City Council

Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on February 7, 2023 -1– ______________________________________________________________________________ The work session meeting of the Petersburg City Council was held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at the Petersburg Public Library. Mayor Parham called the meeting to order at 5:13 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL: Present: Council Member Charles H. Cuthbert, Jr. Council Member Marlow Jones Council Member Annette Smith-Lee Council Member W. Howard Myers Council Member Arnold Westbrook, Jr. Vice Mayor Darrin Hill Mayor Samuel Parham Absent: None Present from City Council Administration: Clerk of City Council Nykesha D. Lucas City Manager John March Altman, Jr. City Attorney Anthony C. Williams 2. PRAYER: Mayor Parham stated, “Vice Mayor Hill will lead us in our opening prayer.” Vice Mayor 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. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Richard Stewart, 129 Rolfe Street, stated, “What I am here to speak about it, is that I thank the city for cleaning up the park in Pocahontas and the homeless people that was sleeping underneath the bridge. I think the city has removed the tents and different things. I thank them for that. Also, I thank the police department for controlling Pocohontas and making it a safer community. I was very impressed by some guy that came to the last city council meeting that was living in the Carriage House, and he spoke of the certain activities down there on the speeding. I went down there and took a look, and you can see it. And I don’t know if it is legal, but it would be nice to put a camera or something down there to keep that area in observance. Because a lot of illegal things are going on down there. Also, the black history of Pocohontas is going worldwide. I have so many people that have called and they want to come back to Petersburg to see the history. I spoke with Ms. Joyce today and she said that she will put it out a little bit more. So, we have to look forward to a lot of people coming into this city for Black history month. Thank you.” Sara Melissa Witiak, 22 Centre Hill Court, stated, “I would like to thank the city for the sidewalk. I see work being done on Grove and it looks like you are putting the brick back in nicely and putting back up the light poles that got knocked down. So, I would like to thank you for that. Also, we are having more tree planting workshops. So, if your ward has not gotten a tree planting workshop yet, we need to have your participation in that this week so we can order the trees and get those scheduled. So, please send me an email and I will be happy to give you my card as well. I want to make sure that everyone in Petersburg has a tree planting Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on February 7, 2023 -2– ______________________________________________________________________________ workshop. We do have some that we are planning for Westview, and we are working with Cool Spring Elementary as well. And if you haven’t seen Blandford yet come look at that. It turned out good as well. Thank you.” Dr. Kenneth Lewis, 503 Mistletoe Street, stated, “I just want to say during this public comment period that I want to remind the City of Petersburg of four historic first during this month of February that we should all be proud of. The City of Petersburg has the oldest black public college in the United States, Virginia State University. You have the oldest black high school in the United States, Peabody High School and you have the oldest Black Baptist Church in the United States, First Baptist Church on Harrison Street and you have the oldest black free community in Petersburg, The Pocahontas Community all right here for 23803 and 804. Much to be proud of in the City of Petersburg. Thank you.” 6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (TO INCLUDE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING/S): a. Minutes: -January 3, 2023- Organizational Meeting -January 3, 2023 – City Council Work Session -January 17, 2023 – Closed Session -January 17, 2023 – Regular Meeting b. A request to schedule a public hearing on the consideration of an appropriation for a Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF) Grant awarded by the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) in the amount of $2,800,878 to be used for construction costs for drainage improvement projects in the City of Petersburg’s Lakemont area and authorizing the city manager to sign the Virginia Resources Authority MOU for Lakemont drainage improvements. c. A request to hold a public hearing on February 21, 2023, for the consideration of an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute a purchase agreement between the City of Petersburg and New Light, LLC towards the sale of city-owned property at 703 Bank Street, Parcel ID- 012050017, 716 Wythe Street, Parcel ID 012330006, and 801 Bank Street, Parcel ID 012070031. d. A request to hold a public hearing on February 21, 2023, for the consideration of an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute a purchase agreement between the City of Petersburg and Properties Remembered towards the sale of city-owned property at 417 Jefferson Street, parcel ID 022390008. e. A request to schedule a public hearing and consideration of an ordinance authorizing the vacation of Right of Way along River Street between 3rd Street and 5th Street. f. A request to schedule a public hearing for February 21, 2023, on an ordinance to amend and re- adopt Sections 110-10; 10-11; and 110-12 of the City Code pertaining to Augmented Fine Streets. g. A request to schedule a public hearing on February 21, 2023, for the consideration of an ordinance approving an amendment to proffers previously adopted with zoning for the properties located at 1200, 1220, 1225, and 1255 Harrison Creek Boulevard. h. A request to schedule a public hearing and consideration of an ordinance approving a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment – To amend Article 15.