City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The Work Session meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, live streamed. Mayor Parham called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member Charles H. Cuthbert, Jr. Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith Council Member W. Howard Myers Council Member Darrin Hill Vice Mayor Annette Smith-Lee Mayor Samuel Parham Absent: Council Member John A. Hart, Sr. Present from City Council Administration: City Manager Stuart Turille City Attorney Anthony C. Williams Clerk of City Council Nykesha D. Jackson 2. PRAYER: Mayor Parham stated, “Councilman Darrin Hill will lead us in our opening prayer.” Council Member Hill led the council meeting in prayer. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Parham led council and the citizens in the pledge of allegiance. 4. DETERMINATION OF THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM: A quorum is present. 5. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (TI INCLUDE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING/S): a. Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth Grant - $30,000.00 – 1st Reading b. Request to hold a public hearing on July 20, 2021, to consider an ordinance reapproving the Purchase Agreement with the requested amendment between City of Petersburg and PB Petersburg towards the sale of 1000 Diamond St, 612 Pegram St, 151 St Mark St, 521 St Mark St, 709 Ann St, 735 Halifax St, 808 Halifax St, 811 Halifax St, 334 Harrison St, 803 Jones St S, 839-41 Jones St S, 829 Jones St S, 804 Jones St S, 809 Jones St S, 604 Shore St, 408 Shore St, 328 Shore St, 425 West St S, 715 West St S, 731 West St S, 716 Harding St, 627 Harding St, 517 St. Matthew St, 415 St Matthew St, 708-10 Kirkham St, 712-714 Kirkham St, 716 Kirkham St, 249 North Carolina Ave, 742 Mount Airy St, 742 Blick St, 135 Kentucky Ave, 204 Kentucky Ave, 202 Kentucky Ave, 1004 Farmer St, 852 Rome St, 725 Sterling St, 919 Wythe St W, 151 Virginia Ave. c. A request to schedule a public hearing and consideration of an ordinance to amend the City’s Comprehensive Plan regarding the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. d. A request to schedule a public hearing on the consideration of the Housekeeping Ordinance Revision to Correct Typographical Omission. e. A request to schedule a public hearing for consideration of the Housekeeping Ordinance *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ Revision to the New Residential Tax Credit Exemption. f. Consideration of an ordinance for Virginia Department of Emergency Management – Emergency Management Performance Grant from FY20 – 1st Reading g. Request to hold a public hearing on July 20, 2021, regarding a proposal to purchase City-owned property located at 857 Bank Street, 741 Blick Street, 1411 Farmer Street, 10 Foley Street North, 1111 Halifax Street, 1115 Halifax Street, 1611 Hare Street, 1230 High Street, 1206 Hinton Street, 751 Jones Street, 205 Maple Street, 1011 McKenzie Street, 921 Priam Street, 110 Richland Street 351-23 University Boulevard, 201 Virginia Avenue, 710 Wesley Street, 118 West Street South, 323 West Street South, and 1114 Wythe Street, and consideration of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a purchase agreement between the City of Petersburg and PB Petersburg towards the sale of City-owned property. h. A request to schedule a public hearing for July 20, 2021, for consideration of an ordinance to authorize the acquisition of property in association with southeast Petersburg water infrastructure upgrades. i. Request to hold a public hearing on July 20, 2021, for the purpose of considering a resolution offering City Council Concurrence of a proposed detour into the City of Petersburg for Construction of a Roundabout in Dinwiddie County. j. Request to hold a public hearing on July 20, 2021, for the purpose of considering a resolution offering City Council concurrence of a proposed detour for I-95 bridge work over South Crater Road. k. Request to hold a public hearing on July 20, 2021, to consider a resolution offering City Council Concurrence of proposed detour on I-95 for the South Sycamore Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project. l. Request to hold a public hearing for July 20, 2021, for the purpose of considering a resolution authorizing the City Manager Authority to accept fee simple conveyance of real property on behalf of the City of Petersburg for the S. Crater Road Signal Improvements Project. m. A request to schedule a public hearing for July 20, 2021, for the consideration to amend and re- adopt ordinance 14-ORD-24 regarding the procedure for citizens desiring to change the name of public and private streets in the City of Petersburg. Council Member Myers made a motion to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson- Smith, Myers, Hill, Smith-Lee, and Parham; Absent: Hart Mayor Parham stated, “Before we get to ‘Item 6, Special Reports’, I would like to give a welcome to Councilman Cuthbert back and give him a moment of personal privilege.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Thank you Mr. Mayor. I really do strongly believe in separation of church and state, but I also recognize that if it were not for the goodness of God, I would not be with you today. I thank all of council for their prayers and their best wishes and I am delighted to be back. The most distressing thing by far that happened while I was absent was the death of Willie Noise. We all admired him, and we did not always agree with him, but we all admired him, and we were all grateful for his commitment to Petersburg. As I told someone last week. A friend of Petersburg is a friend of mine. And that is the way I feel about Mr. Noise. In light of his death, I asked the City Attorney if he would draft an ordinance for council’s consideration on July 20th at a public hearing. An ordinance to prohibit firearms on City property to the extinct allowed by Virginia statue. And Mr. Williams drafted the ordinance and I sent it out this morning to all of council as a proposed section 74-213. And so, to follow up on the mayor’s generous offer and kind offer to allow me a moment of personal privilege. I move that council schedule a public hearing on proposed ordinance 74-213, a public hearing followed by a vote on July 20th.” Council Member Cuthbert made a motion to add to the consent agenda to schedule a public hearing for *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ the consideration of a proposed ordinance of Section 74-213 to prohibit firearms on City property to the extinct allowed by Virginia statue. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Smith-Lee, and Parham; Absent: Hart Mayor Parham stated, “Thank you Councilman Cuthbert and welcome back.