City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at the Union Train Station. Mayor Parham called the meeting to order at 6:30p.m. 1. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member Charles H. Cuthbert, Jr. Council Member Annette Smith-Lee Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Council Member W. Howard Myers Council Member Darrin Hill Vice Mayor John A. Hart, Sr. Mayor Samuel Parham Absent: None Present from City Administration: City Manager Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides City Attorney Anthony C. Williams Executive Assistant to Clerk of Council Tanesha Flowers 2. PRAYER: Mayor Parham stated, “At this time Wesley Nicholas of Mt. Gilead Ministries will begin with our opening prayer.” Mr. Nicholas led the council meeting in prayer. 3. CLOSED SESSION: City Attorney Anthony Williams stated that the Mayor will entertain a motion to go into closed session for the purpose of this meeting is to convene in closed session pursuant to §2.2-3711(A)(7) of the Code of Virginia 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 matter requiring legal advice by the City Attorney; and under Subsection (1) for the purpose and discussion involving a personnel matter of performance of specifics public officers; and under Subsection (29) for the purpose of discussion of the award of public contract involving the expenditure of public funds where discussion in a open session 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 Council Member Cuthbert. 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. Williams stated, “The Mayor would entertain a motion to conclude the closed session called this *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ evening to certify in accordance with §2.2-3712 that the Code of Virginia that only those matters lawfully identified in the motion for which the closed session was called were discussed during the closed session. If any member believes that there was a departure from the foregoing he should so state for the record identifying the substance of the departure for which he believes occurred. This requires a roll call vote Mr. Mayor.” Vice Mayor Hart 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 Hill. There was no 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 19-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 opened session at 7:22pm. 4. MOMENT OF SILENCE: Mayor Parham led council and the audience in a moment of silence. 5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Parham led council and the audience in the pledge of allegiance. 6. DETERMINATION OF THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM: A quorum was determined with the presence of all City Council Members. Mayor Parham stated, “I like to start off tonight’s Positive Petersburg. I would like to take this time to recognize Mr. Shahid Shabazz and Bari Muhammad of Shaping up our Future for hosting the 14th and final KickBack to School Drive. Of the many children and families in attendance, 1,400 backpacks were given to our students. The kickback, hosted this past Sunday at our local family YMCA included FREE haircuts and hairstyles, face painting, games, bounce houses, and music. I would also like to recognize the partnership of WHOP City Inc, Wesley Nicholas of Mt. Gilead International Ministries, ALBC School, and Another Level International for hosting their back to school cookout this past Saturday at Farmer Street. The Petersburg Community came together also this morning. We were out at Petersburg High School, Vernon Johns, Walnut Hill, Lakemont, Westview and the rest of our elementary schools to welcome our students back to school. And I would like everyone to join me from the City Manager to Vice Mayor Hart for all the enthusiasm to start off the 2019-2020 school year! Thank you to all of our community organizations and community members who continue to uplift our students.” 7. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATION OF CEREMONIAL PROCLAMATIONS: a. Recognition of Nathaniel Pride for 45 years of service. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ Mayor Parham read the proclamation of recognition out loud and presented it to Mr. Pride. b. Introduction of Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin, Superintendent for Petersburg Public Schools Mayor Parham stated, “She is still out that working but we wanted to recognize her. We had one of the best convocations that I have ever seen in the City of Petersburg that Dr. Pitre-Martin hosted at Petersburg High School. And her teachers are energized and she definitely has their attention and they are thrilled to have her here in the City of Petersburg. Myself, along with the rest of council and Mrs. Benavides are excited to have her here. You can feel the different energy in the room at the schools with the teachers all the way down to the maintenance staff happy to have such a wonderful person in our community. So at this time I would like to welcome Dr. Pitre-Martin and I look forward to seeing her because she will be coming to many of our council meetings.” 8. COMMUNICATIONS/SPECIAL REPORTS: a. City Assessor Report – Brian Gordineer, AAS, City Assessor Mr. Gordineer gave a PowerPoint presentation on updates in his department. http://petersburgva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4717/Assessor_Parcel-Audit Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “Good report and thank you. You mentioned that you are sending the letters out to the owners and the houses informing them that the changes will take place. So, then that means that these people do not have a choice as to whether or not that will take place. So, how is that any difference from changing a name street otherwise according to the policy.” Mr. Gordineer stated, “We are not changing the street name. We are just changing the number.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “But on 1881 REA Dock Street they would get what name? ” Mr. Gordineer stated, “ They will get a name change on that.” Council Member Wilson-Smith asked, “Will they get a letter informing them or asking them?” Mr. Gordineer stated, “Informing them.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “Now back to the original question then, if our policy says that they have to be in agreement with it then how is it that we turn around and tell them that they are going to do it. But then otherwise if there is another situation we don’t do it and we have to ask them and get 100% agreement. How is it that the policy is alright on Monday and not alright on Tuesday?” Mr. Williams stated, “I see that you are looking at me. This is the first that I have heard of this. That is great question and I will certainly look into it.” Mayor Parham stated, “Thank you, Mr. Gordineer for your presentation.” b. City Manager Report – Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides, City Manager http://petersburgva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4718/CM-Report---Sept-3rd (PowerPoint) http://petersburgva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4715/City-Managers-report-09-03-19 (City Manager Report) *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ http://petersburgva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4716/JasonDunn (City Manager Report) Mrs. Benavides went over highlights of her report. Key Points:  Jazz in the Stacks will take place on September 13th at the Petersburg Public Library from 6:30pm to 8:30pm  Sheriff Vanessa Crawford will have her Annual Re-Entry Forum on September 17th at Good Shepherd Baptist Church.  Public Works has received two estimates on repairs for Poplar Lawn Park.  Maintenance project has been completed for Dogwood Trace Golf Course. The fees have also changed as well.  Battle of Badges Blood Drive will take place on Wednesday, September 11th at the Union Train Station.  208 illegal guns have been removed from the streets since 2019. India Adams stated, “Good afternoon Mayor and City Council. At this point our contractors from VML and VaCo are working on completing the last piece of the pre audit work. As you know based on some of the briefings that we had of about 600 task. We have been working on about a hundred or so in the last few months. Concluding with the work on last Friday we are anticipating our audit team to start their work on September 9th and bring back the final CAFR for you sometime in October or the first meeting in November.” Tyrus Yerby gave an overview and update on the Billing and Collections Department with a PowerPoint presentation. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Wilson-Smith requested a monthly financial report in advance including the good and bad including each line item. Vice Mayor Hart made a recommendation that within the next 30 to 45 days that the City has the owners of the East End Apartment Complex to come and sit down with the City administration and council to address these issues. Vice Mayor Hart made a motion that City Council directs the City Manager and her staff to formulate a meeting with the owners of the complex and have a true discussion on what the City is going to do about the complex. 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, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham c. Presentation and Update on Petersburg Station Park and Ride Facility Lionel Lyons, Stephanie Harris and India Adams gave a briefing on the Park and Ride Facility. http://petersburgva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4719/Petersburg-Station-Park--Ride- Project_FINAL_pv_IA_FINAL_20190902 (PowerPoint presentation) BACKGROUND: On the March 5, 2019, the Petersburg Station Park and Ride project options were presented and Option E was approved by City Council. During that meeting, City Council authorized the City Manager to execute al documents required to access the VDOT Smart Scale Funding and contract documents necessary to complete the project. The contract was executed and submitted to the Department of *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). The project team is moving forward with the 105 review and IFB for a project management firm for Option E. RECOMMENDATION: Informational Purposes Only. