Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Police Officers and Fire Fighters Want More Money


Part 1/4 - 2013 January 29 - Papers for Consideration - Public Safety - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

The Public Safety Committee considered several papers.

[1:34] 1. Ord. No. 2013-2 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To amend and reordain City Code § 110-37, concerning taxicab rates, for the purpose of providing that, for a trip originating at Richmond International Airport, the rate shall be $10.00 or the charge registered on the meter, whichever is greater, plus $2.00.

I spoke in opposition to this paper because I did not feel that residents or visitors to the city should pay an excessive minimum charge for taxi rides originating at the Richmond Airport. My point was irrelevant however because the stated minimum charge of $10 would have been reached on any fare further than 3 miles from the the Richmond Airport and the Richmond City limits is about 5 miles from the airport. This fact was not clearly stated until after much needless discussion had occurred. Thanks to Greg Lukanuski from the City Attorney's Office. Discussion of the paper was put off of a bit until a member of the Airport Commission arrived. The discussion resumed at [18:59].

[10:43] 2. Ord. No. 2013-3 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept $50,000 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services by $50,000 for the purpose of a Richmond MSA Public Outreach and Education Project.

[39:33] 3. Ord. No. 2013-12 (Patron: Mr. Agelasto) - To amend and reordain ch. 102, art. VI, div. 1 of the City Code by adding therein a new section numbered 102-246 and to amend and reordain City Code § 102-243, concerning parking violations and penalties for noncompliance with certain parking requirements, both for the purposes of requiring that the curbside wheels of vehicles parked on streets parallel to a curb shall be no more than 12 inches from such curb and imposing a fine for the violation of such requirement.

[16:04] 4. Ord. No. 2013-18 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $135,185 from the United States Department of Homeland Security and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services by $135,185 for the purpose of providing for the purchase of computer hardware and software to increase critical information sharing and collaboration efforts between the City and other entities at the Port of Richmond and generally within the city of Richmond.

Part 2/4 - 2013 January 29 - Public Comment Period - Public Safety - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Citizen comments from Melvin Jones, who is tired of the drug dealing going on in front of his house[0:33], Charles Willis, Execute Director, Citizens Against Crime, on the Nightclub ordinance [4:43], Jodi Strange, President, Friends of Richmond K9 urging Council to support a new building for the city's K9 Unit [10:10], Rosetta Torrence discussing her petition to keep Police Chief Norwood in the City of Richmond [12:03].

Part 3/4 - 2013 January 29 - Police & Fire Discuss Salaries & Career Advancement - Public Safety - Richmond, VA from Silver.

[0:53] Captain Keith Andes from the Richmond Fire Department gave the main presentation in support of increasing salaries and improving career opportunities for member of the Richmond Police and Fire Department. Council woman Reva Trammell [8th District] said if there was any retaliation in response to their demand she wanted to hear about it. She offered her telephone numbers in case anyone wants to call her. Her home phone number is 233-7382 and her cell number is 240-5050.

[10:25] Capt. Andes was followed by Stacy Rogers, President of Richmond Coalition of Police, who talked about losing officers to localities that offered a few thousand dollars more and described the generally hopelessness that officers felt and stated that many men and women in the department were struggling to get by.

Ms. Trammell addressed the audience [16:00] and invited others to speak to have their concerns heard. Other speakers included Sergeant John Barkley, Richmond Police [20:26], Police Officer Trishonda Gill[22:19], Homicide Detective Mack Ewards [24:35], Firefighter Jennifer Curran [28:24], Firefighter Joe Signorelli [31:08], Firefighter Lt. Ray Neville [32:20], and retired firefighter Tom Bray? [42:26].

[34:00] Additional comments from Keith Andes and Stacy Rogers, Ms. Trammell asked them to give her their top four demands.

Comments from Council persons Cynthia Newbille [38:14], Chris Hilbert [39:10], and closing comments from Ms. Trammell [43:13].

Part 4/4 - 2013 January 29 - Minutes Approved, Appointments, Staff Report - Public Safety - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

The final bit of the meeting included the approval of minutes from a previous meeting, discussion of the appointment of Carly Sorrento? to Community Criminal Justice Board, and a brief staff report from Steve Taylor.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Council's Constitutional Officers Report for Duty


At City Council's first meeting of the new term, Council members received introductory reports from Council's Chief of Staff Lou Ali, City Attorney Allen Jackson, City Assessor James Hester, City Auditor Umesh Dalal, and City Clerk Alvin Anderson.

Part 1/5 - 2013 January 7 - Report from Council Chief of Staff Lou Ali - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Before the report from Council's Chief of Staff, Byron Marshall, Mayor Jones' Chief Administrative Officer introduced Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services, Stephen Harms [1:24]

Part 2/5 - 2013 January 7 - Report from City Attorney Allen Jackson - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 3/5 - 2013 January 7 - Report from City Assessor James Hester - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 4/5 - 2013 January 7 - Report from City Auditor Umesh Dalal - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 5/5 - 2013 January 7 - Report from City Clerk Alvin Anderson - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Planning Commission Considers Church Hill Water Tank, Victory Rug Apartments, Nightclub Ordinance


Part 1/4 - 2013 Jan. 7 - Minutes, Director's Report, Consent Agenda - Planning Commission - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Meeting started at 1:30 PM.

