GRTC Task Force Discusses Site Selection for Downtown Transfer Center

GRTC and Transit Study Task Force - 2012 July 12 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

The Task Force held its regular monthly meeting at 4:00 PM on Thursday, July 12 at the Department of Economic Development's offices located on the third floor of Main Street Station.

The first order of business was the approval of minutes from two previous meetings. Scott Burger asked that the minutes be amended to reflect him asking about additional members for the Task Force. The amendment was adopted and the minutes were approved. [0:23]

The largest part of the meeting was a presentation from Stephen McNally, GRTC Project Administrator about the process for the site selection for a Transfer Center located in the downtown area located between 14th, Belvidere, Leigh, and Canal. [1:50]

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

[41:28] Montigue Magruder from the User Services Subcommittee gave a report of their last meeting.
[52:16] Jack Berry [Richmond Convention & Visitors Center] talked about the recent event Paralyzed Veterans Wheelchair Games, then discussed a June 26 meeting with Bob Crum from the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission.
[56:00] Miscellaneous Discussion

Public Support does not Affect Council Vote on Schools' Budget

Monday's meeting lasted over 5 hours. The main topic of discussion was the City's Budget. Citizens spoke for 80 minutes in opposition to the proposed budget which does not fully fund Richmond Public Schools.

Full house because of all of the awards being given out tonight, not because of a genuine interest in the adoption of the City Budget, though there were some people here for that too (see Parts 4 - 6, below). In Part 1, you can experience the Prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, an explanation of the Evacuation Instructions in case of an emergency, and a moment of silence in honor of Councilman Chris Hilbert's mother who passed away that day. All members were present with the exception of Mr. Hilbert.

Part 2 is the Awards Period.

A majority of the people spoke in support of fully funding the public schools. Speakers in Part 4 included Thad Williamson [2:00], Angela Dews [5:32], John Reed [9:15], Thomas Hartman [12:47], Lola Van McDowell [14:46], Dave Ballard [18:42], Kirsten Gray [22:17], and Barbara Haas [26:13].

Speakers in Part 6 included Shirley L. Harvey [0:16], Vivek Jain [2:54], Chris Dorsey [7:22], Teddy Parham [11:20], Benony Tony Amekudzi [15:05], Dr. Angela Renee Jones [19:43], David Napier spoke supportively of the Council's efforts [22:09], Jill Brown? [23:12], Donny "Dirt Woman" Corker provided comic relief [26:16], and Donald Hatcher [27:43].

A few comments of support for the City Budget from interested parties [0:17] followed by Council discussion [12:43] and then a quick vote on the C.I.P. [Capital Improvement Program] Budget [48:26].

Several speakers during the Citizen Comment period spoke in support of changing the law to allow residents to keep chickens in their yards. I spoke to encourage folks to run for elected offices. At the end of the comment period Charles Samuels [2nd District] said he was bring forward an ordinance for such a thing, Marty Jewell [5th District] said he wanted to be a co-patron on the paper.

One paper was amended and continued, Ord. 2012-79 pertaining to the Landmark Theatre. On the Consent Agenda, there were just few items, mostly small Council member expenditures which were approved, followed by Approval of Minutes [4:46] and Reports and Announcements from Council members: Doug Conner, 9th District [5:42], Charles Samuels, 2nd District [6:46], Bruce Tyler, 1st District [7:13], Reva Trammell, 8th District [7:51], Cynthia Newbille, 7th District [8:43], Marty Jewell, 5th District [10:07], Ellen Robertson, 6th District [12:56], Kathy Graziano, 4th District [15:42].

The Introduction of New Papers was the last order of business [18:13], I just filmed the beginning of it because after 5 hours I was ready to go.

Wanted: City Clerk/ Request from City Attorney/

2012 March 5 • Organizational Development Committee - Entire Meeting • Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Richmond City Council's Organizational Development meeting began at 5:04 PM. All Council members were present for the entire meeting. This video ends when the body moved to go to closed session to discuss the appointment of a RRHA commissioner.

The meeting opened with a presentation from Interim Deputy Chief of Staff Steve Taylor [formerly, Council Policy Advisor] and Deputy City Clerk Jean Capel reporting the results of their research into combining the positions of City Clerk and Council's Chief of Staff. Their recommendation was to keep the positions separate. Though it was not stated explicitly in the meeting, I realized that City Clerk Lou Ali will become the Council's Chief of Staff and the Council will need to hire a new City Clerk.

[32:18] City Attorney Allen Jackson requested that the deadline for submitting requests for legislation be moved from 12 noon on Wednesday before the Monday Formal Meeting to the end of the day on two Fridays before the Formal Meeting. He said that this would provide his office with an additional half day and allow the Council members ample time to review the legislation and make any desired changes, prior to its introduction.

Introducing Bob Zullo • Times-Dispatch's latest Council Beat Reporter • Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Before the Organizational Development Committee went into closed session, Michael Martz from the Richmond Times-Dispatch (who has been filling in since reporter Will Jones left) introduced Robert "Bob" Zullo as the new Council beat reporter. Martz said Zullo had spent the last five years in Louisiana.

A brief google query turns up that he was recently writing for houmatoday.com He was City Editor for The Courier and Daily Comet in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes in Louisiana. Today was his first day.

Eggleston Plaza Approved & Tax Exemption for Nonprofits Reopened

Part 1/7 - 2012 Jan. 23 - Prayer, Pledge, Appointments - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

The second formal meeting of the year began at 6:19 PM, Monday, January 23, 2012.

The meeting opened with a prayer spoken by Rev. Chambliss, "that we may be about the business of revitalizing and energizing our city," followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and Chamber Evacuation instructions.

APPOINTMENTS [6] First time Appointees are required to appear in person before the Council.

