City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Closed Session meeting held on: August 22, 2019 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The Special Called Meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Thursday, August 22, 2019, at City Hall in Council Chambers. Mayor Parham called the Special Meeting to order at 4:13p.m. 1. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member Charles Cuthbert Council Member W. Howard Myers ( left at 4:21pm) Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Mayor Samuel Parham Absent: Council Member Annette Smith-Lee Council Member Darrin Hill Vice Mayor Hart Present from City Administration: City Attorney Anthony Williams Clerk of Council Nykesha D. Jackson 2. PURPOSE: a. The purpose of the meeting is for Council to consider a Motion to direct the City Attorney to proceed with filing legal pleadings seeking an emergency hearing of the Circuit Court to (1) allow the City a right of entry and access by City staff and a structural engineer hired by the City to assess and prepare a stabilization plan; and (2) implement emergency repairs to stabilize the structure at 227 St. Andrews Street to prevent further collapse pending the outcome of pending court proceedings concerning this property and its current owner. Mayor Parham stated, “For this meeting, I arranged for us to have transportation to go and take a look at St. Andrews Street and then we come right back up here to have a discussion. So everyone is invited to hop on the bus with us. Okay.” Council Member Cuthbert asked, “Mr. Parham would you like to hear from Mr. Jerome Parham before or after the tour?” Mayor Parham stated, “I think. Do you want him to speak afterwards? It is your call.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “I think before. If you take that chair, please. We want you to feel comfortable. Would you raise your right hand Mr. Parham. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?” Mr. Parham stated, “Yes.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Would you please tell council your name?” Mr. Parham stated, “Jerome Parham.” Council Member Cuthbert asked, “What is your home address?” Mr. Parham stated, “ Right now, it is currently, 219, Apt 4.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “On St. Andrews Street?” *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Closed Session meeting held on: August 22, 2019 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ Mr. Parham stated, “Yes sir.” Council Member Cuthbert asked, “And when did you start living at 219 St. Andrews Street?” Mr. Parham stated, “Approximately the beginning of the year.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “And where is 219 St. Andrews Street in a relation to 227 St. Andrews Street that brings us here today.” Mr. Parham stated, “219 is to the right of 227 St. Andrews Street.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “When we take the trolley up there, I hope that you can join us and point out where you live. From your bedroom window at 219, can you see 227?” Mr. Parham stated, “Yes.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Have you ever lived at any address on St. Andrews other than 227? And what other address have you lived at on St. Andrews Street?” Mr. Parham stated, “323 St. Andrews Street.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Where is 323 in relation to 227?” Mr. Parham stated, “Three to four houses up.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Closer to Mingea Street Bridge?”” Mr. Parham stated, “323 sits on top of the hill.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “And when did you start living at 323 St. Andrews Street?” Mr. Parham stated, “Possibly 2005 or 2006.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “When did you stop living at 323 St. Andrews Street?” Mr. Parham stated, “2019.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “So how many years did you live at 323 St. Andrews Street?” Mr. Parham stated, “Twelve to 13 years.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “And of those 12 or 13 years in a typical week how frequently did you walk past 227 St. Andrews Street?” Mr. Parham stated, “I notice it every time I walk back I see it.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Of the times of living on St. Andrews Street what if anything have you observed that caused 227 St. Andrews to look the way it looks today?” *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Closed Session meeting held on: August 22, 2019 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ Mr. Parham stated, “The owner had been fiddling with it and breaking it down.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “What do you mean by breaking it down? Tell us what you have seen.” Mr. Parham stated, “Taking it apart like piece by piece. He may take a couple of boards off. He would go house to house with some of the properties that he has and do a little something for a little while. And then do a little something else.” Council Member Cuthbert asked, “Have you actually seen him take boards off 227 St. Andrews Street?” Mr. Parham stated, “Yes.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Mr. Parham, I do not have any more questions.” Mayor Parham stated, “At this time we will hop on the trolley now.” Mr. Williams stated, “So, for the record council is not having any discussion or deliberations or taking any action while in recess.” City Council went into recess at 4:18pm. City Council returned from recess to the open meeting at 4:55pm. Mayor Parham stated, “At this time, we no longer have a quorum so we cannot take action at this time. So, at this time Council Member Cuthbert we will bring this item back up at the September meeting.” There was discussion among City Council Members. Council Member Wilson-Smith requested a copy of the statement from Mr. Wilson be notarized. And she also requested copies of ordinances that the City has in reference to derelict properties. She stated that she would like to read and study it prior to the meeting. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he will get the information from Mr. Wilson notarized. Mr. Lyons responded yes to the ordinance request. There was discussion among council and staff. Council Member Cuthbert stated that he would like to thank Mr. Jerome Parham for attending the meeting today. 3. ADJOURNMENT: City Council adjourned at 5:06p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Closed Session meeting held on: August 22, 2019 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ _________________________ Mayor *Audio available upon request.