Formal Meeting 2012 July 9 - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger on Vimeo.

Very interesting meeting. I began recording about 35 minutes after the meeting began. The video begins with the Citizen Comment Period. Teddy Parham was the first speaker [0:17]. In an unprecedented move, President Kathy Graziano [4th District] called a 5 minute recess when Teddy would not stop talking even after they cut her mic. Scott Burger talked about the high charge of the minimum water rate in the City [21:53].

President Graziano tried to cut off Councilman Marty Jewell [15:02] which he did not appreciate. The two had another tussle when Mr. Jewell was asking clarifying questions of Scott Burger [28:15].

[30:18] Robert "Bob" Stiedel, Direct of Public Utilities, spoke to the Council about the Water Utility

[42:22] Amend and Continue, Item 6, Ord. 2012-103 -- the digital signal started breaking up while the clerk was reading the amendments. [45:10] Mr. Bruce Tyler noted he had a conflict of interest on the paper and would not participate in the vote or discussion.

 [46:15] Consent Agenda. Tyler abstain from Item 5, Ord. 2012-102, because of a Conflict of Interest [51:32].

[52:28] Expedited Resolutions. 2012-R100 and 2012-R101.

[55:07] Approval of Minutes

[56:00] Reports and Announcements. Many Council members lamented the loss of Council regular and active community member Ruby Turner.

Doug Conner [56:07]
Charles Samuels [58:34]
Chris Hilbert [1:00:14]
Marty Jewell [1:04:48]
Cynthia Newbille [1:08:02]
Reva Trammell [1:09:43]
Bruce Tyler [1:16:30]
Ellen Robertson [1:18:41]
[1:25:14] Additional comments from Tyler, Hilbert, and Trammell
Kathy Graziano [1:28:03]

[1:29:23] Introduction of New Papers Meeting End Time: 8:20 PM

[1:37:45] Comments from Dick Harmon

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 Hotel Special Use Permit & Occupy Kanawha Park

Part 1/ - Drainage Improvement Update - Land Use Committee - Jan. 17, 2012 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Robert "Bob" Steidel [Director of Public Utilities] and Rosemary Green [Deputy Director, Technical Services, Dept. of Public Utilities] (pictured above) gave a presentation on the "South Kinsley and Leake Avenues Drainage Improvement Projects" to Council members Doug Conner, Ellen Robertson, and Marty Jewell.

Part 2/ - Papers for Consideration - Land Use Committee - Jan. 17, 2012 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

During discussion of the first paper, I objected to Mr. Conner's intention to forward a paper to Council without opening the discussion to Citizen Comment. I asserted that Citizens are entitled to comment on all legislation that comes before the committee. When Mr. Conner called for a public hearing there was no one there to speech in favor or opposition to the paper, Ord. 2012-3 [Patrons: Conner & Robertson] City to donate $10,000 to the Partnership for Smarter Growth to assist in applying for a grant for the James River Branch Rail-to-Trails and Cannon Creek Greenway projects.

During the Citizen Comment Period, I raised the issue I have raised many times in the past that holding meetings at 3 PM, precludes 85% of working people from attending Committee meetings.

Pamela Porter [Real Estate Specialist, Dept. of Public Works] presented on a couple of papers dealing with cellphone companies leasing tower space. Another paper to requested the RMA install mile markers on the Powhite Parkway and the Downtown Expressway.

Eggleston Hotel Special Use Permit @ LAND USE - Jan. 17, 2012 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Discussion of Ord. 2011-211. More to come soon.

Part 4/5 - Discussion about Kanawha Plaza - Land Use Committee - Jan. 17, 2012 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

The last two papers for consideration were Resolution 2011-R165 and Ordinance 2011-206. Res. 2011-R165 would reverse a decision of the Commission of Architectural Review [CAR] which denied a Certificate of Appropriateness for the painting scheme of a home located at 402 N. Allen Ave.

Ord. 2011-206 would add a new section to the City Code concerning Kanawha Plaza removing the prohibition on camping, and allow the park to be open 24 hours a day. Currently all city parks prohibit camping and all parks close at sunset.

Charles Samuels [2nd District] introduced the resolution to overturn the Commission of Architectural Review's decision but requested he wanted to continue the paper 30 days.

Catherine Easterling, Secretary of CAR, informed the Committee that the Commission was planning to discuss the issue the following day.

Minutes from the previous meeting were approved. [4:45]

Marty Jewell introduced Ord. 2011-206 with a ten-minute speech [6:00]. Representing Mayor Dwight Jone's administration, Carolyn Graham, Deputy CAO, Dept. of Human Service [17:38], Norman Merrifield, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities [23:45], and Larry Miller, also from Parks and Rec. [24:41], spoke in opposition to the ordinance and argued that protracted camping in public space "would be problematic from a health and safety standpoint."

Alan Schintzius [28:04] and I, Silver Persinger [31:34], spoke in support of the paper. I offered an amendment that would require tents to be removed by 9 AM to prevent "visual blight" downtown. Thinking back on that now, I regret saying that. Perhaps, I was trying to accomodate the official position but realize now I was advocating a half-measure. Oh well, live and learn. I also talked about Occupy Richmond and other things.

After much discussion, Mr. Jewell proposed to continue his paper with amendments, though no specific amendments were proposed at the time [47:55].

Council President Kathy Graziano commented that this paper was not about Occupy Richmond, but was about allowing camping in the park [51:07].

