City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The special regular meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, in live stream. Mayor Parham called the meeting to order at 12:06p.m. 1. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member Charles H. Cuthbert, Jr. Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Council Member W. Howard Myers Council Member Annette Smith-Lee Council Member Darrin Hill Vice Mayor John A. Hart, Sr Mayor Samuel Parham Absent: None Present from City Administration: City Manager Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides City Attorney Anthony C. Williams 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. The purpose of this meeting is to convene in the closed session pursuant to §2.2-3711(A)(7) of the Code of Virginia for the purpose of receiving legal advice and status updates from the City Attorney and legal consultation regarding the subject of specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by the City Attorney and matters of actual and probable litigation specifically including but not limited to the discussion of legal options in relation to the McKenney Public Library, assessment of the City’s legal options with respect to its lease of the Petersburg Public Library and discussion concerning of the City’s legal option with respect to the continued participation of the chief elected officials and the Crater Regional Workforce Development Board in relation to oversight and management of the Executive Director; and pursuant to §2.2-3711(A)(5) of the Code of Virginia for the discussion of the subject matter of perspective business or industry or expansion of an existing business where no previous announcement has been made to the business or industry’s interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the City of Petersburg. Council Member Hill moved that the City Council go into closed session for the purposes noted by Mayor Parham. 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, Smith-Lee, Myers, Hill, Hart and Parham City Council entered closed session at 12:08p.m. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ 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.” Council Member Cuthbert 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 Wilson-Smith. 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 Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham 20-R-37 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 1:51 p.m. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to add to the agenda the rescinding of Resolution 19-R-45 for consideration under unfinished business. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. There was discussion on the motion. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham 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. 7. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATION OF CEREMONIAL PROCLAMATIONS: There are no proclamations or recognitions. Mayor Parham stated, “Good Afternoon Everyone. For our Positive Petersburg moment today, I want to once again bring light to the phenomenal CAFR results we received for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. I know we’ve heard a presentation on it and we just completed a press conference, but this news is simply too good to *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ not continue sharing. Myself and my fellow council members were all here throughout the financial instability here in Petersburg. We experienced it - both as residents and as council members. We announced today that the FY 2018-2019 CAFR results revealed a positive unassigned fund balance of 8 million 60 thousand, 3 hundred 37 dollars! Again – I have to publicly thank our City Manager, Ms. Aretha Ferrell-Benavides. Our budget director, Mr. Robert Floyd, and our entire administrative team for your dedication and innovative thinking that has pulled Petersburg even beyond just stability, but toward genuine growth for our community. 8. REPORTS/RESPONSES TO PREVIOUS PUBLIC INFORMATION PERIOD: Folakemi Osoba, Public Information Period, read comments and responses from previous public information. 1. What are the plans for the Peabody building and former social services building? The plans for use for the former social services building and Peabody are still pending. 2. Can a crosswalk be placed at Sycamore and Filmore? To begin the process for potentially adding a crosswalk at Sycamore and Fillmore, an application will need to be submitted to the City’s engineering division. 9. COMMUNICATIONS/SPECIAL REPORTS: a. City Manager’s Report Mrs. Benavides stated, “Mayor and Council you have received a copy of my report. Just as a highlight, we have mentioned as far as public safety, one person listed for military deployment. The good news and our next big positive conversation is talking really about our public safety. Our Public Safety Deputy City Manager who also joined the team just three years ago had a goal when he came here in getting our team accredited. We have had individuals on site these past few weeks working on the accreditation. And I am excited as we move forward with the next step and on September 29th, we will have a huge announcement. And that announcement, and I am hoping that you will see more to come from that based on our attempts to have for the first time in the history of Petersburg our police force accredited. But I do want to applaud while I am here Chief Miller and Chief Travis Christian for their effort and commitment and things that they are able to do and how far they are able to take this City. Can we give them a hand? Secondly, another thing is that COVID-19 has presented us with a number of different challenges. One from how we meet to how we communicate. Another challenge has also been in our ability to do our tax auction and how we will come to do this. We were fortunate that as this process has moved on to a new form for doing auctions to include online report. This last auction was very successful, and we anticipate continuing. Many people talk about what are the lessons learned from COVID. And one of the major lessons learned is that we do not have to do business the way that we use to. We have to be creative in what we do and how we do it. I expect to see good things continue. We will work with both Jason Dunn, Sands Anderson, and the Rahman Group to continue to make sure that we are putting our property into the hands of people that want to help to develop Petersburg. You have a number of project updates included in this to include Southside Depot, St. Andrews Bridge, all of which are underway. From a project standpoint, our team has had some struggles and challenges from COVID-19 are continuing to push forward with more to come. Many people ask when are we going to open. And part of what we have done is a modified opening. That means that we have opened Billing and Collections up for residents to have access to that building. As far as other buildings we have not and we continue to remain closed. A part of that reason is that you have heard the announcement over the past week that a number of COVID cases continue to rise. And not only in the state of Virginia but in the United States but specifically in the City of Petersburg. So, until we fell that we are truly out of the major crisis we are not looking to reopen. We will continue to try to be available to our residents for services. We do schedule meetings. We are on mask requirement for individuals entering City facilities, but they must be escorted. We will remain closed. Spring cleaning will continue across *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ the City