Res. No. 2011-R171-2012-4 (Patron: All Members of Council) - To appoint Stacy L. Burrs [pictured above, right] to the Minority Business Enterprise and Emerging Small Business Advisory Board.

Resolution 2011-R172-2012-5 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To appoint Tracey G. Jeter [pictured above, left] to the Minority Business Enterprise and Emerging Small Business Advisory Board (MBE Representative).

Resolution 2011-R174-2012-6 (Patron: All Members of Council) To appoint Latoya Hawks to the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority [RRHA], Tenant Representative.

Resolution 2011-R176-2012-7 (Patron: All Members of Council) To appoint Oliver R. Singleton to the GRTC and Transit Study Task Force.

Resolution 2011-R177-2012-8 (Patron: All Members of Council) To appoint Jonathan Coleman to the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

Resolution 2012-R2-9 (Patron: All Members of Council) To appoint Bruce W. Tyler to the GRTC and Transit Study Task Force.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Tony Benony Amekudzi spoke.
Cora Hayes spoke in support of the appointment of Latoya Hawks to the RRHA Board.

Marty Jewell abstained from the vote on Latoya Hawks to the RRHA Board [6:25].

And President Kathy Graziano wished Councilwoman Reva Trammell "Happy Birthday."

Part 2/7 - 2012 Jan. 23 - Awards & Amending Agenda - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

AWARDS PERIOD

Part 3/7 - 2012 Jan. 23 - Regular Agenda - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

REGULAR AGENDA

Eggleston Plaza and Kelvin Hanson [pictured above]

11. Ordinance 2011-211-2012-6 (Patron: Mayor Jones, By Request) - To authorize the special use of 535½, 537 and 541 North 2nd Street for the purpose of waiving parking, building height, maximum residential floor area and setback requirements for the construction of a mixed-use building with up to 31 dwelling units and uses permitted in the underlying zoning district. (As Amended) [0:27]

Reopening Tax Exemption Process for Non-Profits [30:52]

12. Ordinance 2012-1-7 (Patrons: Mr. Jewell, Mr. Tyler and Mr. Samuels) - To repeal City Code for the purpose of authorizing the City Assessor to accept applications for tax exemptions by classification and designation, and to extend the filing deadlines for applications to March 1, 2012, effective for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, for the purpose of temporarily permitting the filing and acceptance of applications.

Part 4/7 - 2012 Jan. 23 - Citizen Comment Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

CITIZEN COMMENT PERIOD

Vivek Jain [pictured above], a member of Occupy Richmond, urged City Council to pass a resolution against war with Iran. [0:51]

Charles Willis, Executive Director of Citizens Against Crime, asked City Council for financial support of "immediate need of at least $300" for candles, typing paper, bereavement cards, printer ink, frames, pins, stamps, etc. [4:14]

Part 5/7 - 2012 Jan. 23 - Consent Agenda /Expedited /Minutes Approved - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver Persinger.

CONSENT AGENDA

13. Ordinance 2011-201-2012-8 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer and the Director of Procurement Services to execute a contract between the City and Harris & Harris, Ltd. for collection agency services.

14. Ordinance 2011-202-2012-9 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer and the Director of Procurement Services, to execute a contract between the City and Professional Recovery Consultants, Inc. for collection agency services.

15. Ordinance 2011-208-2012-10 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to execute a Lease Agreement to allow New Cingular Wireless PCS LLC to operate telecommunication equipment at 4515 North Avenue.

16. Ordinance 2011-212-2012-11 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to execute a Project Agreement for Use between the City and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for the purpose of receiving a grant of $62,073 to fund capital improvements at Main Street Station.

17. Ordinance 2011-214-2012-12 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept $5,000 from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and to appropriate the amount to the Non-Departmental Budget for the purpose of providing grants of $2,500.00 to the Richmond Boys Choir and $2,500.00 to the 1708 Gallery.

18. Ordinance 2012-3-13 (Patrons: Mr. Conner and Vice-President Robertson) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to execute a Memorandum of Understanding for the purpose of the City making a donation of $10,000 to assist the Partnership for Smarter Growth in applying for a grant for the James River Branch Rails-to-Trails and Cannon Creek Greenway projects.

19. Ord. No. 2012-6-14 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to execute a Revocable Sublicense Agreement to allow Richmond 20 MHz, LLC to operate and maintain telecommunications equipment on a portion of 4827 Old Warwick Road.

26. Res. No. 2011-R166-2012-10 (Patrons: All Members of Council) - To request that the Richmond Metropolitan Authority install mile markers at appropriate intervals along the Powhite Parkway and the Downtown Expressway.

27. Res. No. 2011-R109-2012-11 (Patron: Vice-President Robertson) - To approve a timeline of critical milestones leading up to the adoption of the City’s Fiscal Year 2012-2013 budget. (As Amended)

EXPEDITED CONSIDERATION

Resolution 2012-R3-12 (Patrons: All Members of Council) - To amend the “2012 City of Richmond Legislative Proposals for the Virginia General Assembly” and request the Richmond delegation to the General Assembly of Virginia to support Senate Bill 41, concerning relief for Thomas E. Haynesworth, and legislation to improve the methods of compensating persons who have been wrongfully incarcerated.

The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved. [25:04]

Part 6/7 - 2012 Jan. 23 - Reports & Announcements - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver Persinger.

REPORTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ellen Robertson [0:24]

At 5:33, Mr. Jewell asked Mrs. Robertson about the Workforce Investment Board, he wanted to know if Richmond was planning to pull out of the Regional Alliance because of the perception that Richmond was getting little return on it's investment. President Graziano said this was a topic better suited for a committee meeting, Mr. Jewell insisted it was important for constituents to know where they could go to look for work.

