Economic Development & Finance Committee Meeting

2012 Sept. 20 - Economic & Finance Committee - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Called to order: 3:12 PM / Meeting running time: 59 minutes.

Land Use, Housing, & Transportation Committee Meeting

Land Use, Housing, & Transportation Committee - 2012 Sept. 18 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Short Public Safety Meeting without Trammell

Public Safety Committee - 2012 Sept. 17 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Called to order: 5:09 PM / Meeting Run Time: 1 hour, 9 minutes

This was the first Public Safety Committee meeting since Council's August break. Reva Trammell [8 District], the regular chairperson, was not present at the monthly meeting. Chris Hilbert [3rd District] chaired the meeting and was joined by Cynthia Newbille [7th District] and later by Marty Jewell at 5:12 PM [5th District] and Council President Kathy Graziano at 5:20 PM [4th District].

City Council/Mayor Candidate Forum at VCU

A public forum featuring candidates running for Richmond City Council and Mayor was held at a VCU building located in a former grocery store. The event was organized by The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government in partnership with the A. Philip Randolph Institute, The Alliance for Progressive Values, The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, People of Faith for Equality, RePHRAME - Residents of Public Housing in Richmond Against Mass Evictions, Richmond NOW, Sierra Club - Fall of the James, S.O.N.G. Southerners On New Ground, UniteWomen.org - Virginia Chapter, Virginia New Majority - Central Virginia Chapter, and Virginia Organizing.

The Forum started about 8:10 PM. Scott Price, Policy Director for The Alliance for Progressive Values, opened the forum and introduced the moderator for the evening, Dr. Kim Allen from the Martin Luther King Jr. Living History Center. Dr. Allen described the format and rules for the evening and then allowed each candidate make an opening statement.

Facebook event page: facebook.com/events/234730533315637/

Part 1/11 Richmond City Council Candidate Forum 2012 Sept. 13 - Introductory Comments - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Parker Angelasto, 5th District [4:34], Ellen Robertson, 6th District [6:52], Bruce Tyler, 1st District [9:03], Chris Hilbert, 3rd District [9:54], Charles Samuels, 2nd District [11:58], Mike Ryan, candidate for Mayor [14:09], Johnny Walker, 4th District [16:18], Jimmy Hart, 8th District [18:34], Marty Jewell, 5th District [20:07], Lee Shewmake, 5th District [22:23], Erin Delp, 3rd District [24:43], Dawn Page, 8th District [25:57], Michelle Mosby, 9th District [27:38], and Charlie Diradour, 2nd District [29:59].

Part 2/11 Richmond City Council Candidate Forum 2012 Sept. 13 - Building by Design or Default? - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

The first question posed to candidates referenced Mayor Jones' statement about building the City by design and not by default in the context of so many Special Use Permits being granted recently. The question was put to Mayoral candidate Mike Ryan [1:07], and 5th District City Council candidates Marty Jewell [3:16] and Lee Shewmake [4:41].

Part 3/11 Richmond City Council Candidate Forum 2012 Sept. 13 - Redeveloping Public Housing - 1 to 1 Replacement? - Richmond, VA from Silver.

The second question directed to candidates Dawn Page, 8th District [0:51], and Ellen Robertson, 6th District [2:42], asked if they supported one to one replacement of units for individuals who currently live in Public Housing.

Part 4/11 Richmond City Council Candidate Forum 2012 Sept. 13 - On Spot Zoning - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

The question referenced varying parking requirements for recently proposed developments in Richmond's West End and Oregon Hill. The questioner asked, "Why is Spot Zoning like this allowed?"

Bruce Tyler, 1st District candidate [0:43] and Charles Samuels, 2nd District candidate [1:43] responded to the question.

Part 5/11 Richmond City Council Candidate Forum 2012 Sept. 13 - On Transportation/GRTC - Richmond, VA from Silver.

A question about improving Public Transportation and their support for a rapid transit bus line to Willow Lawn was posed to 4th District candidates Erin Delp [0:55] and Chris Hilbert [2:18]; Mayoral candidate Mike Ryan [4:29] and 8th District Council candidate Dawn Page [6:30] also commented on the question.

Part 6/11 Richmond City Council Candidate Forum 2012 Sept. 13 - On LGBTQ - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Moderator Dr. Kim Allen asked Council candidates Johnny Walker, 4th District [1:13], and Jimmy Hart, 8th District [3:08], what they would do to promote a safe and tolerant community for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer youth? Mr. Walker initially tried to avoid the question by attempting to discuss the previous question but Dr. Allen made him answer the question.

Part 7/11 Richmond City Council Candidate Forum 2012 Sept. 13 - On $10M from Altria - Richmond, VA from Silver.

Considering a recent agreement between the city and Altria for naming rights to the Landmark Theatre for $10 million, Dr. Kim Allen asked how this money could be used to benefit people of Richmond. Jimmy Hart, 8th District [0:28], Marty Jewell, 5th District [1:50], and Ellen Robertson, 6th District [4:25] responded.

Part 8/11 Richmond City Council Candidate Forum 2012 Sept. 13 - How will you create jobs? - Richmond, VA from Silver.