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Thank you all. It is a joy to be with you each.” 6. SPECIAL REPORTS: a. Presentation updating the status of the renovations of properties owned by Petersburg Revival LLC. BACKGROUND: N/A RECOMMENDATION: For informational purposes. Bradley Shupp (Property Maintenance Official) and Kate Sangregorio (Preservation Planner) gave an update on the status of the renovations of properties owned by Petersburg Revival LLC. Key points:  Dr. Fitzhugh began purchasing properties in 2016. And he currently has purchased 30 properties.  All renovations are done with the highest standard for historic properties.  Two of the properties are commercial buildings with no violations.  One residential property has been completely renovated and leased.  Four renovations are almost complete, and ten properties are actively being worked on.  There are 10 properties that have had some work take place on them and it is usually emergency stabilization.  There are 16 notable code concerns and four that are being addressed. There was discussion among City Council and staff. b. An update on activities in the Lakemont Community. BACKGROUND: A coalition that includes representatives from the Lakemont Community and various organizations have been working on several projects in the Lakemont Community. The organizations include the Petersburg City Public Schools, Healthy Options Partnerships, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Cooperative Extension Eat Smart Move More, Virginia State University, National Park Service, James River Association, and the City of Petersburg. This is a presentation about the ongoing activities. RECOMMENDATION: N/A Reginald Tabor (Interim Director of Planning and Community Development) and Jaelyn Munson (Health Educator with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office) gave an update on the Lakemont Community. Key points:  They provide resources and curriculum, and they will be focusing on food pantries, corner *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ stores and other food retailers.  This program is offered through the Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Family Nutrition Program.  The also provide the clients and customers with tools to utilize those items in recipes at home.  They will connect partners (community venues) with local producers to sustainably source local produce.  Recently a project was completed along Culpeper Avenue regarding the storm sewer extension. This was a collaboration with City of Petersburg, James River Association, Lakemont Neighborhood Watch Group and Timmons Group.  This group planned and received funding to install the first hydrodynamic separator and it was just installed and completed this past month.  It separates the debris, litter, and sand out of the stormwater and allow for easier removal by City maintenance and it keeps the drains clear for proper drainage.  This project was identified by the residents as a high priority, and it is part of the Walkable Watershed Plan that was created in 2013.  Environmental Education will also be offered to all 5th graders at Lakemont Elementary School to learn more about the watershed that is located in their community. And this will include how their actions impact the watershed.  There will be a Paint Out Pollution event in the spring to highlight the concepts in this program.  There is also a school garden being planned for the 2021-2022 school year.  On September 11th, it will be James River Regional Cleanup Day as part of the 22nd Annual James River Regional Cleanup. This is part of teaching the residents the impact of litter and causing flooding issues.  You can register for the even if interested in participating at https://jrac- va.org/signatureevents/james-river-cleanup/  There will be a sign in the back of Lakemont that will be installed this summer to highlight trails in the area. The school property backs up to Battlefield Park.  Hope to bring POP! Market to the elementary to allow families to purchase fresh produce and it does accept SNAP and EBT benefits.  They also plan to do a Walkability Audit in the community and assist food pantries with implementing healthy nutrition standards.  They also plan to do a community survey to find out from residents how these changes are impacting their lives. Mr. Turille stated, “At some point, I would like to take a tour of that neighborhood with you.” Ms. Munson stated, “That would be wonderful. I will reach out.” There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. c. A report on Historic Preservation and the designation process focusing on City of Petersburg African American Resources. BACKGROUND: The City Council previously discussed African American Historic resources in the City of Petersburg. The discussion followed a presentation by Council Member Wilson-Smith. This is a follow up to provide information regarding the process for establishing African American Historic sites on the National and State Historic Registries and for establishing Markers at Historic sites, especially where a related structure has been demolished. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: N/A Kate Sangregorio (Preservation Planner) gave an update on the process of focusing on City of Petersburg African American Resources. Key points:  The Historic Registers are national, state, and local.  The Historic Markers are State Highways Markers, Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail, Civil War Trails, Road to Revolution Heritage Trail and City of Petersburg Markers.  The federal designation is the National Parks Service in the U.S. Department of Interior. The state designation is the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, and the local designation is the City of Petersburg.  In evaluating the criterion for the historic resources, they look at the events, person, architecture, and archeology.  In the National Historic Landmarks (NHL) they have the strongest association with a significant event in our nation’s history. They tell the story of an individual who played a significant role in the history of our nation. There are fewer than 2,500 National Historic Landmarks nationwide, 123 in Virginia and 1 in Petersburg. All NHLs are automatically included in the National Register for Historic Places but not vice versa.  The National Register is managed by the National Park Service and is the nation’s official list of historic structures.  There are more than 80,000 listings made up of 1.4 million individual resources. There are 3,266 sites in Virginia, 46 sites in Petersburg and 4 sites in Petersburg of significance to African American History.  The National Register includes at least one listing from nearly every county in the United States.  Neither NHL nor NR designations affect what private owners can do with their property or come with any obligation to open it to the public. Both do offer protections in the form of significant legal hurdles if federal government work threatens a place.  By ordinance, the City of Petersburg put greater protections in place for local historic resources by including provision in the City’s Zoning Ordinance. There was discussion among City Council Members and staff. d. Presentation on Parks by Council Member Treska Wilson-Smith. Key points:  The wooden beams that are at some parks are not safe for any of the children playing on the playgrounds.  