Hell to the Redskins - No Cost Training Facility in Quid Pro Quo Deal with Bon Secours

Part 1/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Prayer, Pledge, Chamber Evacuation Plan - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Meeting start time: 6:10 PM. The meeting opened with a prayer by Roslyn ? [0:35] from New Life Deliverance Tabernacle, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance [2:48]. Then City Clerk Alvin Anderson reviewed the Chamber evacuation procedure in case of an emergency [3:07].

Part 2/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Awards Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Delta Sigma Theta received recognition from Richmond City Council and Mayor Jone's office in honor of the sorority's 75th anniversary. The award was presented by XX, representing Mayor Jones and Council President Kathy Graziano.

Part 3/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Amending the Agenda - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

A number of papers were continued, this is not the complete list...

To STRIKE, Ord. 2012-64 Sponsored by Bruce Tyler [1d] "concerning Council approval of ... contract modifications, for the purpose of requiring Council approval by resolution for construction and professional services contracts with a value greater than $100,000 and for all contract modifications that increase a contract by 15 percent or $25,000 whichever is greater. Recommendation form Finance to strike."

To CONTINUE, Ord. 2012-141 sponsored by Ellen Robertson [6d], to amend the City Code "for the purpose of establishing a Derelict Building Abatement Program." Will be heard at January 22, 2013 Land Use meeting, and be before Council again on January 22, 2013.

Part 4/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Amending Riverfront Plan - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Parts 5-14 below pertain to the Redskins/Bon Secours Hospital Deal.

My Two Cents 2012 Nov 26 - Compilation of Comments by Silver Persinger Opposed to Redskins/Bon Secours Deal - Richmond, VA from Silver.

I spoke out a number of times at the meeting in opposition to the Redskins/Bon Secours deal, the above video is a compilation of all my comments regarding the deal.

Part 5/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Conveying Westhampton School to City - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Ord. 2012-213 was the first requirement for the execution of the Bon Secours land deal for Redskins sponsorship. Ordinace 2012-213 conveyed the land from Richmond Public Schools to the City, through Chief Administrative Officer Byron Marshall.

Speaking in Opposition, Melvin Jones [3:55], Chris Dorsey [5:27], Silver Persinger [8:20], Carolyn Worsham [11:35], and Michael Delano [13:45].

Speaking in Support, David Napier [14:23]

Part 6/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Hilbert Explains "Enhanced" Redskins/Bon Secours Deal - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 7/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Citizens Opposed to "Enhanced" Redskins/Bon Secours Deal - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 8/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Citizens In Support of "Enhanced" Redskins/Bon Secours Deal - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 9/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - City Council Discussion on "Enhanced" Redskins/Bon Secours Deal - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 10/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Comments Against Conveying Westhampton School to EDA - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 11/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Comments in Support of Conveying Westhampton School to EDA - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 12/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Council Discussion of Conveying Westhampton to EDA - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 13/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Comments Against Bon Secours/Redskins Financing Package - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 14/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Comments In Support of Bon Secours/Redskins Financing Package - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 15/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Unannounced Council Recess after Bon Secours/Redskins Vote - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 16/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Citizen Comment Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Gloria Harrison of Gordon Avenue said that she and her neighbors would like their narrow street made into a one way street. She was instructed to contact the City's Traffic Engineer, Tom Flynn.

Part 17/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Consent Agenda - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 18/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Council Member Announcements - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 19/19 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Introduction of New Papers - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

"Enhanced" Redskins/Bon Secours Deal Explained at Informal

Part 1/8 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Virginia Union on Construction Plan - Informal Session - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Representatives from Virginia Union University spoke to members of Richmond City Council about proposed changes to their campus that they would like to make.

Part 2/8 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Review of the Consent Agenda - Informal Session - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

City Clerk Alvin M. Anderson read the items on the Consent Agenda, then about half way through the reading of the papers, President Kathy Graziano told the clerk to only read the paper number and not to read the description of each the paper.

Part 3/8 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Review of the Regular Agenda - Informal Session - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 4/8 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Reva Trammell on Expulsion of Teddy Parham - Informal Session - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver

During a lag in the meeting while Redskins officials were being ushered into the Council Chamber, President Kathy Graziano [4th] brought up Reva Trammell's complaint regarding Council's Rules of Procedure. Ms. Trammell [8th]objected to the sixth month expulsion of Teddy Parham from Council meetings for six months, though Ms. Parham's name was not used during the discussion, it was not hard to figure out who they were talking about.

Part 5/8 - 2012 Nov. 26 - "Enhanced" Bon Secours/Redskins Deal Discussed - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

At the Informal Session, member of Council received new information about an "enhanced" package negotiated chief by Chris Hilbert [3rd] with the help of Bruce Tyler [1st], Reva Trammell [8th], and Marty Jewell [5th].