- “B-2” General Commercial District Regulations, Section 2. Use Regulations, by changing permitted uses from those in the “B-1” Shopping Center District to those permitted in the “R-3” Two-Family Residence District and requiring a Special Use Permit for Multi Dwelling in B-2 and B-3 districts. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on February 7, 2023 -3– ______________________________________________________________________________ i. A request to schedule a public hearing for February 21, 2023, for the consideration of City Code Appendix B. Zoning Text Amendment – To amend Article 4-A. “A” Agricultural District Regulations, Section 9. Special requirements, to permit a subdivision that creates one parcel that meets the dimension requirements of lot/parcels in the R-1A District. j. A request to schedule a public hearing for February 21, 2023, for the consideration of an ordinance to amend ad re-adopt the City Code to include Section 98-25 – Bollards for Historic Properties. Vice Mayor Hill made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Council Member Myers seconded the motion. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Jones, Smith-Lee, Myers, Westbrook, Hill, and Parham; Absent: Cuthbert 7. SPECIAL REPORTS: a. Presentation on the SCWA – Nutrient Reduction Upgrade by Robert Wilson, Executive Director of South-Central Wastewater Authority. Robert Wilson, Executive Director of South-Central Wastewater Authority, gave a brief presentation on the Nutrient Reduction Upgrade. Key Notes:  The executed WQIF Grant Agreement assumed a $113 Million total project cost of which is $90 million is WQIF grant eligible and for which DEQ approved a $83 million WQIF grant (95%) in accordance with the statue.  The first bid round attracted only two bids. The low bid was $215 million. South Central rejected the bids.  South Central decided to rebid the project and before doing so had its engineer redesign it to reduce the concrete quantity by 15% and made other changes estimated to reduce costs by $25 million to $30 million.  The presented this project to DEQ after knocking it down to 6 projects.  By August 1, 2023, South Central will submit a phased construction program to DEQ for approval. DEQ shall review and provide comments/approval by September 1, 2030, and within 150 days of DEQ’s approval, South Central will start construction. Mayor Parham stated, “When is the start time? I know that as things continue to go up, the longer we wait, how soon can we lock people into these prices before they go up another $20 million.” Mr. Wilson stated, “With the way that we have it sitting now, we are going to advertise the road part this coming Sunday. And we open bids for that at the end of March. And we have an electrical project that will probably start some time in June. That is where we are doing all the infrastructure on site. We have ordered the handling equipment last year. That should show up in April. Then we will bid somebody to actually put those in for us. Then the meat of the project will probably be bid close to the end of this year.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “And what I suspect my faithful constituents from Pocohontas want to know is when are the trucks going to stop going down Rolfe Street?” Mr. Wilson stated, “If we bid the project in February and award in March then the construction can start the end April or the beginning of May. That can start cutting the road through the Roper Property. And that is when we will move all of the air traffic off the island plus all the construction traffic will be coming through the Roper Property.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “So, some time in late spring you expect the last truck to come down Rolfe Street?” Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on February 7, 2023 -4– ______________________________________________________________________________ Mr. Wilson stated, “That is their intent.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Great. I know that there will be a lot of people that will be very happy.” Mr. Wilson stated, “The other thing is that we are taking out the basketball court. We agreed to put back some sort of play area for the children, but we still need to work that out.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Understand. Thank you very much.” b. Presentation and update on Willcox Watershed Conservancy by Dr. Kenneth Lewis. Dr. Lewis gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Willcox Watershed Conservancy. Key Notes:  The Willcox Watershed Conservancy (WWC) was established in 2007. It is a non-profit 501C (3) organization whose mission is dedicated to the improvement and restoration of Petersburg Legends Historical Park and Nature Conservancy and Willcox Lake in Petersburg, Virginia  The 330+ acres of green space in the City of Petersburg, known as Petersburg Legends Historical Park and Nature Conservancy that contains a variety of geological, historical, botanical, political/civil rights and recreational sites which makes it unique.  You can find tennis courts and baseball fields surrounded by a 330-million-year-old granite information, 4.5-million-year-old marine deposit filled with fossils, wildflower, and bird sanctuary.  The WWC seeks to preserve this extraordinary historical heritage and the rare natural habitat found in Petersburg Legends Historical Park and Nature Conservancy in Petersburg, VA.  The mission of Willcox Watershed Conservancy is to preserve, protect, and promote Petersburg Legends Historical Park & Nature Conservancy for recreation and education.  