Doug Conner [9:49]

Charles Samuels - No Report. [11:08]

Chris Hilbert [11:33]

Marty Jewell [17:57]

Cynthia Newbille [25:33]

Reva Trammell [27:30]

Bruce Tyler [31:20]

Kathy Graziano [32:20] She said her district had 48% of the leaves in the city.

Mr. Hilbert encouraged citizens to call their legislators to oppose House Bill 107 which would dilute Richmond's voting majority on the RMA Board. Hilbert called the bill "a complete attack on the sovereignty of the City of Richmond." [34:45]

Part 7/7 - 2012 Jan. 23 - Introduction of New Papers - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver Persinger.

INTRODUCTION OF NEW PAPERS

City Council will hold a Public Hearing on the following Ordinance and Resolution on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 6 PM:

1. Ord. No. 2012-8 (Patron: Mr. Tyler) - To approve an amendment to the Master Plan for the City of Richmond, which Master Plan was adopted by the City Planning Commission on Nov. 6, 2000, and approved by the City Council by Ord. No. 2000-371-2001-11 on Jan. 8, 2001, for the purpose of changing designations on the Land Use Plan for the Patterson/Libbie/Grove area generally bounded by Park Avenue to the north, York Road to the south, Maple Avenue to the west and Dunbar Street to the east.
(COMMITTEE: Organizational Development, Monday, February 6, 2012, 5 PM)

2. Res. No. 2012-R4 (Patron: Ms. Newbille) - To approve an expenditure in the amount of $1,500.00 from the Council Districts Funds for the Seventh District to make a donation to the East District Family Resource Center for the Camp Diva Annual Date with Dad Dinner ($1,000.00) and for Parent Resource Network parenting events ($500.00).

City Council will hold a Public Hearing on the following Ordinances on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 6 PM:

3. Ord. No. 2012-9 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Project Agreement for Use of Commonwealth Transportation Funds –Fiscal Year 2012 between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for the purpose of granting the City $100,000 for the purpose of continuing the City of Richmond Employee Trip Reduction Program.
(COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, February 16, 2012, 3 PM)

4. Ord. No. 2012-10 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $500,000 from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works by $500,000 for the purpose of continuing the City of Richmond Employee Trip Reduction Program.
(COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, February 16, 2012, 3 PM)

5. Ord. No. 2012-11 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Agreement for the Use of Federal Highway Administration Congestion Mitigation Air Quality – Fiscal Year 2012 between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for the purpose of granting the City $400,000 for the purpose of continuing the City of Richmond Employee Trip Reduction Program.
(COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, February 16, 2012, 3 PM)

6. Ord. No. 2012-12 (Patron: Mr. Tyler) - To amend Ord. No. 2010-173-166, adopted Sep.
27, 2010, which establishes a GRTC and Transit Study Task Force, to remove certain limitations on the Task Force’s membership so that persons who are officers or
employees of the City and persons whose employers hold contracts with the City or subcontracts of such contracts may be appointed to the Task Force.
(COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 3 P.M.)

7. Ord. No. 2012-13 (Patron: Mayor Jones, By Request) - To conditionally rezone the property known as 1031 Fourqurean Lane from the R-5 Single-Family Residential
Disrict to the R-53 Multifamily Residential District (Conditional), upon certain proffered conditions.
(Planning Commission, Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 1:30 P.M.)

8. Ord. No. 2012-14 (Patron: Mayor Jones, By Request) - To authorize the special use of the properties known as 3200 West Clay Street and 3204 West Leigh Street for the purpose of a multifamily dwelling with up to one hundred thirty-nine (139) units, uses permitted in the B-6 Mixed-Use Business District, and a parking area to serve the multifamily dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions.
(Planning Commission, Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 1:30 P.M.)

9. Ord. No. 2012-15 (Patron: Mayor Jones, By Request) - To amend Ord. No. 95-35-44, adopted Mar. 13, 1995, which authorized the special use of the property known as 1500
North Lombardy Street for the purpose of expansion of an existing educational institution through the construction and use of a library, to allow for an increase in the area of signage permitted to be attached to the library, upon certain terms and conditions.
(Planning Commission, Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 1:30 P.M.)

City Council will hold a Public Hearing on the following Ordinance on Monday, March 12, 2012 at 6 PM:

10. Ord. No. 2012-16 (Patron: Vice-President Robertson) - To amend and reordain ch. 2, art. V of the City Code by adding therein a new div. 3 (§§ 2-906—2-908), for the
purpose of establishing a Citizen Advisory Commission on Alternatives to Incarceration.
(COMMITTEE: Public Safety, Tuesday, February 28, 2012, 5 P.M.)

RePHRAME holds Housing Forum at Richmond Convention Center

The forum "Is PETRA good for Richmond?" was held in room B-10 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia on Saturday, June 25, 2011 from 10:30 AM - 12:20 PM

The event was organized by RePHRAME, its partners NAACP and Virginia Organizing Project, and co-sponsored by RRHA.

Part 1/8 - RePHRAME Forum: Is PETRA good for Richmond? - June 25, 2011 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Part one includes Opening Comments from Antoinette Baylor [RePHRAME Member], Opening Prayer by Rev. Sylvester T. Smith [Pastor at Good Shepherd Baptist Church], Welcome by Andrew Schoeneman [Doctoral Student, VCU School of Social Work], Introductions of the panel by Cathy Woodson [Virginia Organizing Project, RePHRAME Partner] and Drusilla Bridgeforth [NAACP, RePHRAME Partner], and Cora Hayes [Co-Founder, RePHRAME] answers the question, "What is P.E.T.R.A.?" [The Preservation, Enhancement & Transformation of Rental Assistance Act]

Part 2/8 - RePHRAME Forum: Congressman Bobby Scott - June 25, 2011 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

U.S. Representative Bobby Scott spoke to the assembled crowd on items related to housing policy.

