City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at the Union Train Station. Mayor Parham called the meeting to order at 6:39p.m. 1. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member Charles H. Cuthbert, Jr. Council Member Annette Smith-Lee Council Member Darrin Hill Mayor Samuel Parham Absent: Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Council Member W. Howard Myers Vice Mayor John A. Hart, Sr Present from City Administration: City Manager Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides City Attorney Anthony C. Williams Clerk of Council Nykesha D. Jackson 2. PRAYER: Mayor Parham stated, “At this time I would like to ask Reverend Reese Washington, Pastor of Hezekiah Baptist Church to us in our opening prayer.” Pastor Washington led the council meeting in prayer. 3. CLOSED SESSION: *No items for a closed session. 4. MOMENT OF SILENCE: Mayor Parham stated, “I would like for everyone to have a moment of silence. We lost two of our officers this past week, Officer Posada and Captain Gregory Ozmar. Please join me in a moment of silence.” 5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Parham led council and the citizens 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 except for Council Member Myers, Wilson-Smith and Vice Mayor Hart. Mayor Parham stated, “During this first meeting of 2020, and as we welcome in a new decade, I want to thank and recognize Petersburg Bureau of Police for their tireless work and determination to keep our community safe. In 2019, Petersburg Police removed 325 ILLEGAL Firearms from Petersburg streets without injury to the offender. Now this number, combined with 2018, results in Petersburg Police having removed more than 600 ILLEGAL Firearms from our streets. In just the first 7 days of 2020, Chief Miller and his officers have already removed eight illegal guns from our streets. It is very evident that it is certainly a new day in Petersburg. Thank *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ you again to Public Safety Director, Kenneth Miller and Petersburg Police. A round of applause for our guys for keeping us safe.” 7. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATION OF CEREMONIAL PROCLAMATIONS: a. Recognition of Petersburg Pawn under the care of DeMario Evans. Mayor Parham read the certificate out loud and presented it to Petersburg Pawn Shop. David Mullen, owner of Petersburg Pawn, stated, “I just want to say thank you all. Just greatly appreciated. I grew up in New York and Chicago and South Florida. I came here to Petersburg 15 years ago. It is kind of a small place then where I am originally from. But the people here are just the nicest and kindest people. This is the best place that I have ever lived. We have a few little problems, but we are all going to work on that and get better. If something like this happens again in the City, we are going to issue a cash reward because we want whomever these knuckleheads are picked up and locked up so that this doesn’t happen again.” 8. REPORTS/RESPONSES TO PREVIOUS PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: Folakemi Osoba, Assistant to the City Manager, read comments and responses from previous public information at the December 10, 2019, regular council meeting. 1. Whether Petersburg will provide the required local match for District 19? The City of Petersburg is including the increased amount in the FY2019 budget amendment to ensure that District 19 receives $215,461 for this fiscal year. And for FY20-21, the City is proposing that District 19 receive $222,073. India Adams, Public Information Officer, gave follow-up responses to City Council from the December 10, 2019, council meeting. 1. Q. Can we get some guidance from the City Attorney in January on establishing a gas tax for revenue to be dedicated for the school system? Councilmember Wilson- Smith a. The City Attorney has provided City Council with a response on this matter on December 31st. 2. Q. With regards to Wilcox Lake Pavilion, can we look into turning that water back on? Councilmember Wilson-Smith a. Deputy City Manager Lionel Lyons provided a response during the December 10th meeting. 3. Q. Can we have a six-month calendar to include follow-up meeting to City Council retreat? Councilmember Wilson-Smith a. The City Clerk has included the draft meeting dates for 2020 in the January 7th packet. The 2020 City Council retreat currently scheduled for July 26-27, 2020. At the retreat, there was a discussion about a six-month recap to be held April, no date has yet to be confirmed. 4. Q. What happened to the community center at the Petersburg Sports Complex? Councilmember Wilson-Smith a. In 2014, the City Manager at the time considered a Business Plan submitted by the Reggie/Pamela Williams Foundation, to construct and operate a full-service open community gymnasium in the City of Petersburg. The City Manager at the time, submitted an ordinance for City Council consideration during the October 14, 2014 City Council meeting. Following a Public Hearing, the City Council adopted 14-ORD-96, AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DISPOSE OF AN ADDITIONAL UNIMPROVED 5-ACRE PORTION OF THE *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ SUBJECT PUBLICLY-OWNED PROPERTY, WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE PETERSBURG SPORTS COMPLEX. In February 2016, the City Manager at that time executed a Warranty Deed for 9.80 acres of the City-owned property at 100 Ballpark Road, to transfer the property to the Reggie/Pamela Williams Foundation presumably to construct and operate an indoor AAU Sports facility in accordance with the previously submitted Business Plan (see Attachment A below). In August 2016, the City was informed by Mr. Mario Haskett, a business partner and local representative of the Williams Foundation, that he was interested in moving forward with a smaller project and suggested that the Williams Foundation was no longer interested in moving forward with the project. Mr. Haskett did not continue communication with the City regarding the project. 5. Q. Can we look at the marquee about the City’s history in front of the market… it needs to be spruced up? Councilmember Hill a. The City Facilities and Tourism staff have followed up and looked into repairs for the kiosks. Currently, staff has communicated with the architect with the original templates and is working toward the next phase of the project. Staff will provide an update on the next steps of the repairs. 