They have five strategic goals: 1) Maintain, improve, and preserve Petersburg Legends Historical Park & Nature Conservancy, and promote its natural and cultural history; 2) Expand programming to enhance visitor accessibility, appreciation, education, and experience; 3) Market and promote all current and historic aspects of the park and conservancy; 4) Ensure organizational sustainability; and 5) Create & sustain committed community partnerships.  WWC needs a partnership with Petersburg City Government to restore and preserve the 300+ acres of woods, water, parklands, and fields, specifically those located within the park’s historic boundary. There was discussion among city council and staff. 8. MONTHLY REPORTS: *There are no items for this portion of the agenda. 9. FINANCE AND BUDGET REPORT: a. Presentation by Davenport on City’s Financial Status and consideration of a resolution. Roland Kooch and David Rose gave a PowerPoint presentation on the city’s financial status. Key Notes:  In 2012, Davenport worked with the city and identified structural budget and fund balance issues that were then presented to city council.  Davenport was engaged in 2014 as the City’s Financial Advisor and again identified pre-existing issues with the city’s fund balance. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on February 7, 2023 -5– ______________________________________________________________________________  In 2016, Davenport was brought in by the Commonwealth to help the city establish a path forward.  Over the past four years the city’s fiscal health has rebounded and, as such, unassigned fund balance (reserve) levels have dramatically improved. Over the same time period, the city has received four credit rating upgrades. The most recent upgrade is to “A+” from “BBB+” with a stable outlook.  Additionally, Moody’s assigned an initial rating of ‘A2’ to the city in 2021.  Petersburg’s fiscal 2002 budget is structurally balanced without the use of reserves despite certain revenues being affected somewhat by the pandemic.  Very strong liquidity, with total government available cash at 26.8% of total governmental fund expenditures and 6.0x governmental debt service, and access to external liquidity.  Governance is a key rating factor for the city, reflected by its formalized budget and debt policies in addition to proactive management and monitoring of revenue and expenditure performance.  The credit challenges are limited tax bas and below-average wealth and income levels.  The City’s General Fund’s operations have generated a surplus of Revenues over Expenditures in five of the last six years since FY2016.  The next steps are to coordinate with the city and the Virginia Department of Education on the City’s Literary Loan application and potential grant application(s).  Also, prepare a strategic plan of finance and timetable for the courthouse and school projects. Present the above strategic plan of finance to city council at a subsequent meeting. And consider establishing a capital reserve fund to smooth cash flows and provide additional funds, if necessary, in the event of potential unforeseen costs. Mayor Parham stated, “Thank you so for the presentation. I can always remember those years back in 2016. Those were some tough years. Most of my hair was left in 2016 dealing with the financial abyss that we were in. I just cannot thank city council enough for staying the course. And also, for our finance staff. Stacey Jordan and staff have been wonderful. It takes a total team effort. And to have the kind of restraints that we needed. It was some tough times. I was just telling Councilman Jones that he got on council at a pretty good time. Because this is something that we have been yearning to do which is finally be able to build a new school. The goal has always been to build one nice new school and take two of those relics offline. And also dealing with the situation with the courts. The judges have been patient with us through this financial crisis because their facilities are in dire need for replacement as well. Thank you all for the presentation and I think to just to put all in layman’s terms for people to understand that the City of Petersburg is about to build a new court and new school without raising taxes. It was long overdue.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Thank you Mr. Mayor and thank you Mr. Rose for being with us. I certainly recognize this strong lure of importance for the new school and the 30% state money coupled with the 2% interest rate is certainly attractive and I am delighted to hear about that opportunity. I also recognize that there is a legal pistol on our head with the courthouse. And unfortunately, we have not been able to identify any 30% grants for that or 2% money for that. I see the reason to do both, and I am a strong supporter of both. I think that we have two other really important considerations. One of them is to create more industrial park land. We talk about growing our farmer industry. That blessing kind of fell in our lap. I wish we could take credit for it or feel like I significantly contributed to it happening. But I do not think that I fairly can. But it is here now, and we need to take maximum advantage of it. And I think the way to do that is to create more industrial parks. We can talk about growing our farmer industry until we are blue in the face but if we do not get out there aggressively and create an industrial park those new businesses are going to go to Chesterfield. And we have already seen that happening with the lab going to Chesterfield because we did not have an industrial park that was ready to receive that service or use. So, that I think is a major consideration. In the Times-Dispatch this morning the state has given $25 million for the industrial park to Chesterfield County as if they needed it. They got it to use in the 1,000 acres in the industrial park. That is astounding. Imagine what that can do in Petersburg