Part 3/ - RePHRAME Forum: Diane Yentel from HUD - June 25, 2011 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Diane Yentel, Director of the Public Housing Management and Occupancy Division in HUD in Washington, D.C., spoke first.

Part 4/ - RePHRAME Forum: Linda Couch - June 25, 2011 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

The next speaker was Linda Couch, Senior Vice President of Policy for the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

Part 5/8 - RePHRAME Forum: Cora Hayes - June 25, 2011 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Cora Hayes, Co-Founder of RePHRAME/Resident Engagement Group, enumerated demands including the right of tenants to organize and tenants' rights.

Part 6/8 - RePHRAME Forum: Cora Hayes - June 25, 2011 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Marilyn Olds, RRHA Tenant Commissioner and President of the Richmond Tenant Organization asked questions about perceived waste.

Part 7/8 - RePHRAME Forum: Question & Answer Period - June 25, 2011 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Panelists took written questions from the audience.

Part 8/8 - RePHRAME Forum: Comments from Newbille & Hilbert - June 25, 2011 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille and Councilman Chris Hilbert made a few brief comments at the end of the meeting followed by a few more comments from Cora Hayes and Andrew Schoeneman. The meeting was closed with a prayer made by Marion Jones.

Council Approves Use of Inmate Labor on City-Owned Property

My 2¢: Richmond City Council Approves Use of Inmate Labor on City-Owned Property from Silver Persinger on Vimeo.

At Richmond City Council's Formal meeting of February 28, 2011, I spoke in opposition to Ordinance 2011-21 which authorizes the use of inmate labor on City-owned property such as rights of way along highways, streets, alleyways, parks, City owned cemeteries and vacant lots. Such work on public property SHOULD be done by City employees paid a LIVING WAGE which is $10.19 an hour adopted by Council in 2008.

In 2006, Richmond City Council approved the use of City Jail inmate labor to clean up neglected PRIVATE property.

The Council approved the ordinance unanimously. Council members Marty Jewell [5th District], Reva Trammel [8th District], and Cynthia Newbille [7th District] offered comments in response to my comments.

Mayoral Announcement Regarding Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

For Immediate Release Contact: Tammy.Hawley@Richmondgov.com
Monday, December 27, 2010 (804) 646-3110
Tammy.Hawley@Richmondgov.com


Mayor Dwight Jones Announces Richmond's Eligibility To Pursue Federal EDA Funding
~City’s CEDS Process Completed and Validated~

Richmond, VA - Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ resolution to validate the City Administration’s process for completing a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) was adopted by Richmond City Council during its final session of 2010. The CEDS was completed by the Jones Administration this fall, and included public and private participation and leadership.

CEDS is an analytical document, which considers important economic development assets and opportunities, such as infrastructure, workforce development, target industries, and others. It makes strategic recommendations based on this analysis, and provides a framework and timeline for implementation of those recommendations. While the CEDS is an important tool to help the City achieve its economic development goals, it is also a prerequisite for access to many of the funding opportunities available through the EDA. Richmond's approved CEDS strategy has now been submitted to the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Despite receiving federal grants totaling $105,000 from 2005-2007 to undertake a CEDS, previous city administrations did not complete this task in the time originally allotted by the federal government. Recognizing that Richmond’s lack of an approved CEDS blocked Richmond local government and businesses from pursuing federal EDA funding for projects located in the city, in 2009, Mayor Jones reached out to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, and as a result, the Commerce Department granted the city an extension. This extension enabled the Jones Administration to complete in less than one year what had not been completed in the nearly five prior years.

“This is yet another example of why I created a consolidated Department of Economic and Community Development,” said Mayor Jones. “Under the leadership of DCAO Peter Chapman, and through the guidance and support of CAO Byron Marshall, the agency has established itself as a leading force in the city in helping to attract, retain and grow businesses, and in facilitating revitalization of under-invested neighborhoods. ECD has also helped restore Richmond’s credibility among key regional, state and federal economic development stakeholders such as the EDA. We are truly excited that another important avenue of funding will be opened up to Richmond as a result of completing this strategy.”

The Deputy Chief Administrative Officer and Interim Director of the Department of Economic & Community Development (ECD), Peter H. Chapman, and senior ECD staff oversaw the CEDS development process. The City also engaged the private consulting firm, TIP Strategies Inc. LLC, to facilitate this process and produce the final CEDS document. This work was funded through an EDA planning grant matched by resources from the City’s general fund. The City of Richmond CEDS highlights the following critical development concepts as ones that align well with EDA’s funding priorities:

Redeveloping Armstrong High School into a state-of-the-art skills development and education center. As envisioned, the project would be a regional endeavor that seeks to engage and support the activities of institutions such as J. Sargeant Reynolds, Bon Secours Richmond Health System, Medical College of Virginia, as well as other entities in the realm of healthcare and education—industries that drive the Richmond economy. This project concept also meshes well with the City’s keen focus on revitalizing the Nine Mile Road/25th Street corridor.

Working with the leadership of the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park to establish a technology commercialization center. The proposed concept, Virginia Life Sciences Commercialization Center (VLSCC), would foster new business formation and job creation through provision of wet and dry lab facilities and light assembly space, and support services such as marketing, licensing and export controls. The report also underscores the opportunity for the city to pursue EDA funding to establish a revolving loan fund to nurture small- and medium-sized companies in the life sciences realm.