In the "enhanced" deal gives an addition 4.5 million to Schools over the next 8-10 years. Bon Secours agreed to pay an additional $1 million by dedicated contributions of $100,000 over the next 10 years. The other $3.5 million is composed of concessions on the part of the administration to dedicate various taxes and revenue to Richmond Public Schools over the next 8-10 years.

Here are the sources of these revenues:

1.) $5000 annual lease with an additional $28,000 tacked on for the city to maintain the fields. Previously, Bon Secours had said they would pay to maintain the fields at a cost of $35,000 annually.

2.) The city will dedicate $288,000 for ten years, this is the real estate tax paid on the Westhampton School property. With an additional $32,000 annually for ten years from non-real estate taxes, such as BPOL.

3.) The city will also dedicate for the next 8 years $195,000 which is the projected taxes revenue generated by the 100,000 visitors spending $8.5 million in three weeks during summer training camp.

4.) The city will dedicate $60,000 annually for 10 years in Payment in Lieu of Taxes from the Leigh Street Office building to schools’ program enhancements as determined by City Council.

Part 6/8 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Bruce Allen speaks on Redskins / Bon Secours Deal - Richmond, VA from Silver Persinger on Vimeo.

Bruce Allen, General Manager of the Washington Redskins, and brother to former Governor and Senator George "Macaca" Allen, turned on the charm for Richmond City Council.

Responding to a question posed by Charles Samuels [2d], What is the Redskins Foundation Leadership Council?

Part 7/8 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Bon Secours on Community Outreach - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 8/8 - 2012 Nov. 26 - Council Discussion on Bon Secours/Redskins Deal- Informal Session - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Comments from Council Members.

Another Turn at Bat - Administration Continues to Push Football & Bon Secours Deal

Meeting Start Time: 3:04 PM Meeting End Time: 6:38 PM.

The fourth official Council discussion within 8 days pertaining to the Redskins/Bon Secours Hospital deal was called as a Special Meeting at Tuesday's Land Use, Housing, and Transportation Committee meeting. The special meeting was posted today on the Times-Dispatch website and the City Council Calendar as scheduled to be held 4 PM - 5:30 PM, and 4 - 5 PM, respectively. However the meeting actually began at 3 PM and the Redskins discussion took up an hour and half and ended at 4:36 PM.

Council members present included: Chair Doug Conner [9th District], Land Use committee members Charles Samuels [2nd District] and Ellen Robertson [6th District], as well as Council President Kathy Graziano [4th District, unknown arrival time], Bruce Tyler [1st District, 3:07 PM], Reva Trammell [8th District, 3:09 PM], Running a little later were Marty Jewell [5th District, 3:33 PM] and Cynthia Newbille [7th District, 3:34 PM].

Part 1/11 - 2012 Nov. 20 - Suzette Denslow on Redskins/Bon Secours Deal - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Introductory comments from the Mayor's Chief of Staff, Suzette Denslow on the Bon Secours land deal for the Washington, D.C. Redskins' training field sponsorship back-room deal.

Ms. Denslow goes through the numbers and projected revenues pretty quickly.

Part 2/11 - 2012 Nov. 20 - Byron Marshall on Redskins/Bon Secours Deal - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Comments from Chief Administrative Officer, Byron Marshall on the Bon Secours land deal for the Washington, D.C. Redskins' training field sponsorship back-room deal.

Part 3/11 - 2012 Nov. 20 - Council Questions to Byron Marshall - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Chief Administrative Officer, Byron Marshall answered questions asked by Council members.

Part 4/11 - 2012 Nov. 20 - Jane Ferrara on Westhampton School Site - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

At the request of CAO Byron Marshall, Deputy Director of Economic & Community Development, Jane Ferrara ran through some potential sale values under different scenarios for the land and building associated with the Westhampton School site.

Part 5/11 - 2012 Nov. 20 - Bon Secours Speaks on Redskins Deal - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 6/11 - 2012 Nov. 20 - Public Comment - Land Use Committee - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

The first hour and a half had been set aside to discuss the proposed Redskins & Bon Secours Hospital deal.

After a twenty minute break, the meeting reconvened and opened with Public Comment Period. There were three speakers. Valerie West spoke in support of urban hens and encouraged the committee to support adopting urban hen legislation [0:40]. Chris Dorsey [1:50] and Silver Persinger [4:16] spoke in opposition to the Redskins/ Bon Secours deal.

Part 7/11 - 2012 Nov. 20 - Riverfront Development Plan - Land Use Committee - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Council members have a conversation and asked questions of Mark Olinger, Director of the Department of Planning & Development Review for the City of Richmond, Virginia.