The grass needs to be cut at some of the playgrounds and graffiti needs to be removed.  The pavilions need to be renovated. The basketball courts need the nets to be put up and replaced.  The signage needs to be replaced and the broken and old equipment needs to be replaced.  The proposed solution would be recovery funding to parks and leisure services. This would upgrade and repair the parks, develop programs and events.  Looked at the American Rescue Plan Act and money can be spent to support public health.  If parks are fixed, then the city would be addressing physical and mental health. Mayor Parham stated, “Thank you Council Member Wilson-Smith. I would just like to add, that I know that you were talking about the Art in the Park Project. That was the park on Sycamore Street, right? Poplar Lawn?” *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “Yes.” Mayor Parham stated, “I would like to highlight, that Council Member Cuthbert and I were out there when we had Colonial Heights Baptist Church and Mount Olivet Baptist Church. They came out there with close to 150 people and they cut trees and trimmed. I think that we need to get more types of those partnerships especially with our faith-based community. Because that day they really transformed that park, and it has been looking good ever since. So, maybe we can get some initiatives in place to partner with our faith-based community and some of our other organizations. They always ask what they can do to help Petersburg.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “I agree that Poplar Lawn Park is an important community asset and I agree also that the good people from the church helped us greatly to raise the bar. And established higher expectations for ourselves. But otherwise, I certainly do not disagree with anything you said Mr. Mayor. But I do not have any other comments to offer. Thank you.” Council Member Hill stated, “I agree with Council Member Wilson-Smith that we do need to do something with our parks. My concern is that after we spruce up the parks and after we do the maintenance maintain it all of the parks will be putting different things out there. But I think that is where we fall short at and that is the reason why the parks tend to look the way that they look. And it may be a thing like you said Councilwoman Treska Wilson-Smith that we may have to look at to see if we do need so many parks or what is the best place to put them at and things of that nature. And can we maintain as many as we have not trying to take anything. But I do agree with you that the event for Juneteenth at the Sprots Complex was a great event. And I was talking with Mrs. Yerby on coming up with a packet plan or something like that to sell ourselves. Because the way she had everything set up. I would like to thank everyone that participated in Juneteenth along with all of the volunteers and things of that nature. I do agree that we have to do something to spruce up our parks and if we can get it with the American Act that would be even greater. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.” Mayor Parham stated, “Right. And just to chime in I also ask if we can ask the City Manager to look at our parks in the number to see the cost of what we spend in trying to maintain so many. I would rather have fewer nice ones then to have so many ones that we are unable to keep up. And, just going back to my younger years here I remember we had the USSA that had softball tournaments years ago in Petersburg. And it looked like all of our parks and ball fields were being utilized. I think that now is the time to look at. I do not think that we had an actual study on our parks and the need to have so many. When we had a great organization that was using them every Saturday and Sunday. I remember those fields used to be really packed when I was a kid. And since then, we have a lot of those fields that kind of been empty in the last couple decades or so. So, we need to look at that, especially the cost. It is a huge cost in maintaining that. And thank you Council Member Wilson-Smith for bringing that to our attention because we really need to look at how we can do better. And whether that is consolidating or making fewer better parks is definitely the time to have that conversation.” Vice Mayor Smith-Lee stated, “I agree with Treska Wilson-Smith. I also know that we went through a trying time for the last year and a half with COVID. And I think that we should press forward and partner with so many organizations in the City of Petersburg. Because I know for a fact that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated has done great work in several parks with partnering with the city in putting down mulch and painting with Walnut Hill, Lee Park and A.P. Hill. So, we just got to all connect together. Because I know that the men of the Masonic Temple and the different lodges always reaching out and wanting to do something to beautify and help the City of Petersburg.” Council Member Hill stated, “When the situation happened some years ago, we did have a lot of volunteers from the City of Petersburg that came out and kept the grass and things up to that nature. I do not *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ want to be remiss in thanking them. When we hit our hardships a lot of the citizens came out and brought their lawnmowers and weed eater’s out. Some of you all, we have a different council now and I know Councilwoman Treska Wilson-Smith and I know that Howard Myers was on council then. But as a City we cannot run a park based off volunteers. It is good to have that, but we cannot run it like that. I guess we charge the City Manager in looking into that and bringing back a study to us to see what the best way is to go and the funds and the things of that nature.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “A couple of members of council have commented on the wisdom of having fewer parks and taking better care of the ones that we keep. And I think that any comprehensive study of council’s option should include an analysis of the importance of maintaining a particular park. Importance based on such things like the uses among other facts. As well as anticipated maintenance cost in the future. It may well be. It is not a conclusion. It may well be that the wisest course for us a city would reduce by some amount some of our parts and take the resources that are allowing our existing parts to kind of limp along and concentrate them on making our parks that we do retain a real show place and a place that will attract usage by our citizens. That is just one of and a number of factors that I think council and the City Manager’s Office should take into account in deciding what should we do in the future to address the shortcomings that Mrs. Wilson-Smith has done a such a fine job of highlighting. At the same time, we are practical about how much can we really spend given that every dollar that we spend on the parks is a dollar that we do not have on helping our children to read and supplementing the efforts of the school board to teach our children to read at grade level at the 3rd grade. Something that I think is terribly important. And I believe there is a cause of link of our abysmal low literacy rate and our abysmal high murder rate. We have got to address these problems. Both literacy and crime. We cannot ignore them or blame them on statistics or some prick. I have looked at the numbers and you have looked at the numbers and 24 murders for our population is the highest I believe in the State of Virginia. And to fluff that off to pretend that it is due to some kind of statistical magic. I think is putting our head in the sand.” Mayor Parham stated, “Councilman Cuthbert we will have those sessions to talk about those items as well in the coming. I do not want to take too much focus away from the parks at this time. But we will circle back around and have chief talk about those other issues.