with the machinery and tools tax. It could help us economically and supply and service the people in Petersburg. So, that is one thing that we need to keep our eyes on. We need to create enough reserve to maintain an industrial park and build it out with infrastructure. The other thing is to decrease the tax burden on Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on February 7, 2023 -6– ______________________________________________________________________________ the citizens in Petersburg.” There was discussion among City Council, staff, and Davenport. Mr. Altman stated, “Before he escapes, you do have a resolution in your packet this evening. If council so wishes to approve for us to go ahead and get in line for the literary loan process. That is up to council. I believe that the school board has met, and they have taken action. I believe that the application deadline is Friday. Again, we understand that we are probably not ready and we probably will not get one but we are concerned that we might need to get inline. So, we have reserved a space inline. The key for us is applying to the grant that maybe coming out that we may be able to use towards design cost. So, you have that in your packet this evening. If council desires, you will need to waive your rules to take action.” Vice Mayor Hill made a motion to suspend the Rules of Council and add a motion to tonight’s agenda. Council Member Smith-Lee seconded the motion. There was discussion on the motion. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Jones, Smith-Lee, Myers, Westbrook, Hill, and Parham Vice Mayor Hill made a motion to add the resolution for literary funds to the agenda. Council Member Westbrook seconded the motion. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Jones, Smith-Lee, Myers, Westbrook, Hill, and Parham Vice Mayor Hill made a motion to approve the resolution. Council Member Smith-Lee seconded the motion. There was discussion on the motion. The motion was approved on roll call. On roll call vote, voting yes: Cuthbert, Jones, Smith-Lee, Myers, Westbrook, Hill, and Parham 23-R-12 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA APPROVED APPLICATION FOR LOAN FROM THE LITERARY FUND OF VIRGINIA FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FACILITIES. 10. CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE: a. Update and Presentation on Southside Depot Randall Williams gave an overview with a PowerPoint presentation on Southside Depot. Key Notes:  The project consists of preservation and renovation of the landmark Southside Depot building in the City of Petersburg, Virginia.  The contractor is SRC, Inc. and the price is $2.2 million dollars.  The start date is November 1, 2022, with a completion date of December 1, 2023.  The scope of the work includes masonry repair, window restoration & replacement, restoration and painting of all wood, siding and trim, demolition and replacement of the existing non- complaint accessible ramp, drywall partitions and repair work.  Work that has been completed today is firewall construction, wood framing and demolition/paint removal.  There are some issues requiring change orders. These are more asbestos abatement needed, joist structural issues, ductwork, no insulation on 2nd floor ceilings, water damage to cupola and lead paint removal which has four options, no chimney caps (awaiting cost), utility connections and structural support for roof truss. 11. UTILITIES: *There are no items for this portion of the agenda. Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on February 7, 2023 -7– ______________________________________________________________________________ 12. STREETS: Mr. Altman stated, “Quick update. We had informed council at the last work session that we would have our bids due for Poor Creek and Wastewater Upgrade. They were due on the 31st. We got four bids in for water and four bids for sewer. So, we are in the process of evaluating those bids now and moving towards awards. So, we are in the process of getting that done this year and then moving on to construction.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Mr. Mayor before we leave that, what is the next deadline that we should expect you to meet?” Mr. Altman stated, “I do not know if we have set a deadline on when we would have a contract issued but our objective is to get a contract issued as quickly as possible. Once we have had the review done and selected a design firm and move forward. My whole objective is to get the project finished ahead of schedule then what we have now. Because we want to be able to meet the needs of all of our pharma and the potential expansion that they have. So, we are working to shorten that timeframe. I do not recall a deadline that we had in the schedule for issuance of the contract. But we have begun to shorten up timeframes to get things shortened up quicker.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “This member of council wants to key an eye on this. Things have a way of not moving when council is not pushing. So, what is the next event to be accomplished?” Mr. Altman stated, “The next event is that we have to interview and select the design firms for water and sewer and issue contracts.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Is that something that can be done in March or April?” Mr. Altman stated, “It will not get done by the end of this month but we should be done in March to have contracts issued.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Alright. At council’s business meeting in March can you give us an update please?” Mr. Altman stated, “We are going to give you an update at your work session meeting in March.