Part 5/5 - Board Vacancies - Land Use Committee - Jan. 17, 2012 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

My Two Cents - Comment Period, Time of Meetings, Eggleston Hotel, Free Speech Park - Jan. 17, 2012 @ Land Use from Silver Persinger.

I spoke upon a range of issues at Richmond City Council's Land Use, Housing, and Transportation Standing Committee on Tuesday, January 17, 2012.

During discussion of the first paper, I objected to Mr. Conner's intention to forward a paper to Council without opening the discussion to Citizen Comment. I asserted that Citizens were entitled to comment on all legislation that came before the committee. When Mr. Conner called for a public hearing there was no one there to speak in favor or opposition to the paper, Ord. 2012-3 [Patrons: Conner & Robertson] City to donate $10,000 to the Partnership for Smarter Growth to assist in applying for a grant for the James River Branch Rail-to-Trails and Cannon Creek Greenway projects.

During the Citizen Comment Period, I raised the issue I have raised many times in the past that holding meetings at 3 PM, precludes 85% of working people from attending Committee meetings. [2:41]

I spoke in opposition to Ord. 2011-211, a Special Use Permit for the Eggleston Hotel project in Jackson Ward by developer Kelvin Hanson. My opposition is based in Council's disregard for the Planning Commission's recommendations, the lack of parking spaces the developer will have to provide, and that this paper is being rushed through with lack of public input. [4:31]

Also notable is that the biggest supporter of the project, Ellen Robertson, has not yet disclosed that she has received $1000 cash campaign contribution from the developer in 2004. I feel she should recuse herself from the discussion and the vote. I feel that she hasn't because it would appear "unseemly."

Finally, I spoke in support of Mr. Jewell's paper, Ord. 2011-206, to allow Kanawha Plaza to be a 24 hour park for free speech and camping [7:46]. I expressed my concern that it could lead to a permanent encampment, as a compromise I offered that tents should be removed daily by 9 AM. I went on to talk about my participation with Occupy Richmond, invited Council members to attend a General Assembly, and told them I felt like "a part-time slave" because "I need money to exist."

Mayor's Task Force on Redistricting

Mayor Jones' Task Force for Redistricting met on Tuesday. The meeting had initially been slated to be their last but after some discussion they decided they would meet again the following week. The task of the group is to prepare recommendations for the Council to consider before they conclude their own efforts at redistricting. The group discussed a wide range of topics: including the percentage of Asians living in Richmond in a chart of the racial make up of Richmond, salaries of Council members being a "living wage" and comparable to surrounding localities, dividing the districts in such a way that all members have a share in representing poor constituents and addressing poverty, and the possibility of partisan elections.

Council Press Release Regard Redistricting Process

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Richmond City Council to begin 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting: Year-long open public process includes six stages

Numerous opportunities for Richmond Citizens to learn more, provide input and participate: New Plan to be adopted by December 31, 2011

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A) -- In 2011, Richmond City Council will redraw (redistrict) the existing nine Richmond Voter District boundaries that we use to elect our local Richmond Elected Government Officials in response to results of the 2010 U.S. Census. Adjustments to voting precincts and locations may also be made at this time. New Richmond Voter Districts are to be adopted by December 31, 2011.

The 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting will be a year-long open public process that will include a comprehensive array of public information communications and numerous opportunities for Richmond Citizens to learn more, provide input and participate, which will include many Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meetings, and Public Hearings. All Richmond citizens are invited and encouraged to learn more about the process and to participate during each step of the way. Some of the many ways to engage in this process include:

1. Contacting the Richmond City Council Councilmember that represents you via phone, email, meeting or letter (contact information below)

2. Sending a letter to Richmond City Council
2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting
Richmond City Hall; 900 E. Broad St., Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219

3. Attending Public Information Meetings, Council Public Meetings and Public Hearings to learn more, ask questions and make suggestions (dates, times and locations listed below)

4. Visiting the 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting website to learn more (to be established soon)

5. Asking questions, learning more, and sending suggestions or information by email to steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

6. Sending suggestions or asking questions by sending a fax to 804.646.5468

7. Learning more, asking questions and providing suggestions by calling 804.646.6052

8. Signing up for information and Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meeting and Public Hearings email updates/alerts, at: steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

Six Stage Process _______________________________________________________________________
The 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting process will be organized into six stages. In the First Stage, Richmond City Council will choose what redistricting criteria are to be used, which will include Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings. In the Second Stage they will vote to adopt their selected criteria, which will include Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings. In the Third Stage, Richmond will receive 2010 U.S. Census Data for Richmond. In the Fourth Stage, Council will use the criteria and Census Data to draft a 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan (This will probably include three proposals to choose from.), which will include Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings. In the Fifth Stage they will vote to adopt a Plan, which will include Public Hearings. New Richmond Voter Districts are to be adopted by December 31, 2011. In the Sixth Stage, they will seek approval (clearance) required from the United States of America Department of Justice per the U. S. National Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. § 1973–1973aa-6).

Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings
Throughout this six-stage process, Richmond City Council will hold a number of Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings to help provide information, discuss, receive input, and answer questions regarding the 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting. These meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond Citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. All meeting locations are located on a GRTC bus line and are accessible by people with disabilities. The meetings will include the following topics, dates, times and locations (which are subject to change):

STAGE 1 – Choosing Richmond Redistricting Criteria
Richmond City Council will choose from among a number of criteria to decide which ones they want to use to base their redistricting changes to Richmond Voter Districts. In the first stage of the process they will choose the criteria. There will be a number of Public Information Meetings and Public Council meetings held with regard to this important part of the process. Criteria choices may include the following:

Redistricting Criteria Richmond City Council may choose from include
· Equal Population distribution throughout the 9 Richmond Voter Districts
· Compactness of Richmond Voter Districts
· Contiguity of Richmond Voter Districts
· Avoidance of splits of political subdivisions and precincts
· Preservation of communities of interest
· Preservation of the basic shape of existing voter districts
· Protection of current incumbents and avoiding paring (the possibility that existing
incumbents may run against each other in a future election)
· African-American representation per the U. S. National Voting Rights Act of 1965
(42 U.S.C. § 1973–1973aa-6)
· Political fairness or competitiveness
· Voter convenience and effective administration of elections

The following Stage 1 Richmond City Council Public Information Meetings will be held to present and discuss the different redistricting criteria that Richmond City Council may choose to use to base their redistricting changes to Richmond Voter Districts:

Public Information Meetings to Present and Discuss Redistricting Criteria
The following Stage 1 Richmond City Council Public Information Meetings will be held to present and discuss legal redistricting requirements and the different criteria that Council may choose from to base redistricting changes to Richmond Voter Districts:

Richmond’s Southside
Friday, January 14, 2011 Richmond Southside Social Services Center
6:00-7:30 p.m. 4100 Hull Street; Richmond Virginia 23224

Richmond’s Northside
Monday, January 17, 2011 Richmond Police Department - Police Academy
6:00-7:30 p.m. 1202 W. Graham Road; Richmond, Virginia 23220

Richmond’s East End/Gateway
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 Richmond Public Schools – Martin Luther King Jr.
6:00-7:30 p.m. Middle School 1000 Mosby Street; Richmond, Virginia 23223

Southwest Richmond
Wed., January 19, 2011 Richmond Public Schools - Lucille Murray Brown
6:00-7:30 p.m. Middle School 6300 Jahnke Road; Richmond, Virginia 23225

Richmond’s West End
Thursday, January 20, 2011 Richmond Public Schools – Thomas Jefferson High School
6:00-7:30 p.m. 4100 West Grace Street; Richmond, Virginia 23230


Results of Richmond City Council Public Information Meetings presented to Council
Results of the Richmond City Council Public Information Meetings will be presented to Council during the following Public Council Informal Meeting:

Monday, January 24, 2011, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Informal Meeting
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219

Richmond City Council discussion of redistricting criteria
Richmond City Council will discuss the criteria they want to choose from during the following Public Council Informal Meeting:

Monday, February 14, 2011, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Informal Meeting
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219

STAGE 2 – Public Hearing and Adoption of Richmond Redistricting Criteria
Richmond City Council will hold the following Public Hearing and vote to officially adopt Richmond Redistricting Criteria during the following Richmond City Council Formal Meeting:

Monday, February 28, 2011, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219

STAGE 3 – 2010 U.S. Census Data for Richmond received
Richmond City Council will receive the 2010 U.S. Census Data for Richmond and make them available to the public.

February or early April 2011
Data estimated to be received/available from U.S. Census Office in late February or early April 2011

STAGE 4 – Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings regarding Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan
Richmond City Council will use their officially adopted redistricting criteria and the 2010 U.S. Census Data to draft a 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan. This will probably include three proposals to choose from. As part of this process, Richmond City Council will hold Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings. These will include information regarding legal requirements for redistricting, criteria selected by Council, Richmond population shifts over the past 10 years and the approval (clearance) required from the United States of America Department of Justice per the U. S. National Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. § 1973–1973aa-6).

Initial 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plans Submitted to Council
The Richmond City Council 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Work Group will submit alternative 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plans (possibly three) to Richmond City Council based on Council’s adopted criteria for Council’s review and guidance, at the following Public Council Meeting:

Monday, April 25, 2011; 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Informal Meeting
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219

Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan Submitted to Council
The Richmond City Council 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Work Group will present a single draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan to Richmond City Council for their review and approval for it to be submitted to the public for comment, at the following Public Council Meeting:

Monday, May 23, 2011; 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219

Public Information Meetings to Discuss
Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan
The following Public Information Meetings will be held to present the Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan to the public and to provide education, information and gather feedback.

Richmond’s Northside
Monday, June 6, 2011 Richmond Police Department - Police Academy
6:00-7:30 p.m. 1202 W. Graham Road, Richmond, Virginia 23220


Southwest Richmond
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 Richmond Public Schools - Lucille Murray Brown
6:00-7:30 p.m. Middle School 6300 Jahnke Road; Richmond, Virginia 23225

Richmond’s East End/Gateway
Wed., June 8, 2011 Richmond Public Schools - Martin Luther King Jr.
6:00-7:30 p.m. Middle School 1000 Mosby Street; Richmond, Virginia 23223

Richmond’s West End
Thursday, June 9, 2011 Richmond Public Schools – Thomas Jefferson
6:00-7:30 p.m. High School 4100 West Grace Street; Richmond, Virginia 23230

Richmond’s Southside
Friday, June 10, 2011 Richmond Southside Social Services Center
6:00-7:30 p.m. 4100 Hull Street; Richmond Virginia 23224


Richmond City Council Discussion of
Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan
Results of the Richmond City Council Public Information Meetings will be presented to Richmond City Council during the following Public Council Informal Meeting. During this time Council will discuss any modifications, if needed.

