City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, in live stream. Mayor Parham called the meeting to order at 12:10p.m. 1. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member Charles H. Cuthbert, Jr Council Member W. Howard Myers Council Member Annette Smith-Lee Council Member Darrin Hill Vice Mayor John A. Hart, Sr Mayor Samuel Parham Absent: Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith 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, “Councilman Hill will lead us in our opening prayer.” Council Member Hill led the council meeting in prayer. 3. CLOSED SESSION: a. A motion 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 special legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by the city Attorney and matters of actual or probable litigation specifically including but not limited to matters requiring legal advice by the City Attorney. Council Member Hill moved that the City Council go into closed session for the purposes noted by Mayor Parham. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee. There was no discussion on the motion, which was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith City Council entered closed session at 12:13a.m. CERTIFICATION: Mr. Williams stated, “The Mayor would entertain a motion to conclude the closed session called this evening to certify in accordance with §2.2-3712 that the Code of Virginia that to the best of each members knowledge that only public business matter lawfully exempted from the opening meeting requirements were discussed and that only such public business matters were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened, heard, discussed or considered. If any member believes that there was a departure from the foregoing requirements should so state prior to the vote indicating the substance for departure that in his or her judgment has taken place. This requires a roll call vote Mr. Mayor.” *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Myers 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, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith and Hart 20-R-25 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 1:49 p.m. Mayor Parham stated, “At this time I would entertain a motion to direct the City Attorney to present our next meeting of legal opinion with respect with the health commissioner’s letter and ask the City Manager to provide a report on the financial impacts of the order of the Commonwealth.” Council Member Myers made a motion to direct the City Attorney to present our next meeting of legal opinion with respect with the health commissioner’s letter and ask the City Manager to provide a report on the financial impacts of the order of the Commonwealth. 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, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith 4. MOMENT OF SILENCE: Mayor Parham led the meeting into the 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. Mayor Parham stated, “Good Afternoon Everyone. I want to start by thanking you all again for your patience and understanding with this adjusted setup for City Council Meetings. You are truly appreciated. For our Positive Petersburg moment: I want to give everyone a little information about COVID-19 testing that is available in Petersburg. Ms. Tyus will be giving more information on this later in the agenda, but I did want to take the time to mention that testing is available now by appointment only. Testing is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9am-12pm. To register and be pre-screened for testing, you must call 804- 862-8989. As we continue to battle this virus and work toward the protection of our community members, I want you all to remained informed about the resources that are available to help prevent the spread of COVID- 19. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ 7. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATION OF CEREMONIAL PROCLAMATIONS: No items for this portion of the agenda. 8. REPORTS/RESPONSES TO PREVIOUS PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: Folakemi Osoba, Public Information Period, read comments and responses from previous public information. a. City Council Meeting Questions & Answers – April 28th Meeting 1. Will the City look at updating the billing and collections software? Currently, the City does not have immediate plans to update the billing and collections software. 2. Will the City still commit to its promises made when matching grants? Examples could be the Library addition, the gateway, or the exchange building grant. These will be managed on a case-by-case basis considering the current fiscal restraints. 3. Will the City address its top-heavy budget? Several reductions have been made in leadership and the current organizational structure has been vetted and approved. 4. Has the city looked at applying for FEMA Grants for the reconstruction or rehabilitation of the fire departments? Can we require department heads to search for grant funding before addressing the city? Not at this time. 5. Will the blight survey continue? Yes, more information will follow pertaining to this matter. 6. Will the City look at using other jail facilities to cut back on jail costs? The current agreement does not allow for this option. 9. COMMUNICATIONS/SPECIAL REPORTS: a. Presentations of the General Fund Revenue Manual BACKGROUND: The General Fund accounts for 70% of the Operating Budget for the City of Petersburg and understanding the revenues within is extremely crucial. The turnover of staff within the budget and finance areas of the City of Petersburg has been an ongoing issue, so developing the revenue manual will allow for the learning curve for new staff to be less steep than it has been in the past. The Revenue Manual will serve as a guide for staff, City Council, and citizens alike. RECOMMENDATION: Receive the presentation of the Revenue Manual. Robert Floyd, Director of Budget, and Procurement gave a briefing of the General Fund Revenue Manual. Key points:  The Budget & Procurement office will post this document to its departmental page on the City of Petersburg’s website. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________  Staff has already begun the process of creating revenue manual funds within the City of Petersburg’s Operating Budget. There was discussion among City Council and staff. b. Presentation of the City of Petersburg’s FY 2021 Capital Budget & 5-Year Capital Plan BACKGROUND: The City of Petersburg has not had a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) prepared since FY 2017 which was done by the Robert Bobb Group. This is essential item that will assist the City of Petersburg with preparing for its future. Over the past several years the City has worked hard to improve its financial position. FY17 & FY18 audits have been completed thereby increasing the City’s bond rating. Currently the FY19 audit is in progress. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that Council review the FY2021 Capital Budget & FY 2021- 2025 CIP. Randall Williams, Assistant Director of Capital Budgeting, gave a PowerPoint Presentation. Key points:  There are a limited number of Capital projects in the FY2021 & FY2022 due to the national COVID-19 pandemic & uncertainty of revenue streams.  Many of the projects contained in the presentation are not new but over the years they have been pushed out for several years.  The City’s credit rating will continue to improve as a result of the FY19 & FY20 audits which will improve the City’s ability to borrow in the future.  The timing of projects can be moved (forward or back) based on new and more accurate information in the future.  The Wilcox Lake-Hydroturf project will be performed in FY2022. There was discussion among City Council and staff. c. A Presentation regarding the Coronavirus Pandemic Response and allocations of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) Funds. Darnetta Tyus, Deputy City Manager, gave an update on the CDBG-CV Funds. Key points:  Testing is being done in Petersburg and they are partnership with the Department of Health and workforce development.  The Equity Health Pilot Program was most recently implemented in Richmond and will move to Petersburg for next phase.  The purpose of this program is to coordinate the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Petersburg’s most vulnerable areas. There was discussion among City Council and staff. 10. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (to include minutes of previous meeting/s) a. Minutes of Petersburg City Council Meetings: February 18, 2020 and April 14, 2020, Special Closed Session Minutes b. Consideration of an appropriation Aid, Relief, and Economic Recovery Act (CARES) Federal *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ Transportation Administration funding for FY20 operating expenditures – 1st Reading Council Member Myers made a motion to approve the consent agenda and to schedule the public hearing for June 2, 2020. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. There was no discussion on the motion. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham 11. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. A public hearing for an amendment to the Tourism and Economic Development sections of the City of Petersburg Comprehensive Plan. BACKGROUND: The City of Petersburg has an adopted Comprehensive Plan in accordance with the Code of Virginia Section 15.2-2223. In accordance with the Code of Virginia, the adopted Comprehensive Plan is general in nature and shows long-range recommendations for the general development of the City. The current adopted City of Petersburg Comprehensive Plan does not include language regarding hospitality businesses, which are assets necessary to address tourism, business and resident demand for guest rooms and banquet facilities. The proposed amendment identified the need for such businesses in the Comprehensive Plan. During the May 13, 2020, meeting of the City of Petersburg Planning Commission, the Commission unanimously approved the amendments and the recommendation to forward the item to the City Council for consideration. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council adopts the ordinance amending the Tourism and Economic Development sections of the City of Petersburg Comprehensive Plan. Carthan Currin, Director of Economic Development, gave a briefing on the amendment to the Tourism and Economic Development sections of the City of Petersburg Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed the public hearing. Council Member Myers made a motion adopt and change the zoning from A-Agriculture to M-2 Heavy Industrial at 2100 Defense Road. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham; Abstain: Cuthbert 20-ORD-18 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE CITY OF PETERSBURG COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. b. A public hearing for the proposed allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the program year 2020-2021 and Fiscal Year 2021. BACKGROUND: The City of Petersburg is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement jurisdiction. As an entitlement jurisdiction, the City receives annual funding from the CDBG program directly. To receive the funds, the City is required to submit a Consolidated Plan that specifies the proposed uses of the funds to be received in the Program Year 2020- 2021. CDBG Funds may be used to address one or more of the three national objectives: 1. Benefit of low- *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ and moderate-income persons, 2. Aid in the prevention or removal of blight or 3. Urgent needs. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council approves the proposed allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds for FY 2020-2021. Reginald Tabor, Interim Director of Planning and Community Development, and Cathy Parker, CDBG Coordinator, gave a briefing on the proposed allocation of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, stated, “I was aware that we have a Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board. I see that there is only one member at this time. I have not seen any meetings that have been listed on the City’s website. I am just wondering how these funds are being selected. Thank you.” Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated that the information from the prior budget are not in the current budget that is presented today and that she is trying to piece it together. She stated that she is trying to figure where the City goes regarding the funding. Scott Fisher, Downtown Churches United, stated that he would like to express his gratitude to City Council. He stated that the money is well used and that he has been helping Tami Yerby to provide groceries to the seniors this year.” Seeing no further hands, Mayor Parham closed the public hearing. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. Council Member Hill made a motion to approve the proposed allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds for FY 2020-2021. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham; Abstain: Cuthbert c. Consideration of authorization to execute a Development Agreement regarding the development of the Harbor Area and amend the ordinance previously adopted. BACKGROUND: The City received a proposal from Waukeshaw Development, Inc. whose Principal is Dave McCormack, to purchase parcels of property owned by the City of Petersburg, and bounded by River Street to the South, Joseph Jenkins Roberts St to the West, the Harbor to the North, and Interstate 95 to the East, including the following City-owned properties: Parcel Property Size Zoning Acquisition ID Address 011- 275 River Street 2.64 M-2 12/16/1988 020006 ac 011- 209 River Street 1.01 M-2 02/25/1987 020002 Rear ac 011- 209 River Street .06 ac M-2 12/16/1988 020004 011- 429 Fifth Street .73 ac R-4 06/14/1991 030001 012- 433 River Street .67 ac M-2 010001 *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ 011- 501 Second .30 ac M-2 5/31/1995 020801 Street 011- 236 River Street .17 ac M-2 12/16/1988 040002 011- 240 River St .55 ac M-2 04/15/2014 040003 Portions of the parcels are within the floodway of the Appomattox River and the remainder of the parcels is within the floodplain. A 2015 appraisal of five of the properties estimates the value of five of the properties at $20,000. The proposed purchase price is $100,000. There are major water and sewer lines beneath the surface of the property and associated vents above grade. Easements will be required to provide access to the infrastructure. The proposed use for the property is an outdoor event space. The proposed use is in conformance with the Zoning, M-2. The Development Agreement includes the final scope, budget, source and uses of funding, and construction schedule for the development. Following a public hearing, the City Council previously adopted Ordinance 19-ORD-52 authorizing the City Manager to execute a Purchase Agreement. A reference to a lease was included in the Ordinance and should be removed, which is proposed in this ordinance. Following a due diligence period, the Development Agreement was drafted and is presented for City Council consideration. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council considers authorizing the City Manager to execute the development agreement for the development of the City-owned property referred to as the Harbor Area on the south side of the Appomattox River. The City Council held a public hearing on October 15, 2019, and subsequently adopted an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a purchase agreement and proceed with the sale of City-owned property in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Carthan Currin, Director of Economic Development, gave a brief overview of the request for consideration of authorizing the City Manager to execute the development agreement for the development of the City-owned property referred to as the Harbor Area on the south side of the Appomattox River. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, stated, “Are there any architectural rendering of the proposed for development? I did not see any. Thank you for your time.” Dave McCormack, developer, stated, “We do not have any permanent structures going on the property. So, we are going to address each festival and band as it come. Where the bathroom goes and temporary stage, we will put in them where it accommodates the flow and size of the event.” Seeing no further hands, Mayor Parham closed the public hearing. Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Mr. Mayor I would like to go into closed session to discuss the *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ disposition of City owned property. I had a meeting yesterday and I would like to explain to council the subsidy of that meeting.” Council Member Cuthbert moved that the City Council go into closed session for the purposes noted by him. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. There was no discussion on the motion, which was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham Mr. Williams stated that council would entertain a motion under Section §2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia for the purpose of discussion of the disposition of City owned property where discussion in open meeting would affect the bargaining position of the City. Council Member Myers made a motion to go into closed session for the reasons noted by the City Attorney. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. There was no discussion on the motion, which was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham City Council entered closed session at 4:05 p.m. CERTIFICATION: Mr. Williams stated, “The Mayor would entertain a motion to conclude the closed session called this evening to certify in accordance with §2.2-371 that the Code of Virginia that to the best of each members knowledge that only public business matter lawfully exempted from the opening meeting requirements were discussed and that only such public business matters were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened, heard, discussed or considered. If any member believes that there was a departure from the foregoing requirements should so state prior to the vote indicating the substance for departure that in his or her judgment has taken place. This requires a roll call vote Mr. Mayor.” Council Member Hill made a motion to return City Council into open session and certify the purposes of the closed session. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. There was no discussion on the motion. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Smith-Lee, Hart, and Parham 20-R-26 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 4:18 p.m. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to authorize the City Manager to execute the development agreement for the development of the City-owned property referred to as the Harbor Area on the south side of the Appomattox River and to extend the due diligence period called for in the development agreement. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham 12. PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: A public information period, limited in time to 30 minutes, shall be part of an Order of Business at each regular council meeting. Each speaker shall be a resident or business owner of the City and shall be limited to three minutes. No speaker will be permitted to speak on any item scheduled for consideration on the regular docket of the meeting at which the speaker is to speak. The order of speakers, limited by the 30-minute time period, shall be determined as follows: a) First, in chronological order of the notice, persons who have notified the Clerk no later than 12:00 noon of the day of the meeting, b) Second, in chronological order of their sign up, persons who have signed a sign-up sheet placed by the Clerk in the rear of the meeting room prior to the meeting. Gary Talley, 2323 Fort Rice Street, stated that the interpreter cannot hear and that he cannot see the entire video. He stated that they need to figure out a way to make this more acceptable. He stated that he would like to know how many consultants were hire and at what cost. He stated that if the City hired more qualified people that they would do there job instead of hiring people that will not do their job. He stated that he asked this question before and never got a response but why are their four attractions signs that are blank. He also asked when will the St. Andrews Street be completed. He stated that the bridge has been down for about 15 years. Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, stated that there was property on Pocahontas Island that was demolished. He stated that because of the historicalness of the property why didn’t the City step in and stop the demolition. He stated that the property was assessed at $14,000. He stated that funding could have came in to stabilize the property and fulfill the complete renovation of the house. He stated that he hopes that the City can learn from their mistakes. He stated that the next structure that he is concerned about is the Martin Luther king, Jr safehouse. He stated that it is currently a blighted structure. He stated that the City really needs to look at the history. Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated that billing and collections problem is that there is still a persistent problem with the billing. She stated that it is a problem with delinquent taxes. She stated that she is proud of all projects but if they can take the brain power and put it towards billing and collections. She stated that it would be a great deal and help for the citizens of Petersburg. 13. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Thank you very much Councilman Hill. I was glad to see a reference in the standard operating procedures being worked on by City staff and then being brought back to council for their consideration. By mistake periodically, it seems that we have easements of access to egress and ingress. And it has happened at least twice since I have been on council. We voted on ignoring our obligations to protect land that has been transferred to us by the national park service at our last meeting. And I voted with it. Madam City Manager when would you suspect that standard operating procedure being brought back to council?” Mrs. Benavides stated, “Given that we have had a change in the leadership in the planning department, I would like to bring it back as soon as possible. I would like to identify those locations. And as we talk about North Avenue and we found out that it was the back portion of someone house. Mr. Lyons stated that June 16th we will bring it back. So, we will bringing that back in June and I hope that by then we would have identified them. Because part of that is not knowing and I do not like not knowing things.” *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Cuthbert stated, “I agree with that. We have to control what we are obligated to protect and how we are going to protect it. Great. Also, thank you for the general fund governing manual and the explanation in agenda item 9a. That in my mind is very smart management and I thank you for that and anyone else that contributed to that. I tried to go to billing and collections yesterday and it is not open to the public. We cannot just walk in. Do you know what your date is for opening that? I ask that because I went to billing and collections and I then went to the post office. The post office has some type of plastic protection between the public and the cashier. And it seems to me that if the post office can do that then we can do it also. Especially given our sensitivity about maintaining our revenue streams.” Mrs. Benavides stated, “So, I have a Monday call with the surrounding jurisdictions. All of the jurisdictions public facilities are closed to the public until further notice. We do have an outside window and with that exception we may be able to reopen. We are waiting on this phase approach on how City government is reopening. The reason that we talked about it is that we do not want to get one City saying that Petersburg opened up and why you are not. And that has been part of the determination. I am looking at June as far as the opening for the public. There is a lot of work that needs to be done. I am pretty sure that it will not take much for Monte and his staff to have it open by next week for the window outside at the main building. Our goal is to use the dropbox for payments. If they have questions, then you need to have a center.