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Understand and I appreciate it.” Mayor Parham stated, “Thank you Council Member Wilson-Smith. And this is definitely the beginning of a conversation on how we can do better.” 7. MONTHLY REPORTS: *There are no items for this portion of the agenda. 8. FINANCE AND BUDGET REPORT: *There are no items for this portion of the agenda. 9. CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE: *There are no items for this portion of the agenda. 10. UTILITIES: *There are no items for this portion of the agenda. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ 11. STREETS: a. Report on a proposed detour into the City of Petersburg for Construction of a Roundabout in Dinwiddie County. BACKGROUND: The Virginia Department of Transportation will be constructing a roundabout at the intersection of River Road and Ferndale Road in Dinwiddie County. During part of the construction, it will be necessary to detour traffic through the City of Petersburg on Washington Street, Wythe Street, Adams Street, and the Martin Luther King, Jr Bridge. The detour will be performed on weekends. The Virginia Department of Transportation seeks concurrence from the City of Petersburg with the detour plan. RECOMMENDATION: Concur with the Department of Transportation plan to detour traffic into the City of Petersburg. Andrew Barnes (City Engineer and General Manager of Utilities) stated, “Gerrit can you make Scott Chapman from VDOT a co-host? He will be presenting items 11a and 11b. Item 11c is being requested to be removed at this time. VDOT require concurrence for the detour later. And I will be presenting 11d.” Scott Chapman (Assistant Location and Design Engineer for Richmond District of VDOT) gave a brief presentation on the proposed detour into the City of Petersburg Construction of a Roundabout in Dinwiddie County. Key points:  First project is a roundabout at Route 600 and Route 601 in Dinwiddie County.  The project is in Dinwiddie County which is in the Petersburg residency.  The next step is the scoping approval.  Detours are needed in order to construct the roundabout.  There are five phases of construction that is anticipated for this project.  Phase four includes installation of pre-cast truck apron. The pre-cast truck apron will minimize intersection down-time.  Temporary detour will be required. Detour work will be weekend only and it will be three to four weekends. Mayor Parham stated, “Thank you all for the presentation.” b. Report on a proposed detour for I-95 bridge work over South Crater Road. BACKGROUND: The Virginia Department of Transportation will be making repairs to the southbound lanes of the I-95 bridge over South Crater Road. Work will be performed on one southbound lane of I-95 at a time, requiring a lane closure and detouring traffic onto city streets. Work will be performed at night to reduce the impact to the traveling public. RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the Virginia Department of Transportation to detour traffic from I-95 on City streets to make repairs to the I-95 bridge over South Crater Road. Scott Chapman (Assistant Location and Design Engineer for Richmond District of VDOT) gave a brief presentation on the proposed detour for I-95 bridge work over South Crater Road. Key points:  This is a bridge deck replacement over Route 301 and Route 460.  The replacement of the existing bridge deck by 0.07 miles. This would address structural *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ deterioration identified in the 2018 inspection.  The next step would be advertisement of construction in the next few months. Project could be awarded by fall depending on the weather.  The preconstruction phase would last about one week.  Phase one would be about three months. This would be the pier and substructure rehabilitation.  Phase 2a & 2b would be about two weekends. This would be mainline bridge deck hydro demolition.  Phase 2c would be finalizing the project and restoring it to its original condition. And this would take one week.  There will be signs along all the effected routes.  In Phase 2c Temporary barrier is in place for seven days to allow median barrier and bridge parapet concrete to cure. Place permanent pavement marking to the new bridge deck surface to match original conditions. Remove all temporary traffic channelizing devices and temporary pavement markings. And remove all advance warning signs. There was discussion among City Council, staff, and Mr. Chapman. c. Report on a proposed detour on I-95 for the South Sycamore Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project. Mr. Barnes stated, “Mr. Mayor, our VDOT LAP representative has actually advised that it be removed from the agenda as it is not ready to move forward on VDOT’s end.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Mrs. Innis and Mr. City Manager, would you please bring council a report at our work session meeting in September that lays out the option for addressing these two pinch points. And the options for achieving the elimination of those pinch points and a timetable for implementation of those various options. That would be a help to us. We have all lived with this every day. And we are accustomed to it, and we think that is the way that Petersburg has to be. But this is not the way Petersburg has to be. We can eliminate these risks. And of course, it is a question of money. But Mrs. Innis and Mr. City Manager, if your team would get this presentation to council at our work session in September. I think that will help us all to keep a focus on a problem that we all acknowledge to exist. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and Mr. City Manager and Mrs. Innis.” d. Report on Fee Simple Conveyances of Real Property on Behalf of the City of Petersburg for the S. Crater Road Signal Improvements Project. BACKGROUND: The City of Petersburg received Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funding (CMAQ) to make improvements to the traffic signals on South Crater Road at six intersections from Flank Road to Rives Road. As part of the project, right-of-way and easements must be obtained from various properties. RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Manager to accept the Fee Simple Conveyance of Real Property on Behalf of the City of Petersburg. Andrew Barnes (City Engineer and General Manager of Utilities) gave a brief update of the Fee Simple Conveyance of Real Property. Key points:  They will be installing pedestrian equipment, video detection cameras, wireless broadband radios, mast arm pole with equipment, modern cabinet with updated controller on new foundation, metered service with safety switch and curb ramps. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Mayor Parham stated, “Mr. Barnes, I just want to thank you for this right here. Because there are many residents in that area that we have got complains about the lighting in that area. And even from some of our transit people that work around Wal-Mart are applauding your efforts in finally clearing up those signals with traffic that is coming and trying to move. You can get stop at a light for a period of time.” Council Member Hill stated, “Yes. I am thankful that we are finally getting to this point. We have talked about this before and many times. I appreciate the work that is going in. Thank you for the work that you are doing. And the neighbors will be happy about that and the new look to the South Crater Road area.” Mayor Parham asked, “Mr. Barnes, what is the timeline of completion of getting there once you get started and everything is approved?” Mr. Barnes stated, “I am actually not aware of the timeline on this project. This project is being managed by our engineering construction manager, Bill Riggleman. I am just filling in for him today so I apologize but we will get you that information as soon as possible.” Mayor Parham stated, “Okay. Thank you.” Mr. Williams stated, “Just to answer Councilman Hill’s question. Some time ago council adopted a blanket resolution authorizing the manager to accept less than fee conveyances for things like this. I think that it is good that he gave the presentation, so you know where they are being accepted. But that action has already been taken. I think that the only thing that you are going to be required action on as Andrew mentioned is on the consent agenda the ordinance to accept any fee simple conveyances. That sounds like they got that covered.” Council Member Hill stated, “Thank you Mr. Williams. I appreciate you.” e. Brief update on the reopening of Sycamore Street – Old Towne Square. BACKGROUND: The City closed a portion of Sycamore Street as a response to the business community. To provide outside socially distanced outside dining during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This portion of the street was closed the end of May 2020 and has remained closed since. The city receives maintenance payments for this portion of road, it must be open to vehicular traffic in order to receive this payment. VDOT has advised the city may either opt to open the road that has been closed to traffic in order to receive continued maintenance payments. RECOMMENDATION: For informational purposes. Tangela Innis (Director of Public Works and Utilities) gave a brief update on the reopening of Sycamore Street -Old Towne Square. Key points:  A portion of Sycamore Street has been closed due to the pandemic since May 2020.  The city receives maintenance payments for a portion of the road which is less than a quarter of a mile.  VDOT has advised the city may opt to keep it closed or re-open it at any point.  Since the State of Emergency has ended, we have been looking for guidance from City Council on whether the street should reopen or remain closed. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ There was discussion among staff and City Council Members. Council Member Wilson-Smith stated that she supports keeping Old Towne Square. Mayor Parham stated, “It would not be any action today but is that something that we can explore Mr. Turille about creating a special tax district as some examples of where to go next, revenue wise, with this to maintain it. I think that is the name of the game right now.” Mr. Turille stated, “Absolutely. I need a little bit of clarification. Is the question whether the Old Towne should remain closed or open or is the special taxing district related to that decision. Is that the issue?” Mayor Parham stated, “Yes.” Mr. Turille stated, “And right now the pending reopening would require a council vote or does VDOT operate independently?” Mrs. Innis stated, “Mr. Turille we are asking council for a vote and guidance. VDOT had said that it is completely a decision as it relates to the City of Petersburg.” Mr. Turille stated, “Okay Mrs. Innis. I appreciate you. If you can give me some more background on that then we will set up an agenda item.” Mrs. Innis stated, “Sounds good.” Mayor Parham stated, “Okay. Thank you.” 12. FACILITIES: *There are no items for this portion of the agenda. 13. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: a. A report regarding a proposed Revolving Loan Fund. BACKGROUND: This is a presentation regarding a proposed revolving loan program to provide Gap Financing for Development Projects in the City of Petersburg. The revolving loan program is used on other jurisdictions in the commonwealth of Virginia to help finance development projects. RECOMMENDATION: For informational purposes. Jeff Sadler, Consultant with Community Economy, gave a brief update on the Revolving Loan Fund. Key points:  Each blighted building lowers the value of the other blighted properties and properties around it.  This could mean unproven market, fewer lenders, fewer buyers, environmental abatement, upgrades in utilities and demolition & construction.  It bridges the financing gap for catalytic projects.  Targets high impact projects.  Replenishes through payment and offers favorable terms. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 - 12 – ______________________________________________________________________________  Stabilizes the tax base and removes blight. It also creates jobs and invests in Petersburg. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Mayor Parham asked Mr. Turille if he can have the Economic Development Authority (EDA) staff to research this and bring back to the next meeting in July. Mr. Turille stated that yes, it is possible to do. Council Member Myers stated, “Mr. Mayor, if I may, I believe that I missed a part of an earlier presentation that represented the square downtown. Did I miss that?” Mayor Parham stated, “Yes. I think you went out on that. That was the presentation right before this.” Council Member Myers stated, “Did we make any decisions with respect to that?” Mayor Parham stated, “It is going to come back to us at the next meeting in July.” Council Member Myers stated, “Okay. Alright and thank you.” 14. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: Mr. Turille stated, “Okay everyone. Thank you. I want to say first of all I am really excited to be here. And I want to thank everyone. I can tell what I am stepping into is an organized professional staff. It is very exciting for me. And once again I am happy to be here. I am here ready to go. The very first thing I would like to say is that I would like to commend the police chief, Travis Christian. I am looking at a police report of the 4th of July weekend. There were a number of incidents in the region, but the City of Petersburg had no shootings, and no one hurt. And that is primarily due to the police chief’s proactive community-based management. I really am watching this. He is doing a tremendous job. All credit to him. So, thank you police chief, Travis Christian for your excellent work in managing this weekend. Today, to just let you know what I have been doing. This is my third day. The office is now set up and my sound is not quiet a little bit to where it needs to be on these zoom meetings, but I have got the office set up now. I have sent out my email and phone numbers. So, everyone should be able to contact me. I have met with the executive assistant, and we have discussed communication between us and workflows. I had meetings with the interim manager to get up to speed and to discuss the overall workflow and communication throughout the organization. I took a tour with Mr. Miller and the police chief around the city. It is important that I get out and understand the lay of the land and these communities. I have conducted a needs assessment now. So, I cannot determine the need from behind the desk. I have got to get out there and meet with the staff and the community. I have got a department head meeting setup for tomorrow at 9am to discuss missions, expectations for them and for them from me. And to build our team to do the important work in this community. So, I will be focusing on missions, relationship building, communication, expectations, and teamwork. This will be part of the list of needs assessment that I am working through listing to you today, staff and the citizens of my own observations. Right now, by necessity I have to focus internally. There are certain staff decisions that cannot wait. My goal is to move out into the community in the coming weeks and months. Around September, I will give you a needs assessment with my evaluation of priorities. I can already see that parks and recreations is going to be very high and some public safety things will be high. And community safety will obviously be a top in any organization. So, that is it. Tomorrow is my first department head meeting, and we will go over things, and we will build our team. We are going to get out there and make things happen. So, I want to thank you again for this opportunity. And I pledge to you my total commitment of building this organization and community to its fullest potential. Thank you.” a. COVID-19 Update *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 - 13 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Kevin Michalek, Fire Department, gave some brief information on COVID-19. Key points:  The positive numbers are trending down.  Memorial Day weekend a few cases popped up, but it was not anything significant from previous times.  Hospitalization and deaths have been at 0 for the last two and half weeks.  The overall for the Crater Regional as of Friday, the transmission level has dropped low.  Cases in the City currently stands at 3,934. The deaths currently stand at 87.  The vaccination efforts for the adult population are trending still. It is at 54% for adults receiving one vaccination. There is 45% that are completely vaccinated.  There are currently 530 vaccinated in the adolescent age group.  The city has had 12 events in the last two weeks with regards to vaccinations.  They have started homebound residents and the have been going pretty well.  The Petersburg COVID-19 Call Center assisted more than 3,300 residents with inbound and outbound calls to schedule appointments from the state pre-registration list at vaccination centers.  Primary responsibility was to assist the Crater Health Department with pre-registration and registration of Petersburg residents in Group 1A and Group1B.  Everyone that lives and works in Virginia can go to vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 1-877-VAX-IN- VA to get vaccinated. There was discussion among City Council and staff. b. Update on Finance and Collections Stacey Jordan, Interim Finance Director, gave an update on City finance and collections. Key points:  The Department of Finance/Collections continues to work to ensure that residents bills are processed accurately and timely.  On average weekly collections for the month of June exceeds $1 million, for the last week in June the collections department processed over $4 million in payments in house.  The year over year cash flow shows over a 60% increase. This increase is attributed to the departments ability to process payments in a timely manner, increase collections efforts, monitoring cash flow, grant monitoring and monitoring city expenditures.  As the City moves towards its goal of being fiscally sound the Department of Finance/Collections will continue the efforts with being good stewards of the City’s finances. There was discussion among City Council and staff. Council Member Cuthbert asked Mr. Turille about reporting periodically to council on the collection rate at either the work session or the regular meeting for the indefinite future. Mr. Turille stated that the information can be provided with the assistance of Ms. Jordan. 15. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE CLERK: *No items for this portion of the agenda. *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 - 14 – ______________________________________________________________________________ 16. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY: Mr. Williams stated, “Yes. I did have a few items that Councilwoman Wilson-Smith had asked about at the last meeting. She had five items that she wanted me to take a look at. I was able to bring four of them and that is as far as I can go. The fifth one I still have to work on. I just wanted to touch on them. I am not going to go too much into detail because it is privileged and confidential information. The first one she asked was that if I would take a look at the chief’s contract to see if there needed to be any type of amendments to it or anything with council to facilitate the transition from his interim manager position to our permanent manager. And looking at that it looks like the chief’s contract accommodates that without any required revision. She asked me to review the streets naming policy to see if there are any issues with that. There were some recommended revisions that I had with that, and I have forwarded them to Mrs. Innis who is working on amendments that she is going to bring in front of council in the near future. She asked that I let council know what the city would need to do to elect its own Mayor. She indicated that there had been some document that had been received by her and other members of council