are the decision makers. I am not being unsympathetic and personally if I was sitting up there I would have to take more breaks than most of you do. But I think that would be valuable because I do think that you owe it to the citizens to at least pay attention to them for comments. I do not know how many people signed up, but I suspect that a few of them have left. We are down to another late night and I realize that you all have a lot to talk about and I hope that you all can leave in peace with one another. It was a little more continuous and provocative at some of the meetings lately. I think that was noticeable and I hope that can be resolved in the future. I spent a lot of time looking at the budget, but I will leave that to another time. Because I think that everyone is wiped out at this point. There is one other comment that I would like to make on FOIA request. That is sort of a reoccurring problem. I know that several months ago you all talked about someone being responsible in the City in dealing with that. It seems to be still an issue. And that is that the FOIA Officer that I think that is designated is, Tanesha Flowers, at least that is what is being told to citizens. But Ms. Flowers is in a position of being stuck between jobs and departments. And when she gets questioned now she is just punting and saying that the City Manager is going to have to answer this and the City Manager is not available. Of course, the answer is to wait but it seems that I think that you all as a body are aware that the FOIA system and the City is still broken. Thank you.” Julian Greene, Jr, 1625 Blair Road, stated, “And the purpose and the reason for my coming tonight is to address an issue that came up prior to this present administration. It was during the time that the Robert Bobb Group was here dealing with Peabody High School and Peabody Middle School. We have been the only suiter. We are trying to request the custodial rights and ownership to Peabody. And in discussion and talking with the Robert Bobb Group, Mr. Tyrell and some members of council knew our position. There was no cost at all. Not *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 - 14 – ______________________________________________________________________________ one red penny. We have collaborative partners in the area. The number one HBCU in America. The number one with all of the department heads with us. The number one major corporation with associates even Virginia Union as well. We have met with some of the members of the staff, but we have gotten nowhere. We are being harmed. The commerce department has settled in $8 million dollars for us. But that fell through based on the City’s condition. The monies and the resources of that $8 million dollars would have to come to the City and the City will then forward it to us. The General Assembly got involved and our representative at that time got involved. We now have a major grant that must be planted at PALDC (Peabody Academic Learning and Development Center.) It is working with the school system and working with our citizens. And I say that in the context that time is running out. Time is running out and we need to move forward. We need to meet tomorrow and figure out what we are going to do and that is with the president of both universities, Virginia State and Virginia Union and all the department heads. We need to move forward. The state came and also made a presentation to you. We have given information to the administration. The lawyer for the schools stated that there was no deed to the property. We have the deed certified and authenticated. We gave that deed to Mr. Lyons and also to the City Manager. In the presentation that I gave before I gave to the City Attorney dealing with the preservation coming from the Department of Interior telling us that we must preserve all-natural sites. Petersburg is a gold mine in history. My request is that it appears that the administration is not saying anything to council members. We need to have a meeting so that we can move forward to help this City. The children need it. The adults need it. The perception needs to be changed. Resources and revenue need to come and to that I would like to ask for a meeting with the members of all of council so that we can move forward. I am angry from the standpoint of really being denied and delayed. So, we want to have a meeting. Let’s schedule that meeting so that we can move forward. Thank you.” Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated, “Good evening. My question was how many people signed up to speak. Let me change that. How many people are here and is our time going to be adjusted or what? No, that’s the answer. Key locations have to include all or be neutral. I am talking about the voting thing right now. How will this work on I-85 and I-95? You were talking about the billboards last time with this election thing. What is the sign? I have seen two that we have to deal with. Those telemarketers are still calling and everything. We do not have nobody to follow up on it and ask the question and respond to them. But it goes to a dead end because they hang up on you. Youngs Road, Mr. Hart, I have heard that you have been having meetings and none of the neighborhood watch knows anything about it. Youngs Road, I requested that VDOT be called in to do an inspection on Youngs Road and do a report. That was never addressed on the sign-in information sheet. That was left off. I got a couple of pictures that you came out and did a repair on Farmer Street and Youngs Road. You have not returned to paint the lines. There was a little offshore work that was done. You came out and the trash and dirt that was dug out of the whole was put in the bushes. We have pictures of it. They have direction