In this portion, Chair Melvin Law opened the meeting, welcomed back Kathy Graziano [4th District] to the Planning Commission, and wished members a happy new year. Graziano served previously as a member of the Planning Commission from January 2005 - December 2008.

The minutes for Dec. 3 and 10, 2012 were approved unanimously [0:56]. The election of officers was put off until the next meeting [1:27]. The Annual Report to City Council was approved to be sent to City Council [2:41]. The Consent Agenda consisted of Ord. 2012-211 to authorize renovations & increasing the number of residents permitted in the adult care residence [4:10]; and an item pertaining to the replacement of the water tank in Church Hill [4:58] which was moved to the regular agenda by unanimous consent of the body.

There was no public comment nor Commission discussion on Ordinance 2012-211 [5:35] which was forward to Council unanimously.

Part 2/4 - 2013 Jan. 7 - Church Hill Water Tank Replacement - Planning Commission - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

The replacement water tank was proposed to look the same as the existing water tank. The Commission asked the Department to go back and offer some alternatives that would fit in more with the residential character of the neighborhood. The item was deferred for 30 days.

Part 3/4 - 2013 Jan. 7 - Ord. 2012-200 - Victory Rug Building - Planning Commission - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 4/4 - 2013 Jan. 7 - Ord. 2012-234 - Nightclub Ordinance - Planning Commission - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Meeting end time 2:44 PM.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Final Formal Meeting of 2012 is Last for Tyler, Jewell, Conner


Part 1/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Prayer, Pledge, Fire Evacuation, Rules for Speakers - Richmond City Council, Richmond, VA from Silver.

Meeting start time: 6:13 PM End Time: 7:58 PM

All members present with the exception of Chris Hilbert [3rd District].

This was the last Formal Council meeting of the year, though Council would convene two more special meetings to wrap up details on the gifts to Bon Secours Hospital and the Washington Redskins.

This was also the last meeting with Councilmen Marty Jewell [5th District], Doug Conner [9th District], and possibly Bruce Tyler [1st District] who has requested a recount and contested the November election he lost by 22 votes. One event noticeably missing was the "Thomas Jefferson Award for Government Service," which many out-going members have received in recent years. The award appears to be an engraved silver platter.

Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

Fire evacuation instructions [].

Rules for Speakers. Including a new section that says speakers may be banned for 6 months if they fail to follow Council's rules. This is a response to recent comments made by Teddy Parham, who was subsequently banned from Council meetings for 6 months. See the comments that got Ms. Parham in trouble, here.

Part 2/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Awards Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 3/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Amending the Agenda - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 4/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Citizen Comment Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 5/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Reading of the Agenda - Richmond City Council Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 6/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Citizens Opposed to Consent Agenda - Richmond City Council Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 7/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Expedited Resolutions & Approval of Minutes - City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 8/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Council Member Announcements - Richmond City Council Meeting - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 9/9 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Introduction of New Papers - City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger on Vimeo.

Informal Session


Part 1/6 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Adrienne Goolsby, CEO of RRHA - Informal Session - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Adrienne Goolsby, Chief Executive Officer for the Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority gave a presentation to the City Council as an update to what the organization has been doing under her leadership. She was joined by Carol Jones Gilbert, Chief Operations Officers, and another woman.

Part 2/6 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Docket Review Ord. 2012-209 - Informal Session - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 3/6 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Ord. 2012-221 & 222 - To Locate Water Treatment on Commerce Rd - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 4/6 - 2012 Dec. 10 - Docket Review Ord. 2012-225 - Informal Session - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 5/6- 2012 Dec. 10 - Relocating RPS from Diamond Stadium Site - Informal Session - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 6/6- 2012 Dec. 10 - Docket Review Concluded - Informal Session - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Monday, November 26, 2012

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speaking in Support, David Napier [14:23]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Enhanced" Redskins/Bon Secours Deal Explained at Informal


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the sources of these revenues:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comments from Council Members.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public Comment:

Opposition:

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

Support:

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

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

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

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

Papers under consideration included:

X X X

COMING SOON 11/28/2012

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

Opening comments from Doug Conner [0:16]

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

Closing comments from Doug Conner [8:48].

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

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

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

Special Council Meeting on the Redskin/Bon Secours Deal Announced


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

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

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

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

Monday, November 19, 2012

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the proposed ordinance, Ordinance 2012-16.

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

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

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

Public Comment

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

[36:31] Comments from Silver Persinger

[41:34] Comments from Melvin Jones

[43:16] Further Council discussion

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

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Details of Redskins/Bon Secours Deal Discussed at Finance Committee


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

PUBLIC NOTICE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, November 12, 2012

Redskins/Bon Secours Giveaways & Riverfront Plan Delayed Amid Chaos


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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