A perennial favorite was asked, "What would you do to create jobs in Richmond?" Attempting to answer the age-old question were Charles Samuels, 2nd District [0:31], Marty Jewell, 5th District [1:43], Johnny Walker, 4th District [4:04], Dawn Page, 8th District [5:27], Lee Shewmake, 5th District [7:02], and Mike Ryan, candidate for Mayor [8:57].

Part 9/11 Richmond City Council Candidate Forum 2012 Sept. 13 - Should City Sell Monroe Park to VCU? - Richmond, VA from Silver.

The question was initially asked to Charlie Diradour, a real estate developer and 2nd District candidate [0:33]. Diradour was the only candidate who publicly supported the idea of selling Monroe Park to VCU. Charles Samuels, 2nd District [1:29], spoke in opposition to the proposal and got a big round of applause; other sitting Council members also spoke in opposition to the proposal including Chris Hilbert, 3rd District [3:25], and Ellen Robertson, 6th District [4:20].

Part 10/11 Richmond City Council Candidate Forum 2012 Sept. 13 - On Working with the School Board - Richmond, VA from Silver.

The question this go-round was, How will you work with the School Board to address future budget shortfalls?

Many candidates answered this question including Dawn Page, 8th District [0:49], Jimmy Hart, 8th District [3:05], Michelle Mosby, 9th District [4:23], Bruce Tyler, 1st District [5:55], Erin Delp, 4th District [7:36], Lee Shewmake, 5th District [8:25], and Johnny Walker, 4th District [10:30].

At the end of this clip, moderator Dr. Kim Allen asked if there was an ordinance that prevented the sale of City Parks, Council members thought there was such an ordinance [12:32].

Part 11/11 Richmond City Council Candidate Forum 2012 Sept. 13 - Backyard Chickens? - Richmond, VA from Silver.

All candidates present were asked their postion on allowing backyard chickens in the City. Michelle Mosby, 9th District [0:42], Dawn Page, 8th District [1:41], Erin Delp, 3rd District [2:40], Lee Shewmake, 5th District [3:18], Marty Jewell, 5th District [4:05], Jimmy Hart, 8th District [6:15], Johnny Walker, 4th District [6:48], Mike Ryan, candidate for Mayor [6:59], Charles Samuels, 2nd District [7:39], Chris Hilbert, 3rd District [9:36], Bruce Tyler, 1st District [11:33], Ellen Robertson, 6th District [13:30], Parker Angelasto, 5th District [14:40], and Charlie Diradour, 2nd District [16:04].

Formal Meeting

2012 Sept. 10 - Richmond City Council Meeting - Entire Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Over 3 1/2 hour long meeting called to order at 6:30 PM. All members were present.

Informal Session

2012 Sept. 10 - Informal Session - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver.

Docket Review. Much discussion about the granting of tax exempt status to local nonprofits. The recipients of tax exempt status included James River Apartments [2 properties assessed at $720,000 for $8640 in annual relief], Good Samaritan Ministries, Ltd. [2 properties assessed at $1,134,600 for $28,276 in annual relief], Cary Street DFIND, LLC [2 properties assess at $356,300 for $7980 in annual relief], FIND, Inc. [1 property assessed at $477,000 for $5724 in annual relief], Chestnut Hill Apartments, LLC [1 property assessed at $221,000 for $2652 in annual relief], The Byrd Theatre Foundation [1 property assessed at $1,250,000 for $15,000 in annual relief], Cherokee Hill of Richmond, Inc. [1 property assessed at $369,000 for $4,428 in annual relief], Boaz and Ruth, Inc. [9 properties -- More time is needed to calculate, attachments with the Ordinance are incomplete], Bliley Manor, Inc. [1 property assessed at $399,000 for $4788 in annual relief], and Friends of East End Day Care, LLC. [1 property assessed at $2,680,000 for $32,160 in annual relief].

[1:51:35] Urban Hens Presentation from Keith Rogers, Assistant to CAO Byron Marshall, and formerly of the City Clerk's Office.

Organizational Development Meeting

Organizational Development 2012 Sept. 4 - Entire Meeting - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Items on the meeting's agenda. A report from Deputy City Auditor Amarilis Hernandez on the process the Auditor's office follows when conducting investigations and issuing reports.

Tax Exemption Papers (Ord. No. 2012-112 to Ord. No. 2012-138)

Setting the date for the 2012 Budget Retreat.

Current GRTC Members were reappointed with little discussion.

Council Approves 2nd Street Connector

Formal Meeting 2012 July 23 - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

I haven't written a report of this meeting yet. The major event of the night was Council's unanimous approval the Second Street Connector which will run from Second Street on the backside of the Virginia War Memorial down to the riverfront Tredegar Street, for the benefit Dominion Power's trading floor, Meadwestvaco, the Richmond Federal Reserve, and visitors to the Tredegar American Civil War Center. Watch the passage of Ord. 2012-152 and Ord. 2012-153 [11:14] The property was conveyed to Venture Richmond. More details soon.

Read more about the 2nd Street connector on C. Wayne Taylor's website, www.cityhallreview.com.

GRTC Task Force Discusses Site Selection for Downtown Transfer Center

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

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

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

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

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

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

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

Public Support does not Affect Council Vote on Schools' Budget

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

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

Part 2 is the Awards Period.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wanted: City Clerk/ Request from City Attorney/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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