to that effect that suggest that there may be some interest in that. I had advised her that the structure of council is set by the City Charter Section 2-3.2. So, in order to address that structure, it would require council to consider an ordinance if it chose to do so which would then have to go in front of the general assembly. The fourth one is the one that I am still having to work on. That is the review of the ordinances adopted by council creating boards and commissions. Essentially to see if there is consistency with the state code and if there are any issues that need to be addressed with each of the ordinances that created the boards and commissions. And that is going to take us a substantial amount of time. I am in the process of collecting the ordinances and other acts of council that have created the various boards and commissions. Some of them are very old and difficult in locating some of them. But once we get all of them together, I will give it too you in a comprehensive format. So, you can have it to take a look at and decide if there are any changes that need to be made in order to make your boards and commissions ordinances and resolution consistent with the state code if there are any deficiencies. And finally, she wanted me to review the rental policy. The rental housing policy actually been in existence in the City since 2007. They just did not have the sufficient manpower to staff it. So, I spoke with the property maintenance official. He said that they are in the process of getting that program back underway and that there were no real issues that stood out at this time. However, once they get it going and get the craft of operation back up, we may discover some things that need to be tweaked. But overall, right now the policy itself looks like it is in good shape. So, that is a report on my items. And once I get the boards and commissions information prepared for council, I will bring that back to you. That is all that I have.” Mr. Miller stated, “In reviewing my notes Mr. Mayor, one thing that council asked us to do was to have a look at the Freedom Support Center. With respect to the funding that was already allocated in our budget. I want Mr. Floyd to come before council and give a quick overview of what council had asked.” Mr. Floyd stated, “At the last council meeting City Council asked City staff to come forward with Freedom Support Center funding conversation. So, that is what I am doing now. I have a brief PowerPoint. Its kinds of talks about the funding on the left and what was adopted in the budget of a full-time person. After council made their decision at the last council meeting, it was told that it was going to be funding of one part- time position and then providing funding to the Justice Housing non-profit that will be running the Freedom Support Center moving forward. And when you add all of that which are two cost it is $66,793. It leaves $23,072 that as already been appropriated. The funds have already been appropriated based on the budget being approved in early May. So, what we are going to be able to do is reallocate those funds in the budget itself based on council’s direction. The other $23,000 is just sitting there. What I would recommend without council providing where it needed to go is to move it to the contingency fund until told otherwise on where those funds would go. That is what we would do without providing guidance.” Mr. Miller stated, “Thank you Mr. Floyd. This is just a follow-up of what council asked us to do.” *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 - 15 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Council Member Myers stated, “So, Mr. Mayor at this particular point do we need to, since we already adopted the budget, and these funds are already being allocated do we need to make a motion to do anything or are we set to move forward?” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “Yes I just had a question. Justice Housing will be operating the Freedom Support Center? I am trying to understand what we are saying. Is that what we are saying?” Council Member Myers stated, “Yes. They will be the new non-profit Councilwoman Wilson- Smith. As we had the FLIGHT Foundation who was overseeing and unable to commit to the obligations that had been set forward for them. And so, we had to find another non-profit to sustain it.” Council Member Wilson-Smith stated, “Okay. Thank you.” Mayor Parham stated, “Jumping back to Councilman Myers, is this something that needs to come back at the next meeting or something or being that it is in the budget will it already be appropriated. Mr. Floyd, any insight on that.” Mr. Floyd stated, “Mayor, whenever the budget gets upload in the next few days, the funds have already been appropriated so what we would do is budget transfers behind the scenes. This is what we would do for any department that is moving funds around. And for the $23,000 remaining, like I said that is the only number that is different from what was approved. That is actually less than what was approved. What we were going to do without council providing guidance is to move it to the contingency unless is what duties specified for those funds. But there would be no vote because the money has already been appropriated so it is just the moving of funds around.” Council Member Myers stated, “Right. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. That is what I thought. I just wanted to make it clear for all of us to understand. Thank you and appreciate.” Mayor Parham stated, “Thank you for the presentation Mr. Floyd.” 17. PUBLIC COMMENTS: JaVonni Brustow, 119 Crater Woods Court, stated, “Good afternoon. I wanted to jog you all’s memory a little bit. I recently asked about a couple million dollars of tax money that was moved to a bank account in Utah and how the mayor said that he would asking the City Treasurer to come in front of City Council. You all told me a couple of times when I asked that there was no update and that you will let the public know when more information will be available. So, coincidently I happen to run into the treasurer after that meeting and I told him I was looking forward to him coming to the council to give an explanation. But this was last summer, and it has been almost a year, and nothing has happened. So, I told him that I was going to suggest that he be subpoenaed. He told me that this was his first-time hearing this and he also said the answer to the question. He said that the money was being invested and that at the same time I happen to run into someone else in the treasurer’s office and in that same moment they said that they did not have a chance to cooperate their stories. They told me the same story that they also never heard this of being any type of concern. And the treasurer told me that he was welcome and that I was welcome to share this with the council. So, I am not exactly sure of what the purpose of this was, but I would say that if I was a betting man that I think that this was to make the treasurer’s office look bad and damage the chance