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Mayor Parham stated, “I would like to also recognize that Mrs. India just got married. Is it still India Adams?” Mrs. Adams stated, “It is Adams-Jacobs.” Mayor Parham stated, “It is Mrs. India Adams-Jacobs. She just got married last weekend. Let’s give her a round of applause. Congratulations!” 9. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (to include minutes of previous meeting/s) a. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of July 2, 2019, and July 16, 2019 b. Minutes of the Special Meeting of July 11,2019; July 22, 2019; July 31, 2019; August 8, 2019, and August 22, 2019. c. Request to schedule a public hearing to repeal Article 23 §4 “Special Uses Enumerated” of the Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A) of the Code of the City of Petersburg as amended), and add a number (36) Professional and Business Offices in the R-3 District when the following conditions are met: (a) Operating hours limited to 7:30 am to 7:00 pm., Monday – Saturday; (b) No exterior alterations to residence; (c) not transferable; (d) Signage requires approval from ARB, and limited to an aggregate of fifteen (15) square feet; (e) no more than two (2) employees; (f) 4,500 square foot minimum size of the main structure with the use limited to the first floor of the residence, and the business and professional use not to exceed fifteen hundred (1,500) square feet of the first floor area; (g) Three (3) Off-Street parking spaces provided on-site.(September 3, 2019) d. Request to schedule a public hearing of a request of Christopher and Colleen Riggs for a Special Use Permit pursuant to the proposed Article 23, §4(36) of the Zoning Ordinance to operate a Professional Office, subject to certain terms and conditions at 323 West Washington Street, T.P. 023-12-0018. The property is zoned R-3 Two-Family Residence District. e. ABC Application for Ernestine Table, LLC at 509 Halifax Street. f. ABC Application for Mobile Express III, located at 3825 S. Crater Road g. Appropriation for Commonwealth of Virginia Smart Scale Funding - $1,270,296 – 1st Reading h. Appropriation for Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Fire Programs fund – Aid to Localities for 2019 - $112,215 – 1st Reading i. Appropriation for Virginia Department of Emergency Management – Radiological Preparedness Grant - $2,369.98 – 1st Reading Mayor Parham stated, “At this time, we have another item.” Council Member Myers stated, “Yes, Mr. Mayor. I would like to add a request for a public hearing for September 17th for parcel 023-06-0004, 714 Commerce Street, for parking for commercial auto business to allow the City Manager the authority to sale. Council Member Hill made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda with the scheduling of a public hearings on September 17, 2019. 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 *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ 10. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. A public hearing on the Issuance of Revenue Anticipation Notes. (RAN) BACKGROUND: The City Council must hold a public hearing for the public to provide comment on the issuance of up to $6,500,000 general obligation revenue anticipation notes of the City in compliance with Section 15.2-2606 of the Virginia Public Finance Act. The City has ongoing cash flow needs to fund current operations for this fiscal year. The City Council has determined that it is necessary and advisable and in the best interest of the City to authorize the borrowing of money in an amount not to exceed $6,500,000 in order to pay expenses expected to be incurred prior to the collection of taxes and revenues of the City for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, and that such amount does not exceed the anticipated revenues for such fiscal year. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend after the public hearing is held, that City Council approve the Authorization Resolution presented that authorizes the issuance ,sale and award of the Notes to be placed by Crews & Associates, as placement Agent (as has occurred the last few years.) Mrs. Benavides, City staff and Roland Kooch (Financial Advisor for Petersburg from Davenport & Company) gave a briefing on the Revenue Anticipation Note. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed the public comments. There was discussion among City Council Members. Council Member Myers made a motion to approve the Authorization Resolution presented that authorizes the issuance, sale and award of the Notes to be placed by Crews & Associates, as placement Agent (as has occurred the last few years.). The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion among City Council Members. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 19-R-51 A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE, SALE AND AWARD OF GENERAL OBLIGATION REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTES, SERIES 2019, OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA AND PROVIDING FOR THE FORM, DETAILS AND PAYMENT THEREOF. b. A public hearing to consider an ordinance authorizing the sale of City-owned property at 600 Reservoir Avenue, 351-353 University Boulevard and 357 University Boulevard. BACKGROUND: The City has received proposals to purchase the following City-owned property: Parcel ID: 033-060001 Property Address: 600 Reservoir Avenue In accordance with applicable legal requirements. A public hearing is required prior to approving and authorizing the sale of City-owned property. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council holds public hearing on September 3, 2019, and subsequently considers adoption of an ordinance approving and authorizing the City *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ Manager to execute a Purchase Agreement and proceed with the sale of City-owned property in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Reginald Tabor, Economic Development Manager, gave a briefing on the public hearing for 600 Reservoir Avenue and also stated that the proposals for University Boulevard was withdrawn. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed the public comments. Council Member Hill made a motion to adopt the proposal for Reservoir Avenue and 351-353. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated, “Even though the other two were taken off, one of the problems that we had before is that when things are presented to the public make them clear. What in the world are the pictures of Reservoir Heights and who you are selling it to or for and why are you selling it. What is the plan and all of that. Those would be my questions. Where is the property? Who is buying it and why are they buying it? Why is the City selling it and what is going to be put there? What benefit is it going to be for the citizens of Petersburg? These are the questions that we need to know. Because as was stated during that time when we talked about the street name change we do not want anything cramped up on our throat. Thank you.” Ron Flock, 1708 Pender Avenue, stated, “I just want to bring it to your attention real quick on the 351- 353 and 357. I put an offer in on those properties four months ago. I withdrew it because of four months ago. That is ridiculous. It should not have taken that long to work this through the process. I just want to make you all aware of that.” Seeing no further hands, Mayor Parham closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council Members on the motion that is on the floor. Council Member Hill amended his motion to adopt 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 for property located at 600 Reservoir Avenue. 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 19-ORD-40 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 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 600 RESERVOIR AVENUE. c. A public hearing on the repeal Article 23 §4 “Special Uses Enumerated” of the Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A) of the Code of the City of Petersburg, as amended, and add a number (35) Height waiver for Commercial Uses including but not limited to hotels, offices, and other retail or commercial uses that have been determined by City Council to promote and further the City’s long term economic needs and which have been determined by City Council to be consistent with the City’s Strategic Plans and Goals. BACKGROUND: The Code of the State of Virginia section § 15.2-2286 (7) whenever the *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ public necessitate, convenience, general welfare, or good zoning practice requires, the governing body may by ordinance amend, supplement, or change the regulations, district boundaries, or classifications of property. This change is necessary to allow the City to meet a policy goal of encouraging and promoting sites for Economic Development opportunities. The text amendment includes overall height and stories, as required by Article 22 of the Zoning Ordinance. Height for the City of Petersburg also includes a maximum number of stories. The amendment would give authority to City Council to review request for commercial uses that meet an economic goal to consider waiving the height. 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 approve the text amendment with a vote of 6-0-1. Michelle Peters, Director of Planning and Community Development, gave a briefing on the public hearing and requested that the hearing be held but action be deferred until the September 17th, City Council Meeting. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed the public comments. Council Member Myers made a motion to defer until September 17, 2019, council meeting. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham Council Member Myers stated, “An item for ‘10d’ was stored and misfiled under ‘10b’, so that everyone will know.” d. A public hearing on the disposition of 801 South Adams Street, tax parcel 031-300002. BACKGROUND: The City has received a proposal to purchase the following City-owned property: Parcel ID: 031-300002 Property Address: 801 S. Adams Street In accordance with applicable legal requirements, a public hearing is required prior to approving and authorizing the sale of City-owned property. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council holds a public hearing on September 3, 2019, 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 in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Council Member Myers made a motion to adopt 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 for property at 801 S. Adams Street. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Ron Flock, 1708 Pender Avenue, stated, “We went through this a month and a half ago. Is somebody going to let us know the sale and who the buyer is. Is it a Dollar General trying to be rehashed? Just for my information. Thank you.” Mayor Parham stated, “Mr. Tabor, do you have the information on the tax sale for the selling of property at 801 S. Adams Street. The proposal is for $1.9 million. It is not a dollar store correct?” Mr. Tabor gave background information on the selling of 801 S. Adams Street. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated, “Just to make sure I am clear this is the old hospital site correct? And we were talking about some of us and myself thought that this was a Dollar General correct? When that misunderstanding came about. Did I hear him say something else about some medical facility? This is what I am talking about again. The last time he brought something like that it was a big confusion because stuff was not brought to the public right. Now here I am thinking again that we are addressing the original thing and now I am hearing about some medical facility. When was all of that decided? And when were we going to be told about it? And I also have to ask the question being that close to my neighborhood, what is going to go on and what kind of effects? Now you can say I am being petty all you want to. But I remember sitting right here when Willie Noise and the Mayor of Pocahontas asked the question about the landfill. And both of them were brushed off. And now look at the law suit and everything else that is going on with that place. Again, I am tired of every time we turn around the members of council look at the public like we are the enemy. We have something to say. And just like you all want to protect the neighborhoods where you live or want to make things easy for your friends to buy up. I have the right to be concerned anything that is in my back door. And I have to say this one last thing. The promise was made to upgrade the sewer system. I will be 53 in November and an upgrade has not been done yet. Our kids have to walk in the streets because there are no sidewalks out there. I say that to say this. First we thought it was going to help us with the food desert and all that we have in Petersburg now. And now we are hearing about some medical facility. What is next? You all are going to put up a shooting range and not tell us. I just thought I would ask the question.” Gary Talley, 2323 Fort Rice Street, stated, “I saw it first online about this building. It is a VA Medical Facility. It never said clearly that it was veteran’s administration. And wouldn’t veteran administration be the ones to do the building. Wouldn’t they be buying the land and not a private construction company. Something just doesn’t seem right.” Leslie Speight, 1015 Gustavo Lane, stated, “As a 40 year veteran, if you are talking about bringing a veteran clinic here in Petersburg it would be one of the best things that ever happened to Petersburg. I go to the VA Hospital. If I don’t get there by 7:00am in the morning then they do not see me until after 12:00pm because they are so busy. You have a lot of people traveling all the way from Emporia and all the way from South Hill to go to the VA Hospital. If you have one here then that means that they would not have to drive so far. A lot of people would visit here if it becomes a veteran clinic and you would make money.” Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, stated, “I am in support of a VA clinic. I am really disappointed that the City hasn’t looked into working with a Smart Scale Grant or the Crater Planning District to bring an on and off ramp off of 85 onto Graham Road. It would have helped incentivize more development to occur on the site. The lot is actually still a lot bigger so there is room for potential master plans. Has the City insured that the rest of the site will be developed according to a VA medical complex or other potential developments that could be productive or constructive to our community. Thank you.” Jeff Fleming, 1819 Chuckatuck Avenue, stated, “I wasn’t going to speak tonight but the gentleman did raise a question of why the VA is not purchasing the property. And I heard something and I do not know if it is *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ true. Maybe you can clarify it. Is this they are building it to bid on the VA opening a hospital? Is this like a wish in a hat? Do you know what I am saying? This company is going to buy the property and they are hoping to get the bid to build the hospital or is this a guarantee? We do not want to build another hotel. I mean we really need to do our homework on this and find out if they are really going to build this. Is there anyway that you can find that out and know that a VA center is going there. That is all.” Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated, “God works in mysterious ways and I am glad that this subject popped up because I could not get it in on my three minutes. But I can get it in here. You are talking about veterans. I do not know how far back but where do veterans stand in you all mind and in you all actions in voting. And where the vets are on the totem pole. And I have yet to get that answer but now you are talking about a vet hospital or something. And you do not know where we stand as a vet. So, how are you going to speak up for us? How are you going to plead for us when you will not tell us what we mean to you? It is the same way with Morrisey. Joe comes around and the first thing he talks about is his kids. That is a political aim or goal that has a purpose to say that. You say kids, you say vets and you say elderly. You all just throw them words around. But give us a spot or a number or place or something before you try to represent us. Because you might be talking or blowing smoke. Thank you.” Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated, “I wanted to add to what Jeff Fleming was saying. He made some very good comments and asked some good questions. And what sounds like a great proposal and a good sale price and it is quite an improvement over the dollar store but there are just so many questions. Because it seems speculative. It looks like the developer has expertise in this area but it was interesting that the only way that I learn about this developer is by finding a law suit that they have been in. So, they don’t really have a website that explains much about what they do. It sounds like some folks know what they are doing but I don’t understand again is when does the veteran administration actually make a decision that they wish to have a clinic in Petersburg. Because until that happens it is speculative. And I don’t know how long this buyer will hold onto this. So, I think that some of that information about a timeline of how all these pieces are going to fit together would be really useful to have for the public and for the council members. I didn’t see that in there and I may have missed it. I did see that there was information in the packet on this. But I think it looks good but there are awfully a lot of unanswered questions and I think having this site locked up for a long period of time and not being developed is not as beneficial as we would like it to be. Also a citizen mentioned to me a couple of minutes ago that Bon Secours opened a clinic on Union Street around the corner from the Freedom Support Center that I believe that they are no longer using. I do not know if that facility offers any opportunities for a VA clinic. I realize it is probably smaller in space then what they are talking about doing here. But it is just another space that is being developed that is not being utilized. Hopefully that enters into your decision making also. Thank you.” Seeing no further hands, Mayor Parham closed the public comments. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Wilson-Smith made a substitute motion to table action until to September 17, 2019, council meeting. The motion was seconded by Council Member Cuthbert. There was discussion on the motion. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Hill and Hart; Voting No: Myers 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 *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Council agenda. Any matter brought before the attention of the City Council during the public information period will not be acted upon by the City Council at this meeting. Gary Talley, 2323 Fort Rice Street, stated, “The discussion on the hospital, I do not want to go there, but the area around it is in horrible condition. Two weeks ago, I had a friend to visit me and he is in a wheelchair and deaf also. But his big challenge is transportation. We tried to get around Old Towne, which needs more work done there than anywhere else in the City, and we had challenges. There are areas we couldn’t get to. There are curb cuts that are in horrible conditions. There are areas that don’t exist at all. And that is unacceptable. Totally unacceptable and against the federal law. The Americans with Disability Act was signed 28 years ago. And for 28 years, our sidewalks have gotten worse and not better. There are buildings that are unacceptable that we cannot get to. One of them is right across from City Hall. I was there today taking a picture. There is kind of a slant in the curb of the sidewalk and it goes diagonal to about four inches high. We could not get his wheelchair up there. We had to back up across the street and go back across the street from the parking lot putting him at risk. Because people do not drive well in this town. Mostly everywhere I have lived they have never been really good. But the infrastructure in the City is not acceptable. I have pictures of a telephone pole in the middle of a curb cut. Not just one but four. There is no sidewalk attached to it. There is one right up the street on Sycamore and it is a wide one in the middle of the street. There is no pedestrian crossing. Who is the ADA coordinator or the point person for this City? I would like to know. I met with Mr. Williams back in August and he did not know. We are kind of assuming it is the Risk Manager but we do not know for certain. Can anybody tell me now who is that person? Who is the ADA coordinator or point person for the City of Petersburg?” Mayor Parham stated, “Mr. Talley we will get an answer to your question with the next meeting. That is how the public information period works.” Mr. Talley stated, “I have had two questions ignored. One is an update on that monstrosity that used to be the Ramada Inn. If I recall that was supposed to be boarded up at the end of May. I spoke at the second meeting in June and it was not done. It is now September and nothing is happening there. Are we paying this guy? And on the new parking deck, that is nice for $36,000 for parking spaces. They should be real nice spaces. Now, it is not costing the City to build it but what about maintaining it. That is going to cost the City. Is there a plan in place to do that?” Willie Noise, 1508 Circle Drive, stated, “Good afternoon again. One thing that is troubling me after the election that we had with Mayor Dance and Joe Morrisey. Getting back to what is going on, a flag has appeared in the 7th Ward, in my area, on the main corridor to Petersburg. One of them coming down Halifax Street. And to me being a veteran, it dishonors me to see a flag different than the United States flag flying as large as the United States flag. That is no respect. I do not know what the reason it is or who put it there. We are not on top of it because they put one on Jefferson Davis and on 95. That is just too many flags if they are patriots of the United States. Now, all that started. I do not know about the rebel flag but that is over. And we have to get straight on it and go in one direction. We are going in two directions. The people, the location and there is the law and there is justice. And there is no law without justice and the intent of people. We, blacks, mostly have got the council. I hate to see the all white council. Now we got all black council. It is somebody out there that was thinking the same way I did when I was looking at the all white council. But this body is being jammed, overwhelmed and whatever. You do not have the time to put into these issues. Stop letting the docket get loaded. It was brought up that you need to miss a meeting and have one so that you can discuss all of this. Now, I am tired and I do not have no place to go. I just lost a homeless person and he said, ‘Willie, I do not have any place to sit in Petersburg. I have been run off every corner.’ We even been up in the woods and they came up in there and ran us off. Took all the furniture and everything that they had gathered. I am tired of it. I cannot lay my gun down. We are either going to have to work together or split up. Thank you.” Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated, “I am here tonight to thank building and grounds because *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________ they kept up Pocahontas, especially Steve. They did a wonderful job on the grass. We had Pocahontas Day on the 17th and it was great. I also like to say that I go into City Hall now. My water bill is unbelievable. Those girls need to be commended that work there. I also had a leak and they told me what I needed to do. The lady that receives calls for high grass, she is also doing a good job. If I had the money I would give all of them a pay raise. Maybe also look into your budget and give them a pay raise. I thank the City Manager. She came by the museum. I had some very important people over there and they come in from Williamsburg and many different places. August 26th marked the anniversary of when the first slavery came into Virginia. Fifteen years later, Pocahontas started it. So, there are people coming from all around the world that want to hear the story of Pocahontas. One of the areas that is so significant is Joseph Jenkins Robert Street. Joseph Jenkins Roberts is probably the only black man named street his entire name. And that street is so important because before than we only had one way in and one way out Joseph Jenkins Roberts Boulevard. Because when the tornado came we only had one way out. Please look out for us. But most importantly I want to say let us celebrate this 400th Anniversary of the first slaves coming to Virginia and in Petersburg with the oldest black community, which also should be multicultural because blacks and whites lived together over there. In slavery a lot of them married each other. In fact my great, great grandmother was a Malonto and she loaned the City of Petersburg a lot of money in 1810. And in some kind of way the lawyer ripped her off. And now the City of Petersburg owes my family some money. Thank you.” Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated, “Good evening City Council Members. I picked this up in the back which is the public information report questions from the July 16th meeting. On number four on here the question was that there had been airline tickets purchased with the City issued credit card. That was a question that I brought up on July 16th. The answer is that this matter has been addressed during 9/3/19, which is tonight, the City Manager’s report to include an explanation on the charges with supporting reasoning. The City Manager report was delivered earlier in this meeting. I did not see anything about that. So, i expect a City Manager’s report that is more extensive than will be on the website tonight. Since, it is obviously for some reason it was not going to be discussed in the public. It is just interesting that I was waiting for it and it did not happen. I have another thing that has been kind of a question that I had that goes back to over two weeks ago. Of course, we have not met so perhaps a little more resigned to the situation than I was before than so, I am going to bring it to your attention anyway. The Mayor who you all elected told the reporter from WTVR on August 17th, that concerned citizens like myself are attacking you, the body of City Council, simply because you are black. It is exactly what it sounds like. The Mayor was calling people racist. This is an obvious and even more so pathetic way of shutting us up. And after all who wants to be called racist. Especially when we live in Petersburg by choice and we are committed to working together to make it better for all of us. Remember, all of us are 78 black in case you have not noticed. And I want to say that the image of the City really dodged the bullet when WTVR decided to sensor this comment made by Mayor Parham. They left it out of the TV account. Governor Northam, he did not get a pass when he had that picture taken and neither did Charlottesville Vice Mayor Wes Bellamy tweeted somethings that did not reflect well on him. We don’t have short memory. We know that the same person, Sam Parham, told another concerned citizen three years ago, one of his constituents, that he can leave if he didn’t like it. I think you also may not know that there are people associated with the Mayor who is going around telling folks that the Mayor is going to do anything he can to destroy Clean Sweep and any associated with it. Frankly, I do not know whether or not to take this seriously. But, when you connect this to someone telling the police that the organizer of the citizens march two weeks ago invited the Ku Klux Klan Rally along with talk of unspecified death threats against the City Manager. This all sounds like Brian Telfair part 2. I think most of you remember Brian Telfair convicted of a crime and lost his law license. You are doing the usual thing to silence decent with your phony threats. We are not going to let you drive wedges between people Mayor Parham.” Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, stated, “And perhaps in the future we have Kemi over here, the public relations officer, maybe she can speak for council. I am also here tonight to ask you guys for government support in the Walnut Hill Historic District. Excuse me Mr. Myers for not including you in those discussions earlier. Part of your ward will be in the district. What happened to the streetsweepers? I was *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 - 13 – ______________________________________________________________________________ reading reports and we are supposed to have streetsweepers coming through the City. We are supposed to be purchasing them. Our gutters are so clogged that every time it rains hard there is a flash flood on the streets. We are paying money into the stormwater fund. Where are our streetsweeper? What is going on with the Mt. Vernon water tank? I know that there were plans to renovate it and I hope that occurs before the tank becomes faulty. Can the City do anything about the railroad crossing on Puddledock Road? If you are trying to go anywhere on Puddledock you have to go through this hazardous crossing. What is the status of the former library on Sycamore Street? What is the status on the Southside Depot? There are almost a half a million dollars in grants still sitting there. Thank you for cutting the grass on University Boulevard. The City should look at leasing the power privilege rights to the Canal right there at Paton Park. Move some boulders you will have a full Canal right there. You will be able to sell hydro pilot lights. What is the status of the Poplar Lawn Revitalization efforts? I was told from one representative of your administration that there was a plan in place. Is the City working with the Crater Planning District? I do not see many plans. What is the status of the future stop light imminent domain plan and the new code of compliance procedures? I went around Sycamore Street and Poplar Lawn and photographed over 187 blighted properties. Also, among my journey I stumbled across what appears to be the oldest pump house that is on St. Andrews Street. And the City currently has leaves and brush growing out of it. It is a historical structure and it is very vital and important to the history of our culture as a modern City and a modern country. Thank you for your time.” Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated, “Good evening. First and foremost, on behalf of the Harding Area Neighborhood Association, we have to say it because not a lot of people see her. But we have to give kudos to the first lady of Petersburg, Mrs. Sam Parham. She represented her husband well and made him look good. Seriously, we thank you for sending her. She did represent you well. Somebody told her that you married a good one. But again we are thankful for that. The Chief, you all did well, because you found a way to keep his mouth closed because he had surgery and he could not be there. But he sent an able body. To the City staff and the City Manager, we got the conversation going. We thank you. And those who did not think enough to tell us whether you would be there, fine. Also, to the 63rd District Delegate candidate, Mr. Haake, who showed up., we are very grateful. Because if he wants to represent us he needs to know what is going on in the City as well as others. Going back to reference something that Vice Mayor Hart said, because I remember when I sat on the CCRA, one of the things that we said when we talked about changing Croatan to Petersburg East, we fought and advocated against that like I do not know what. We were told all kinds of things by then members of council. We first saw something like this happening and we were told that you were just trying to hold up progress. I remember some years ago and Mrs. Treska Wilson-Smith just got on City Council when they tried to accuse that police officer of beating up that young man over there in Petersburg East when he was the one at the wrong. We kept telling everybody that this was going to happen and you should have brought these people to the table. Which brings me to this, for every of those taxes that you have raised thanks to Robert Bobb, we need to look at somethings. Our first line of action is to continue to advocate or start advocating for City Council to take those monies from those taxes and fix up if no where else A.P. Hill Community Center. Because our kids need somewhere to go. I am going to bring this to an end. I just want to say also, give the Petersburg Police Department some kind of money to revitalize the Petersburg Athletic League. Because again, myself and a member of this community, when we worked with then Officer Carter Burnette we had a very strong connection with our City schools. To the point that parents could not believe the progress that children were making in school. I challenge every one of you sitting up there, especially those of you who are looking to be elected in November. We don’t want to hear you talk about gun violence. We want to hear you walking what you talking. Because if you don’t, whether you are my councilman or not I am going to see to that you don’t get back at this table.” Ron Flock, 1709 Pender Avenue, stated, “On September 17th, and prior I reached out to the residents of this City to come together and have a rally to try to find the way to bridge the gap between City Council and the residents. We know you as City Council Members, have a life outside of here and that you are part time and you do not have time to micromanage everything that goes on in this City. That is why you put people in charge who can do that. Maybe or maybe not some things have got done wrong. The point that we were trying *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 - 14 – ______________________________________________________________________________ to make was fix it. We are bringing it up to you, so fix it. Instead I was accused of asking the Ku Klux Klan to come down and march with us. You have the Mayor stand up on TV and tell everybody that each and every one of you is fully aware of what the City Manager is doing and how she is spending the money and that you back her 100%. Well, I will tell you one thing. There are some things that are not right. And that blanket statement puts all of you in the cross eras. Because you are knowingly going along with what is being done. I feel personally that I have to apologize to the people that came out to that rally to try and get a message to you and say let’s get this done together. We don’t have to be fighting. We don’t have to be on separate lines. We have to be for our City together and to have it turned by the Mayor on TV is insane. If the Mayor cannot have a positive face for my City then he doesn’t need to be Mayor. He does not speak for all of you. I know that. But when he says we already know everything. If that was a fact then Council Member Cuthbert would never have asked about those trips to Phoenix. But he didn’t know about them. So, if you are going to lie then lie good.” 12. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR COUNCIL MEMBERS: Council Member Cuthbert stated, “I am going to hand down the line two articles. And I want to talk briefly about each one of them. The first one is a copy of the front page of the Progress-Index just yesterday. And the lead article is titled, ‘VSU recognized with Petersburg Schools.’ And it was a paragraph that caught my attention. I wanted to bring it to the publics attention and council’s attention. I would like for council to keep this in mind when we revisit the question of residency for our upper level employees on our City staff. This is a statement made by President Abdula of Virginia State University. ‘Petersburg is a wonderful vibrant community,’ Abdula said. ‘As a resident of Petersburg I think its important that we all continue to urge people to live and participate in our community. I know people make decision on where to live for a number of reasons and I think Petersburg is a great place and I encourage everyone that I can talk to move to Petersburg.’ The President of Virginia State lives in Petersburg. And he loves Petersburg as every member of this council does I am sure. But it is important that we send a message to the public when we revisit the residency issue as to how important it is that people that work for the City make that commitment and make themselves a part of our wonderful vibrant community. The other article that I am bringing to council’s attention and that I would like to share to the public as well is something that I downloaded from the internet in July. It is titled, ‘Dollar Stores are Everywhere.’ That is a problem for poor America. Then page two and page three I have highlighted something for council and I would like to read it to the public. This is quoting a woman named Julia McCarthy of the Center for Science of Public Interest, a wonderful nutrition group in Washington, DC. ‘When you have so many dollars towards one neighborhood there is no incentive for a full service grocery store to come in.’ We have got to keep that in mind. We cannot just say more dollars towards the better. My view is that the opposite is true, fewer dollar stores the better. If we want to get a grocery store here of a full service regular traditional grocery store that is not compatible with Dollar General’s. And that is because Dollar General’s stipend off the high profit, high margin of items and leave the less profitable items for full service grocery store to supply. And the full service grocery stores cannot make ends meet on those low margin items. And then on page three talking about quoting the Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama. There is a picture of the Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama at the top of page three. And the Mayor says, ‘While dollar stores proliferate across our community, healthy food options dried up.’ The Mayor of Birmingham and his council adopted a measure that would restrict dollar stores from locating in Birmingham. The idea was to help attract and retain groceries in the City’s food deserts he says. I commend this article to members of council. There are consequences to what we do. This is not a consequence that I had anticipated but shortly after council voted the dollar store proposal down in June or July I came across this article and wanted to share. The dollar store business model is a threat to a full service grocery store and if we want a full service grocery store then we do not want more dollar stores. Mr. Mayor thank you very much.