6. Q. Can we check that the City’s boards and commissions are up to date? Councilmember Hill a. The City Clerk will provide Council with current boards and commission appointments and vacancies at the next City Council meeting on January 7th. Request 1. During our meeting in January can we look into the funds from movies to be allocated to Petersburg Public Schools? Councilmember Wilson-Smith Attachment A 2015 Sports Complex Draft Plans Council Member Cuthbert stated, “I have a follow-up question if I may. You mentioned, Ms. Adams, the kiosk that Council Member Hill raised a question about. What is the time table for reporting back on progress that has been made?” *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ Ms. Adams stated, “We should have an update by the next council meeting. Mr. Sergei has been working with the original architect as well as working with the library and the Preservation Taskforce on that.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “So, you expect that at our meeting on January 21st that you will have an update for us.” Ms. Adams stated, “Yes.” 9. COMMUNICATIONS/SPECIAL REPORTS: *Presentation by Senator Elect, Joseph Morrissey Mayor Parham stated, “Is Senator Elect Morrisey here? He may be running a little late. So, we will get back to him and we will move on to the treasurer’s report.” a. Treasurer Report – Kenneth Pritchett, City Treasurer *No report for the Treasurer’s Report. b. City Assessor Report – Brian Gordineer, AAS, City Assessor *No report for the City Assessor Report. c. City Manager Report – Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides, City Manager Mrs. Benavides stated, “Mayor and Council you have included my overall bi-weekly report. Just a couple of highlights in the report. Council has asked for an update on our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. I had a meeting with VML VaCO to discuss the FY17-18 Audit. I also did a follow-up conversation with the auditor’s Robinson, Farmer & Cox. They are completing the document. All the draft schedules that were submitted for our bond rating were held up to be what’s going to be in the final document. So, they anticipate the first week in February. They will have the document complete and they will be able to present that to council by February 18th to give you some time to review it prior to the council meeting. I did speak to the lead partner with Robinson, Farmer & Cox and he said that it is just putting the book together. He said that it is part of their contract. VML VaCO team just confirmed and I wanted to make sure that all items requested have been submitted including some that were not asked for just in advance. Moving on to our FY18-19 Audit, none of the work can start on that until we finish up and close up this year. And so, we had a meeting with the VML VaCO team. Starting with the bottom part we are in the final year of an extension of their contract and we are looking at bidding out our 19-20 audit. For the 18-19 audit they are under contract to complete that. The most important thing that we added to this process was our preaudit work. So, we are now working on a new contract to complete the pre-audit work. I did speak with Robinson, Farmer & Cox and they said that it is critical to have that process to happen. We anticipate the to start work by January 21, 2020. They are completely closed out on the 17th and 18th. They are still onsite. What we are working on is defining the task to be on the preaudit team. A lot of work that occurred in this current preaudit involved reconciliation work, cash and other items. We anticipate that we have the staff in place to cover that and so we are trying to minimize the cost of that. So, we are anticipating negotiating that contract. The second phase of it is Robinson, Farmer and Cox. So, I asked them when they will be complete. The anticipate the end of April 2020. This gives them enough time that with the draft documentation that they are requesting us to provide to them, so that by the time they are on site they can close it and turn around. The final report is based on the turnaround schedule of June 2020. And that is for the 18-19 audit. As we know that it was due in November, so we know that it is late. The good news and once again with having our preaudit team in negotiating this contract is that they will *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ immediately, once they finish the audit in June on that audit, is start work on the preaudit for the next audit so that it can be ready. They are generally onsite in September or October for the next year. So, that will get us caught up on our audit work. The key to all of this is to make sure that we are diligent in doing the work head of time. A lot of time what we see happening with our audit is that we go all year without doing and making sure the accounts are adding up. And then by the time the auditors come in we are trying to back track and figure out what happened. And so, we hope that we have hired the right people to help cover all that basis to keep this process moving. Our financial management offices will be moving effective January 21, 2020. As you can see that many of you already seen tours of it and what the new space looks like. In that building will include the finance staff but it will also have Billing and Collections, Budget and Procurement Office, the IT Office and the Commission of Revenue are all locating there. A lot of work has been done on this building. I am very excited, not only on the conference space but also the professional feeling of service that it gives also. I want to thank Mr. Lyons and Mrs. Innis and her entire team on all the work that has been done. I can’t wait to have an open house. All of the work that was done on this building was done extensively by staff. So, from a security standpoint you will see that we did a lot of work to make this into a very usable site into consolidating. The second thing that we just want to keep highlighting is that surplus is important to use because it is making sure that we are moving this, but we are readapting the dollar. GovDeals has assisted us and in this fiscal year we have received about $80,000 in revenue for some things. The new P-Card system is active, and the T-Card program is officially closed out. That moved to a one card system and a departmental card system. Public Safety, we are still focused on the no guns and removing guns off the street in a safety standpoint. And that concludes my presentation.” There was discussion among City Council and staff. d. District 19 Community Service Board Presentation BACKGROUND: Will provide information regarding services available, number of individuals served, new services being implemented. RECOMMENDATION: Informational Jennifer Tunstall, Executive Director of District 19 Community Services Board, gave a presentation on District 19 Community Services Board. Key points:  Mission is to improve the quality and productivity of the lives of individuals who experience, or are at risk of experiencing, mental disabilities and/or substance abuse.  They are licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services serving the cities of Colonial Heights, Emporia, Hopewell and Petersburg and the counties of Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Surry and Sussex.  