Monday, June 13, 2011, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Informal Meeting
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219

Richmond City Council Review of
Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan
Richmond City Council will review and discuss proposed Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan during the following Public Council Informal Meeting:

Monday, June 27, 2011, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Informal Meeting
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall. 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219

STAGE 5 - Public Hearing and Adoption of 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan
Richmond City Council will hold a the following Public Hearing on the Draft 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan and vote to officially adopt it during the following Public Richmond City Council Formal Meeting:

Monday, November 14, 2011, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting
Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor, 900 E. Broad Street,
Richmond, Virginia 23219

STAGE 6 – Approval of the U. S. Department of Justice
Richmond City Council will send a copy of the adopted 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter Redistricting Plan (which will be provided to the public) to be approved (cleared) by the United States of America Department of Justice per the U. S. National Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. § 1973–1973aa-6).
CONTACT For more information, please contact Steve Skinner, Council Public Information Manager, at 804.646.6052 (o); 937.1386 (m); or, steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

Background ___________________________________________________________________________
As Americans, we govern ourselves at the state, local and national level through a process known as Representative Democracy, in which we choose (elect) fellow citizens to assist us with the ownership and operation of our government. This self-governance includes deciding how tax monies are invested; what laws are needed; and, what types of services are provided and how they are managed.

As part of our self-governance, we organize ourselves into geographical areas (districts) based on population and use these "voter districts" to determine where we vote and which positions we vote for. As populations change over time, we redraw (redistrict) these areas to reflect those changes and help ensure everyone is represented as fairly as possible. Thus, every 10 years (decennially) we perform a United States Census to gather statistical information about our population and we use this (in accordance with state, local and federal guidelines) to update the boundary lines of our voting districts.

In 2011, Richmond City Council will redraw (redistrict) the existing nine Richmond Voter District boundaries that we use to elect our local Richmond Elected Government Officials in response to results of the 2010 U.S. Census. Adjustments to voting precincts and locations may also be made at this time.

The 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting will be a year-long open public process that will include a comprehensive array of public information communications and numerous opportunities for Richmond Citizens to learn more, provide input and participate, which will include many Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meetings, and Public Hearings. All Richmond citizens are invited and encouraged to learn more about the process and to participate during each step of the way. Some of the many ways to engage in this process include:

1. Contacting the Richmond City Council Councilmember that represents you via phone, email, meeting or letter (contact information below)

2. Sending a letter to Richmond City Council
2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting
Richmond City Hall; 900 E. Broad St., Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219

3. Attending Public Information Meetings, Council Public Meetings and Public Hearings to learn more, ask questions and make suggestions (dates, times and locations listed below)

4. Visiting the 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting website to learn more (to be established soon)

5. Asking questions, learning more, and sending suggestions or information by email to steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

6. Sending suggestions or asking questions by sending a fax to 804.646.5468

7. Learning more, asking questions and providing suggestions by calling 804.646.6052

8. Signing up for information and Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meeting and Public Hearings email updates/alerts, at: steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

Six Stage Process _______________________________________________________________________
The 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting process will be organized into six stages. In the First Stage, Richmond City Council will choose what redistricting criteria are to be used, which will include Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings. In the Second Stage they will vote to adopt their selected criteria, which will include Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings. In the Third Stage, Richmond will receive 2010 U.S. Census Data for Richmond. In the Fourth Stage, Council will use the criteria and Census Data to draft a 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Plan (This will probably include three proposals to choose from.), which will include Public Information Meetings, Public Council Meetings and Public Hearings. In the Fifth Stage they will vote to adopt a Plan, which will include Public Hearings. New Richmond Voter Districts are to be adopted by December 31, 2011. In the Sixth Stage, they will seek approval (clearance) required from the United States of America Department of Justice per the U. S. National Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. § 1973–1973aa-6).

Richmond City Council will choose from among a number of criteria as to which ones they want to use to base their redistricting changes to Richmond Voter Districts. In the first stage of the process they will choose the criteria and in the second stage they will voted and officially adopt them. There will be a number of public hearings and meetings held with regard to this important part of the process. Criteria choices may include the following:

Redistricting Criteria Richmond City Council may choose from include
· Equal Population distribution throughout the 9 Richmond Voter Districts
· Compactness of Richmond Voter Districts
· Contiguity of Richmond Voter Districts
· Avoidance of splits of political subdivisions and precincts
· Preservation of communities of interest
· Preservation of the basic shape of existing voter districts
· Protection of current incumbents and avoiding paring (the possibility that existing
incumbents may run against each other in a future election)
· African-American representation per the U. S. National Voting Rights Act of 1965
(42 U.S.C. § 1973–1973aa-6)
· Political fairness or competitiveness
· Voter convenience and effective administration of elections

Richmond Elected Government Officials
We use our Richmond Voter Districts to elect the following positions that are established in the Richmond City Charter:
· A Mayor (who must receive the most votes in at least 5 of the 9 Voter Districts and who serves a 4-year term)
· Members of Richmond City Council (elected by district to serve 4-year terms)
· Richmond Public Schools Board Trustees (elected by district to serve 4-year terms)

