Land Use, Housing and Transportation

My Two Cents - Armories, Council Process, and Public Information @ LAND USE

I spoke during the Citizen Comment Period to request that the City "do something" about the City-owned armories at Sixth Street and Leigh Street which continue to be neglected by the City.

I spoke again later in the meeting in reference to Resolution 2011-R19 sponsored by Bruce Tyler [1st District] which request CAO Byron Marshall "to study whether the City's zoning ordinance should be amended to change the existing zoning classifications of the properties bounded by Monument Avenue to the north, Kent Road to the east, Patterson Avenue to the south, and Malvern Avenue to the west."

I commended Mr. Tyler for following the process and objected to Mr. Conner's statement that "these things become far too formal" and that Council could simply request the Planning Dept. to meet with the Civic Association. I said that a resolution was an appropriate way for the Council to request such information. Unrelated to the paper specifically, I also objected that the FULL LANGUAGE of the resolutions and ordinances under consideration was not available for Public Review. This was only my second committee meeting after taking nearly 4 months off from attending Richmond City Council meetings. In the past, the Clerk's Office normally prepares a packet that includes the full language of the ordinances and resolutions and attachments associated with each paper which is labeled "Public Copy."

You're welcome.

Public Invited to Design Redistricting Maps

From a press release dated April 6, 2011:

Richmond City Council invites residents to submit proposed Richmond Voter District maps to assist the 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting process

Proposals to be submitted by 5:00 p.m. April 15, 2011; New Redistricting Plan to be adopted by December 31, 2011

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A) – Richmond City Council invites Richmond residents to submit proposed Richmond Voter District maps for consideration by 5:00 p.m. on April 15, 2011. Proposed maps will assist Council in determining Richmond Voter District boundaries as part of the 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting process. This is part of the ongoing open public process in which Richmond City Council is working to adopt a new 2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting plan, which will be used as new Richmond Voter District boundaries for the next 10 years, by December 31, 2011.

Proposals are to be based on the 2010 Census population figures for the City of Richmond (available from the U.S. Census website, at www.census.gov). Proposed boundaries should be clearly identifiable and include a listing of census blocks that are assigned to each District. Each district must be as close as possible to the ideal population of 204,214, ideally with a zero percent overall population variance, but preferably no more than 10 percent.

Additionally, proposals are to meet the following criteria (the first five of which are mandatory):

1. Equal population (Making voter districts, as near equal population as possible.)
2. Compactness (Making voter district shapes as closely packed as possible.)
3. Contiguity (Making voter district physically encompassed/connected, which may include spanning water.)
4. Avoidance of split U.S. Census Blocks (Not dividing the smallest geographic unit of census data when forming precincts/districts.)
5. Compliance with the Voting Rights Act (Redistricting Plan must comply with the U.S. Voting Rights Act and be approved by the U. S. Department of Justice
6. The 2011 redistricting plan should, if possible, avoid splits of voting precincts between the Council, School Board, state legislative and congressional election districts.
7. The 2011 redistricting plan should maximize voter convenience and the effective administration of elections.
8. The 2011 redistricting plan should preserve communities of interest.
9. The 2011 redistricting plan should, if possible, consolidate smaller voting precincts so that the number of registered voters in each precinct is at least the statewide average of 2,013.

Proposed Richmond Voter District maps may be submitted the following ways:

1. Sending to: Richmond City Council
2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting
Richmond City Hall; 900 E. Broad St., Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219
2. Faxing to 804.646.5468
3. Emailing to steven.skinner@richmondgov.com

Council Approves Use of Inmate Labor on City-Owned Property

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

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

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

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

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.

Mayoral Announcement Regarding Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Awards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speakers:

Richard Worssam on "Sustainable Development."

Lillie Waller on GRTC.

Wayne Baker on James River Bus strike.

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

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

Malfunctioning Equipment Allows Citizens More Time to Comment

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

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

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

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

AWARDS PERIOD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Donald Hatcher spoke in opposition to this paper.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Animal Control Reorganization & City Jail Site Selection Discussed @ Informal Session

Part 1/3 - Informal Session - DCAO Beschler on Animal Control Recommendations - Nov. 8, 2010 - Richmond, VA from Silver Persinger.

Deputity CAO of Operations Chris Beschler spoke to City Council about implementing recommendations of the study group regarding the organization of Animal Care and Control Division.

Over the last few years the Department has been passed between Police and the Department of Public Works. The suggestion was to make it a stand alone department with a director level head that would report directly to the CAO. Other recommendations included increasing staffing, increasing administrative support, and using the funding raised to be put into animal education efforts rather than being put into the general fund.

One the department's primary incomes is derived from pet licenses which are "required by law" and cost $10 per license. Only 3600 pets are currently licensed in the City.

These recommendations will not be fully implemented until the 2012-2013 budget.

Part 2/3 - Informal Session - Richmond City Council - City Jail Update - Nov. 8, 2010 - Richmond, VA from Silver Persinger.

Above, DCAO of Operation Chris Beschler, CAO Byron Marshall, and DCAO of Human Services Carolyn Graham answered questions from City Council (and particularly Councilman Marty Jewell [5th District] who submitted 14 written questions) regarding site selection for the new City Jail.

Part 3/3 - City Council Informal Session - Docket Review & Government Ops Staff Report - Nov. 8, 2010 - Richmond, from Silver Persinger,

Charles Samuels' Community Meeting to Discuss Homelessness & Closure of Monroe Park for Renovations

Text adapted from the Wingnut Blog.

This meeting took place at the Carillon War Memorial, where Councilman Charles Samuels [2nd District] held a "community discussion" for groups who ‘serve the homeless’ to figure out what they should do when Monroe Park is closed for renovations. It was not a forum, nor really a big group discussion. However, there were about 25 or so folks associated with Food Not Bombs who came to promote the idea that the park need not and ought not be closed entirely during renovations. Many people spoke out questioning why the park was going to be closed in its entirety and suggested that moving services would not make up for destroying the community of people- homeless and not- who use Monroe Park on a regular basis.

Part 1/2 - Charles Samuels' Community Discussion on Homelessness & Monroe Park - Nov. 4, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

The first half of the meeting includes comments from Mr. Samuels, Homeward, and Embrace Richmond. They did not allow any questions or feedback from anyone attending the meeting, even when it was very clear that people had questions and concerns. Mo Karn, a Wingnut, interrupted the meeting [24:40] to say that the discussion was based on the false assumption that the park must be closed during the renovation.

Part 2/2 - Recommendations from Citizen Work Groups @ Charles Samuels' Community Discussion - Nov. 4, 2010 from Silver Persinger.

This 2nd section of the video shows how many of the groups in the room decided that the solution to the problems with closing all of Monroe Park was simply not to close the entire park!

Below is a highlight reel featuring comments supportive of keeping the park open.

Public Forum Participants: Keep Monroe Park Open from Kontra.

Highland Park / Barton Heights Bicycle Tour

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

Here is the video I filmed during our ride.

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

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

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

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

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