Members on the Board of Directors from Petersburg are Antonio Morgan, Gary Talley and Daphne Turner.  In FY19, we provided direct services to 5,474 individuals.  The General Assembly approved funding for CSBs to implement the initial mandated services of STEP-VA.  In compliance with STEP-VA, District 19 has implemented Same Day Access. The implementation of STEP-VA services improves access, increases quality, builds consistency and strengths accountability across Virginia’s public behavioral health system.  You can find more information at www.d19csb.com. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ 10. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (to include minutes of previous meeting/s) a. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of November 19, 2019 and December 10, 2019 b. Minutes of the Special Called Meeting of December 5, 2019 and the Special Closed Session meeting of December 5, 2019. c. ABC License for Town & Country 3 located at 1908 Boydton Plank Road. d. A request for a public hearing to consider an ordinance authorizing the sale of 400 Commerce Street. e. A request for a public hearing to consider an ordinance authorizing the sale of 10 N. Jefferson Street and 125 E. Washington Street. f. A request to schedule a public hearing to consider an ordinance requesting that the General Assembly approves an amendment to the City’s Charter Section 2-7 Councilmen’s salaries g. A request to schedule a public hearing to consider an ordinance requesting that the General Assembly approves an amendment to the City’s Charter Section 6-8 related to land book duties. Council Member Myers made a motion to move items “D and E” to part “14” of the agenda to “items removed from the consent agenda” and adopt the consent agenda with changes and to set public hearings to January 21, 2020. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Hill, and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith, Myers and Hart 11. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. A public hearing on an appeal of the Architectural Review Board (ARB) decision for 115 N. Sycamore Street. BACKGROUND: Staff issued a Stop Work Order on September 23, 2019, for the installation of new window openings without approval. Mr. Haase applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness on September 23, 2019, and his request was heard at the October 16, 2019, ARB Meeting. The ARB voted to deny the request, based on the grounds that installing new window openings where windows were never present by this an inappropriate treatment to buildings in our Local Historic Districts. This ruling requires that the wall be returned to its original state. An appeal was received by the Clerk of Council on November 12, 2019, requesting that City Council allow Mr. Haase to leave the windows. RECOMMENDATION: Following a duly advertised public hearing, Council by majority of those members present and voting, the council may firm, reverse or modify the decision of the Architectural Review Board (ARB) in whole or part. Kate Sangregorio, Preservation Planner, gave a briefing on the appeal and that she recommended denial of the Certificate of Appropriateness. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed the public comments. Council Member Cuthbert stated, “I have a motion that I would like to read at this time if it is appropriate. I have handed a copy of this motion to council, but I would like to read it aloud. ‘Concerning the appeal of Mr. Haase of the denial decision of the Architectural Review Board regarding his application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to create four new window openings in the north façade of 115 North Sycamore *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ Street, I move that this matter be remand to the ARB. Upon remand, the ARB is requested to ask the Virginia Department of Historic resources to: 1) Identify any relevant provisions of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic, and; 2) Inform the ARB of the possible consequences to the City of Petersburg if the ARB or City Council makes decisions that are inconsistent with such standards.'” Council Member Cuthbert made a motion that this matter be remand to the ARB. Upon remand, the ARB is requested to ask the Virginia Department of Historic resources to: 1) Identify any relevant provisions of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic, and; 2) Inform the ARB of the possible consequences to the City of Petersburg if the ARB or City Council makes decisions that are inconsistent with such standards. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion among City Council. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Hill and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith, Myers and Hart b. A public hearing on the authorization of the acceptance of a donation of real property by Virginia Electric and Power Company and to authorize the City Manager to sign the real estate donation agreement for property located at 1340 East Washington Street. BACKGROUND: See attached. RECOMMENDATION: A public hearing to authorize the acceptance of a donation of real property by Virginia Electric and Power Company and to authorize the City Manager to sign the real estate donation agreement for property located at 1340 East Washington Street. Mrs. Benavides gave an update on the donation property located at 1340 East Washington Street. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed the public hearing. Council Member Hill made a motion to approve the authorization acceptance of a donation of real property by Virginia Electric and Power Company and to authorize the City Manager to sign the real estate donation agreement for property located at 1340 East Washington Street. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Hill and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith, Myers and Hart 20-ORD-1 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION OF REAL PROPERTY BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY. 12. PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: The Public Information Period is established by the Rules of Council to hear input from City residents or owners of businesses in the City. It will last for a maximum of 30 minutes. Speakers will be called in the order that they have signed up to speak. If there are ten or fewer speakers, each shall speak for a maximum of 3 minutes. If there are more than ten (10) people desiring to speak, the time allotted to each person may be adjusted or the number of speakers limited to meet the time limitation. A speaker may speak on items except those that are listed on tonight’s Council agenda. Any matter brought before the attention of the City Council during the public information period will not be acted upon by the City Council at this meeting. Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated, “First thing I would like to say is season greetings. And I would like to thank the police department for patrolling Pocahontas. During the holidays, we had a lot of people in and out. I even called the headquarters and the lady was so polite. One of the things that is bothering me is that I was at the democratic meeting last night and I heard Mr. Parham speak about the development of the *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ Appomattox River and something about some festivities. We the people of Pocahontas want to be informed of what is going on near the river. Because we just do not know. Because all we know is that weekly, we get somebody that wants to buy something from Pocahontas or want to buy a house. It is our concern. We are concerned about this side of the river just as much as we are concerned about the other side of the river. Whatever happen to the dog pond or dog something that was going to be developed and different things like that. The people in Pocahontas are concerned. And also, we are concerned with historical significance of the island that you do not let anything come and be developed there and destroy our historical site in that area. Thank you.” Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, stated, “I would like to thank the Mayor and Mr. Charles Cuthbert for coming out to the creation of Walnut Hill Historical District meeting at St. Mark’s Church. I would also like to thank the City Manager and her staff for going around and cutting the excessive growth over by the Southside Depot that was growing in the old ruins. My next question is in regard to the Old Pump House down on St. Andrew Street. I found an architect who is willing to go in and look at the structure. I am not sure if the City took him up on his proposal to examine the Old Pump House. And I also, would like to ask the question about City streetsweepers and leaf pick-up. Lots of homes in my area have not had their leaves picked up and also, I have not had street sweeping done in a number of years. What is going on with the old Peabody site. The roof is still peeling back on a lot of the structures on the complex. And Cameron field still has not had a lot of work done to it. I know the City started painting some of the bleachers. But there is still a lot more work that needs to be done on the site. And there are numerous other things, but I am going to cut short tonight. Also, I was traveling over the winter break and if you type up ‘Petersburg, Virginia’ through the google search engine the first five results are all commercials for the top ten worst places to live in America. And this is while I was in India. So, I don’t know if the City can look into contacting google to see if they can change the ads that show up when you type in Petersburg. Thank you.” Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated, “Good evening council. I am going to try to keep it kind of short too. In December of 2015, which is little over four years ago, Chris Harrison announced the deal for the hotel project, the Old Ramada Inn. In May 2016, Harrison and the City signed a purchase agreement for the properties. And the actual sale which was for $750,000 took place in March 2018. The purchase contract required Harrison to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for the hotel in 36 months. And the 36 months elapsed in May 2019. Now what was Harrison doing in May of 2019? He was here if you recall begging you for some more money so he can get started. At the same time, he was feuding and suing his architect and contractors. I just want to remind you that several of you asked him some tough questions. But it seems like a lot of time has gone on since May 2019 and the greatest accomplishment is that the building just got boarded up some more. Meanwhile, elsewhere in July 2018 Harrison announced his intention to purchase and develop the model tobacco company in Richmond. Then more recently in October 2019, he announced his intention to purchase and develop an R.J. Reynolds tobacco processing plant in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. And in each of these projects they can be $100 million-dollar projects. I am here to ask you do you honestly think that Harrison is going to put anymore effort into his hotel project here other than what it takes to placate here in the City? We as a City are blocked from moving forward by this ratchet falling apart wreck of a building. It is seen by many as a symbol of failure. So, my suggestion is for 2020 to take of that balance money that you talked about a few weeks ago and buy back the property from Harrison. The contract gives you the ability to do that. Then take it down before it falls down and hurt anyone and becomes even a bigger negative for Petersburg. Thank you.” Gary Talley, 2323 Fort Rice Street, stated, “I will keep my comments brief too. Thank you for doing the right thing with the Community Services Board. On the negativity the litter is piling up again at the entrance to 95 badly. And I don’t know what the point behind this was but coming up from Dinwiddie the other day there is a new sign at Exit 58. There is a sign that says attractions, but it is blank. What is the point of putting up a sign if there is nothing on it? My friends were kind of making a joke about and I really don’t like that. It is silly to put up a sign that says attractions and there is nothing on it. Thank you.” *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ Taylor Moore, 307 North Boulevard, stated, “I would like to bring attention matter that is going on now in Virginia. The Governor and State Legislatures proposed a legislation that directly violates the 2nd amendment of the Constitution of the United States. The people proposing these laws are guarded by fully armed security. I don’t know about you, but I believe that my family and the families of everyone in this room is just as important as Governor Northam and state legislatures. But this is being pushed by the guys in public safety. So, lets talk about that for a moment. Mass shootings, active shooters or one life being taken by one gun is one too many. My brother was a student at Virginia Tech during the 2007 massacre. I was a student at Virginia Tech during the 2011 active shooter in which the Virginia Tech police officer was killed at point blank range during a traffic stop. Campus was on lockdown for a dramatic 12 hours while the SWAT team searched for the killer. I am fully aware of the determent of these types of situations. So, are the family and friends of the people that were murdered in the City in 2019. Ask them why do they feel safe in their homes. Or the one man that was shot two days ago in 2020 who is fighting for his life. Public safety is 100% a concern. Some may say that it should be Petersburg main concern. Come to my home on any given night and hear the gunshots. The only thing that is protecting my home from any stray bullet is Interstate 85. Others are not so lucky. Personal self-defense is not up for debate. Do you think that the people who murdered 20 people last year in our City are going to say ‘Welp Ralph said we have to turn in our guns? Let’s drive down to the police department tomorrow and surrender them.’ No. Instead legislators want to force law abiding citizens to do so or become a class 6 felon. The $4 million dollars that the governor has proposed in the firearm take back program and 18 additional employees to carry this out in the state should be allocated to police department in Petersburg, Hopewell, Richmond, etc. Where drug, gun and gang violence run rampant. This should be used to run firearm safety and education to our community to decrease fear and lack of knowledge and increase the number of law-abiding citizens who know how to properly and safely use, store, secure and transport a firearm. This should be used to fund City taught concealed care courses. This should be used to increase funding for background checks including behavioral health and criminal checks to ensure that no gun ends up in the wrong hands. I ask the Honorable Mayor and Council to join the 88 other counties, 12 cities and 18 towns in Virginia, which have already passed 2nd amendment sanctionary resolutions. So that law-abiding citizens can continue to enjoy the rights afforded to them by the Constitution of the United States. As written on the seal, on that flag is our great Commonwealth of Virginia. Thank you.” Ron Moore, 307 N. Boulevard, stated, “Happy New Year. I am just going to follow-up a little bit on what my wife talked about. I am going to start with an old part of my life. The scout law, a scout is trustworthy, loyal helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. As hard I try, I probably didn’t follow that all my life. I heard about shall not. A pretty simple concept. Call it the ten commandments. And if that didn’t get through my thick blonde skull then my mother would remind me of what shall not meant. Which is probably every other day growing up. The 11th commandment ‘shall not infringe’ is pretty clear. I just wanted to follow-up on one of her points. I believe it is a $7.5 million-dollar budget for the next two years to implement the gun convocation. It is not going to work. The $7.5 million needs to be put in Petersburg and Hopewell and to Chief Miller and Deputy Chief Christian, they need the money. Because when I see that people are sitting at stop lights like Joey and then get assassinated at a stop light. Then it was two years ago there was a lady with two children on St. James in which the same thing happened to her family and she survived that. There was another gentleman in Walnut Hill was shot in the back of the head at 11pm at night sitting in his car in my neighborhood. Taking the guns from me is not going to solve the problem. I am calling on you to have the police department to reject the budget because the $7.5 million should be put into active programs where you would be able to target crime which is gang crime that is part of this which is regional problem here in Petersburg. So, I would encourage you to look at the budget on where it would be better spent to activities to where the police can help reduce the crime. I believe the budget is incorrect and a misallocation. We need that in the City, and they need it much more than taking my guns away from me. Thank you very much.” Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated, “I had a couple of things that I really wanted to put *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ before you. But then something was just brought to my attention on how it would be before something about Petersburg being a gun sanctionary City comes up. Just as they had the right for Petersburg to become one, I would suggest that Petersburg has too many other issues to worry about being a sanctionary City. But if you went to Petersburg public schools and had some of the teachers that I did you were taught very well about a lot of the amendments. Including the 2nd amendment and how most of these amendments came into the being and why the came into being. But let’s back up on to real issues. The one thing I want to say, has anyone followed up with Mr. Crockett on that bench in front of his store. Because he is absolutely right. No one wants to catch the bus. The bus does not even stop there because of everybody that is there. Now you see a bench was taken off up here at Washington Street. So, afford us the same opportunity. Our buses are not going to stop there because they are afraid. Remove that bench. Also, here is a question that a lot of people are not going to ask right out. Why did Petersburg have two parades? One down here and the one that we normally have. Mr. Mayor, I heard you give accolades to where accolades are due. But I have to ask you, were you and I at the same parade? Despite how I felt about our parade, do you know what type of division having two parades show in this City. Because if the sponsors really cared about Petersburg, they would have put their resources into helping improve the one that we always have instead of having one down here in old town. Which gave creed to people saying that they are more concerned with old town then the rest of the town. I am just asking. And finally, the signage for Social Services. I only saw one sign that is coming up Crater Road out of Prince George. And you don’t see it if you are looking for. But when you are not looking for then oh, Petersburg Social Services. And you thinking to me, let’s do a little better than that. And Mrs. Rudolph brought up a good question. I don’t know what you all call success or progress, but that Ramada Inn looks like hell. The devil don’t want it. Do something about it. Because if you talk about improving our gateway, I would say to you members of council that you always talk about our gateway to the City. If that considered a gateway lock it up.” 13. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FOR/FROM THE MAYOR OR COUNCIL MEMBERS: Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Mrs. Ferrell-Benavides and Mrs. Peters, would you give council an update as in the next step in using the information gathered by citizens as to building code violations. I went to a meeting last fall and it was moderated by Mrs. Peters and she was asking for volunteers to assess our neighborhoods and report back as to the building code violations that they found. I would like to know what is going to happen next. I thought it was a good idea. But it is only a good idea if it accomplishes something. And I would like to have an update and I think all of council would like to have an update as to whether this initiative is really going to accomplish anything. And if so when is it going to accomplish that something. Mrs. Ferrell- Benavides can you ask Mrs. Peters to come to the podium and bring us up-to-date on that please.” Mrs. Peters stated, “Good evening Mayor, Vice Mayor and Members of Council. Councilman Cuthbert you are speaking of the call to action meeting that we had at the library. After the meeting Kate Sangregorio put together a packet for the historic districts. The City of Petersburg have seven historic districts. She had volunteers to sign up at that meeting to come and pick the packets up and do the survey of assessments for each building in the seven historic districts. Out of the packets that went out we received two back from individuals who volunteered who could not meet the obligation and there is still one packet that is out that is still being assessed. We received the other packets back in the office as of today and we had someone to organize it based on the classification of the buildings. Starting from the worst buildings first to good conditions. And so, we have two packets that we are waiting on from volunteers to pick up and go and do the survey. The other four packets we have back in the office with the data. So, we are currently assessing the data to bring forth to he groups and not necessarily council. Because we promised to the citizens that wanted to be a part of this to bring information back to them to outline the information and what the next step would be.” Council Member Cuthbert asked, “When do you expect to reconvene the group?” Mrs. Peters stated, “So the surveys were due by mid-January. So, we figure we will have all the data by the end of month and organize to bring a picture of how many properties that we are talking about that need *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ assistance. And then how do we match that up with resources or City resources. So, we are looking to have the next meeting early February.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Once that meeting has been scheduled in early February, will you please inform City Council on when that meeting is going to take place and where.” Mrs. Peters stated, “Absolutely.” Council Member Smith-Lee stated, “Good evening and Happy New Year everyone. I know that there are some people in the City of Petersburg that are looking for jobs. And I know that we have some jobs that are available. Is it possible that we can have a City spring job fair in the City of Petersburg?” Mrs. Benavides stated, “Absolutely. I think that we have been working with HR internally, but I know that we are seeing a large turnover as job around the region are becoming available. So, that think that it will be something that we can work. We will try to get that arranged as quickly as possible.” Council Member Smith-Lee stated, “Thank you. Also, Ward 6 and Ward 7 will be having a joint meeting at Cools Springs Elementary School on February 11th at 6pm. Please come out and join us. Also, I want to congratulate Upton Bailey, who is a football player for Petersburg High School. He played in the Blue and Gold Bowl in Tampa, Florida. In which he obtained the MVP Player of the Game. So, I just continue to ask that the citizens here support our youth in the City of Petersburg. Thank you.” Council Member Hill stated, “Good evening everyone. This is for the Social Services Advisory Board. I have a motion to make.” Council Member Hill made a motion to appoint Mary Kate Gerschick and Dr. Harold B. DuHart to the Social Services Advisory Board. The motion was seconded by Council Member Cuthbert. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Hill and Parham; Absent: Wilson- Smith, Myers and Hart 20-R-3 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING MARY KATE GERSCHICK AND DR. HAROLD B. DUHART FOR A TERM EXPIRING SEPTEMBER 30, 2022, TO THE SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD. Council Member Hill stated, “Also, I want to wish everyone a belated Merry Christmas and Bless New Year. Just a couple of things. I would like for everyone to be careful with the flu virus going around. Try not to hold hands in public settings and things of that nature. I would like to thank Ms. Darnetta Tyus. I know that it is work to be done in public works with the leaf removal. There are still some areas in the City. So, if your leaves have not been moved then please call public works. And also, I would like to thank the police department for the job they are trying to do with getting the guns off the streets. We had a grand opening a few weeks ago at the Dunkin’ Donuts on Wagner Road which was great. We still have plenty property over there that is in the talks of being developed. The developer and owner of the business has many Dunkin’ Donuts but he spoke favorably for Petersburg. He is excited to be in the City of Petersburg. We also have a state building that should be developed by the summer time in Ward 2. There will be a Ward 2 meeting sometime at a later part in February. I will come up with a date by the next meeting. I want to especially thank the residents of Berkeley Manor and Berkeley Manor Estates. We came together a few weeks ago. I want to thank the City Manager, the Mayor, the Deputy City Manager Lyons, Chief Miller and Deputy Chief Christian for coming out and answering all questions trying to get a sense of what happened. I thank you all for coming out. I want to especially thank Mr. Tony Green for opening his home. We had to have at least over 50 people in his home. He opened up his home so that we could have the meeting. One of the beauties about Berkeley Manor and Berkeley Manor Estates is that they have a very good neighborhood watch. I would, Madam City Manager, if you could look at *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________ that bench in front of Mr. Crockett’s Store in front of the Health Department. I know we need to address it because I have seen it for a while. Last but not least I would like to thank the pawn shop who we thanked earlier. So, in closing this is a new year for us, so we look forward to greater and better things in the City of Petersburg. The City has come a long way in a short period of time. We listen to all your comments and concerns and we do take it to heart. I have notes of what everyone said up here. So, just be patient with us. We thank you.” Mrs. Benavides stated, “The bench will be gone tomorrow.” Mayor Parham stated, “Next, I would like to first start of saying that Senator Joe Morrissey could not make it tonight because he had a caucus meeting. So, we will reschedule him for the next council meeting. Second of all, I just had a message from our fire marshal, and we have issued a criminal summons for Mr. C. A. Harrison. So, if anyone sees him, please call us so that we can serve him. Next, I would like to thank all the citizens here that was at the Walnut Hill Historic District Meeting. Councilman Cuthbert and I attended the meeting and a lot of questions were answered and it was not necessary for us to have another meeting. And we will be giving a letter of support and wish you well on your endeavors. Next, I would like to talk about cancer. One of our