Virginia Constitutional Officers (Elected Government Officials)
Additional local positions we elect persons to include Virginia Constitutional Officers, which serve at the Richmond level but are established by the Virginia Constitution and are independent of local government. These positions are elected in Richmond citywide (not by district) but voting may be affected due to changes to voting precincts and locations, they include:
· A Richmond Sheriff (elected citywide to serve a 4-year term)
· A Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorney of Richmond (elected citywide to serve a 4-year term)
· A Richmond Clerk of the Court (elected citywide to serve an 8-year term)
· A Richmond Treasurer (elected citywide to serve a 4-year term)

National and State Elected Government Officials
Voting for the following national and state positions may also be affected due to changes to Richmond voting precincts and locations (Note: Decennial redistricting of voter districts in which these positions are elected will be performed in 2011 by the Virginia General Assembly - click here for link):
· A President/Vice President of the United States of America (elected nationally to serve a 4-year term)
· Members of the United States Senate (elected statewide to serve 6-year terms)
· Members of the United States House of Representatives (elected by state districts to serve 2-year terms)
· Members of the Virginia State Senate (elected by state districts to serve 4-year terms)
· Members of the Virginia House of Delegates (elected by state districts to serve 2-year terms)


Member of the
2009–2012 RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL ______________________________

PRESIDENT (2009-2010)
The Honorable Kathy Graziano
Councilwoman, Richmond City Council - Southwest 4th District
804.320.2454 (office tel); 339.8393 (mobile)
kathy.graziano@richmondgov.com (email)

VICE PRESIDENT (2009-2010)
The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson
Councilwoman, Richmond City Council - Gateway 6th District
804.646.5724 (office tel); 314.7658 (mobile)
ellen.robertson@richmondgov.com (email)

West End 1st District
The Honorable Bruce W. Tyler, Councilman
Richmond City Council - West End 1st District
804.357.6007 (mobile)
bruce.tyler@richmondgov.com (email)

North Central 2nd District
The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman
Richmond City Council - North Central 2nd District
804.646.6532 (office tel); 690.0898 (mobile)
charles.samuels@richmondgov.com (email)

Northside 3rd District
The Honorable Christopher A. Hilbert, Councilman
Richmond City Council - Northside 3rd District
804.646.6055 (office tel) 306.0875 (mobile)
chris.hilbert@richmondgov.com (email)

Central 5th District
The Honorable E. Martin Jewell, Councilman
Richmond City Council - Central 5th District
804.646.5724 (office tel); 332.3654 (mobile)
marty.jewell@richmondgov.com (email)

East End 7th District
The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman*
Richmond City Council - East End 7th District
804.646.3012 (office tel)
cynthia.newbille@richmondgov.com (email)
*Elected November 3, 2009 in special local election

Southside 8th District
The Honorable Reva M. Trammell, Councilwoman
Richmond City Council - Southside 8th District
804.646.6592 (office tel); 240.5050 (mobile)
reva.trammell@richmondgov.com (email)

South Central 9th District
The Honorable Douglas G. Conner, Jr., Councilman
Richmond City Council - South Central 9th District
804.646.6592 (office tel); 512,0500 (mobile)
doug.conner@richmondgov.com (email)

MAILING ADDRESS/WEBSITE

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Hall - 900 East Broad Street, Suit 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219 - 804.646.7955
www.council.richmondva.gov (website)


Richmond City Council __________________________________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

Council Approves Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy [CEDS] with Little Review in a Hurry

Expedited Resolution - Council Adopts CEDS [Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy] - Dec. 13, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

On Monday night, Richmond City Council approved Resolution 2010-R186-186 to support the CEDS [Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy] for Richmond, Virginia. The CEDS is a document that is prepared and submitted to the federal government to qualify a local government to apply for federal monies to advance economic development projects that have been identified as desirable by the local government. The CEDS is a result of a $185,000 study, $105,000 was awarded by the federal government as grants in 2005 and 2006 and the city contributed $80,000 in matching funds.

Informal Session - CEDS - Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Discussion - Dec. 13, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

At 3 o'clock on the day of Council's formal meeting they learned that Resolution 2010-R186 would to be expedited and voted upon that evening. The CEDS report is a 134 page document that was not publicly available for review on the night of the meeting. The report outlines Richmond's plan for Economic Development into the future. There were three main goals that the Strategic Plan advocated. 1. Commercializing Biotechnology/Expanding BioTech Park, public-private partnerships, MCV/Bon Secors 2. Making Old Armstrong High School a specialty school with a focus on bio-tech 3. To purchase land zoned Light Industrial Land in South Richmond to accumulate enough land for some type of industrial park.

Several members felt the paper was being rushed and the Council had not had proper notification or time to review the document prior to voting to support the document.

CEDS - Next Steps & Timeline Discussed @ Informal Session - Nov. 22, 2010 - Richmond, VA from Silver Persinger.

Above, two minutes from the end of the presentation at the Informal Session of November 22, 2010. President Graziano said she wanted to know about the process and wanted to hear more at the next meeting. Vice President Robertson requested a detailed presentation for her next Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting. Peter Chapman said the administration would be bringing a resolution to the Council the following month in December.

Council Presentation on Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy [CEDS] @ Informal - Nov. 22, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

A presentation on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy from Peter Chapman and TIP Strategies, a company from Austin, Texas which is interesting because Byron Marshall, Chief Administrative Officer for Richmond, worked in Austin prior to coming to Richmond.