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “First of all I like to thank you all for being here tonight. This is your City Council meeting and I am very appreciative of each and everyone of you being involved in what goes on in your City government. The next thing, and I hope there are flyers in back, I did not get an opportunity to check. One flyer is about a work cleanup in Blandford. We will have a cleanup day on Saturday starting at *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 - 15 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 8:00am. We will have vest and cleanup materials. We appreciate if you all who are going to attend meet me at the parking lot in Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. And we will cleanup from 8:00am to 12;00pm. The third thing is that Ward 1 is going to have a ward meeting. I have partnered with Bethany Missionary Baptist Church and they are having their Community Day on Saturday, September 28th. And within that Community Day, will be the ward meeting. And I would like to inform you all of the upcoming activities in the small community of Blandford. On Thursday the 12th, there will be a free gospel fest open to the public. On Saturday morning, the community will have a parade. And on Saturday evening, they will have their festivities followed by a day in church at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. So, I remain happy and pleased to serve you in Ward 1. And happy and pleased to serve you in the great community of Petersburg. Last thing is that on August 22nd we had the poverty simulation right here in this room. Before Mr. Christian leave we want to ask if there are people here from the Anti-Poverty Commission. If you would please stand and be seen. There were some people here. Thank you. We had 76 plus people to attend. It was great and we had a room full of people. And it was wonderful to see citizens interacting. We had people from Richmond and Hopewell who came to the event. So, we were pleased with the outcome. And we will have a full report for you at our next council meeting. Thank you and that is all that I have.” Council Member Smith-Lee stated, “Good evening and thank everybody for coming out. It is a new day. I just want to say thank you for coming out and joining me at my ward meeting at the Petersburg Public Library on 27th. We had about 27 people to come out. Thank you City Manager, Ms. Tyus, Mrs. Innis, Mr. Lyons and all who came out. It was really and truly a good meeting. And secondly, we all are here because we love the City of Petersburg. We not only are just here to nit pick and say different things. We all want the same for the City. We need the support. We had a backpack giveaway in Ward 6 on Farmer Street. We gave out free food, free backpacks, free haircuts and free dental checks. And how many of you came out to support the community with these babies. We talk about everything else. We need to talk about supporting all the way around. Secondly, its not funny. Because we all have concerns and issues. And you cannot pick and choose the ones that you want to deal with. This City is all of our City. So, that is all that I have to say.” Council Member Myers stated, “You are a hard woman to follow Mrs. Annette. But, I have nothing at this time." Council Member Hill stated, “Good evening. Just a couple of items. At least when I and a couple of others got on council we looked at the business licenses. Now that there are certain businesses that are opening up in the City in general. And one of the major issues that I get is why is the business license process so long and stranguries. I think that we really need to sit down and look at the process. If certain things do not deal with your business why do you need to have them to sign off on it. And you have to wait for certain individual to come in and sign off on that one particular item. It baffles me and I know we try to streamline it. But I have been getting some complaints because people know that my business is where it is. So, they can just walk in off the street and say pretty much anything about the business process. So, it is kind of frustrating. So, I think that we really need to visit that all together. Also, I have noticed a lot of those slot machines are popping up in the different restaurants as well as the convenient stores. I have talked to the Commissioner of Revenue about it. But I also want to ask the City Manager along with the ACE Team to look into that to see if there is anyway that we can get taxes off that. That is almost like a separate entity. Say for instance if you go into a convenience store to get gas you will seen them as soon as you come in. And I am pretty sure there is no tax revenue coming in off of that. So, I would like to direct the City Manager along with the ACE Team to look at that. Last thing, on the Positive Petersburg. I was in Richmond last week on a couple of occasions and people were talking very good about the City of Petersburg. They were saying that you guys have really come a long way. And I know that we still have a long way to go. It is a shame when you mention your City name that you have to see what someone else is going to say. Because a lot of times it is not always positive. Most of the negativity comes from our own citizens. And some of it is rightly so. But I do want us to know that the things that we say, it does matter outside of the community. So, we have to be careful. I am always talking about our City. And I am born and raised here. Children are here and graduated here. Some of us have the same story *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 - 16 – ______________________________________________________________________________ up here. So, I just would like for us to try and turn a corner. The thing is that this is our City, not your City. This is my City too and I love it. I have my business here, my family here and I was born here and nine times out of ten I will be buried here. So, let’s all take pride in our City and talk positive about it. We have challenges just like everybody else and I just want us to really be in prayer for the violence that is going on in our City. It is too much. But one thing that you don’t know is that there is a lot of these things where there is a saying that says that always lead to Petersburg. So, a lot of things that are happening are by people that are not even citizens of Petersburg. But you do not know that. You do not know all of the stories, so just pray for our City. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.” Vice Mayor Hart stated, “Yes, good evening everyone. The only thing that I am a little remis about and have to ask of council is that I know that we didn’t have the advance last month for different reasons. But I still find that it will be very important for us whether it is a day or two so that we can start planning direction for this City. I can’t stress enough that planning for the future is what we need to do. So, hopefully we can get a couple of days in before the end of the year. As discussed earlier throughout this year by Councilwoman Treska Wilson-Smith that we set up for next year also. Thank you.” Mayor Parham stated, “Thank you. And at this time also, with Councilwoman Smith-Lee. We had a bunch of events going on this weekend in Petersburg and we had our fire and police not only doing their regular job but they welcomed the kids back to school and they hit each and every one of these back to school rallies. And at this time I would like to recognize all my fire and police guys. Please stand. A round of applause for you guys for what you all do and my retirees as well. Because when you show up at an elementary school and you have the fire truck out and the firemen their that lights up each and every one of kids face. It was just such a proud moment in seeing their face light up with the fire, police and sheriff department and the City Manager. And a whole lot of our Virginia State University students. Thank you Dr. Abdullah. He was with me today at each and every school I went too along with the Woo-Woos and various others along with the Alphas and Kappa’s and the AKA’s and the Delta’s. They get out and make things happen here in this community. They are not sitting here on Facebook and talking junk and not putting no skin in the game. So, I thank you for putting skin in the game and making things better here in the City of Petersburg. And Ward 3 will be having a meeting, a joint ward meeting, with myself and school board chairman, Ken Pritchett, at Vernon Johns at 6pm this coming Monday. We will have our brand new superintendent Dr. Pitre-Martin speaking along with from the City side the Director of Planning. You will also see our fire and police present long with other City administration and the City Manager. Also, Mrs. Benavides and I were happy to be at the opening of Burnette’s Bakery today. They opened today. It is another business here in the City of Petersburg. They have fantastic food. So, as Petersburg continues to grow and City Council keeps on pushing the City of Petersburg to be the City that it is supposed to be. And I would just like to also say again, Mrs. Benavides and Mr. Lyons and Ms. Tyus and all of your staff, you have the full support of City Council and we appreciate all that you do. And you are doing a fantastic job. We are not going to get sucked into any of the fake news because Petersburg is moving in the right direction. And at this time, I thank everyone for coming out tonight and we also have a whole lot of work to do. And at this time we are going to keep moving down this agenda.” 13. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Parham stated that he would entertain a motion to move item “16a” up on the agenda. Vice Mayor Hart made a motion to move up the MOU on the Fire Department for Support 6 (Item 16a) to the current time. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham a. Consideration of the MOU for Support 6 (Originally item 16a) BACKGROUND: This MOU with Petersburg Fire Support 6 Association will: *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 - 17 – ______________________________________________________________________________  Support the work of our first line of defense against the ravages of fire – the men and women of the fire services.  