and we will continue to push those efforts forward and we are constantly trying to work with the Department of Health to do pre-screening. But anyone will tell you that contact tracing is the key. I question how we do it and why we do it. At one time internally we realize that it is up to the City of Petersburg to detect itself. The last thing that I have included for you is a memo. Many of you may have noticed online that there is a position, Assistant to the City Manager, that was posted. Some individuals concerned that members of our team were moving and going away. India Adams, who is officially on maternity leave, but she is still going to continue to work and help us move forward with the effort. But we have a special opportunity. AMPAC Chemicals is going to be expanding. As we talk about good news in Petersburg, the number one priority that everyone gave us was economic development. And to do economic development we wanted to do it right. And as we start to meet with them and talk about not only the jobs that would come but we are talking about a construction project. We are talking about improved development. And part of their concern was would the City be capable in providing the support necessary and turn this around quickly. They have federal dollars to build and we have to be ready. And so, one of the things that we have done is relocated a position. And we are calling it Assistant to the City Manager because of the fact that the position has to be able to reach across all the departments to pull things together. This position will not only be working with Reggie from a planner, but the position will also be working with Mr. Lyons focusing on the infrastructure and all the things. Our big commitment to them was that we would have a single project manager responsible for not making this a difficult project for them but helping them to get the green light to make this happen and make this happen fast. And so, what I have before you is just a brief description so that you will be aware of what is happening and where we are going. We are meeting weekly with them. And this is just not with AMPAC, we are talking about other companies looking to relocate to that location in the support. So, this will change the face of Petersburg from an economic development standpoint. I just wanted to give you an update on that and your support in moving forward with this project.” b. COVID-19 Report Darnetta Tyus, Deputy City Manager, gave a brief report on COVID-19. Key points:  There are currently 388 cases currently in the City of Petersburg.  There will be testing on this Saturday from 9am to 1pm  Everyone that is interested in helped has been assigned to their areas of assistance.  The COVID Funds are in the amount of $371,969.00. Another round of funds is coming but the current funds must be spent prior to receiving the next amount of funds. Proposed Budget spending plan: Total Grant: $371,969 Business Grants $165,000 Contact Tracers $137,500 Grants Management and Proposal Generation $70,000 Community Resource Guide -$5,000 (already spent) Additional Costs $4,469 There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Myers made a motion to approve the spending plan. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham 10. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (to include minutes of previous meeting/s) *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ a. A request to Schedule a Public Hearing to consider the rezoning of the property at 607 High Street, Tax Parcel 010-170017, formerly the site of the High Street United Methodist Church, from R-3, Tow-Family Residence District to PUD, Planned Unit Development. b. ABC License for property at 2328 E. Washington Street (Stop & Go tore LLC) c. City Council Meeting Minutes of February 18, 2020 (Closed Session); April 14, 2020 (Closed Session); April 14, 2020 (Special City Council Meeting); April 28, 2020 (Closed Session), and April 28, 2020 (Special City Council Meeting). Council Member Myers made a motion to approve the consent agenda and to schedule the public hearing for September 1, 2020. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee. There was discussion on the motion. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Wilson-Smith 11. OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. A public hearing on an ordinance to Amend Division 2 of Chapter 78 of the Petersburg Code of Ordinances and Section 78-106 of the City Code in Order to Change the Name of “Lee Memorial Park” to “Petersburg Memorial Park”. BACKGROUND: The Mayor has requested that Council consider renaming “Lee Memorial Park” to “Petersburg Memorial Park”. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the ordinance. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Dr. Kenneth Lewis, 503 Mistletoe Street, stated, “I come to you today to speak for a few minutes about the name change. For any of you who do not know I am the President of the Wilcox Watershed Conservancy. And that Wilcox Watershed Conservancy is City appointed commission created in about the 2003 time period for the express purpose of promoting, reserving and protecting the now named Lee Park and to help make it a great place in the City of Petersburg. While I am the current President of the Wilcox Watershed Conservancy or the WWC, today I just speak as a Petersburg citizen only because we are in between meetings and I have not had time to coordinate with the actual board so I don’t presume to speak for or on behalf of the board without getting board permission. However, I do offer the following. I do recommend that this name that was suggested to me by the former board members be considered. That is, I recommend that the current Lee Park be renamed as the Petersburg Historic Park and Nature Sanctuary. And one of the interesting things about Lee Park is that in 1937 time period when the works progress administration, a part of the new deal of President Roosevelt was put in place the City had the opportunity to hire almost 100 black women who came to the park and cut trails and watered flowers and did all of these very interesting things. They planted more than 365,000 plants, 8,000 trees, 37,000 shrubs and over 10 miles of trails. And we have record of that. We have trails and trail signs. We have 6-million-year-old well bone when we were under water. And we have the opportunity to do something right for Petersburg with preserving the current Lee Park by giving it a new name. It is time for a new name. That is the name that I recommend. The Petersburg Historic Park and Nature Sanctuary. And you will be receiving a letter from the Wilcox Watershed Conservancy with more detail. But that is what I have to say. And I ask your consideration for that name. Thank you.” Vice Mayor Hart stated, “First of all I want to thank Dr. Lewis for bringing up that. As I talked to someone else who is in Ward 7 as a suggestion that we put some type of poll on the City’s website suggesting names for the name change. And that way we give everyone the opportunity to be involved in it with all suggestions being heard and you can see them as people make their suggestions. By numbers and votes that *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ name can be selected.” Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, “I am speaking today as a citizen and not as one of the directors of the Wilcox Watershed Conservancy. I am glad to see the name changed. But at the same time this City has not maintained this park for decades. You can look at the structures and the roofs are falling in and the baseball fields are not maintained. This last FY2019, council spent $5,000 on meals. Those funds could have been put forward to help facilitate maintenance in these parks. This is in regards to the park and showing the public while the name change is needed there are a lot of other issues that I wish council would take some time and come out to the park and look at these issues. We had someone to steal all of the aluminum off the structures in the park. We really need to maintain our City assets. These are for the people.” Barb Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, “I just want to hardly endorse the recommendation made by Dr. Kenneth Lewis. I think that it is a great name. I think having to call it Petersburg Park is good. I know some people had concerns with the name memorial in there which was the suggested as an alternative for this hearing. And Memorial Park sounds like a cemetery so, I like the Petersburg Historic and Nature Sanctuary very much. Thank you.” Mayor Parham called on Linwood Christian, but he was having technology issues. 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 amend the ordinance to change the name to Petersburg Legends Historic Park and Nature Sanctuary. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. There was 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; Voting No: Wilson-Smith Council Member Hill made a motion to approve the ordinance for name change of Lee Park to Petersburg Legends Historic Park and Nature Sanctuary. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Hart. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham; Voting: Wilson-Smith 20-ORD-33 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND DIVISION 2 OF CHAPTER 78 OF THE PETERSBURG CITY CODE AND SECTION 78-106 OF THE CITY CODE IN ORDER TO CHANGE THE NAME OF “LEE MEMORIAL PARK” TO “PETERSBURG LEGENDS HISTORIC PARK AND NATURE SANCTUARY”. b. A public hearing for an ordinance to amend and re-adopt provisions of Chapter 30 of the Petersburg City Code pertaining to cemeteries and the re-establishment of the Perpetual Care Fund Committee through the adoption of Section 30-2. BACKGROUND: A perpetual care fund was previously established by the City of Petersburg, Virginia between years 1951 and 1963 for Blandford Cemetery and in furtherance thereof, City Council had previously adopted ordinances in Article VII Section 13-83 et. Seq. to create and operate a board known as the “Sinking Fund Commissioners” to manage and authorize the use and release of said funds for Cemetery maintenance. RECOMMENDATION: To schedule a public hearing for the July 21, 2020. Wayne Crocker, Director of the Petersburg Public Library, gave an overview of the request regarding *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ the perpetual care fund. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, stated, “My question for you today is in regard to the different kinds of gravestones and plots in the cemetery. Will the City be using any funds to maintain any of the monuments in the graveyard? Thank you.” Dr. Kenneth Lewis, 503 Mistletoe Street, stated, “I just a question regarding the perpetual care fund. Is there money already in the fund or will monies be put into the fund? Thank you.” Mr. Crocker stated, “Ms. Tyus and I have been working with the City Treasurer’s Office to get accurate count of how much money is in the account. There is money currently in the perpetual care fund account. And of course, as people continue to purchase plots the perpetual care fee is part of the cost as I just explained.” There was discussion among City Council and staff on getting information that the account monies being moved to another banking facility. Seeing no further hands, Mayor Parham closed public comments. Council Member Wilson-Smith made a motion to approve the ordinance to amend and re-adopt provisions of Chapter 30 of the Petersburg City Code pertaining to cemeteries and the re-establishment of the perpetual care fund committee through the adoption of Section 30-2. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson- Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham 20-ORD-34 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND RE-ADOPT PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 30 OF THE PETERSBURG CITY CODE PERTAINING TO CEMETERIES AND THE RE- ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PERPETUAL CARE FUND COMMITTEE THROUGH THE ADOPTION OF SECTION 30-2. c. A public hearing and consideration of an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, Transportation Element, to add the Bike and Pedestrian Section. BACKGROUND: Sports Backers, a nonprofit organization that pursues a goal to transform greater Richmond into the most physically active community in the nation by leading the area in embracing and celebrating an active lifestyle, applied for and received a grant from the Cameron Foundation to develop a Bike/Walk plan for the City of Petersburg. The Plan was developed over a period of more than one-year. In addition to Sports Backers, Plan development participants included the City of Petersburg Department of Planning, Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR), the Petersburg Department of Health and the Crater Planning District. Public engagement occurred and input was received during several public events including a Bike/Walk Talk, the Donamatrix Day, and the Comprehensive Plan Kick Off event. Public input is included in the Plan document. The developed Plan includes health impact information, Pedestrian and Bicycle Networks, related local and regional Trail efforts, recommended facility types (Buffered Bike Lanes, Bike Walk Streets, Standard bike Lanes, etc.), maintenance, funding opportunities and Implementation. The Plan was considered by the City of Petersburg Planning Commission during their March 3, 2020 meeting, and they unanimously approved a motion to recommend that the City Council approves the Plan. If approved, *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ the Plan will become the Bike and Pedestrian section of the Transportation Element in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council schedules a public hearing and considers adoption of the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, Transportation Element, Bike and Pedestrian Section. Reginald Tabor, Interim Director of Planning and Community Development, gave a brief overview of the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, Transportation Element, Bike and Pedestrian Section. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, stated, “I think that this will be an excellent opportunity for the people of Petersburg to get active and to stay active. We were recently rated as one of the unhealthiest communities here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I hope that the City of Petersburg will follow through with this. And the City of Petersburg will do a wonderful job in reaching out to its citizens and allowing them to know what natural resources are made available to them. Thank you.” Seeing no further hands, Mayor Parham closed the public hearing. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to adopt the proposed ordinance. 