Informal Session - This was an Important Meeting

Part 1/4 - City Council Informal Session - Oct. 25, 2010 - Elderhomes Weatherization Program - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

In Part 1, Peter Chapman, Deputy CAO for Economic and Community Development discussed the administration's recent budget amendment of $500,000 for Elderhomes to perform winterization for low income, elderly, and disabled residents. It is projected to aid 80 homeowners, which is a cost of $6250 per home.

Part 2/4 - City Council Informal Session - Oct. 25, 2010 - Docket Review - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

In Part 2, Keith Rogers from the City Clerk's Office reviewed the evening's agenda with the Council. This is the portion of the meeting where papers are continued, withdrawn, stricken, or motions are made to amend.

On this day, the papers receiving the most discussion were the following:

@minutes 3:00 - 13:20
Item 8, Ordinance 2010-184 To amend the Code concerning stormwater utility charges, to authorize stormwater utility fee waiver for any property owner who provides a permandent reduction in post development stormwater flow and pollutant loading as authorized by City Charter.

@minute 13:30
Mr. Bruce Tyler [1st District] requested amending and continuing Item 9, Ordinance 2010-185 regarding reducing the terms from 5 to 3 years for members of the Commission of Architectural Review [CAR], the unelected body famous for telling folks what they can and can't do with their homes located within historic districts. Mr. Tyler said the paper needed to be amended to include that the 2 at-large members must be residents of a historic district.

@minutes 14:40 -18:00
Mrs. Ellen Robertson [6th District] asked Mr. Tyler about Item 10, Ordinance 2010-186 which would require individuals wishing to appeal the decisions of CAR to pay a $150 filing fee for single family houses and $500 for all other types of buildings. Mrs. Robertson was concerned about the fee for low-income folks.

@minutes 19:10 -
Ms. Reva Trammell [8th District] asked about items 14 and 15, Ordinance 2010-194 which would authorize special use of 3800-3916 Hull Street and 415 - 527 Belt Boulevard to allow two free standing signs "identifying tenants of the properties" and Ordinance 2010-195 which would legitimize an existing free standing sign at 5449, 5501, and 5503 Midlothian Turnpike.

Mr. Connor reassured Ms. Trammell they were "in-sync on this paper."

Part 3/4 - City Council Informal Session - Oct. 25, 2010 - Report from Schools - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Part 4/4 - City Council Informal Session - Oct. 25, 2010 - Jail Discussion - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Council to Enlarge RRHA Board by Two Members and Council Pursues Naming Rights for Corporations

The Entire Meeting

Land Use, Housing, Transportation Committee - Oct. 19, 2010 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

RePHRAME Members on Increasing Tenant Representation on RRHA Board from Silver Persinger.

Above, two members from RePHRAME, Cora Hayes [a tenant of public housing] and Max Daniel, spoke in support of Resolution 2010-R140 but both also objected that only one of the two new commissioners will be required to be a resident of public housing. The other new member will be appointed by the Council.

Silver Persinger's Two Cents - Community Land Trust at Dove Court & Against Corporate Naming Rights from Silver Persinger.

Above, My 2¢. I spoke during the Citizen Comment Period about starting committee meetings later to accommodate citizens who work 9 to 5. This meeting begins at 3 PM. I also suggested that the Dove Court Redevelopment Project be developed as a Community Land Trust to provide affordable housing into the future and retain City ownership of the land as the most responsible and best use of the land.

Later in the meeting, I spoke in opposition to Resolution 2010-R145 [Patron: Chris Hilbert] which asks CAO Byron Marshall to study and submit a report to Council on the feasibility of selling corporate naming rights for City-owned facilities.

Richmond City Council Meeting for September 13, 2010

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

Conflicts of Interest?

This was one of the longest meetings in quite a while. 3 1/2+ hours! I left at 9:45 PM and the introduction of papers had just started, and it was a thick packet, thick with budget related papers from the Mayor.

Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about? But what if I'm saying is true? Is something wrong here?




Ellen Robertson's 2004 campaign contribution from Kelvin Hanson

I have written a letter to members of Council about this situation. I think it stinks, I don't understand how this is OK, good, or desirable and not self-serving, cronyism and corruption. And yet, with the exception of Councilwoman Reva Trammell, all the rest of them are acting like this is completely fine, it's not in the newspaper, and if I didn't mention it, it wouldn't be public information -- even though it is "PUBLIC INFORMATION."

If something wrong is going on here, I hope to help to bring it to the attention of the public and the proper authorities.

If I am wrong, I will be greatly embarrassed, and will crawl back under my rock. And learn from my mistakes. I am motivated to speak out because NO ONE IS AT CITY HALL, there are no citizens. I don't believe Council members even know as much as they should about what the government is doing, Cronyism is real. And if all this business is done in the open and they are never called out on it -- they are free to continue to play their little insider game of appointing friends and campaign contributors.

I'll be posting the entire meeting over the next few days. There were several big stories at tonight's meeting. Mayor Dwight Jones presented his budget to Council, Citizens spoke during the Citizen Comment Period in Opposition to the Stormwater Fee recently enacted by the City, and the Rezoning of Manchester was a surprisingly popular topic.

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.