firemen have contacted colon cancer. Please keep him in your prayers. And I just want to share some firefighter cancer risk.” Mayor Parham read information offline. Mayor Parham stated, “And this is facts from NBC12 that I am stating here. And for the record, we have to do something to protect our guys going in and out. I know that we are testing for one type of cancer. But now it is time for us to start testing and getting our guys the one-stop cancer test and test our firemen for all types of cancer that could possibly happen. And we need to take these preventive steps that help with our healthcare and getting people help earlier and maybe we can prevent these later stages of cancer. So, Mrs. City Manager can you look at getting and putting in the next budget year putting our firefighter’s the one-stop cancer test that covers all the cancer risk in firemen and we can address those issues quicker if we know that they are brewing. And I think that it is $189 test which could save lives here in the City.” Mrs. Benavides stated, “Two responses. We are in the mist in which we bid out our health insurance. So, as we start the selection process, we will look to include that into. The other option I would also like to look is some other partnerships as we have worked closely with the Southside Regional Medical Hospital for breast cancer screening. I would like to look and see what programs are available to them to make that option. We have done a lot of focus on our women and breast cancer and we have spoken highly of needing to follow up on some of the challenges that effect our males. But I think this would be a great project to work with Southside Regional Hospital on now to see what we can do for this effort. There are funding’s available. So, what we discovered is that with the breast screening it covers the initial one but if you have to go back then that cost falls back on that person. In conversations with the hospital they have programs available of who actually support those cost. Ms. Tyus and I will follow-up on that as quickly as possible and with some more details at the next council meeting.” There was discussion among council and staff. 14. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: a. A request for a public hearing to consider an ordinance authorizing the sale of 400 Commerce Street. (10D) b. A request for a public hearing to consider an ordinance authorizing the sale of 10 N. Jefferson Street and 125 E. Washington Street. (10E) *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 - 13 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Mr. Tabor stated, “Item 10D is a request of a public hearing of a public hearing on January 21, 2020, authorizing the sale of a portion of the property at 400 Commerce Street. And item 10E is the request to schedule a public hearing on January 21, 2020, to consider an ordinance authorizing the sale of property at 10 N. Jefferson Street and 125 E. Washington Street.” Council Member Cuthbert asked, “Mr. Tabor, let’s take those properties one at a time please. Who is the proposed purchaser, what is the proposed use and what is the proposed sale price?” Mr. Tabor stated, “In the past we have provided that information in the agenda item for the public hearing. Once it has been scheduled, then we will include that as a draft purchase agreement for each of the properties in those items. I have some general information. And that information will definitely be in the agenda item for the public hearing.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “My concern is that council gets their packet on Thursday or Friday and then we have to scramble to try and figure out what is in the best interest of the City. It would be helpful if we had this information more in advance. What information can you tell us about the purchaser, the proposed price and proposed use with respect to 400 Commerce Street.” Mr. Tabor stated, “We have been working with the City Attorney and City Assessor on the property. A portion of that parcel was sold to the owners of the High Street Lofts. It is adjacent to the one that is running along Commerce Street and Hinton Street. So, with that they have requested to purchase a portion of a parcel that was not sold to them when the property was originally sold.” Mr. Williams stated, “There was a titling error associated with that we are seeking to correct that was made a decade ago. And that is really all that one is. It is a previous one that they are seeking to correct in a titling error that was made.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Alright. Well that is helpful. Tell us please about 10 North Jefferson and 125 E. Washington Street. Didn’t we sell that property 18 months ago?” Mr. Tabor stated, “There was a proposal that the City was considering, however the developer did not move forward with the purchase and development of those properties. And this is a different and new developer.” Council Member Cuthbert asked, “Is this the old Virginia employment Commission?” Mr. Tabor stated, “That is correct.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Who is the purchaser and what is the proposed use and purchase price?” Mr. Tabor stated, “Again, I do not have that information with me as far as the price is concerned. We would include it in the item for the public hearing. However, the proposed use is for commercial development. And it would include both restaurant, retail and fuel station.” Council Member Cuthbert asked, “Did you say hotel?” Mr. Tabor stated, “Restaurant and retail.” *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 - 14 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Cuthbert asked, “Does that mean like the Quick Stop and Liberty Gas across the street.” Mr. Tabor stated, “We would include all of the details in the item.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Will it be ABC off across from St. Joseph School?” Mr. Tabor stated, “That will be in the information.” There was discussion between council and Mr. Tabor. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion schedule the public hearings on “10D & 10E” for a public hearing for the meeting on January 21st. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Hill and Parham; Absent: Wilson- Smith, Myers and Hart 15. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: a. To appropriate CDBG funds. BACKGROUND: The following funds are continuing accounts as of the end the fiscal year 2018- 2019 on June 30th, 2019. Continuing Accounts FY Amount Jarratt House FY16 $106,035.00 Commercial Improvement FY18 $45,021.00 Architecture Design FY18 $9,000.00 Project Homes FY19 $22,556.00 CARES FY19 $1,305.00 YMCA FY19 $5,400.00 HOPE Center FY19 $2,513.00 Freedom Center FY19 $15,337.00 Rebuilding Together FY19 $1,218.00 Code Enforcement FY19 $5,287.00 N. Whitehill Sewer FY19 $128,005.00 CDBG Administration FY19 $41,827.00 Lockes Waterline FY19 $202,567.00 $586,071.00 RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council’s approval. Mrs. Peters gave an update on the CDBG recommendations. Council Member Hill made a motion to adopt item “15A”. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee. Mayor Parham opened the floor for comment. Seeing no hands, public comments were closed. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 - 15 – ______________________________________________________________________________ The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Hill and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith, Myers and Hart 20-ORD-2 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2019, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2020 FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUND. 16. NEW BUSINESS: a. Consideration of an appropriation for the City of Petersburg Litter Prevention and Recycling Grant. BACKGROUND: The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality provides funds for litter prevention and recycling to localities under a non-competitive grant program based on population and road miles. These grants have been awarded annually, since 1980, to localities for local litter prevention and recycling program implementation, continuation, and/or expansion. The following are authorized uses of the funds:  Salaries, wages, or other personnel costs  Office supplies, postage, telephone  Printing and program materials  Travel expenses  Locally conducted meetings, workshops, and awards  Audiovisual material on litter or recycling  Equipment such as: educational, litter receptacles, recycling, source reduction, source reduction, and reuse equipment, audiovisual, safety, and the renting of such equipment.  Award materials  Cleanup supplies  Annual dues for solid waste related associations (Maximum cp of $100)  Litter collection and/or recycling collection contracts.  Solid Waste Disposal fees, fuel and transportation ONLY ASSOCIATED with a volunteer cleanup. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council approve the attached appropriation ordinance in the amount of $5,559.00. And appropriate $437.00 unspent grant funds for FY2019 for a total available for FY2020 of $5,996.00. Mrs. Benavides gave an update on the request of approval of grants that have been awarded. Council Member Hill made a motion to approve the attached appropriation ordinance in the amount of $5,559.00. And appropriate $437.00 unspent grant funds for FY2019 for a total available for FY2020 of $5,996.00. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comment. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed the public comments. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Hill and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith, Myers and Hart *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 - 16 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 20-ORD-3 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2019, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2020 FOR THE LITTER GRANT FUND. b. Resolution regarding quality of City services, discrimination, bullying and workplace violence. BACKGROUND: This Resolution has been prepared to memorialize Council’s desired policies and practices in furtherance of their desire that the City provide high quality services to its citizens and that the City’s employees be allowed to work in an environment free from discrimination, bullying, and workplace violence. RECOMMENDATION: Requested by Council. Mr. Williams gave an update on the resolution. Council Member Hill made a motion to approve the recommendation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Linwood Christian, 410 Mistletoe Street, stated, “I was just wondering if you can give us some kind of clarity on this. When you say regarding the quality on City service is discrimination, bullying and workplace violence. Just clarify what we are looking at. Are we asking that or are we looking at better service? Or to improve on what we have possibly? That is all I am saying. Because when we talk about discrimination, what kind of discrimination are we talking about? I am just asking for some clarity. That is pretty much about it. I am kind of getting an understanding, but I really don’t know what you mean with the quality. Are those services in place if a person feels discriminated against? Again, when we talk about discrimination, what discrimination are we talking about? Sexual orientation, religious, gender, what? When we talk about bullying, am I bullying you because you are bald headed and wear glasses? What? Those type of things. Do we have them in place or do this resolution call for what we have in place if things are not right to step it up? That’s all. Thank you.” Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated, “Good question Mr. Christian just asked. My question is that I work for the federal government and they have something called the EEO Office. Now does the City of Petersburg have an EEO Office or is this something that needs to be developed?” Seeing no further hands, Mayor Parham closed the public comments. There was discussion from Mr. Williams. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Hill and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith, Myers and Hart 20-R-4 A RESOLUTION REGARDING QUALITY OF CITY SERVICES, DISCRIMINATION, BULLYING, AND WORKPLACE VIOLENCE. c. A request for a resolution to refund erroneously assessed real estate taxes. BACKGROUND: To refund taxes as allowed by the Virginia Code for an erroneous assessment on parcel 02910900. RECOMMENDATION: That City Council pass a resolution to refund erroneously assessed real *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on: January 7, 2020 - 17 – ______________________________________________________________________________ estate taxes. Mr. Gordineer gave an update on the refund of real estate taxes. There was discussion among council and staff. Council Member Smith-Lee made a motion to pass a resolution to refund erroneously assessed real estate taxes in the amount of $13,905. The motion was seconded by Council Member Cuthbert. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed the public comments. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Hill and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith, Myers and Hart 20-R-5 A RESOLUTION TO REFUND ERRONEOUSLY ASSESSED REAL ESTATE TAXES. 17. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 18. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE CLERK: Ms. Jackson stated, “Just a reminder for City Council Members to get me some available dates for the April Retreat meeting as soon as you can.” 19. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM CITY ATTORNEY: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 20. ADJOURNMENT: City Council adjourned at 8:16p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor *Audio available upon request.