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, and Parham; Absent: Hart 20-ORD-35 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE CITY OF PETERSBURG COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO ADD THE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION/BIKE WALK SECTION OF THE TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT. d. A public hearing to authorize the acceptance of an interest in real property located at 137 South Sycamore Street (McKenney Library). BACKGROUND: The City is the owner of certain property located at 137 South Sycamore Street known and hereinafter referred to as the “McKenney Library” and the deed of conveyance of said property contains certain conditions including but not limited to a reverter or right of reversion upon the occurrence of certain events and it is the wish of the City to take reasonable efforts to clear any potential clouds which may exist concerning the title to said property. RECOMMENDATION: Approve. Anthony Williams, City Attorney, gave a brief overview of the resolution for acceptance of an interest in property located at 137 South Sycamore Street. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to amend the proposed ordinance with two changes: 1) In now therefore paragraph reads “Now therefore, be it ordained that City Council does hereby direct the City Manager to take all actions necessary before January 1, 2021, to facilitate and accept said conveyances and further hereby accepts the conveyances on behalf of the City of Petersburg.” And that the second modification deletes the last paragraph. The motion is seconded by Council Member Myers. 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 July 21, 2020 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comments. Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, stated, “I hope that one the City does obtain this property and that they include the citizens of Petersburg in the discussion of what will happen to this building. Thank you.” Michelle Murrills, 131 South Market Street, stated, “I am just excited that something is going to happen to this building. I really do appreciate that you guys are doing this. I hope that it means that it will be able to be saved and we will be able to go inside and see really cool parts of it. Thank you.” Seeing no further hands, Mayor Parham closed the public hearing. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to adopt the proposed ordinance with amendments. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myers. 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-36 AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE ACCEPTANCE OF AN INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 137 SOUTH SYCAMORE STREET (MCKENNEY LIBRARY). 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. Dr. Kenneth Lewis, 503 Mistletoe Street, stated, “I hope that I am not out of order. But I just to make this statement. You all played with some of the words with the naming of the park. I said ‘nature’ sanctuary not natural.” Mayor Parham stated, “Dr. Lewis. That was an item on the regular docket that we cannot speak on during this public comment period. So, we will skip to the next thing.” Dr. Lewis stated, “Well I will just send you a letter asking you to consider that correction.” Mayor Parham stated, “Dr. Lewis just for the record what was approved was nature. There were some comments on natural but what was approved was nature.” Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, stated, “My first request or comments would have to be regarding what kind of safeguards are in place for our seniors here in the City. How often do code compliance go out to these group homes or other senior facilities to make sure the seniors are not suffering. I go on daily rides around the City and I interact with all kinds of people. I hear what they are going through. And these people are suffering for months and years in these facilities. Why are we not protecting our people here? My next issue is regarding customer service here in this City. Perhaps it is time that this City look at implementing a new kind of program to teach its employees about customer service. If I am calling for a critical issue about something in the City I should not be belittled when I make a report. These are people’s lives that we are trying to help. And in regard to billing, why are we overbilling people? Why are we under billing some people? In *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ regard to the amount of money that City Council here in Petersburg is spending. Just in 2019, you spent over $5,000 in meals. This year you approved $3,600 to travel. Why are we not using those monies to hep maintain the assets here in the City? What is the status of the parking deck here in the City? What other smart scale funds are we going to have to utilize when these new biotech parks come here? We are going to have a logistics issue here in this City if we do not start taking this stuff seriously. In order to extract large companies, we have to really market the fact that we can beat your logistic hub on the east coast. We can reach over 50% of the US population from Petersburg within a day. We need to be highlighting that here. In regard to other apartment projects here in the City, you have a lot of different developers coming in promising amenities with the facilities. These seniors are told that they would have a protected courtyard or facility in which they can use in the homes that they live in. One in particular is the Carriage House Apartments. I was talking to a lady and they were promised a courtyard that they can go into and that still has not been developed.” Patrick Ingram, 836 S. Gillfield Drive, stated, “Last week we discussed during the public comment section I spoke on COVID-19 in terms of the increased prevalence from positives. I also questioned about distribution efforts taking place in Ward 6. I did hear at the meeting that the Council Member in ward 2 was taking action in terms of their distribution efforts. However, I would like to know the efforts more in Ward 6. I know that we have a Ward 6 meeting next week and I know that it has been discussed that PPE will be distributed there. However, I think its important for us to understand that transportation to that meeting can be problematic for folks in this community. Whether they are on the lower end of the spectrum, older or they just don’t have transportation. So, I think that we have to acknowledge that barrier and create more solutions on distributing that PPE. In closing, I would like to know where distribution took place in Ward 6? I would like to know what areas? If that could happen, we can even have aggravated data. I yield the remainder of my time. Thank you.” 13. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR OR OTHER MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL: Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Thank you Mr. Mayor. Let me ask the City Manager about the Carriage House Apartments. We have all became aware that there is an air conditioning problem down there. Will the City Manager bring us up-to-date on that please?” Mrs. Benavides stated, “We received information yesterday morning that there were some issues with air conditioning. I contacted Social Services, Police Department, and as well as Neighborhood Services Office. They also noted that the temperatures were rising at that time. Our chief brought police and fire on site. And also, did monitoring. The temperatures in the hallway were at a higher level but in the units were operable. We also took over fans and continued to monitor. Our neighborhood service office did in fact site them based on the increased heat. And throughout the day our staff continued to monitor the situation because it was projected to be a very hot day yesterday. And so, we have also issued other citations this morning.” Chief Miller stated, “We started yesterday just as the City Manager said. She and I spoke yesterday morning around 7am. She directed that we get some resource out there. But that was not the most important piece. They were citated 115 different citations. But it equates to $11,000 for the amount of compliance. The staff there didn’t recognize the challenges, but they will be taking action. But the City Manager wanted us to stay on top of it. We will be monitoring today as well. In fact, when I leave here, I will be going back over there.