Patrick Henry Charter School Needs Money/ Teen Pregnacy Prevention Program/ RBHA Initiatives Discussed @ Health, Human Services & Edu. - Jan. 20, 2010

Part 1/5 - Citizen Comment @ Health, Human Services, & Edu. - Jan. 20, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

Part 4/5 - Antione Green on Patrick Henry Charter School @ Health, Human Services, & Edu. - Jan. 20, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

Part 2/5 - Dr. Stern Proposing Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program - Community of Caring - Jan. 20, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

Part 3/5 - Overview of RBHA Initiatives - Dr. Jack Lanier, CEO, RBHA - Jan. 20, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

Part 5/5 - Minutes Approved / Staff Committee Report - Jan. 20, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

Mayor Projects $30 Million Shortfall for Fiscal Year 2011 Budget during Special Meeting

Mayor Jones/Richmond City Council Joint Meeting to Discuss FY 2010-11 Budget - Jan. 11, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

Free Parking Now Available for City Council Meetings at 10th & Broad Streets*

* Note: This only applies to the 6 PM Council meetings held on the second and fourth Mondays each month.

CITY OF RICHMOND
News Release

For Immediate Release
Friday, January 8, 2010

Additional Parking Spaces Available for City Council Meetings

Richmond, VA – Virginia Commonwealth University has agreed to allow the city of Richmond to use the surface parking lot at the corner of Broad and 10th Streets for public use during City Council formal sessions. This lot will provide more than 100 free parking spaces for each City Council formal session, which are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6 pm in the second floor of City Hall.

The entrance to the parking lot is on 10th Street directly across from City Hall. A parking attendant will allow entry into the lot and provide parking directions to residents. Exits to the parking lot are located on both 10th and 11th Streets. The exit gate will open automatically when the sensors are triggered.

Virginia Commonwealth University and the city of Richmond are not responsible for vehicles parked in the lot. Any vehicle left in the lot at the conclusion of a City Council formal session will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Contact: Michael Wallace
(804) 646-2772

Organizational Development - January 4, 2010

Part 1 - Performance Evaluations of Council Appointees @ Organizational Development - Jan. 4, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

Part 2 - Chief of Staff Report @ Organizational Development - Jan. 4, 2009 from Silver Persinger.

Happy New Year from the Richmond Telegraph : An Editorial

This blog is one year old. Over the year I've posted 120 entries and entertained over 7400 visitors. Some of the posts were simply reprinting of Press Releases from Mayor Jones' office announcing some new appointee. Sometimes, the post included an article and many times the only item posted was a video of the meeting with no report. My preference is to have report accompany the video. It is important to have keywords -- names, projects, developers, etc. to make the video even more accessible to the people who are interested in watching the video and don't even know it.

If you ever see a video without an article, feel free to write one and submit it to me. I will post it and give you credit. Though I reserve the right to edit for accuracy and may add additional information. Any article is better than no article.

This year, in 2010, I am proposing to scale back my coverage of the City Council's committees. I will still record the twice-a-month, 2nd & 4th Monday meetings. I will still film committee meetings that begin after 5 PM. However, I will not attend many Council meetings that begin before 5 PM. On one hand this is a protest, for years I have requested that they hold their committee meetings at 6 PM to encourage the public to attend; rather than holding meetings at 3 and 4 PM, when many people are working. I don't want to lose any more wages due to attending Richmond City Council meetings. It produces a tangible and real economic hardship for me. Readers of this blog have not contributed one cent to subsidize my efforts. I lost wages and this blog consumed a considerable amount of my free time in my evenings over the past year.

I think it is worthwhile to video record the meetings. There is a lot that is discussed and a picture tells us a hidden story that is not immediately comprehended, yet recorded. Videos allow people to see how government is conducted and who believes what by what they say.

I have enjoyed documenting the Richmond City Council over the last year. I encourage citizens to attend all the Council's meetings. You can see a calendar listing of upcoming meetings here. One may initially think it would be boring, but you learn all kinds of things about what is going on in the city. Then there is the comedy of the Council members themselves. They love to speak much and say little. They are all interesting people and personalities. All likable on a one on one basis; yet each one has their own mind, beliefs, and motivations. At a certain level, the display is pure theatre, made more pathetically humorous by the lack of engagement by the citizenry of Richmond.

By being the most vocal critic and active citizen-observer of the Council, I am in a unique position to criticize the institution. I am sure there are many unsavory discussions that go on behind the scenes that even a regular attendee of meetings does have access to or knowledge of.

People who live here [in Richmond, as well the U.S.], don't take our democracy seriously.

What do you think will happen if every citizen sits back and doesn't hold our government or the corporate press accountable?

What happens, is what is happening now -- corporations, government, and career politicians have allowed our nation's economy to wither from a productive one based on industry and agriculture to one based on consumption and services. Military imperialism to defend US economic interests is the order of the day. Private property and accumulated capital are protected and legitimized at the expense of the public's well being. People are ignorant of the conditions and mechanisms of society.

The power of democracy is that one can speak for others. By using the power of free speech, an individual can appeal to another's reasoning or emotions. By discussion, dialogue, and argument a reasoned opinion can be achieved. Unfortunately, democracy also requires the Free Press. This is unfortunate because newspapers are private concerns and reflect the interests and political views of their publishers. Many times, the Richmond Times-Dispatch does not cover very important issues that are discussed at meetings. Since the public does not attend the meeting and they are unable to read an honest account of the meeting, the public largely remains in the dark. If I can see this occurring at the local level, you can be sure it is likely worse at the state and federal levels.

Please leave any feedback in the comments area. Suggestions or things you'd like to see me do. Thanks for reading and for your interest in Richmond, Virginia's government.