Assembling up to 200 acres of land for new technology, light industrial and commercial uses. Not only would this help spur job creation and revitalization in areas of south Richmond, particularly in the Jefferson Davis Highway corridor, but it would also expand the City’s presently limited inventory of land that can accommodate the space needs of certain employers.

“The City Council adoption of the CEDS is an excellent blueprint to guide the city’s vision for capital investment and job creation. This strategy allows city staff and administration to focus and promote their many positive assets such as life sciences, while identifying areas they need to continue to work on,” said Greg Wingfield, President of the Greater Richmond Partnership. “The Greater Richmond Partnership is excited that one of its local partners has committed the time and resources to its economic development efforts and we look forward to supporting their suggested attraction strategies and actions noted in the adopted document.”

To obtain a copy of the CEDS, please call (804) 646-5633, or visit the ECD website at www.RichmondGov.com

[Editor's Note: The document is not yet posted at of 11:00 AM, Dec. 28, 2010 but I have called the Economic Development Office and made them aware of this and they will let me know when it is posted; and I in turn will let you know. -SP ]

* UPDATE: At 11:27 AM, Dec. 28, I received a called from a Ms. Roberts from the Department of Economic Development who told me the document was at the City Clerk's website. After looking at the Clerk's website and not seeing the document, I called the Clerk's Office and asked about the document. Offhand, they did not know where the document was, then I had the idea that maybe the document was attached to the resolution and indeed that was the case. The document, initially had not been attached to the resolution and no public copy was available when Council considered this resolution during Expedited Consideration, but it has now been attached and is available here, Resolution 2010-R186-186.

Special Use Permit for Carriage House on Northside Stirs Neighborhood Debate / Towing Rates Retroactively Increased with Little Public Opposition

Part 1/6 - Richmond City Council - Opening & Awards Period - Nov. 22, 2010 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

This portion of the meeting included an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Awards Period, and amendments to the evening's Agenda.

Awards

(1.) To Sgt. David Naoroz [RPD, 4th Precinct, Sector 11], Sgt. Jean-Guy LeGouffe [RPD, 4th Precinct, Sector 11], Officer Jill Simons, Capt. Melvin V. Liverman, III [Fire & Emergency Services], and Mr. Daryl and Mrs. Glenda Nelson, who reported the fire and attempted to help.

For saving the life of an 80 year old woman whose house was on fire at 1004 Edge Hill Road in Richmond's Northside.

Presented by Mayor Dwight Jones, Councilman Chris Hilbert [3rd District], and President Kathy Graziano [4th District].

(2.) Official Community Service Award presented to Homeward's Richmond Regional Project Homeless Connect, presented by Councilman Hilbert [3rd District] and Councilman Charles Samuels [2nd District].

Part 2/6 - Citizens Speak in Support of Community Gardens on City Land - Richmond, Virginia City Council - Nov. 22, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

Though the papers had been continued, a public hearing was held on the papers because people had come to the meeting to speak on the papers.

Three citizens spoken in support of Ordinance 2010-229 and Resolution 2010-R181. The ordinance establishes a permitting process by which community groups may utilize city owned real estate for community gardens.

The resolution charges the City to determine what parcels of City-owned real estate are already devoted to and not immediately needed for public use and may be used for community gardens for periods not to exceed one year at a time.

Part 3/6 - Special Use Permit for Carriage House on Northside - Richmond, Virginia City Council - Nov. 22, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

Above, Ordinance 2010-130 received the most attention of the night. Many neighbors were present to both support and opposed the special use permit which would allow a Northside carriage house to be used as a four-unit multifamily dwelling.

Part 4/6 - Regular Agenda Cont'd - Towing Fees, Maggie Walker, End of CDA, Legislative Agenda - Richmond, Virginia City Council from Silver Persinger.

Ordinance 2010-230 - To retroactively increase towing fees from public property. The city's towing services are contracted with Seibert's Towing. The city has contracted with Seibert's for over 25 years, and Seibert's has operated as the City's impound lot for the last 17 years.

I was the only person to speak in opposition to this bureaucratic mistake that Council sought to legitimize the criminal behavior of Seibert's Towing. Seibert's Towing was illegally over-charging Richmonders $95 when they were only legally authorized by the Council to charge $65. Remember this was an issue last year when Council raised the towing rate from PRIVATE property, towing companies were charging more than the allowable $65, the new ordinance [Ordinance 2009-227-223 adopted Dec. 9, 2009] made it a Class 1 misdemeanor for anyone that charged over the legal maximum rate.

From June 1, 2010 to November 12, 2010, it was stated that Seibert's had charge the higher fee on 1713 vehicles (if that is an accurate number) for a total of $51,390 in illegal profit which the city received its additional cut of $5139.

Ordinance 2010-213 - To purchase assets from the Broad Street CDA.

Resolution 2010-R171 - To support Maggie L. Walker statue.

Resolution 2010-R174 - To support Richmond's Legislative Agenda to the General Assembly

Part 5/6 - Citizen Comment Period/Consent Agenda/Expedited Resolution - Richmond, VA City Council - Nov. 22, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

Speakers:

Richard Worssam on "Sustainable Development."

Lillie Waller on GRTC.

Wayne Baker on James River Bus strike.

My Two Cents - Silver Persinger @ Richmond, Virginia City Council - Nov. 22, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

A compilation of comments I made during the citizen comment periods at Richmond City Council's Nov. 22, 2010 formal meeting on a wide range of subjects including retroactively increasing the towing rate, gross incompetence, instant runoff voting, representative government, marijuana decriminalization, roundabouts, "love lights," and much more.

Malfunctioning Equipment Allows Citizens More Time to Comment

In a rare humorous moment at Richmond City Council, the equipment malfunctioned which plays the automated message, "You have 30 seconds, please begin to summarize your comments." At the beginning of the meeting the message played randomly to humorous effect. Later on, it remained silent and it was up to President Kathy Graziano [4th District] to cut speakers off after their time had expired. She admitted after the meeting that it was difficult to cut speakers off.