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Thanks and Thank you Mr. Mayor.” a. Presentation on speeding deterrents such as speed bumps, humps, rumble strips, signs, etc., including their advantages and disadvantages. Reggie Lantz, General Manager of Street Operations in Public Works, gave a PowerPoint presentation on speeding. Key Notes:  Traffic engineering studies are generally required for speed humps, bums, and rumble strips.  The Department of Public Works and Utilities does not support the deployment of speed bumps, humps, speed tables, and speed cushions as a means of traffic calming on the city’s roadways.  Speed bumps are intended to control traffic to around 0-5mph.  Speed humps offer softer intrusion. Traffic normally remains moving but at around 15-20mph.  Rumble Strips are used to warn drivers of speed limit change or upcoming stop sign.  Within last nine months, new stop signs have been installed at thirteen different intersections around the city to address speeding.  Electronic speed signs are currently deployed at several locations around the city.  The street operations decisions recently purchased equipment that will be used to perform in- house traffic data collection for roadway safety assessments. The assessments will be used to Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on February 7, 2023 -8– ______________________________________________________________________________ drive the prioritization of future projects.  Virginia Code 46.2-873 maximum speed limits at school crossings give penalties. The maximum speed limit at school crossing zones is 25mph. Signage and flashing beacons must be placed within 600 feet of the crossings.  The city may decrease or increase the school zone speed limit on a highway in the city provided an engineering study has provided justification for the change.  A motor vehicle operator can be fined a maximum of $250, in addition to other penalties under the law.  State or Local Law Enforcement Monitoring Devices in schools can be put up. Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Mr. Lantz, has any of this been done around the Appomattox Regional Governor School?” Mr. Lantz stated, “Not to my knowledge.” Council Member stated, “Why not?” Mr. Lantz stated, “I never received a request for it.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “But it can be done, correct?” Mr. Lantz stated, “Absolutely.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “At least during the time that school is in session the cameras would be active and permissible under state law is that correct?” Mr. Lantz stated, “That is in the next section. I was speaking specifically at this point on the speed ordinance.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “I am jumping ahead but I saw the citation. Mr. Altman, what is it going to take to get speed cameras up and running in front of Appomattox Regional Governor School on Washington Street where speeding is known to be a problem?” Mr. Altman stated, “Direction from council that you all want us to look at it.” Council Member Myers stated, “Would you mind bringing the police chief up to answer that question, Council Member Cuthbert. I think that you will be pleased.” Travis Christian, Police Chief, stated, “Just to make you aware that we were planning this as a future update. But we have been partnering and having conversation with a vendor that provides speed cameras. We have also done a speed study in that exact area that you spoke about. Just to give you an idea in that timeframe of the beginning of school time we had roughly about 750 violations. And that was speeding of 11 plus miles over the speed limit. So, we do intend to place cameras in our school zones.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Did I hear that right? There were 750 violations in an hour and a half. And we still have not done anything?” Chief Christian stated, “There is a process to that. We just done that speed study a few weeks ago. I met with two different vendors and we kind of settled on one that we think will provide the best services.’ Council Member Cuthbert stated, “Great. When will the cameras be turned on?” Chief Christian stated, “There are some permits that the vendors have to go through and a process as well. We will be presenting that to you as well. In the very near future we will come back with some more Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on February 7, 2023 -9– ______________________________________________________________________________ updates on that.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “That is certainly a step forward for an important area of Petersburg. And certainly, important for the safety of our students. We all look forward to your report back on that. Thank you.” Mr. Williams stated, “I have not seen what the chief has but typically those vendors will bring forward a draft ordinance that includes the process as well as the permits that they are going to need to enforce the civil penalty. That is what I anticipate coming in the next month or so.” Chief Christian stated, “You are exactly right. I spoke by phone with the vendor, and they will be emailing me a draft copy of an ordinance that we will be able to present as well.” Council Member Jones stated, “I appreciate the work put into this. But looking at it I see only what we cannot do. I see negative impact on speed bumps and humps. And just for reference there are speed humps in certain neighborhoods. We talk about emergency vehicles cannot operate. They are trained to operate properly. They drive snow, rain, sleet, and drive through the potholes in the city. If that does not slow them down nothing will. When the people bring something to us council, we have to stop taking time like it belongs to us. We need to go all out and give them everything that we can. We cannot just go with some cameras. With all due respect chief, which is great, and he is working hard on it. But there are other things even if it is temporary. Even if we got to create habits out of these drivers. We are talking about the approach and