Towing, Democracy & Citizenship

Richmond City Council - Nov. 9, 2009 from Silver Persinger.

Above, view the entire meeting.

* * * Hi-Lights * * *

The most important business of the evening was discussion of Ordinance 2009-186 to raise maximum allowable fees on towing and storage fees. From $65 to $125 for towing and from $20 to $35 per day to store your car after the first 24 hours.

Ord. 2009- 186 To Raise Towing & Storage Fees for Cars towed from Private Property from Silver Persinger.

Listen to the discussion. The paper was continued until the next meeting. Council persons did not object to the fees but said they wanted clarification on issues related to signage and penalties for towing companies that violate the law.

Citizen Comment Period

Citizen Comment Period - Nov. 9, 2009 - Football / Veterans / Citizenship / Roundabout from Silver Persinger.

Speakers included Bernice Travers and Darryl L. Badley, Jr. speaking about the upcoming Armstrong & Walker Classic Football Game to be held at Virginia Union on November 14. Cliff Troutman spoke on Wreaths Across America. Silver Persinger spoke against Council's recent decision to move the Citizen Comment Period later on the Agenda. Sue Barlett, owner of BEX Logistics, spoke in opposition to the proposed roundabout for Holly Springs Avenue and Maury Street.

Awards & Presentations

Awards & Presentation Period - Nov. 9, 2009 from Silver Persinger.

Groups receiving Community Serice Awards included HandsOn Greater Richmond, Friends of Chimborazo Playground, Radio One, and Virginia Voice. Valerie M. Salaam, a Council Policy Analysis who is leaving her position was also given a Public Service Award in private and did not receive the award publicly.

Informal Session - November 9, 2009 - Storm Water Fee / Weaver Report

Informal Session - Nov. 9, 2009 - Storm Water Fee / Boards & Commissions / Weaver Report from Silver Persinger.

Includes Deputy CAO of Operations Christopher Beschler discussing the storm water fee and how it is derived. Docket Review for the evening's meeting. Council discussion of Boards, Commissions and Authorities, which to abolish and how to manage. Chris Hilbert [3rd District] recommended that applicants be asked if they do business with the city; to avoid potential conflicts of interests and to promote transparency.

Discussion by City Clerk Lou B. Ali on developing orientation for new Board and Commission appointees and holding a recognition ceremony for volunteers in April 2010.

Council Chief of Staff Daisy Weaver gave a report. Discussed the CIP [Capital Improvement Program] Budget. Bruce Tyler [1st District] asked about the cost of the City Jail. Ms. Weaver reported the administration was late in delivering three reports to the Council. Reva Trammell [8th District] mentioned briefly a deal she was working on for the Model Tobacco building, possibly a bond financed through RRHA.

Ms. Weaver announced her desire to hire Ralph Harris, who currently serves as one of Council's Fiscal Analysts, as her Deputy Chief of Staff. Ms. Trammell offered some protest to the proposed "promotion."

There have been other recent changes to Council's staff recently. Felicia Craighead, until recently served as a Deputy City Clerk. Three employees under the supervision of Ms. Weaver have recently left their positions. Angela Montgomery, formerly a Policy Analyst left her position in August, and recently Valerie Salaam [Policy Analyst] and Anthony Dale [Budget Analyst] have left what had formerly been described as the "Department of Legislative Services." The handling of this department by Council's Chief of Staff Ms. Weaver, has been an object of constant criticism by this blogger.

The Department is supposed to have a Director and it did briefly in the person of Ellen Bowyer, the only individual fired by former Mayor Douglas Wilder and Acting CAO Harry Black for not re-applying for her job with the Council. Since that time, Ms. Weaver has assumed the duties of the Director and also continues in her role as Council's Chief of Staff.

In my opinion, Ms. Weaver is an ineffective manager who lacks leadership in her direction of legislative policy. She merely exhibits a semblance of formality and process. Ms. Weaver worked for twenty years in the City's Budget Office, but I don't think that is an adequate qualification for directing legislative policies.

I think the lack of an effective Director of Legislative Services is the greatest contributor to the lack of success and effectiveness of the Richmond City Council.

Richmond City Council - October 26, 2009

Part 1

Richmond City Council - Oct. 26, 2009 from Silver Persinger.

Part 2

Richmond City Council - Oct. 26, 2009 Part 2 from Silver Persinger.

New Scandal Rocks Richmond City Council - Marty Jewell Arrested for DUI

Less than an hour ago, from Richmond Police Department:

> Date: October 24, 2009 11:57:10 AM EDT
> Subject: 102409 Jewell Arrest DW.doc
>
> Attached is information about the arrest of Councilman Marty Jewell.
> Thank you for your attention.
>
> Dionne Waugh
> Public Affairs Unit
> Richmond Police Department.


E-mail Advisory 10/24/09

Richmond Police Department

Jewell Arrest

This morning at approximately 1:30 a.m., Richmond Police arrested Councilman Marty Jewell for Driving Under the Influence. The arrest was made near Byrd Park. Because this case will be heard in court, no details related to this incident will be disseminated to the media.

The Richmond Police Department has increased the total number of DUI arrests over the past couple of years. In 2006, there were 410 arrests for for DUI.

Last year there were 653 DUI arrests and this year to date there have been 609 DUI arrests. Along with enforcement, the Department has developed numerous awareness campaigns as well to deter drunk driving.