Monday, March 11, 2013

City Clerk Alvin Anderson Fired by City Council


Part 1/9 - 2013 March 11 - Formal Meeting Opening - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Council President Charles Samuels called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. The meeting opened with the customary prayer spoken by Rev. Donna Tucker, Associate Minister at Tabernacle Baptist Church [0:26], followed by the Pledge of Allegiance [1:36].

This was followed by the Council Chambers evacuation announcement [1:54], and rules for speakers [2:39]. All members of Council were present [3:36].

Part 2/9 - 2013 March 11 - Appointments & Reappointments - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 3/9 - 2013 March 11 - Awards Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 4/9 - 2013 March 11 - Agenda Review & Amendments - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver .

Part 5/9 - 2013 March 11 - Citizen Comment Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 6/9 - 2013 March 11 - Consent Agenda - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 7/9 - 2013 March 11 - Expedited Papers - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Part 8/9 - 2013 March 11 - Minutes Approved/ Council Announcements - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Historic Informal Session of Richmond City Council


2013 March 11 - Docket Review - Informal Session City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver

Thankfully, for me the meeting started at 3:10 PM, right after I arrived. I probably missed less than 30 seconds from the beginning of the meeting as I set up my camera. This was a historic meeting for two reasons. It was very short, only about 10 minutes long, none of the items reviewed generated much discussion. Secondly, it was the first time I've seen the President of the Council open the floor for Citizen Comment at the end of the meeting. Later, I wished that I had spoken to thank Council President Samuels for allowing Citizen Comment during the Informal Session and to encourage him to continue the tradition at future meetings when time allowed.

The only item on the agenda was Docket Review, the review of papers to be considered at City Council's Formal Meeting at 6 PM.

Monday, March 4, 2013

General Assembly Update, Multi-Modal Plan, Budget Review Calendar at Organization Development


Part 1/4 - 2013 March 4 - General Assembly Update from Ron Jordan - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

The City's lobbyist Ron Jordan gave an update about actions taken by the General Assembly and issues that will specifically impact the City.

Part 2/4 - 2013 March 4 - Draft Multi-Modal Strategic Plan - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 3/4 - 2013 March 4 - Budget Review Calendar - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 4/4 - 2013 March 4 - Board Vacancies - Organizational Development - Richmond, VA from Silver Persinger on Vimeo.

Special Meeting - Monument Ave. Windows Postponed & Mayor's Budget Date Set


2013 March 4 - Special Meeting of City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Meeting started at 5:06 PM. All Council members were present with the exception of Chris Hilbert [3rd District]

At the Council meeting of February 25, 2013 this Special Meeting was called in order to deal with Resolution 2013-R47 "To reverse the decision of the Commission of Architectural Review which denied a certificate of appropriateness for vinyl replacement windows on a home located at 2916 Monument Avenue." [3:57]

The Commission of Architectural Review and the individual who had replaced his windows, prior to the meeting had agreed to continue discussions for up to 75 days. The resolution was continued to the March 25 Council meeting in order to receive an update by a vote of 7-1, Councilman Parker Agelasto was the only dissenting vote.

The only other item discussed at the meeting was Ordinance 2013-42 "To fix the day on which the Mayor shall submit the budgets to be submitted in 2013 to the City Council pursuant to City Charter § 6.02 on March 12, 2013, at 3:00 PM." Patron Council President Charles Samuels [2nd District]. [2:05] The ordinance passed 8-0

The special meeting ended at 5:12 PM. Then Council members were requested to attend the Organizational Development Committee meeting that was held in the Large Conference Room, across the hall from the Council Chambers.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Capital Region Collaborative & Docket Review at Informal Session


The first Informal Session with a noticeably absent City Clerk Alvin Anderson. The City Clerk's Office staff did a fine job running the meeting.

Part 1/2 - 2013 Feb. 25 - Presentation from Capital Region Collaborative - Informal Session City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver

Presentation on the Capital Region Collaborative, a pro-business group that include 9 localities surrounding Richmond which is "a partnership between the Greater Richmond Chamber [of Commerce] and the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission." The presentation was given to members of City Council by Bob Crum, Executive Director, Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, and Wendy Burtner-Owens, Project Manager for the Capital Regional Collaborative.

Part 2/2 - 2013 Feb. 25 - Docket Review - Informal Session City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Docket Review that included some contentious items.

Items discussed included:

Ord. 2012-4 pertaining to the "1% for the Arts" Program which would limit the amount to no more than $250,000 for each qualifying project. Mr. Hilbert had questions and Mrs. Robertson also had comments. Both Council persons support a monument to Maggie Walker, the famous first African-American woman banker. [7:06]

Res. 2013-R47 "To reverse the decision of the Commission of Architectural Review which denied a certificate of appropriateness for vinyl replacement windows on a home located at 2916 Monument Avenue." [17:34]

Res. 2013-R48 chickens!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Cutting GRTC Service for Disabled Riders Proposed & Monument Avenue Vinyl Windows


Part 1/ - 2013 Feb. 19 - GRTC Presentation on ADA Ridership - Land Use - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Representatives from GRTC gave a presentation on the growing expense of transporting people with disabilities and made proposals to cut service.

Part 2/ - 2013 Feb. 19 - Agenda Amendments - Land Use - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver

City Clerk Alvin Anderson reviewed amendments and papers on the committee's agenda for the meeting.

Part 3/ - 2013 Feb. 19 - Public Comment Period - Land Use - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Public comments from Valerie West [0:31] and Lee Crowell [4:49] related to the papers pertaining to urban hens.

Deborah Corliss and Dr. Louise Einolf, co-chairs of the Patrick Henry Charter School spoke to the committee [9:25] about desiring a long term lease on Patrick Henry School and wanting to use more of the building.

Part 4/ - 2013 Feb. 19 - Papers for Review - Land Use - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Part 5/ - 2013 Feb. 19 - Res. 2013-R47 - Vinyl Windows on Monument Ave - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver.

A half hour discussion on the merits of vinyl windows on a Monument Avenue home. The Commission of Architectural Review [C.A.R.] would prefer the recently replaced windows made of vinyl be taken out and replaced with expensive wooden windows. Special appearance from Bill Pantele, former Council President and 2nd District Council member, who was representing the individual who had replaced the windows.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Hull Street Revitalization & Stormwater Discussed at Informal Session


Part 1/3 - 2013 Feb. 11 - Draft Hull St. Revitalization Plan - Informal Session - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Meeting Start Time: 3:04 PM

Deana Rhodeside, Director of Rhodeside & Harwell, Inc. gave a 23 minute presentation on her firm's vision for improvements along the Hull Street corridor in south Richmond and Chesterfield County. The plan called for creating more green spaces, developing housing, additional landscaping, and adding more sidewalks and bicycle pathways. A key feature of the plan was the development of four themed "urban centers," including "Town & Family Entertainment Center" at Warwick Rd., "Design/Health+Wellness Center" at Chippenham Parkway at the Richmond/Chesterfield city limit, "Multi-Cultural Market Center" at Turner Road in Chesterfield, and "Live+Learn Center" at Walmsley Boulevard in Chesterfield.

Dr. Rhodeside's presentation was followed by roughly 10 minutes of questions and comments from Council members.

Part 2/3 - 2013 Feb. 11 - Presentation on Stormwater - Informal Session - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Michele Virts, Deputy Director, Dept. of Public Utilities gave a presentation on Stormwater.

Part 3/3 - 2013 Feb. 11 - Docket Review - Informal Session - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Items on the Agenda for the evening's Formal Meeting were reviewed before going into closed session to discuss the City Auditor and City Clerk.

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.