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Well that is great Chief and thank you for that report and initiative. I hope that the management hearts are in the right place. But their hands in a budgetary sense are tied by the property owner which is low-income housing real estate out of New York. And it is a good example of how property owners of some low-income housing projects do not have their part in doing what is best for our citizens. At least that is my interpretation. So, I thank you. I think that $11,000 will get the attention of the folks in New York. Thank you very much. Mr. Mayor two other things. I thank Ms. Elliott and Mr. Floyd for what they bring to the table with financial skills and leadership. I thank you also, for the person who recruited them to *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ come here. They did not just happen to just find Petersburg, but I believe that our City Manager found them. And I want to thank her for her good judgment. Last thing Madam City Manager on the topic, will you consider please bring the City Council at our first meeting in September a proposal to amend our current practices in charging $75 for a deposit when a utility account is opened if you think that is appropriate. If you do not think that is appropriate, then if you can tell us that as well. I think that this is an issue that all of council need to look at. My sense is that this is a very direct connection with the amount of deposit required for accounts open and the amount of uncollected utility bills that we will end up looking at. If you would bring that recommendation to our first meeting in September I would really appreciate. Thank you.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “I just have a question regarding the incident at the Carriage House. Do we have process where that building and others where code compliance visit prior to a problem occurring? Is there anything that code compliance can go around and checks buildings like that?” There was discussion among City Council and staff. Mrs. Benavides stated, “Two weeks ago the City of Hopewell had a very similar development privately owned. And basically, they had a flood. Our transit department assisted in this process and District 19 came in and coordinated the process. Our called our Social Services to help and we literally worked through transit to relocate them from that development to temporary housing. And what they did at that time was put them into a hotel until the issue was resolved at that site. But at that time, Hopewell District 19 took the lead and our transit authority, and our Social Services and their Social Services pulled folks together and relocated the entire apartment building into an alternative location.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “So, Petersburg will basically use the same plan. Thank you.” Council Member Hill stated, “First of all I want to thank the administration for the great work that they have done with our CAFR and working with Davenport in getting up to where we are now. I often say this. If there is light at the end of the tunnel. We have come a mighty long way and we have a way to go. But with the practices that we have put in place and some of the policies that we have done has got us to where we are, and I know that it is taking a team effort. So, I want to thank the City Managers and all the team and all the staff. And thank Councilman Cuthbert in particular. Because his things have always been what is our collection rating. So, if it had not been for council and all of us working together, we would not have been where we are right now. So, I am looking forward to our bond rating increasing very soon. Also, I have a situation, Chief Miller, maybe you ought to look into this. In Oakhurst, people are starting to speed. In particular it is on Centralia Drive. We had a person come around the corner and run directly through somebody’s house about two weeks ago. Now they are asking for speed bumps or even stop signs in the neighborhood. Maybe we can kind of look at that. It is a straight stretch when you come in so people tend to speed. But there is a circle in the back park of the neighborhood and people are speeding around that. I have been getting complaints from the residents in that area and there are a lot of children in that area. We hope that nobody get hurt but someone ran straight into someone’s home about two weeks ago. I want to thank the staff that worked together to get up the trash by Save-a-lot. Everyone got together and got the trash up. I know we are looking at to see if that is a truck stop now. We have a lot of tracker trailers being parked there. I believe that someone lives in the residence or neighborhood of East Walnut Hill. And I know we have to talk. The chief sent out a text. They are talking to the owners of that and they finally found a place for all of those trailers over there. We spoke about the PPE’s being given out. The City is doing their part and we are trying to make sure that everyone is safe and working with the citizens and things of that nature. We are seeing major large crowds. If you have noticed in a lot of the neighborhoods a lot of the basketball hoops are starting to be on the street now. One was laying on the street and we need to get with code compliance on that. A lot of our citizens do not particularly care for it. I just ask that the citizens be patient until this COVID situation is over with and then we will be more aggressive about those things. That ends my comments Mr. Mayor and Members of Council.” *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Smith-Lee stated, “Good evening everyone. Ward 6 and 7 will have a joint meeting at Cool Springs Elementary School in the back-parking lot, 1450 Talley Avenue, Tuesday, July 28, 2020. It will start at 6pm and the time will be 6pm-8pm. John Hart and I are doing a joint meeting as well as the school board members that represent those wards. We will have Adrian Dance and Bernard Lundy. Secondly, Chief, thank you. And City Manager thank you. Because you and I went around. And you saw some of the concerns. Not only that you firsthand saw someone come down Talley Avenue speeding. There was an elderly lady and her two great grandchildren and grandson just walking. If you had not staggered the truck would have come by and I don’t know. But I thank you Chief. On West Clara Drive they speed there and Talley Avenue, Custard Street, Farmer Street and Hinton Street. I can always talk to you about those hot spots. So, please continue to do the great job that you do chief. I know that you have been on it. Chief, thank you for the hard work for the police and fire department. We worked hard at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on Halifax Street feeding the youth in the City of Petersburg. I think two weeks ago we gave out about 70 meals of breakfast and dinner. And I think you for the service that we did at St. Paul’s Church on Elm Street. We had a great turn out there feeding seniors and children and anyone that was in need. They were about to get chicken and milk and bread and water. And I appreciate that, and I thank you for your service and all the things that you all are doing.” Council Member Myers stated, “Nothing at this time.” Mayor Parham stated, “I just cannot thank this team enough, Mrs. Benavides and your