of anyone running for treasurer in that office during the next election cycle. Being that we do have the constitutional officer’s up for election this year. And in hope that somebody might be willing to take the bait and run with it. And unfortunate it looks like that was me. I just thought that I would share what he had to say. I promise that I would let everyone know. Although at this point in time I was not sure what purpose that would be because it kind of appears that people happen to be lying *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 - 16 – ______________________________________________________________________________ because they have the air to breathe to do it. If this were illegal this is seven digits. He would be in jail already. And either the transaction was proper, or it was not. If it was not, then let’s handle it. But it should not be a secret. And I also would like to welcome the new city manager. I would like to experience what I would like to see him not do. A few months ago, Council Member Cuthbert directed the interim city manager to write a letter on behalf of the council to a business. And at that point Council Member Wilson-Smith stepped in and raised her hand saying excuse that one council member supported this decision and not the entire council. So, as a reminder no council member is to direct a member of the city staff or the City Manager to do anything on behalf of city council without a vote. Thankfully, Council Member Wilson-Smith caught that. This is not Cuthbert Law. The City Manager is not your personal assistant, legal assistant, or clerk. And it actually just happened a little bit earlier regarding the collection rate. I suggest that the next time that someone decides to feel entitled and break the rules like that, as some customarily like to do, it would be suggested that the mayor has the person censured and the City Manager should probable remind them that they are stepping out of turn. But that is all that I have for now thank you.” Marcus Squires, 1701 Monticello Street, stated, “I hope that City Council looks at its total moratorium on evictions and follow the CDC moratorium and not have a total moratorium on evictions. Individuals who make over six figures a year are taking advantage over certain landlords in Petersburg. Councilman Cuthbert had requested that the city staff bring forth a report regarding the status of Southside Depot at each meeting. What happened to these reports? We are talking about the possibility of losing over $30,000 a year in old town. This should be a priority for the city. Can the City cut back the vegetation from the city owned Titmus Complex and secure the building? Also, the Peabody Complex needs to be secured. In regard to historical preliminary information forms, as the President of the creation of Walnut Hill Historical District Committee, our team made a PIF one weekend with $0. And it was approved by DHR. More wonderful news in regard to the Walnut Hill Historical District will be released soon. I hope that the city will work with volunteers in regard of the creation of PIFs. As more public funds can be used towards the creation of more historical markers in our city. Why was the Wyatt T. Walker House not included in the homes of African American Significance? The safehouse is important but what about his home. He helped MLK create the national model for American Civil Rights Movements right here in Petersburg, Virginia. That should be the utmost significance. What happened to the historical blight survey? Over 50 of us came out to the library demanding change in the city. Also, when looking at selling off our parks, has the city looked at maybe one day becoming a smart city or using city credits? If so, we can use these green spaces for future carbon credits. Or the City can look at using these carbon credits to help with the maintenance of our parks and the cemeteries. Green spaces pay for themselves and should be preserved. I hope that the city will look into these carbon credits which are currently being used to help with the maintenance of certain cemeteries in the City of Richmond, Virginia. I also offered to paint the buildings and Legends Park. Originally, I was told that I can use City paint. And that offer was recently redacted by the city. Volunteers are wanting to help preserve and maintain these parks. Can the City meet us halfway? Also, when will the city be looking at having a dog park or adding more trails? According to a report from Journal Parks and Recreation Administration a quality trail could increase home values by 11% and it will pay for itself. Will we ever get a gunshot tracking system? DHS gives billions a year in grants. Is an archeologist coming to observe the site modifications and installations of sidewalks on Flank Road next to the fort? I also hope that the new City Manager will address the issues in code and compliance. I was once yelled at by an employee for saying that I am causing them to have to much work. Thank you for your time.” Barbara Rudolph, 1675 Mt. Vernon Street, stated, “Good afternoon City Council and City Manager. American Rescue Plan Act, I heard it mentioned a couple of times today. Councilor Wilson-Smith referred to it and so did Mayor Parham. And it appears that people have a lot of good ideas about things that might be able to be done with that money which is almost $21 million dollars in the case of Petersburg. Which is really huge when you think about it? It is like 1/5 or more of the operating budget with all funding sources included. You also have money coming from the state. Now Congress McEachin has brought some more money. The state and federal money relate to the infrastructure and pharmaceutical facility. But what I am asking from council and City administration is to allow citizens to participate in looking at the potential of the American Rescue Plan *Audio available upon request. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on July 6, 2021 - 17 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Act money and bounce around some ideas of where you could do the most good. I think you might get some positive feedback and owner from the citizens. And more transparency than the way the CARES Act money was handled in terms of City. I know that there is more time left on this, but the urgency is not as strong. In reading about other places in the state other localities are actually coming up with ideas and they are working with the public. So, I am asking that you please start talking about this in a more organized and comprehensive fashion than just these one arm comments about would not it be nice to use a little of this money for x, y and z. Thank you.” 18. ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Myers made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hill. The motion passed on voice vote. Voting yes: Wilson-Smith, Myers, Hill, Smith-Lee, and Parham; Absent: Hart City Council adjourned at 3:29 p.m. _________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor *Audio available upon request.