Part 1/3 - Richmond City Council - Nov. 8, 2010 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

This portion of the meeting included an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and an expedited resolution recognizing the Richmond Police Department for achieving special certification that only 10% of police departments nationwide have achieved.

There were 3 appointments to the Green City Commission. They are Sandra L. Earley, Chris Earley, and Daniel K. Slone.

AWARDS PERIOD

Mayor Dwight Jones, President Kathy Graziano, and Councilman Charles Samuels [2nd District] made an Official Joint Proclamation declaring November 2010 as "Richmond Adoption Awareness Month." The proclamation was presented to Judge Angela Roberts, Richmond Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, Doris Moseley, Director of Social Services, Martha Patrick, Social Worker - Adoption Unit, and Pamela Piero, Social Worker, Foster Parent Training.

Council President Graziano and Mayor Jones presented an Official Joint Proclamation declaring November 15, 2010, "Richmond Recycling Awareness Day." The proclamation was presented to representatives of Central Virginia Waste Management Authority.

Vice President Ellen Robertson [6th District] recognized members of Boy Scout Troop #476 who were in attendance as part of their requirements for the Citizenship Merit Badge.

Councilman Marty Jewell [5th District] ate up 15 minutes of the meeting showing a video about the 2010 Marty Jewell 3rd Annual Metrolitan Junior Baseball League Invitational Baseball Tournment. This was followed by comments from many others extolling the virtues of Coca Cola and the importance of introducing young people to baseball. I thought this portion of the meeting was total bullshit, a protracted political advertisement for Marty Jewell paid for by City taxpayers because the video was produced by Steve Skinner, Council's Public Information Manager. No, thank you. For the heck of it I'll extract this segment into its own video because it is a good example of gross abuse of the bully pulpit. Citizens that come to the microphone are prohibited from campaigning, shouldn't this rule also apply to sitting Council Members/incumbents? Just my opinion!

Marty Jewell Baseball Award - Richmond City Council - Nov. 8, 2010, Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Part 2/3 - Richmond City Council - Regular Agenda / Citizen Comment Period - Nov. 8, 2010 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

There were only one item on the Regular Agenda, Resolution 2010-R141-173 which revised the process for the appointment of tenant representative to the Board of Commissioners of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority [RRHA]. Donald Hatcher spoke in support of it, I spoke against it, and recommended that more tenant representatives should be appointed to the board.

Donald Hatcher on Racism - Nov. 8, 2010 - Citizen Comment Period - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

City Council Regular, Donald Hatcher spoke to Richmond City Council about racism and how it continues rob and deny black people of equal and fair treatment in society and Richmond, Virginia.

This is the best speech I have heard Mr. Hatcher deliver.

Byrd Park Area Residents Object to Go Ape Rope Course - Citizen Comment Period - Nov. 8, 2010 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Three citizens from the 5th District, Mr. Jewell's district, spoke during the Citizen Comment Period to raise their objections to plans recently announced by the City to install a "rope course" through Byrd Park. A United Kingdom company, Go Ape, is proposing to partner with the City to bring this for profit venture to Richmond's Byrd Park.

The residents who spoke against this proposed partnership were Sharon J. Hill with Friends of William Byrd Park, Debbie Flippen, a resident of the 5th district, and William H. Daughtrey with the Kanawha Trace Association.

It has been announced there will be a public meeting to discuss the proposed project on Thursday, November 18, 2010 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at The Carillon at Byrd Park, 1300 Blanton Avenue.

From the City's Press Release: "City officials, along with representatives from Go Ape, will provide details on the ropes course, receive public comments and answer questions... Go Ape, an outdoor treetop adventure company with 31 ropes courses in the United States and the United Kingdom, has proposed construction of a ropes course for Richmond that would be located in the wooded area behind the Carillon."

Part 3/3 - Richmond City Council - Consent Agenda / Reports & Announcements / New Papers - Nov. 8, 2010 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Part 3 contains the Consent Agenda followed by Reports & Announcements from Council Members. There were only two papers on the Consent Agenda.

Ordinance 2010-216-193 which authorizes the Chief Administrative Officer to accept $937,576 from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and to appropriate the amount to the Department of Public Works for the purpose of funding capital improvements at Main Street Station.

Donald Hatcher spoke in opposition to this paper.

Resolution 2010-R138-175 which amends the Rules of Procedure for the Council for the purpose of providing that ordinances and resolutions relating to expenditures of Council districts funds and to the appropriation of funds not exceeding $25,000 received from grants shall not be referred to a standing committee for review prior to Council action.

Here is an interesting article written by former Mayor Wilder policy advisor, Isaac Graves, regarding City Council District expenditures.

I spoke in opposition to this paper without fully understanding the paper. See my comment below in the "My 2¢" section.

Reva Trammell's Unabashed Support for Echo Harbor - Nov. 8, 2010, Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

During Reports and Announcements, Councilwoman Reva Trammell announced that she was planning to hold her monthly town hall meeting at the Satellite Restaurant on Thursday November 18, 6 PM where Mark Yates, Vice President of Development from Echo Harbor will make a presentation seeking support for their project from residents of the 8th District, which is located in South Richmond, far away from the location of Echo Harbor, the site is located below and to the east of Church Hill at the bend of the James River for which Richmond is named.

There is at least one supporter from the 8th District, Councilwoman Trammell.

If you notice Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille's eyebrows go up that's because she is the Councilperson for the 7th District, where the Echo Harbor project is proposed to be located. I was watching the reaction of President Graziano and Vice President Robertson and they too were also visibly disturbed by Ms. Trammell's statement.