signs right there that the bushes have grown over it. They came out and trimmed the bushes around the sign and left it all there. Did not do anything. Servicing and repairing necessary devices. None of that has been done. The dumpsters on Washington Street need dumping and they are overflowing. Police came by and chased all of the drunks off the street.” Mayor Parham stated, “Mr. Noise, we have Mrs. Innis there with public works. Can you give that list to her? Those are some validate points of things that are all in public works that she can take and address them. I want her to get that sheet.” Mr. Noise stated, “Okay. Hot beer no discount. In these stores the air condition unit have gone out, but they are still selling hot beer. Bird in the hands and the ones in the bush. Ms. Jackson, Senator Dance, the Chief, the Mayor and the Manager. We got them birds in our hands. Let’s run with this. Sidewalk access and handicap beautiful up and down Washington Street. But it was a long time coming though. Good job and it look pretty.” Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated, “First and foremost I would definitely like to thank our co-sponsor, Mr. Myers, who came out on Saturday despite everyone saying that he wouldn’t. He even got a *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 - 15 – ______________________________________________________________________________ chance to meet a constituent of his, a parent, at one of our schools. So, I definitely thank that. And I am glad to see you back Mr. Mayor. Because if you didn’t take your daughter we were going to be playing taps or something for you. One thing I do appreciate is that at least you called and told me that you had no choice. Because I didn’t want to see your daughter hurt you. Thanks for the support from Ms. Margia Wallace and her staff. Mr. Myers when you all left that is when we got the bulk share of people. But I will say this also that we asked the paper to come and they didn’t. I do not know what happened, but it would have been nice if they had covered the youth job fair that was also at Vernon Johns. From what I understand had 91 young people where they came and interviewed. Jackie Zimmerman with social services should be applauded. The last few hours we worked with them and we pulled in some of those parents. Also, I would just like to say this one thing that Councilman Hill made mention of. Just like it was said that you had a lot of City workers that have to go home, please do not forget that when you take some of these breaks when you go into closed sessions and I don’t know how long presentations. Although I am concerned about our City we need to go home too. We have a lot of senior citizens who cannot see too well at night, but they are still brave to come out here. So, last but not least, I will say this to everyone that I am glad that I am one of the few civilians who was certified by the safe department of health. But, I also want to say to members of council, Mr. Hart, I want to say thank you, and as a person, and like Ms. Jackson, as a person who is living off disability, I accept your apology. And Mr. Cuthbert you may have meant well or misunderstood but it is not so much what you said but how you said it. But I am going to say that Mr. Hart shouldn’t have been the one to apologize it should have been you. Thank you.” Sara Melissa Witiak, 22 Centre Hill Court, stated, “I would first like to thank the City for mowing Centre Hill. It looks very nice up there. I would also like to thank whomever is doing the posting of things on the City calendar on Battersea on June 1st with the playground painting. I would like to thank you for the information on tree cutting at the last meeting. But it did not answer the question of what is the penalty it only told me what the code was. And I would also like to reiterate events that happened recently that during City Council Meetings either we do not have a Christian prayer, or we start to involve all the citizens of this City during that time and we invite the Muslims, Jewish and a poet. This is City government. This is not a church. Although I do respect everybody’s beliefs. I would like also to know from City Council and Department of Public Works what grants are being applied for to reduce the burden on the residents who are paying water bills and sewer bills. What are the grants that are being applied for? How many grants are applied for? Have we gotten any? What is that funding to be used for? I believe that this City can play a huge role in making the lives of the City who have and people who do not have. I teach people at VSU. And I teach people who have and do not have. And when they walk through my door I do not know and frankly I do not care unless they chose to tell me. My job is to push them and give them all the tools to succeed when they graduate from school. It means sometimes I have to do a little extra work. And I hope that people understand that we have a very vibrant and lovely City that I love dearly, and I will defend dearly. But we have to work hard and together extra hard to make sure everybody succeeds. Thank you.” 12. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR COUNCIL MEMBERS: Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Several things. There was an ad in the Progress-Index recently for ABC Off for a company called Boppers on North Sycamore Street. It was unclear to me whether the ABC-Off License that has been applied for is only to convections that is candies that have liquor in them or whether that license would permit the sale off premises of beer as an example. I ask staff if staff would get an answer to that and include the answer in our agenda for June 4th. Including a copy of the application that is pending for the ABC Board so that council will know if that application only applies to convections or broadly to ABC Off. Mr. Lyons is that something that you can find out and report to council as an agenda item on June 4th.” Mr. Lyons stated, “Yes, councilman. I also spoke to Chief Miller earlier today and we can do some follow-up on that by June 4th.