Provide rehabilitative services, according to NFPA 1584 standard on the rehabilitative process for members during emergency operations and training. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council permit the Director of Emergency Services, Chief Kenneth Miller, to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between Petersburg Fire Support 6 and Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services for Support Services. Mr. Puryear stated, “Mr. Mayor thank you and City Council thank you so much. On behalf of Support 6 and the City, we are so glad to be a part of and for what you all have done to get us back into operation, we certainly do thank you so much.” Chief Kenneth Miller stated, “Good evening Mayor and Council Members. I am very excited tonight. Members of Support 6 do so much for our community. The firefighters that come from out fire sit on the side and need to be rehabbed once they are out of the fire and provided nourishments and some support. For people that have been there it is extremely important that our firefighters to have proper rehab and stabilization to go back into extinguishing a fire. For them having the resources and being part of our community, I think that they deserve a round of applause. Yes, I am excited.” Mrs. Benavides stated, “Mayor and council, we have developed an MOU. It is for the City to partner with the individuals that are interested in doing positive engagement in supporting our City. And we ask for your support in the volunteerism as an effort and support for them to continue. Our City has been in limbo for about six months or so while we work out the details. But they have come and sat down with our team. You see a fire, which is a great example, which happened in my apartment building. They are the folks that support the firemen when it comes to bringing food. They are not fighting fires anymore but they are helping those folks make a difference. So, we ask for your support in this MOU agreement between us and them.” Council Member Myers made a motion to permit the Director of Emergency Services, Chief Kenneth Miller, to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between Petersburg Fire Support 6 and Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services for Support Services. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham 14. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: a. Consideration of the Wilcox Lake Dam Study and Recommendations. BACKGROUND: See attached presentation from Council Meeting held on July 16, 2019. RECOMMENDATION: Request Council adopt City staff recommendations that include authorizing the City Manager to: (1) move forward with certifying the Wilcox Lake Dam Study for submittal to the state regulatory agency; and (2) pursue the HydroTurfTM Alternative as recommended by City Staff (upon determination of an appropriate compliance schedule with the state agency). Darryl E. Walker, Stormwater Program Manager, gave a brief overview of the PowerPoint on the Wilcox Lake Dam Study with recommendations. Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Walker I want to thank you and Mr. Barnes for meeting with me earlier today. Before we met I did go out to Wilcox Lake and walk around the *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 - 18 – ______________________________________________________________________________ different substructures and try to get a better understanding. And you all meeting with me today was a great help to me in understanding better. One of the ideas that I hoped that we could pursue was perhaps lower the dam and lower the volume of water in the lake. But I see that I am just trailing along behind you and Mr. Barnes. If you gentlemen have already considered that option and it is more expensive than the Option 2. So, reluctantly I am biting my lip and prepared for alternative 2. I cannot see spending a million dollars on a map. It is better spending $2 million dollars on an alternative or $3 million dollars on yet another alternative. It is a million dollar map. I just find it hard to swallow but I am with you and I appreciate the patience of both of you helping me get to this point in my understanding. Thank you very much.” Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to adopt City staff recommendation that includes authorizing the City Manager to (1) move forward with certifying the Wilcox Lake Dam Study for submittal to the state regulatory agency; and (2) pursue the HydroTurfTM Alternative as recommended by City Staff (upon determination of an appropriate compliance schedule with the state agency). 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 b. Consideration of the MOU for Virginia Cooperative Extension BACKGROUND: The Agreement between the City and the Virginia Cooperative Extension reflects the mutual understanding of the City and VCE regarding actions necessary to operate VCE. The City and VCE intend to actively partner, in good faith and with due diligence whereas VCE will manage daily operations of the VCE. RECOMMENDATION: City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and sign the MOU with the Virginia Cooperative Extension. VCE and the City of Petersburg will maintain a collaborative partnership to meet human service needs of the citizens in the City of Petersburg annually upon the execution of the MOU. Darnetta Tyus, Deputy City Manager, stated, “We have here the director and we are asking for your approval to sign and reenter the agreement with Cooperative Extension and the great amount of work that they do for us. I might also note that they are the branch out behind the poverty exercise that we did here that went so well.” Katrina Kirby, Unit Coordinator for Petersburg area of Virginia Cooperative Extension, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation on their services. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Myers made a motion authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and sign the MOU with the Virginia Cooperative Extension. VCE and the City of Petersburg will maintain a collaborative partnership to meet human service needs of the citizens in the City of Petersburg annually upon the execution of the MOU. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hart and Parham; Absent: Hill c. Consideration of the MOU for the FLITE Foundation. BACKGROUND: The agreement between the City and the FLITE Foundation reflects the mutual understanding of the City and FLITE regarding actions necessary to operate the Freedom Support Center. The City and FLITE intend to actively work together, in good faith and with due diligence whereas FLITE Foundation will manage daily operations of the FSC. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 - 19 – ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and sign the MOU with the FLITE Foundation (Freedom Support Center). FLITE and City of Petersburg will maintain a collaborative working relationship to meet needs of the Veterans in the community. Darnetta Tyus, Deputy City Manager, stated, “This MOU has been on the council’s agenda before and I think you approved it. We put it back on the agenda because it had not been signed. We are now being told that it will be signed. So, we are seeking the approval of the MOU.” Mr. Williams stated, “No motion is necessary.” Mayor Parham stated, “No motion is necessary this is just for information. Thank you.” d. Consideration of 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. Council Member Myers stated, “Mr. Mayor, I have some concerns on this. Although I did go up today and I met with Mr. Cuthbert over at 227 St. Andrews Street. I understand his frustration. However, this is my frustration. I am going to spell it out. This gentleman provided a report from a certified engineer that says that this structure needs to be demolished. That is on the record for the City of Petersburg and Code of Compliance Office. It is my understanding that Code Compliance is in agreeance with the demolition of this particular structure and of my own I walked the property. I grew up in construction and I know every ins and outs of it. But you can stick a hole in a 4 x 4 and it wouldn’t stand to last. There is no way that you can apply another board to that board. There is no way that you can reconstruct this particular house unless you take it down to the foundation and do it all over again. Even the oak seals are rotted. We are talking four hundred year old oak seals that have been rotting there for several years. I am not saying that this man should not be held accountable for what he has done to this house and several others that we saw out there. The City of Petersburg and the citizens should not bare the cost to demolish this house or to stabilize it. There is nothing to stabilize. It is nothing but dust and it is just being held up vigorously. So, I can’t support this. I can’t support this for the citizens. If you want to maintain the character for the City of Petersburg then you can take a picture of it and have it architecturally drawn and it can be rebuilt. But to have the citizens to spend their money to try to save the history on that street. Thank you.