My 2 Cents - Tenant Representation on RRHA Board & Councilperson Expenditures Should Go to Committee - Nov. 8, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

I had not planned on speaking against Resolution 2010-R138-175 but when Donald Hatcher spoke in opposition to the previous paper, it gave me a little bit of time to review the paper and I did not like what I saw. I have learned by my years of attendance at City Council meetings that I should get up to speak if I have a gut feeling about the paper. This was one such instance. Though I muddled the facts and figures, I still stand by my opposition. Through the ensuing discussion I learned that Council Members annually have $10,000 which is allotted for discretionary spending by Council Members for their respective districts. I also learned that Council's policy is that only expenditures over $1000 have to come before the Council for Council approval, sums under $1000 do not. This paper waives the committee hearing on papers related to Council expenditures, therefore the only time members will consider such requests will be their formal meetings. I believe Council Members' expenditures should be reviewed by the appropriate Committee.

Here is an interesting article written by former Mayor Wilder policy advisor, Isaac Graves, regarding City Council District expenditures.

Highland Park / Barton Heights Bicycle Tour

On June 26, 2010, I rode with other bicyclists in a couple of neighborhoods located in Richmond, Virginia's Northside.

Here is the video I filmed during our ride.

Highland Park/Barton Heights Bicycle Tour - June 26, 2010 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

The Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods organized the bicycle tour through Highland Park and Barton Heights.

There were nine stops on the tour. Our guides were Giles Harnsberger and Lane Pearson from Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods, also assisted by Tyler Potterfield [Preservationist Planner for the City of Richmond] during our stop at Holy Cross Cemetery.

At each stop of the tour, someone would tell us the significance of what we were looking at. The story of Highland Park and Barton Heights is the story of land developers who created amenities like public parks and rail transportation, and fueled the appetite for single family home ownership.

It is also the story of white flight in the 1960s and 70s from the city to the counties' suburbs.

Council Approves Mayor's Budget Amendments/ Richmond Transit Riders Union Urge Implementing Previous GRTC Study Recommendations

Above, is a new feature I call "My 2¢." I will now present my comments to Richmond City Council in digest form, hoping to highlight what I consider to be the most important issues covered at each meeting. This is a first effort. My goal is to eventually figure out a way to edit the videos into encapsulated summaries of the meeting.

I spoke to Richmond, Virginia City Council in support of Ordinance 2010-179 and Ord. 2010-180 which effectively abolished the Broad Street Community Development Authority [CDA] and authorizes the Directors of Finance to sell bonds to repay the initially bond investors.

In 2003 the CDA sold bonds valued at $66.7 million in order to finance tearing down the 6th Street Marketplace, demolishing the parking deck at 6th and Grace and a block of old buildings on Broad Street between 4th and 5th Streets which were replaced by surface parking lots and a restoring the street where the Marketplace once stood between Marshall and Grace Streets.

The ordinances authorized the Director of Finance to make a new issue of bonds for $67.1 million in order to pay off the bond original bondholders. This is $400,000 more than the initial bond issuance in 2003.

Optimistic projections and outright incorrect information were used to support the financing of these projects

Part 1

Part 1/2 - City Council Formal Meeting - Sept. 27, 2010 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Part 2

Part 2/2 - City Council Formal Meeting - Sept. 27, 2010 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Marijuana Forum at VCU

VCU Students for Sensible Drug Policy in co-operation with Virginia NORML held a forum to advocate decriminalizing marijuana at Virginia Commonwealth University's Student Commons on Saturday, September 25, 2010 in Richmond, Virginia.

Part 1/3 - Cannabis in the Commonwealth - Sept. 25, 2010 - Duffy, Stroup, Sterling, Gettman - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Dee Duffy, Executive Director of Virginia NORML, opened the meeting.

Keith Stroup, founder of NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, spoke about his 40 years of experience in the marijuana movement. It is interesting to note, that in places where marijuana is already legal, NORML is fighting to establish that individuals have a right to raise at least 5 plants for personal use and they are working to oppose to "unconscionable profiteering." Kudos Mr. Stroup and NORML!

Eric Sterling, President of the Criminal Justice Policy Foundation, discussed excessive government power, some history of alcohol prohibition, and government's immoral persecution of marijuana users, growers, and distributors.

Jon Gettman [Cannabis policy expert, The Coalition for the Rescheduling of Cannabis] had technical difficulties for the first half of this talk, the projector started working where his comments leave off here in Part 2. Mr. Gettman discussed statistics showing that African Americans are disproportionally arrested for marijuana compared to whites.

Part 2/3 - Cannabis in the Commonwealth - Sept. 25, 2010 - Gettman, Leibig, Werth, Sharpe - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Part 2 contains the conclusion of Jon Gettman's PowerPoint presentation on the racial disparity of marijuana arrests.

Criminal defense attorney, Virginia NORML Board of Directors, and NORML Legal Committee Member Christopher Leibig advocates preserving the police's right to illegal searches based on probable cause triggered by the aroma of marijuana as a way to appease law enforcement's opposition to decriminalization.

Lennice Werth from Virginians Against Drug Violence recounted some history of the Marijuana Movement in Virginia and urged the audience to contact their members in the Virginia House of Delegates to tell them to support House Bills 1134 and 1136, introduced by Harvey Morgan (a Republican pharmacist) in Virginia's General Assembly last year.

Robert Sharpe [Media Awareness Project] discussed the history of marijuana law, dispels some popular myths about marijuana use, and makes an economic argument for decriminalization.