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “That would be great. Let me go to the Ramada Inn. When Mr. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 - 16 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Harrison appeared before us on May 7th I asked him when will you cover all the window openings and the graffiti. His response was that we plan to have that removed before the month is out. Well we are almost at the end of the month. I would like so to put on the agenda on June 4th an update by staff as to the status of Mr. Harrison’s efforts to remove the graffiti and close those window openings and consider inviting Mr. Harrison back on June 4th if he has not done what he said he was going to do. Ms. Jackson would you include an agenda item to that effect or Mr. Lyons would you do what’s necessary to include an agenda item on June 4th.” Mr. Lyons stated, “Yes sir.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Thank you. Now let me go to ‘Stabilize to Revitalize’. I would like to ask that our June 4th meeting we revisit that issue. I realize that the motion to reconsider would have to come from someone on the prevailing side. I hope to talk to members before June 4th. I hope to include an agenda item on our June 4th agenda to revisit that. Last item, I am handing down an ad that appeared in the Progress- Index on May 26, 2019. It was announcing Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Free Summer Camp. When? July 17th to July 20th. Who? Rising 9th to 12 graders in school district of Hopewell, Price George, Dinwiddie and Charles City. I ask that staff contact ITAC and ask that Petersburg be included in that list and welcomed if they are interested in this free summer camp and come back with an update on June 4th. Mr. Lyons is that something that you can do on June 4th?” Mr. Lyons stated, “Yes sir. I will follow up.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “That’s great. The absence of Petersburg is a real sock to the jaw. I hope that it was accidental but let’s just keep it hopeful. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I don’t have anything else.” Ms. Jackson asked, “Before I go to Councilwoman Wilson-Smith, I do have a question. With all the items that are requested to be on the agenda for next Tuesday, are we delaying it until Thursday because the agenda is supposed to go out tomorrow morning? And I just need that clarification before I print everything together.” Mayor Parham stated, “Let’s just delay it until Thursday, the agenda, to get those items in.” Ms. Jackson stated, “Thank you.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “I had quite a lot of things, but I do not want to delay this meeting any longer. So, if I can just read it and give it to Mr. Lyons and send it to you by email to address at the next council meeting if that is okay. (1) At the last council meeting and according to the minutes, Vice Mayor Hart made a motion to amend the budget to increase reimbursement for Social Services in the General Fund by $279,760 and to increase Lease Tent of Building in Social Services by $279,760.00 Page 115 of the Social Services Budget indicates Lease/Rental of Building is $68,590.00. If we add on $279,760 we would have a total of $348,350.00 for lease/rental. The state is paying $327,000 and we are paying $57,000.00 which is a total of $374,000.00 The numbers are not adding up. Where did we get the amount of $279,760.00 from? (2) I would like the city attorney to produce the ordinance which indicates that council members can receive health insurance. Is the receipt of said health insurance a part of the benefit package of the city and if so, does it in any way refute the stipend that the charter indicates council members should receive? (3) In the 2018/2019 budget, which we are still in, there is a line item indicating that council was allotted a total amount of $35,000.00 which was equal to $5,000.00 each for trainings. Of that amount we went to the NLC conference and I attended the women in leadership conference. Please tell me what line items were expended to finance the last two trips of our city manager and some council members. (4) Can you, Mr. Williams, please research for me any ordinances which governs the spending of money not written in the budget. Is it brought before council? Does council vote on it first? (5) Please bring to the next meeting the proposed dates, times and places for the Advance in August. (6) Can we please look into the purchase and operation of a visible stop *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 - 17 – ______________________________________________________________________________ clock so that the citizens can see their allotted time to speak. (7) I would like to bring back to council, the possibility of organizing a Citizenry Finance Review team of at least 7 people to work with council and to review the budgets hence forth and make recommendations. I will work on a resolution at the next meeting. (8) Can you please look at redistricting for the Blandford area? They want to go back to being a whole Blandford. They have always objected to this. It was an historical area. So, if you can start looking at information for redistricting so that one part of Blandford can reunite with the other part of Blandford. I would appreciate it. And I will send this to you in email. Thank you.” Council Member Smith-Lee stated, “Good evening. My report is very