The amendments to the Riverfront Plan were continued from Council's last meeting to accomodate the owner/s of Mayo Island who feels the proposed amendment would affect the use and value of their land. The City has a long standing expressed interest in acquiring the island for park land. I believe Mr. Olinger said it had been a stated goal of the city since 1984.

Part 8/11 - 2012 Nov. 20 - Riverfront Plan - Public Comment & City Council Discussion - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Public Comment:

Opposition:

[0:33] Andy Condlin, Lawyer from Williams Mullen representing owners of Mayo Island
[5:35] Jan Bryan, Project Development Manager, representing USP (Echo Harbor)
[9:17] Alan Shia, co-owner of Mayo Island.

Support:

[12:29] Silver Persinger, Citizen
[14:53] Leighton Powell, Executive Director, Scenic Virginia and member of Falls of the James Scenic River Advisory Committee.

[18:55] Comments from Al Bowers who identified himself as a citizen. Yes, the same Al Bowers who a few years back attempted to sue the City of Richmond for $205 million.

Mr. Bowers spoke in support of "this amendment for USP" to the Riverfront Plan. He stated his reasons: 1200 new jobs will be created, it will generate $4.5 million in tax revenue, public access will be provided.

Part 9/11 - 2012 Nov. 20 - Review of Papers Cont'd @ Land Use - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Papers under consideration included:

X X X

COMING SOON 11/28/2012

Part 10/11 - 2012 Nov. 20 - Presentation on HUD Section 3 @ Land Use - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Opening comments from Doug Conner [0:16]

Presentation on Housing and Urban Development [HUD] Requirements for Section 3 by Earl Bradley [1:33] and Otis Brown [5:37] from Bradley Development.

Closing comments from Doug Conner [8:48].

Part 11/11 - 2012 Nov. 20 - Presentation on Green Alleys @ Land Use - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

The last order of business for Councilman Doug Conner's [9th District] last committee meeting of his term was a presentation pertaining to green alleyways. He said in his opening comments that he did not do this to embarrass Councilman Bruce Tyler [1st District], who happens to live near a recently installed green alley. Mr. Tyler's challenger in the November election, Jon Baliles, called the alley the "Taj Mahal of alleys." Mr. Conner and Charles Samuels [2nd District] received a presentation from Michele Virts, Deputy Director from the Dept. of Public Utilities [1:06]. Mr. Conner had many questions after the presentation concluded [7:19].

At the end of the meeting, Bob Steidel, Director of Dept. of Public Utilities, responded to Mr. Conner's statement that his constituents were not able to get flood insurance. Mr. Steidel said that no one may be denied flood insurance. He stated that the Federal Flood Insurance Program is open to all and no one can be denied [16:59]. The meeting ended at 6:38 PM.

Special Council Meeting on the Redskin/Bon Secours Deal Announced

I just saw that the Richmond Times-Dispatch had this notice on their website:

"What: Special meeting to discuss the proposed Washington Redskins training camp site and the Bon Secours hospitals project. When: 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Where: Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 900 E. Broad St."

Also tonight there will be a meeting from 6 - 7:30 PM at St. Mary's Hospital:

"What: Community forum to discuss Bon Secours’ partnership with Richmond for the Redskins training camp, including plans for the Westhampton School property. When: 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Where: St. Mary’s Hospital Auditorium, 5801 Bremo Road"

Alternatives to Incarceration? Get to Work or Go to Jail!

Part 1/4 - Nov. 19, 2012 - Public Comment & Approval of Minutes - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Meeting Start Time: 5:10 PM Meeting Run Time: 1 hour 32 minutes

Richmond City Council's Public Safety Committee meeting was held at the Richmond Police Academy on Graham Street near Virginia Union University. Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille [7th District] chaired the meeting in the absence of the regular chair, Reva Trammell [8th District]. Newbille was joined by committee member Councilman Marty Jewell [5th District], and Councilwoman Ellen Robertson [6th District], who was there to support an ordinance she sponsored to establish a "Citizen Advisory Board on Alternatives to Incarceration." That's what it was called at any rate. See Part 3, for more on the proposed Citizen Advisory Board.

[0:50] The meeting opened with the Public Comment Period. Citing a recent car accident, Council regular Melvin Jones spoke to the committee urging them to do something to enforce the speed limit on Fendall Avenue in Richmond's Northside. Mr. Jones also said he still had a problem with drugs in his neighborhood. He said he had called the Police Chief but had not received a call back.

[4:55] Ms. Newbille asked Mr. Jewell to make a motion to approve the minutes, he did so and the minutes were approved 2-0.

[5:37] There were no presentations or Staff Report, though Mr. Steve Taylor, Richmond City Council Policy Analyst, told Council members what was in the works. I was sitting nearby and had a hard time hearing him.