staff, for the CAFR. You have done something remarkable that people are going to be blown out the water at this news. And its thanks to you and your complete staff. And to Chief Miller and Chief Reid for keeping those departments in budget. And for Lionel Lyons for what you do down there in keeping everyone in their budget. It is a complete team effort in getting there. I can’t say it enough that we have the right team at the right time to steer Petersburg in the new direction. To piggyback with that, The CAFR and Davenport presentation when we were talking about the economy. And we have the opportunity here knowing that the finance team is pointing us in the right direction. Now is the time for this council to move forward with the new economy here. And what is going on with AMPAC. Everybody at the table wanted to make sure that Petersburg move quick because the funding is there. And the work that we have to do to deliver on this federal contract and we are looking. And we have a lot of people looking. Thank you chief for what you did for the Doughboy statue. The Doughboy came down and the Doughboy came right back up. My constituents of Ward 3 thank you. Mr. Lyons is working to get the lights up out there. Thank you all for always being fast and on top of things. And that is all the items that I have at this time.” 14. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 15. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: a. Report to the City Council from the Planning Commission regarding the Proposal to purchase vacant properties for residential development submitted by PB Petersburg Owner LLC. BACKGROUND: The City Council requested that the Planning Commission consider and report back no five (5) questions regarding a proposal to purchase and develop vacant residential properties. The questions include: 1. Exactly what is the developer promising to do and how can these promises be made enforceable by the City. 2. The likely fair market value of the houses when construction is completed and also when the house are 15 years old. 3. Whether the developer will be obligated to accept Section 8 housing vouchers as rent payments. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 - 13 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 4. The likely cost of additional municipal services (such as public-school education) and the amount of likely additional revenue (such as real estate taxes0 if the lots are developed as proposed. 5. Whether it would be to the City’s advantage to offer these lots for sale by issuing a Request for Proposal, open to all interested potential purchasers. The Planning Commission considered and discussed the questions with the developers during the July 1, 2020 Planning Commission Meeting. Following a presentation by PB Petersburg Owner LLC, the Planning Commissioners asked several questions. Concerns and Questions included: Concern about the impact of smaller homes on the neighborhood of larger homes, the use of materials such as vinyl siding and PVC railings and whether those types of materials will sustain the value of the homes. The response was that the homes would be constructed to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards to qualify for 30 year loans, and the quality will need to be maintained to attract renters. Another question was whether the developers would offer home ownership classes so tenants would purchase the homes when they are available for sale. The response was yes, the developers will offer home ownership classes and that requirement could be included in the Development Agreement. A question was raised regarding the the home value and the purchase price. The developer responded that they are able to offer the homes for purchase at a cost of $110,000, through amortization, interest and principle payments, as expenses prior to the sale are paid from rent revenue. A Commissioner stated that the City has previously been burned by developers and that we don't want to get burned again, therefore the project would need to be successful. A questions was asked about turn around time to clean lots if the purchase is approved. The developer stated that if approved and closed by the first quarter of 2021, the lots would be cleared as the first step. They also stated that a deadline on closing, claw-back provisions and sunset dates could be included in the Development Agreement. Also they stated that they would be expect to be fined if properties are not maintained. A question was asked about "Coming Soon" signage, and the developers stated that they would be able to install some signage in compliance with City Code. A Commissioner asked why the developers chose Petersburg? The developers responded that there is untapped potential and the demand for workforce housing in the City is not being met. The culture and History along with it's proximity to the Military base, the Freedom Support Center for Veterans and the developer's personal interest in the Civil War attracted them to Petersburg. The Planning Commission considered a motion to recommend City Council approval and it was adopted unanimously. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council accepts this report from the Planning Commission. Reginald Tabor, Interim Director of Planning and Community Development, gave a brief overview over the information requested for report. There was discussion among City Council and the developer, Tom Heinnamann. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to table acceptance of the report until City Council first *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 - 14 – ______________________________________________________________________________ meeting in September and direct the City Manager to report to council at that time on which of the lots are not buildable. The motion dies due to lack of second. There was discussion among City Council Members. Council Member Myers made a motion to adopt the unanimous decision by the Planning Commission and move forward with the disposal of properties that are listed and negotiated by the City Manager and staff. 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 and Parham; Voting No: Cuthbert; Absent: Hart b. Resolution to approve development agreement for Virginia Avenue School Property. BACKGROUND: Purchase agreement for the sale of Virginia Avenue School and surrounding properties requires the developer to submit a development agreement which must be approved by City Council. RECOMMENDATION: Approve resolution. Council Member Myers made a motion to adopt the resolution for the development agreement for Virginia Avenue School property. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion among City Council Members. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Wilson- Smith, Myers, Hill and Parham; Voting No: Cuthbert; Absent: Smith-Lee and Hart 20-R-38 A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR VIRGINIA AVENUE SCHOOL PROPERTY. c. Discussion and consideration of rescinding resolution making Crater District Workforce Board Executive Director an employee of the City of Petersburg. Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to rescind resolution 19-R-45 passed in 2019 and eliminate position of the Executive Director of the Workforce Board as a City of Petersburg employee effective July 31, 2020. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. There was discussion among City Council Members. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill and Parham; Absent: Smith-Lee and Hart 16. NEW BUSINESS: a. Consideration of an appropriation of the Edward Byrne JAG Grant - $26,753 BACKGROUND: The Edward Byrne JAG Grant is an annual grant awarded to local Police agencies for various enforcement projects. Petersburg has applied for funding and the Department of Justice has accepted the application and awarded funding in the amount of $26,753. There is no local match to these funds. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that Council accept and appropriate the grant fund to be spent in FY 2020-2021. Captain Gregory Geist gave a brief overview of request. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 - 15 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Hill made a motion to approve the appropriation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comment. Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed public comments. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Smith- Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Hart and Myers 20-ORD-37 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2020, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 FOR THE GRANTS FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,753. b. Virginia Foundation for Health Youth Grant - $30,000 BACKGROUND: This is the third year the City has received a grant from the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. Grants in previous years were utilized to formulate and strengthen a team of stakeholders and experts representing local farmers’ markets, gardening, nutrition, education, literacy, and culinary skills. These stakeholders proved capable of leveraging local resources to best fill gaps in services related to access to healthy food. RECOMMENDATION: Approve. Council Member Wilson-Smith made a motion to approve the appropriation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comment. Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, stated, “Would there be anyway that we can use that grant Community Garden at our local school here in the City of Petersburg so that children are not only learning what these vegetables and fruits look like but also learning to grow them.” Mr. Crocker stated that they are still working with the schools. A representative from Community Garden spoke in regards with having an MOU with the schools. Seeing no further hands, Mayor Parham closed 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-38 AN ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SAID ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2020, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2021, FOR THE VIRGINIA FOUNDATION FOR HEALTH YOUTH GRANTS FOR PETERSBURG. c. Consideration of a resolution to support two (2) Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Smart Scale funding applications for trail projects. BACKGROUND: The City of Petersburg and the Crater PDC/Tri-Cities MPO, with support from the Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR), are currently submitting full applications for funding through *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 - 16 – ______________________________________________________________________________ VDOT Smart Scale for the two projects. Smart Scale funds are provided 100%. No match funds are required. 1. Appomattox River Trail from Squaw Alley [at Patton Park] to I‐95 This is a 2.0 mile section of the Appomattox River Trail with an alignment from the Squaw Alley entrance to Patton Park, along Grove Avenue, through historic Old Towne Petersburg continuing to I-95, with a bike-pedestrian bridge terminating at the existing north shore Appomattox River Trail. The funded project would Include construction of a shared use path, trailhead, renovation of sidewalk, Union Train Station parking lot, street calming measures, and a new bike/pedestrian bridge. The funding request is $6.5 million. The City of Petersburg is the lead applicant and both the City of Colonial Heights and Chesterfield County are the coordinating partner jurisdictions. 2. Ashland-to-Petersburg Trail, River Rd through VSU to Patton Park & ART (Appomattox River Trail). This project is the southern portion of a multi-use trail that traverses multiple jurisdictions between the City of Petersburg and the Town of Ashland. It includes the section from River Rd through VSU to Patton Park with a connection to the Appomattox River Trail (ART) and it includes three bridges. The funding request is $8 million. The Crater Planning District Commission (CPDC)–MPO is the lead applicant and will administer/manage the project if awarded. Additional coordinating partners are VSU, Chesterfield County, the City of Petersburg with Colonial Heights included for the added spur connection. Following is the Smart Scale Application and Award Schedule March 2, 2020 Mandatory pre-application intake period opens. April 3, 2020 Submission deadline for pre-applications. Pre-applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. April 3 - June 1, 2020 Pre-applications screening review, conducted by VDOT/DRPT staff. At close of pre-application screening, applicants will know which pre-applications can advance. No access to the pre-application OR the full application will be available to the applicants. June 9, 2020 Full application period opens. Aug. 3, 2020 Submission deadline for full applications. Full applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. January 2021 Release of project prioritization and base allocation scenario. Presentation to the CTB. January 2021 - June 2021 CTB member meetings, public meetings, funding scenario review. CTB approves SYIP in June 2021. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 - 17 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Both projects received pre-application screening and are permitted to advance to full application submittal. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council approves the resolution supporting the Smart Scale application for the Appomattox River Trail project, and the Ashland to Petersburg Trail. Reginald Tabor, Interim Director of Planning and Community Development, gave a brief overview. Council Member Myers made a motion to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comment. Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, stated, “My question for Mr. Tabor would be in regard to how many smart scale projects is our City able to apply for each year. There are a lot of different needs based on our development plan and for what we want to see this City group into as a logistic hub. And if we cannot focus on developing our interstate on and off grant than we will be left behind. I think that this is a great thing to do. But we need to make sure that we are a logistic hub on the east coast. Thank you.” Seeing no further hands, Mayor Parham closed public comments. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Hart 20-R-39 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG CITY COUNCIL SUPPORTING THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (VDOT) SMART SCALE APPLICATIONS FOR TWO (2) TRAIL PROJECTS IN AND AROUND THE CITY OF PETERSBURG. d. Consideration of a Resolution to accept a gift from the Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) that includes a paved section of the Appomattox River Trail (ART) from University Boulevard, West to the Battersea Bridges. BACKGROUND: Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) proposed to provide 100% of project cost and management that includes 1/3 -mile Paving of Existing Trail from University Blvd to Battersea Bridges, an Entrance-Trailhead improvement. The Project is guided by the Appomattox River Trail Master Plan Resolution of Support previously adopted by the City Council, and the Memorandum of Understanding between City of Petersburg and FOLAR to work together on development of the Trail. Funding is immediately available that is dedicated to Trail improvements in Petersburg. Project cost is estimated at approximately $180,000. RECOMMENDATION: Approve. Reginald Tabor, Interim Director of Planning and Community Development, gave a briefing of the request of approval. Council Member Hill made a motion to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 - 18 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comment. Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, stated, “Who will be maintaining the trail after we accept the funds and the trail is put into place.?” Mayor Parham stated, “Mr. Tabor, FOLAR will be maintaining like the do the others correct?” Mr. Tabor stated, “They will be constructing it and they will be a partnership with regard with maintaining it.” Seeing no further hands, Mayor Parham closed public comments. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Hart 20-R-40 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG CITY COUNCIL ACCETPING A GIFT FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE LOWER APPOMATTOX RIVER (FOLAR) THAT INCLUDES A PAVED SECTION OF THE APPOMATTOX RIVER TRAIL (ART). e. Consideration of a Resolution to adopt the Petersburg Area Transit Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan. BACKGROUND: The Virginia Statewide Public Transportation Agency Plan (PTASP) for Small Public Transportation Providers is a comprehensive plan outlining the Safety Management Systems (SMS) programs at 15 small transit agencies in the Commonwealth. A small transit agency is defined as a non-rail fixed guideway agency that receives federal financial assistance under 49 U.S.C. 5307 and run 100 or fewer vehicles in total during peak revenue service. This comprehensive plan is required by 49 United States Code 5329 and 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 673. On July 19, 2018, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published 49 CFR Part 673, which requires agencies receiving federal assistance under 49 U.S.C. 5307 funding to develop a PTASP. Per 49 CFR Part 673.11(d), States must develop a PTASP for small transit agencies. In Virginia, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is the state agency responsible for developing the state sponsored PTASP for small transit agencies. DRPT is primarily responsible for gathering input from each participating small transit agencies during the development, review, and update of the PTASP. Moving forward, each agency will be responsible for continuing the implementation of its SMS program and other activities described within its respective PTASP sections. The PTASP is laid out to provide general information on each agency, including its overall structure and services; the agency Safety Management Policy; Safety Risk Management program; Safety Assurance program; and Safety Promotion program. Each section of the plan accurately portrays the current services and programs in place at each agency. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council approve the resolution to adopt the Public Transportation Agency Safety. Darius Mason, Operation Manager at Petersburg Area Transit, gave a briefing of the request of approval. Council Member Hill made a motion to approve the appropriation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. Mayor Parham opened the floor for public comment. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 - 19 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Seeing no hands, Mayor Parham closed public comments. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Hart 20-R-41 A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AGENCY SAFETY PLAN FOR PETERSBURG AREA TRANSIT. f. Consideration of reappointment/s to the Appomattox River Water Authority (ARWA) Board. BACKGROUND: The Appomattox River Water Authority consist of the Cities of Colonial Heights and Petersburg and the Counties of Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, and Prince George. The Authority is responsible for the operation of the Appomattox River Water Treatment Plant. The Authority Board includes one (1) Member and one (1) Alternate Member from each of the political subdivisions. City Council has, as have other as its representatives on the Board and the Director of Public Works as the alternate. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend City Council reappoint Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides, City Manager and Lionel Lyons, Deputy City Manager, to the Appomattox River Water Authority Board. Ms. Jackson gave briefing on the current members and terms. Council Member Hill made a motion to reappoint Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides, City Manager and Lionel Lyons, Deputy City Manager, to the Appomattox River Water Authority Board. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith-Lee. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Hart 20-R-42 A RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING ARETHA R. FERRELL-BENAVIDES, CITY MANAGER, AND LIONEL LYONS, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER, TO THE APPOMATTOX RIVER WATER AUTHORITY BOARD. g. Consideration of reappointment/s to the South Central Wastewater Treatment Authority Board BACKGROUND: South Central Wastewater Treatment Authority operates the Petersburg Wastewater Plant, which serves the Cities of Colonial Heights and Petersburg along with the Counties of Chesterfield, Dinwiddie and Prince George. The Authority Board includes one (1) Member and one (1) Alternate Member from each of the political subdivisions. City Council has, as have other member jurisdiction, traditionally appointed the locality's chief administrative officer as its representative on the Board and the Director of Public Works as the alternate. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Council reappoint Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides and Lionel Lyons to the South Central Wastewater Treatment Authority Board. Council Member Hill made a motion to approve the appropriation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wilson-Smith. The motion was approved on roll call vote. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Smith-Lee, Hill, Hart and Parham; Absent: Hart 20-R-43 A RESOLUTION REAPPOINTING ARETHA R. FERRELL-BENAVIDES AND LIONEL LYONS TO THE SOUTH CENTRAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT AUTHORITY BOARD. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020 - 20 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 17. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: Mrs. Benavides stated, “I would like to introduce Ms. Alicia Mann. Alicia Mann will be joining us as a ICMA Local Government Managing Fellow. This is a rotation and she will be doing similar to Jackson. Alicia is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and a recent graduate for Auburn University with her Master’s in Public Administration. She will start her rotation in the budget office working with Mr. Floyd. And you will see more of these types of individuals around our City. And I would like to just welcome her and thank you for allowing us to have young challenges to come in and be a part of our community.” 18. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE CLERK: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 19. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM CITY ATTORNEY: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 20. ADJOURNMENT: City Council adjourned at 4:50 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor *Audio available upon request.