short. I just want to congratulate the WHOP City Group for their service in the community.” Council Member Myers stated, “Councilwoman Annette Smith-Lee I am going to apologize to you for I do what I do. But I am going to say this right now. I do have healthcare from the City of Petersburg. But I can guarantee that I pay ten times and twenty times and one hundred times more taxes than you do just on my one automobile. So, mu healthcare you do not need to have it investigated. I have had healthcare for the last three years and I will continue to have health care as long as council approves it. So, you stay out of my business like you do anybody else. When you call me, and you talk to me about what you are going through I do not get on here and come here and try to downplay you in front of the audience like you have done me for the last five years. But I think that it is the most insensitive thing that I have ever found from one person that you do to attack each and every one of us when you get the opportunity to do so. But you do not want anybody to say anything negative about you. So, stay out of my life because I am not in yours.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “Please let the record show I did not call any names.” Council Member Hill stated, “I want to thank VDOT and those individuals who are responsible for Wagner Road. I just want to know when we are going to pave the area that leads from Crater Road to the bridge. Also, AMPAC will be having their grand opening on June 17th at 10am. They already have 60 workers and are looking to hire maybe 100 more workers. That is right off Wagner Road as well. I want to thank the City Manager along with the Mayor and Councilman Myers and the individuals who went to the economic development trip. Because at the end of the day the reason why other areas are thriving is because they go out and seek certain opportunities. And if we just stand here and talk about our history and our location and how great it is that is fine. But if you do not go out and get those individuals to come to you then you are just standing. So, we have to do things a little different. I am not opposed to anybody going to any trips like that if it is going to better the City. As a council I do want it to be mindful that when we have our presentations at the beginning that the time limit is supposed to be for ten minutes for the presenters and then each individual gets to ask five minutes of that particular topic. Sometimes we are in violation of our own rules and that is the reason why we have been getting our here late. When 2020 come we can address those things in the Rules of Council but for right now we have to obey by the rules that we have now. I will be at a conference on next Tuesday that is not City related so I will be out of town Monday through Wednesday. So, I will not be at the next council meeting. Other than that, I have no other items. Thank you.” Vice Mayor Hart stated, “Good evening everyone. On today I had the opportunity to visit the new Community School in Richmond, which is a private school. The main reason that I was invited to go there was the eighth-grade science class did a study on Petersburg. And in that process, they talked about the water, environmental changes and a few other things. I will get with the Mayor along with administration and invite them down to have a meeting to showcase what their study showed. It was quite interesting for a group of 8th graders to sit here and show a side of Petersburg although we looked at, but we have not really focused on. It is some great information within it that can showcase the City. I have asked them to consider some time in June or July as they move forward to show the presentation. Also, I am baffled by some of things that go on when it comes to council. On one hand citizens tell us on a regular basis that we do not know what we are doing and that we have no understanding of municipal law. Then we go out and get training and then we are *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 - 18 – ______________________________________________________________________________ spending to much money. It has to be one or the other. I would rather have an educated person than to not. I am just confused at the fact we do more fussing and arguing about moving the City forward and we spend a lot of money outside of training areas to move it. I hope that we focus on ways to bring money into the City as opposed to in all honesty I like you all, but I do not need to see a bunch of department heads. We see you guys at every meeting and we can have conversations there. We need to focus on how do we bring money into the City and how do we right new rules and policies. What are the things that we need to grow this City? We are going backwards fast and we have to figure out why we are doing some of the things that we are doing. There has been projects that have been a year or two waiting for us to give approval to. There has been ways that we can make money that we could have made money but there is just delays on our behalf. So, we have to figure out do we want money in this City or do we want to just sit around and complain about everything that is going on and not going on. One thing that is coming up and I talked to Ms. Tyus about it is the 100 days of summer. And it is not about doing 100 exciting days in the City itself. But anyone that has a program that wants to send it in and add to the calendar of events just let us know. We want to know what is happening for 100 days in Petersburg. So, we can put it on the calendar and inform the community of what is going on. These are simple initiatives and simple things. I have talked with Mrs. Peters and her trip to Memphis a couple of weeks ago and her training