high visibility. It requires them to read. If they are not reading the speed limit, they are not reading a stop sign. We have to go all out for the people. Some do not want to get hit and some don’t want their property to get hit. This is a serious thing. While we are taking time, someone else out there is going to get hurt or hit. We have to stop taking time like we own it and it’s ours. We do not own it. We owe it to the people. More than just cameras. We have to stop coming in here saying what we cannot do. I am tired of that nonsense. Let’s talk about what we can do. Thank you.” Council Member Cuthbert stated, “I certainly want to thank Councilman Jones. I do agree 100%, too often these discussions degenerate to what we cannot do. And then we are going to drag our feet, and nothing is going to get done. We got to solve these problems and got to find ways to say yes. Mr. VanVoorhees, I believe you have two photographs that I sent you. Now this is a speed hump on Bremo Road in Richmond. We were told by Mr. Lantz never in an interactive roadway. That looks like an active roadway to me. Mr. VanVoorhees can you show the next picture. This is on Riverside Drive in Richmond. This is downhill as you can see near the James River on the southside. This is not the only speed hump. There are a number of them on Riverside Drive and Bremo Road. Mr. Altman I would like for you to instruct staff to find out how many speed bumps and humps the City of Richmond has in place and where are they. And for how long have they been in place. And what does Richmond see as the advantages and disadvantages. I will be glad to send you an email with these questions on it. If you can get me the answers to those questions. It is certainly not the solution to every speeding issue, but it is a solution in residential areas. We have got to solve these problems and we cannot twiddle our thumbs and say we cannot do it in an interactive roadway. So, I will send you that email Mr. City Manager and I will be grateful if you would bring back answers at our business meeting in March. Thank you.” b. Presentation on speed cameras in school zones. *This item was removed from the agenda for a later date. 13. FACILITIES: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 14. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: a. A presentation from Interface Studio, LLC on the Downtown 2040 Master Plan for Petersburg, Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on February 7, 2023 - 10 – ______________________________________________________________________________ VA. Brian Moore, Director of Economic Development, gave an overview and introduction of the Downtown Master Plan. Scott Paige gave a PowerPoint presentation on the plan. Key Notes:  Strong and economically vibrant cities have strong downtowns. Great downtowns follow great planning.  Downtowns succeed by being a place that welcomes everyone. This begins with public outreach.  Creating a downtown for everyone beings with intentional engagement. 15. CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA: Mr. Altman stated, “In front of you this evening was a memo from myself on updates that were requested by Council Member Cuthbert. The first he asked for the status on the removal of the court sign. There was a hearing that was heard on January 19th. At the hearing, Mr. Parker represented to the judge that he was unaware that the State Supreme Court had denied his appeal. He stated that he would remove the sign immediately upon finding out about this issue. The city attorney had asked Judge Martin to set a date of Valetine’s Day at 9am for the case to be heard, tried, or dismissed. And we would be going out to do a follow up inspection prior to the court date to see if it has been removed.” Mr. Williams stated, “For the record, Valentine’s Day was just coincidental and that was the day we had.” Mr. Altman stated, “With regard to our efforts to issue a RFP to update out zoning ordinance, I can say that we certainly need to do, and at this point I have to go through the final review and comments. We anticipate issuing that RFP next week. And then the final item in which we have not discussed is dealing with and update on Neighborhood Services and Dr. Fitzhugh. There was a report in the weekly update back in January about a meeting with Mr. Shupp and Dr. Fitzhugh. On the 24th of January they met and agreed on an abatement plan that is attached in the back of the document in front of you. Additionally, Ms. Sangregorio and Mr. Shupp spoke with Dr. Fitzhugh on the 2nd and then required him to secure all properties until the work was completed. That would be the extent of our update.” 16. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE CLERK: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 17. BUSINESS OR REPORTS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY: *No items for this portion of the agenda. 18. ADJOURNMENT: Vice Mayor Hill stated, “Just very quick. I want to thank the library staff and the recreational department. They put on a fabulous celebration. The place was jam packed. You did an outstanding job. It should be on our website, but I think that there are things going on for the next three weekends that they will be highlighting Black history moments here in the City of Petersburg. I think next week they have a Black author book signing coming up on the 11th of this month. Then they have a concert by Rodney Stith. There are a lot of great things going on in Petersburg. So, I just want to thank the staff and what they are doing to honor Black history month. Thank you.” City Council adjourned at 7:55 p.m. _________________________ Minutes from the Petersburg City Council Work Session meeting held on February 7, 2023 - 11 – ______________________________________________________________________________ Clerk of City Council APPROVED: _________________________ Mayor