Part 2/4 - Nov. 19, 2012 - Accepting Money for Emergency Preparedness - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 3/4 - Nov. 19, 2012 - Citizen Advisory Board on Alternatives to Incarceration - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

A hour long discussion on the Citizen Advisory Board on Alternatives to Incarceration.

Read the proposed ordinance, Ordinance 2012-16.

[0:31] Five minutes of introductory comments by the ordinance's sponsor, Councilwoman Ellen Robertson [6th District].

[5:38] Ten minutes of comments by co-author of the ordinance, Joyce Davis, Richmond City Council Policy Analyst.

[15:11] Followed by 17 minutes of Council discussion

Public Comment

[32:21] Comments from Rufus Fleming, Department of Justice Services

[36:31] Comments from Silver Persinger

[41:34] Comments from Melvin Jones

[43:16] Further Council discussion

Part 3/4 - Nov. 19, 2012 - Board Vacancy & Canceling Dec. Meeting - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver .

Details of Redskins/Bon Secours Deal Discussed at Finance Committee

At Thursday's Finance and Economic Development Committee meeting five ordinances dealing specifically with the Redskins/Bon Secours deal were considered and discussed by Council members and members of the administration. Video parts 3-5 below show the discussion.

PUBLIC NOTICE:

Bon Secours is sponsoring a Community Discussion on the proposal on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 6 PM at St. Mary's Hospital, Room 163 in the Administration Building.

I hope to have some more reporting on this issue soon.

Part 1/6 - 2012 Nov. 15 - Presentation on Minority Business Participation - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 2/6 - 2012 Nov. 15 - Papers for Consideration - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 3/6 - 2012 Nov. 15 - Redskins/Bon Secours Presentation & Discussion - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 4/6 - 2012 Nov. 15 - Redskins/Bon Secours Public Comment - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

That fellow in the background is the City Attorney, Allen Jackson. Clearly, I am wrong about the 2 year cap on renting from a private entity, but there is a limit. If you know what it is please leave a comment.

Part 5/6 - 2012 Nov. 15 - Redskins/Bon Secours Discussion Cont'd - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 6/6 - 2012 Nov. 15 - Papers for Consideration Cont'd - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Redskins/Bon Secours Giveaways & Riverfront Plan Delayed Amid Chaos

Part 1/6 - 2012 Nov. 12 - Prayer, Pledge, Veterans' Day - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

The meeting started late as usual at 6:24 PM. The meeting opened with a prayer by Samuel Patterson, Council woman Cynthia Newbille's Council Liaison [7th District], followed by the Pledge of Allegiance [1:10]. Then City Clerk Alvin Anderson reviewed the evacuation procedure in case of an emergency [1:30]. Council President Kathy Graziano made a special announcement recognizing Veterans' Day and asked veterans to stand and be recognized [2:39].

Part 2/6 - 2012 Nov. 12 - Awards Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Award recipients included the YWCA and YMCA, both celebrating their 125th Anniversary. Other honorees included the American Youth Harp Ensemble, Virginia Choristers, Saint Bridget Parish Girl Choir and Parish Boy Choir "to recognize...their accomplishments and being invited to perform at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts' prestigious Alice Tull Hall in New York City on April 27, 2013."

Part 3/6 - 2012 Nov. 12 - Redskins & Bon Secours Giveaway - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Richmond City Council approved by a vote of 6 to 2 with Councilmen Bruce Tyler [1st District] and Chris Hilbert [3rd District] in the minority, Resolution 2012-R141 which expressed the Council's support for the proposal to bring the Washington Redskins' training camp to Richmond for 3 weeks a year for the next 8 years and to build for the team a $10 million facility at no cost to the $1.6 Billion NFL team.

Bon Secours has agreed to put up $6.4 million in exchange for naming rights and to receive a "sweetheart" deal to lease the former Westhampton School located at Patterson and Libbie Avenue for $5,000 a year for the next 60 years! The 6.5 acre property is assessed at $7.5 million.

There is a good article on the matter at Style Weekly.

A presentation was made to the Council by Mayor's Chief of Staff Suzette Denslow [1:54].

Citizen Comments opposed to the proposal begin at 26:10 with Chris Dorsey, followed by many others.

Comments in support came from individuals representing the Chamber of Commerce, Jack Berry from the Convention & Visitor's Bureau, Richmond Sportsbackers, and several others beginning at 1:13:00.

Part 4/6 - 2012 Nov. 12 - Mayo Island Owner Delays Approval of Riverfront Plan - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 5/6 - 2012 Nov. 12 - Citizen Comment Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 6/6 - 2012 Nov. 12 - Consent Agenda & Council Announcements - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.