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Thank you very much Mr. Mayor.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “At the last meeting I thought that we had decided to cover the subject of continuity of governance at this meeting. So, are we going to address that or is that off the table?” Mayor Parham stated, “I think that it is going to be at the next meeting. It is not on this meeting. So, I think Mr. Williams stated that he is checking now, and he will get back with you.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “Okay thank you. That is all that I have.” Council Member Smith-Lee stated, “I have nothing. I just appreciate council. We try very hard to do the right thing. Just asking everybody to stay save. That’s it.” Council Member Myers stated, “I just want to say to everybody to stay safe. If you do not have to be out stay in.” Council Member Hill stated, “I have a couple of items. I addressed this to Ms. Tyus regarding the grass cutting and the sidewalks. We need to address that now. I know that it is raining now. So, vegetation is growing all over the sidewalks in the City of Petersburg. Not just down in old town but up Washington Street. I know that we do have some contracts that I gave back in. But I know that we have public works that can get weed eaters and go through and take care of that. Also, on the matter dealing with, I asked several months ago with painting the stripes on the street so that it can go with the new facility on Sycamore Street. That we freshen up those parking lots so that people can see exactly their parking. I would like to see that addressed soon also. I think we are going back to the bulk trash. You can put your bulk trash on the curb. So, coordinate with you time of your trash pickup. I know that we went through a period when we couldn’t pick up our trash and we had to take it to the dumpster ourselves. I really want to do a special thanks to the staff and to council. During the last five weeks I have been over at Fort Lee working for the government until the governor just opened up the businesses. And one thing that I did get from interacting with the soldiers over there, most of you all know that I do own a barber and beauty salon, is that they were talking about how they love the City of Peterburg and how nice it is and how nice the people are. Just things like that. So, that is my bright Petersburg moment. Just to interact with so many soldiers. And some of them cannot come off the post because of COVID-19. So, it just does my heart good for people outside of our City to see the bright spots of our City. Other than that Mr. Mayor, I do not have any more comments. Thank you.” *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Mayor Parham stated, “At this time I would like to thank the City Manager and Tangela Innis from public works. Councilwoman Smith-Lee who was out with me when we were out over in Ward 1 checking on our residents to make sure that they had water service. We met some really good people out there. And a lot of people that were renting homes were not there. I gave to council inside their package today a real epidemic coming up which is the housing crisis of evictions. And in Petersburg we are at the top of the list. We have 95 evictions that are scheduled starting tomorrow. And when you look at a City of our size and we have one of the highest case loads on this and no one has really created a path for people to stay in their homes. It is a huge problem. But there are definitely a high number of tenants who could be losing their homes. And at this point in time it is really unfair. I think whoever want to lead the charge on this, I think that this is a catastrophic event here for the residents here in our City. I read in the wavy news down in Norfolk that over 800 cases out in Virginia and 240 cases are in the Hampton Roads. A lot of those provisions that were in place are expiring. Thanks to our staff for going above and beyond. I have never seen a City Manager in the state of Virginia take the initiative like Mrs. Benavides did as far as going door to door. I was with her talking to the residents. People want to know that you care. And I think that was really shown in the last few weeks.” 14. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 15. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Council Member Myers stated, “We received $10,000 from Eagles Landing and we received $5,000 from Meridian Waste. And there is $1,000 each from the Patton Brother’s. And people are still sending money in. And I think the Senator sent in money, but I am not sure on how that goes. So, the program is moving forward Mr. Mayor.” Mr. Williams stated, “So, Mr. Mayor the item that Council Member Wilson-Smith identified was on the council agenda of May 5th to be set for a public hearing today. I talked to the clerk and was told that it was properly noticed but it did not appear on the agenda. So, in order to add that to the agenda it would require a unanimous vote from members of council. We have Councilman Hart on the phone if you are interested in entertaining a motion to add that to the agenda.” Mayor Parham stated, “We will entertain a motion to add the item on the agenda.” Mr. Williams stated, “It is the consideration to adopt the continuity of governance ordinance after the public hearing.” `Council Member Myers made a motion to add the consideration of continuity of governance ordinance to the agenda. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham Mr. Williams stated, “The ordinance was originally adopted on March 31st, 2020. This ordinance is what has enabled council to have the meetings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has standard certain time limitations for acting on matters such as the Planning Commission. It authorizes for boards and commission to have remote meetings. This particular ordinance that was adopted had an expiration date that will on May 31st of this year unless subsequently readopted by council. It was on the May 5th meeting to be scheduled for a public hearing today for council’s consideration and adoption to continue operating under it.” There was discussion among City Council and staff. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated that it is very hard to hear with doing live stream meetings. She stated that it is a very difficult experience, and it is problematic for people who work during the day. She stated that she is hoping that they extend it but to extend it for a shorter time period. Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, stated that he understands if City Council would like to continue to hold meetings this way for taking precautions for the COVID-19 outbreak. I would hope that the City would get a better microphone so that people can better hear. He stated that you cannot really hear people that are announcing during the meeting. He stated that the City can maybe go on Amazon to order new microphones. Michelle Murrills, 131 S. Markey Street, stated that she agrees with the last two speakers. She stated that she thinks that it is very hard to listen to what is going on. She stated that she thinks that the City needs to have in-person meetings with maybe a larger outside venue. She stated that she thinks that it should not go until September. She stated that she thinks that they should do it on a month by month basis. Council Member Myers made a motion to readopt the ordinance. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee. There was discussion among City Council. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, and Parham; Absent: Hart 20-ORD-19 AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE TO EFFECTUATE TEMPORARY CHANGES IN CERTAIN DEADLINES AND TO MODIFY PUBLIC MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES TO ADDRESS CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PANDEMIC DISASTER. 16. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 17. NEW BUSINESS: a. Consideration of an appropriation of the Coronavirus Emergency Supplement Grant - $98,689 BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus Emergency Supplement Grant is awarded to local units of government to be utilized to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. Petersburg has applied for funding and the Department of Justice has accepted the application and awarded funding in the amount of $98,689. There is no local match to these funds. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that Council accept and appropriate the grant funds to be spent in the FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21. Council Member Hill made a motion to accept and appropriate the grant funds to be spent in the FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed the public comments. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, and Parham; Absent: Hart *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 - 13 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 20-ORD-20 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2019, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2020 FOR THE GRANTS FUND. b. Consideration of an appropriation from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. BACKGROUND: Petersburg Area Transit was awarded the equivalent of one month of revenue to offset costs and lost revenue associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council Approve the attached appropriation ordinance for $84,711 from the Department of Rail and Public Transportation. Council Member Myers made a motion to approve the attached appropriation ordinance for $84,711 from the Department of Rail and Public Transportation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed the public comments. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, and Parham; Absent: Hart 20-ORD-21 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2019, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2020 IN THE MASS TRANSIT FUND. c. Consideration of an appropriation of Federal Grant VA-95-105-02. Mayor Parham stated, “This item has been removed right Madam Clerk.” Ms. Jackson stated, “Yes. It has been removed. They stated that this has already been appropriated in the budget last year.” d. Consideration of an appropriation of Federal Grant VA-90-x286. BACKGROUND: Petersburg Area Transit has a number older grants which are set to expire. This grant appropriation is for the purchase of Furniture and Landscaping. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council approve the attached appropriation for $2737. Council Member Myers made a motion to the attached appropriation for $2737. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed the public comments. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, and Parham; Absent: Hart *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 - 14 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 20-ORD-22 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2019, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2020 IN THE MASS TRANSIT FUND. e. Consideration of an appropriation of Federal Grant VA-90-x433 BACKGROUND: Petersburg Area Transit has a number older grants which are set to expire. This grant appropriation is for the purchase of Landscaping. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council approve the attached appropriation for $10,672. Council Member Myers made a motion to the attached appropriation for $10,672. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed the public comments. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, and Parham; Absent: Hart 20-ORD-23 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2019, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2020 IN THE MASS TRANSIT FUND. f. Consideration of an appropriation grant VA-2018-0006. BACKGROUND: Petersburg Area Transit has a number of grants which are set to expire prior to the end of the fiscal year. This appropriation will provide 80% funding for a Para-Transit vehicle. Sixty-eight percent (16%) of the cost will be provided in a subsequent appropriation from the Commonwealth of Virginia. The 4% local match will be a part of the original City Appropriation in the FY 20 budget. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council approve the attached appropriation ordinance for $54,284. Council Member Hill made a motion to the attached appropriation for $54,284. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed the public comments. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, and Parham; Absent: Hart 20-ORD-24 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2019, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2020 IN THE MASS TRANSIT FUND. g. Consideration of an appropriation of Capital State Grant 73018-88. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 - 15 – ______________________________________________________________________________ BACKGROUND: Petersburg Area Transit has a number of grants which are set to expire prior to the end of the fiscal year. This appropriation will provide 16% funding for a Para-Transit vehicle. Eighty percent (80%) of the cost will be provided in a subsequent appropriation from the Federal Government. The 4% local match will be a part of the original City Appropriation in the FY 20 budget. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council Approve the attached appropriation for $10,857. Council Member Hill made a motion to the attached appropriation for $10,672. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed the public comments. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, and Parham; Absent: Hart 20-ORD-25 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2019, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2020 IN THE MASS TRANSIT FUND. h. Consideration of the FY2020-21 Budget Appropriation Ordinance. BACKGROUND: The City Manager proposed an All Funds Budget to the City Council on March 31,2020. After several weeks of analyzing the economic impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the City Manager adjusted the originally proposed budget and subsequently distributed the changes to the City Council. There was a public hearing held on April 28, 2020. There were two readings of the appropriation ordinance that took place on May 5th and May 12th. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council adopt and appropriate the All Funds Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21. Robert Floyd, Director of Budget, and Procurement gave a brief overview. Council Member Myers made a motion to the attached appropriation for all funds budget for FY2020- 21. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed the public comments. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, and Parham; Voting No: Wilson-Smith; Absent: Hart 20-ORD-26 AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS IN THE ALL FUNDS BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2020 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2021. i. Consideration of FY2020-2021 Proposed Schools Operating Budget Appropriation Ordinance. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 - 16 – ______________________________________________________________________________ BACKGROUND: The total Proposed Budget for Petersburg City Public Schools is $56,810,492. This includes the following breakdown of revenue and expenses: Revenues: State Standards of Quality, Lottery Proceeds, Incentive, and Categorical funding $29,911,571 State Sales and Use Tax 4,971,203 Food Service 2,993,100 Federal Revenue (JROTC) 47,000 Special Revenue (State and Federal Grants) 8,508,918 Transfer from City General Fund 10,000,000 Local Funding 378,700 Expenses: Operating Fund $45,308,474 Food Service Fund 2,993,100 Special Revenue Fund 8,508,918 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council appropriate the Petersburg City Public Schools Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21. Mrs. Benavides stated, “Last year we did this separately. It is required by state law that the budget is approved by the 15th of May. We did have an extension. The good news for this is that the school’s appropriation was included in the document that you just passed. So, you do not have to redo this unless you so choose.” j. Consideration of re/appointments to the Planning Commission. BACKGROUND: The Planning Commission consists of a 4 at-large members and 7 members appointed by City Council. The duties if the Board include, but are not limited to, the following: Promote the orderly development of the City and its environs; serves primarily in an advisory capacity to the City Council in matters pertaining to land use, future development, and capital improvements. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council make re/appointments to the Planning Commission. Mayor Parham read the background information out loud. Council Member Hill made a motion to appoint Fenton Bland (Ward 2) and reappoint Tammy Alexander (Ward 5) to the Planning Commission for a term expiring September 30, 2024. The motion was seconded by Council Member Cuthbert. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, and Parham; Absent: Hart 20-R-27 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING FENTON BLAND AND REAPPOINT TAMMY ALEXANDER (WARD 5) TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A TERM EXPIRING SEPTEMBER 30, 2024. 18. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: *No items for this portion of the agenda. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on May 19, 2020 - 17 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 19. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE CLERK: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 20. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM CITY ATTORNEY: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 21. ADJOURNMENT: City Council adjourned at 5:41 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor *Audio available upon request.