and she came back super excited. I know what Memphis is about. That is basically where I am from, but we have to start looking at new ways of making money instead of old ways of over spending money. That is all that I have, and you guys have a good evening.” Mayor Parham stated, “I don’t have much for tonight, but I wanted to talk about a few projects going on in Petersburg. One of them is the library auditorium that the Library Foundation along with Mr. Wayne Crocker presented and the possibility of them building a new auditorium that we can use for council chambers and various events and programs for the kids in the City. We just passed the budget at the last council meeting and tonight I would like to make a motion. I am going to pass the gavel to Vice Mayor Hart. We have $1 million- dollar reserve set up in next year’s budget and my motion is that anything past $1 million dollars go into our capital fund to support the library auditorium project up to $250,000. That is my motion.” Mayor Parham made a motion that anything past $1 million-dollar reserve has been reached should go into our capital fund to support the library expansion of the auditorium up to $250,000. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion on the motion. 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: Mayor Parham stated, “I want to draw attention to an item that you have in front of you from our last agenda. An ordinance to amend Section 2-192 of the City Code that the City Attorney asked us to consider that was tabled to this meeting from our last meeting after the public hearing was closed on the item. And it was inadvertently not included on tonight’s agenda. So, I would like to entertain a motion to add it to tonight’s agenda and remove it from the table for consideration.” Council Member Hill made a motion to add it to tonight’s agenda. The motion was seconded by Council Member Cuthbert. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham a. Consideration of an Ordinance to adopt and incorporate Section 2-192 of the City of Petersburg Code of Ordinances. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 - 19 – ______________________________________________________________________________ BACKGROUND: Under Section 19(G) of the City Attorney’s Employment contract, City Council has agreed to adopt the language described in the proposed Section 2-192 of the City’s Code of Ordinances. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council approve the Ordinance adopting the proposed Section 2-192 and authorizing the City Attorney to proceed with any necessary office restricting. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to approve the Ordinance adopting the proposed Section 2- 192 and authorizing the City Attorney to proceed with any necessary office restricting. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. Ms. Jackson opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Ms. Jackson closed the public comments. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson- Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 19-ORD-32 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT AND INCORPORATE SECTION 2-192 OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG CODE OF ORDINANCES. 15. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: No items for this portion of the agenda. 16. NEW BUSINESS: a. Consideration of the 2019 Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) BACKGROUND: The EOP provides the coordinating structures, processes, and mechanisms in a collective framework for the coordination of support during natural and man-made disasters that may impact city areas, affected individuals and businesses. The Code of Virginia, §44-146.19 , requires each local jurisdiction to prepare and keep current a local emergency operations plan. Every four years, each local agency will conduct a comprehensive review and revision of its emergency operations plan to ensure that the plan remains current, and the revised plan shall be formally adopted by the locality’s governing body. The last adoption of this plan was made in February 2015. The Petersburg EOP aligns with the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan and the National Response Framework. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend the adoption of the updated 2019 City of Petersburg Emergency Operation Plan. Council Member Myers made a motion to adopt the updated 2019 City of Petersburg Emergency Operation Plan. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion 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 17. REPORTS/REPONSES TO PREVIOUSE PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: May 28, 2019 - 20 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Kemi Osoba, Public Relations Officer, read comments and responses from previous public information at the May 7, 2019, regular council meeting. 1. What is the penalty for cutting a tree on City historic property? Answer: Information pertaining to tree cutting on City Historic Property can be found in City Code Section 74-102 – Destruction of trees, shrubs and other plants. Ms. Osoba stated, “I also wanted to add that it is pretty lengthy and that is the reason for not putting it all on the report. It is all there, and it is available online. 18. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA *There are no items for this portion of the agenda. 19. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM CLERK: *There are no items for this portion of the agenda. 20. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY: *There are no items for this portion of the agenda. 21. ADJOURNMENT: City Council adjourned at 11:14 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor *Audio available upon request.