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Thank you Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor with your permission I would like to call Mr. Jerome Parham. Mr. Parham would you step forward please.” Jerome Parham stated, “Jerome Parham, 219 Apt. 4, St. Andrews Street. Council Member Cuthbert asked, “And where is that house in relation to 227, the building that brings us here tonight?” Mr. Parham stated, “It is adjacent to it. It is right next beside it.” Council Member Cuthbert asked, “What if anything have you observed of what has caused 227 St. Andrews to look how it looks today.” *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 - 20 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Mr. Parham stated, “The landlord was taking the house a part as he saw fit to. He may do it a couple of days a week or whenever he chose to. He would leave it alone for a little while and take some more pieces away when he say fit to. At one time the house did look respectable but he started to just break the house down. He should have broke it all the way down instead of like leaving it to dust. He has a for sale sign on it but what is he selling. I mean it is an eyesore and something needs to be done to it. At one time, Petersburg was taking down houses or getting the owner to destroy or do something with them. But to let it sit like that is bad to the City regardless of what street it is on. Council my need to step up a little more behind property owners. I see that you all are getting the grass cut in most places and the City is a great City. The owners need to step up and be held accountable.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Mr. Parham let me stop you there if I may. Did you say that you saw the owner taking the building a part.” Mr. Parham stated, “Yes. I have actually seen him take it a part. If you ride by there you will see him from time to time working on a number of his houses doing something to occupy his time. Which is basically doing nothing.” Council Member Cuthbert asked, “Has Mr. Dance every been your landlord?” Mr. Parham stated, “Yes, he was my landlord for about five or six years, maybe more.” Council Member Cuthbert asked, “And when Mr. Dance was your landlord, was he a good landlord? Mr. Parham replied, “No.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Why do you say no?” Mr. Parham stated, “He doesn’t pay attention to things that need to be fixed. If you look at his houses he has this I don’t care attitude as long as he gets his money.” Council Member Cuthbert asked, “How many years did you live in one of Mr. Dance’s houses without any water?” Mr. Parham stated, “Approximately five.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Mr. Parham thank you very much. I do not have any further questions. I appreciate you being here and sharing your observations with us. Thank you, sir. Mr. Mayor, I have handed down the line an outline that I have prepared and attached to it some photographs and other items. And I would like to go over that briefly with council if I may.” Council Member Cuthbert went through the outline and photographs with council. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion that City Council directs the City Attorney to seek an emergency hearing before the Circuit Court to allow the City a right of entry access to 227 St. Andrews Street by City staff and a structural engineer hired by the City to prepare a stabilization plan and to implement emergency repairs to stabilize the structure of 227 St. Andrews Street to prevent further collapse until court proceedings containing the property and its current owner. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. Council Member Myers made a substitute motion that the City of Petersburg allow the Code of Compliance Office to move forward with the demolition of the proposal that Mr. Dance has provided in which *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 - 21 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Mr. Dance will pay for his demolition and the City of Petersburg does not have to burden the cost of this particular demolition. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill and Hart; Voting No: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith and Parham 15. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: No items for this portion of the agenda. 16. NEW BUSINESS: a. Consideration of the MOU for Support 6 *Item 16a was moved to the earlier part of the agenda. b. Consideration of amendments to the Citywide Classification & Compensation System. BACKGROUND: The City hired a Consultant Firm Management Advisory Group, Inc (MAG) to conduct a compensation and classification study for the City’s classifications. The goal of the project was to provide a foundation for an appropriate classification and compensation system and pay plan based on current compensation levels for similar public-sector employees, municipalities and local market competitors. The study resulted in the development of an updated classification plan; and the development of a compensation system and pay plan. In December 2015, City Council agreed with the study results and adopted the new Classification & Compensation system. The new system addressed internal/external equity by granting salary adjustments to over 100 employees; eliminated certain outdated classifications; and revised/updated job descriptions. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council revise the listed classifications and corresponding job descriptions to the City’s pay plan and to place each classification in the compensation system accordingly. 1. Assistant Director of Budget and Procurement 2. Assistant Director of Capital Budgeting 3. Assistant Director of Information Technology 4. Chef 5. Crater Regional Workforce Development Board Executive Director 6. Customer Advocate 7. Customer Service Supervisor 8. Deputy Director of Mass Transit 9. Direct of Budget and Procurement 10. Director of Mass Transit 11. Neighborhood Services Director 12. Payroll Accountant/Supervisor 13. Restaurant Manager 14. Safety Coordinator 15. Waitstaff (Waiter/Waitress) 16. Director of General Services Ms. Benavides stated, “Obviously, at times you will see position titles that exist. For example, we always had the existing Assistant Director of Finance. We needed to be more specific. One is the Assistant Director of Budget and Procurement and then Capital Budgeting. So, what you will see is that we are going to bring back the compensation plan. And what we also went through and we started a review of what people are *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 - 22 – ______________________________________________________________________________ calling themselves versus what they are. I will use Mr. Floyd as an example. Mr. Floyd was hired in as the Assistant Director to Finance. In actuality, he is the Director of Budget and Procurement. So, the purpose of this is to make sure it is in line. The other areas you will see in here, actually all of the positions were approved in the budget. When we took over the restaurant at the golf course we ultimately ended up with additional titles. For example, wait or wait staff and restaurant manager. These are positions that were also in the budget that was approved, however, we wanted to make sure that our compensation plan reflected those titles. Other changes in here included, nothing changed differently other than from General Manager of Transit to a Director of Transit. Which is one lined with the other department heads. And so, the purpose of this is to make sure that annually our goal is and in the future we would like to do this pre-budget. And every year bring you the entire comp plan just so you can see what titles exist and what titles are going away each year.” There was discussion among City Council and staff. Vice Mayor Hart made a motion a motion to revise the listed classification and corresponding job descriptions to the City’s pay plan and to place each classification in the compensation system accordingly. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith- Lee, Wilson- Smith, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham Council Member Hill asked, “Mr. Mayor, can we direct the City Manager along with the Human Resource Director to look at the outlining of the current salaries of the surrounding communities and bring us back a study just to let us know what we are making versus them?” Mayor Parham stated, “I think that is what Councilwoman Wilson-Smith wanted right. Alright we will do that.” 17. REPORTS/REPONSES TO PREVIOUSE PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: Kemi Osoba, Public Relations Officer, read comments and responses from previous public information at the July 16, 2019, regular council meeting. 1. What can be done about 321 Grove Avenue? A plan of action has been set in place for 321 Grove Ave that includes a demand letter sent on August 20, 2019, an advertisement being run during the week of Sept. 2-6, a title being ordered on October 7 and a lawsuit filed in October 2019. 2. Trash trucks are not being cleaned properly after shifts. A formal complaint is in the works of being filed with CFS. 3. Walls along the Poplar Lawn Park creek are shifting. City consultants have been contacted pertaining to the walls along the creek and proposals for assessment have been submitted to City Staff. The City will keep the public updated on progress regarding this issue. 4. There have been airline tickets purchased with a City-issued credit card. These charges were a part of Deputy City Manager, Lionel Lyons’ relocation as approved by the City Manager. (*Information is incorrect but will be corrected and posted online as well as it will be stated at the next council meeting.) 5. Will additional signage be placed at Social Services? Additional signage has been added leading to social services and plans are underway to potentially add additional signs. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: September 3, 2019 - 23 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 6. What is cigarette tax monies used for? Money collected from cigarette tax is used to support the operation of the general fund. 18. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA *There are no items for this portion of the agenda. 19. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM CLERK: *There were 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 10:40p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor *Audio available upon request.