Part 3/3 - Cannabis in the Commonwealth - Sept. 25, 2010 - Questions & Comments - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

In this portion of the forum panelists solicited questions from the audience. This clip includes helpful legal advice including be polite to police and only tell them your name, but don't answer any questions, you don't have to tell the police where you are coming from or where you are going. Ask, "Am I free to leave? Am I being detained?" They recommended watching the video, "Busted: The Citizen's Guide to Surviving Police Encounters."

Watch it here,
video.google.com/​videoplay?docid=3435730304776119545#

RePHRAME's 3rd Annual Community Forum at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church

RePHRAME's 3rd Annual Community Forum - Sept. 16, 2010 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Various residents of Richmond's public housing and members of RePHRAME spoke to fellow residents and supporters at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 6 PM. Anthony Scott, CEO of Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority [RRHA] spoke to the group around minute 30:00.

The chief demands of the group were for RRHA to institute a local payment system and to increase the tenant representation on the RRHA Board. Currently residents have to mail their rent payments to Baltimore, Maryland and out of 7 commissioners on the RRHA Board, only one is a public housing resident.

A spaghetti dinner prepared by Richmond Food Not Bombs followed the meeting.

Richmond City Council Meeting for September 13, 2010

Entire Formal Meeting - Sept. 13, 2010 - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

The Latest Boondoggle - The Richmond Coliseum Study Group

Interim Status Update from Coliseum Study Group - Sept. 9, 2010 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Today at 12 noon at the Performing Arts Center, a presentation was given to Richmond news media outlets by consultant Dan Barrett of Barrett Sports Group, LLC to discuss the preliminary results of their unscientific survey among Coliseum users which was used to illustrate support from the "General Public."

A statement from the report that jumped out to me was, "Approximately 99% of Respondents would potentially attend an event at a renovated Coliseum or New Arena Development."

Read the Interim Status Report for yourself and Mayor Dwight Jones' Press Release that was handed out after the presentation.

Here is an informative article about the formation of the Coliseum Study Group that costs $150,000 and was paid for by four area corporations, Genworth Financial, Dominion Resources Inc., Altria, and MeadWestvaco.

Mayor Jones was not present at the Press Conference, neither was any member of the Council present, nor any representative from Council's Chief of Staff. However, many of Mayor Jones' top administrators were there including Byron Marshall [Chief Administrative Officer], Peter Chapman [Deputy CAO, Dept. of Economic and Community Development], Suzette Denslow [Mayor's Chief of Staff], and four members of the Mayor's public relations office: Tammy Hawley [Press Secretary], Michael Wallace [Public Information Officer], Shelby Crouch [videographer and one of the only carry-overs from Mayor Wilder's administration], and a photographer, Jemila Woodson.

The assembled press were permitted to ask questions after the presentation.

KUDOS to the Office of the Press Secretary to the Mayor for both emailing PDFs of the documents above and for having paper copies at the Presentation for members of the media.

City Council Back from August Recess

Organizational Development - Richmond City Council - Sept. 7, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

The Organizational Development Standing Committee met at 4:11 PM. All members of Council were present. The Council received reports from Anthony Scott [CEO, RRHA] and Council's Chief of Staff, Daisy Weaver.

Mr. Scott discussed RRHA's updated 5 year strategic plan.

After the OrgDev meeting, the Council briefly convened a Special Meeting to approve a Resolution to change the name of the old U of R stadium from "Richmond Stadium" to "City Stadium."

Then the Council went into Executive Session [closed to the public] to discuss the Port of Richmond with members of the Port of Richmond Commission.

Crosland Presentation on Dove Court Redevelopment - A Blueprint for Privatizing Public Land & Housing

Crosland Presentation on Dove Court Redevelopment from Silver Persinger.

During Council Vice President Ellen Robertson's monthly 6th District meeting for August, there was a presentation from Crosland, the master developer for the Dove Court Redevelopment in North Richmond. Two individuals from Crosland gave the presentation, Dionne Nelson and Darryl Hemminger.

Council member Robertson was not present at the meeting because she was in Seattle, Washington.

The plan is to construct about 300 apartments, single family houses, row houses, duplexes and office space with about 1/3 dedicated to "affordable housing." Interesting to note, after the construction phase, Crosland will stay on long-term as the site's property manager, perform repairs, and enforce condo association-style rules in the neighborhood.

Richmond City to Celebrate Celebrity Alleged Pedophile Michael Jackson

Official Press Release from City of Richmond follows:

City of Richmond
Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities

Media Contacts:
Tesha Davis (804) 646-3998
Christy Everson (804) 646-5944

For Immediate Release
Aug. 5, 2010


City to show Michael Jackson movie, hold dance contests

Richmond, VA - The city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will show Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” Friday, Aug. 6, at its Broad Rock Sports Complex as part of its free Friday Pictures in the Park series of outdoor family entertainment. Broad Rock Sports Complex is located at 4801 Old Warwick Rd.

The movie, which will begin at 8:30 p.m., will be preceded by a Michael Jackson dance contests for children and teens at 7 p.m. and for adults at 8 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each contest.

Both the contests and movie are free, and free popcorn will be provided for the movie as well.

The public is encouraged to dress the part and participate in the dance contests, and to bring blankets, chairs and water or soft drinks to enjoy the movie.

Legislative Assistant John Westbrook Announces Retirement

Today, Councilwoman Ellen Robertson's liaison [6th District], John Westbrook, sent an email announcing his retirement from the City effective March 1, 2010. Mr. Westbrook has served as Councilwoman Robertson's liaison since 2004.

Best wishes to Mr. Westbrook and his wonderful wife Winnie.

A Glimpse of how the Local News Media Interact with Our Government

Behind the Scenes: After the Meeting with the Mayor, Council Members Speak with Local Television News - Jan. 11, 2010 from Silver Persinger.