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.Independent and thorough news, video, and opinion from Silver Persinger with especial focus on Richmond, Virginia City Council, Free Speech, Free Press, and Open Government.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
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
Monday, July 9, 2012
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
Monday, May 14, 2012
Public Support does not Affect Council Vote on Schools' Budget
Monday, March 5, 2012
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.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Formal Meeting
Richmond City Council • 2012 Feb. 27 • Entire Formal Meeting from Silver Persinger.
At this meeting Council approved Bruce Tyler's [1st District] resolution to appoint a member of Council to the Capitol Region Airport Commission. [9:00] The vote was 5 - 3. Doug Conner was absent, against Hilbert, Jewell, and Graziano.
Citizen Comment Period [37:30]
Irene Feltner spoke on bus route concerns.
Elizabeth Fraizer, owner of the Richmond Raiders, gave an update on the team.
Benony Tony Amekudzi spoke on "General Comments."
Informal Session - Convention Center / 2nd Street Connector / Unassigned Fund Balance / Budget Timeline / Docket Review
Part 1/2 - 2012 Feb. 27 • Convention Center/ 2nd St. Connector • Informal Session • Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.
Richmond City Council's Informal Session began at 3:14 PM.
Jack Berry, President & CEO of the Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors' Bureau showed a 4 minute, $150,000 video that had recently been produced and gave Council an update about the Convention Center. [0:55]
Jeannie Welliver, Project Development Manager, discussed the proposed 2nd Street Connector. [20:00]
Part 2/2 - 2012 Feb. 27 • Unassigned Fund Balance /Budget Timeline /Docket Review • Informal Session • Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Land Use
Part 1/ • 2012 Feb. 21 • Public Comment • Land Use Committee • Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.
Part 2/ • 2012 Feb. 21 • Review of Papers • Land Use Committee • Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.
Part 3/ • 2012 Feb. 21 • Review of Papers Cont'd • Land Use Committee • Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.
Part 4/7 • 2012 Feb. 21 • Review of Papers Cont'd • Land Use Committee • Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.
Part 5/7 • 2012 Feb. 21 • Coliseum Lease Renewal • Land Use Committee • Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.
Part 6/7 • 2012 Feb. 21 • Status Report on RRHA • Land Use Committee • Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.
Part 7/7 • 2012 Feb. 21 • Board Vacancies & Appointments • Land Use Committee • Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.
Monday, February 13, 2012
A Short Meeting for Council
Formal Meeting 2012 Feb. 13 • Richmond City Council • Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.
There was not much substance at Monday's meeting. I arrived 5 minutes late, missing the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. A summary of the meeting, as well as the Informal Session, should be posted over the weekend. In the meanwhile, you can watch the video.
At Informal Session - Juvenile Justice Center
Entire Informal Session 2012 Feb. 13 • Richmond City Council • Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.
The Informal Session opened with Docket Review at 3:15 PM [0:35].
Dr. Carolyn Graham, Deputy CAO of Human Services, gave an update on the Juvenile Justice Center [3:10]. She discussed corrective actions that had been taken to address issues raised by a recent City audit and the Commonwealth. Issues included repairing defective door locks, reactivating intercoms, installing 32 new cameras, installing a new server, a camera recording system and new monitors, correcting water pressure, distributing hair brushes to female residents, TB testing for staff and staff training, replacing chairs, "no evidence of bed bugs found," and the medical mismanagement of child "unfounded."
[13:40] Charles Samuels [2nd Distict] for several minutes asked questions related to the medical management and was not satisfied with Dr. Graham's responses. A girl made an initial complaint in February 2011 and Mr. Samuels alleged that the treatment was not given until November/December. Dr. Graham disputed that claim with information from a report. Then Mr. Samuels pursued a line a questioning about hair brushes [20:00]. Then Mr. Samuels asked about bug bites [21:45]. He also asked about the replacement of 35 mattresses and a "funny question" about the use of anti-itch cream to treat acne.
[23:58] Ellen Robertson [6th District] asked if any resident has filed a complaint. Dr. Graham said that no complaints had been filed.
[26:10] Marty Jewell [5th District] asked about timelines for work completion, the intercom system, and the door locks. 39 youths are currently in the facility and capacity is 60.
[38:00] Review of Council Priorities.
Friday, February 10, 2012
No Love for Skateboarders in Southside Richmond Park
The press release is below:
Department Issues Statement on Removal of Skateboard Ramps
Richmond, VA – The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities has asked users of the skateboard ramps placed on the tennis courts at Carter Jones Park, located at 2813 Bainbridge St., to remove the ramps by Wednesday, February 15. The public notice also advises that if the ramps are not removed by that date, they will be removed by the City.
“While the department supports skateboarding as a recreational activity, we have determined that the ramps are being used after the park is closed to the public at sunset and late into the night, which has resulted in continuing complaints from the neighborhood,” said Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. “It is unfortunate that the situation has come to this, however we have found that there is no other way to prevent this activity after hours in the park other than to remove the equipment. We will be meeting with the skateboarders for discussion with them in hopes of getting their understanding and cooperation,” Merrifield said.
# # #
Think Green - Please do not print this email unless necessary
Save Energy - Just Unplug It!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Eggleston Plaza Approved & Tax Exemption for Nonprofits Reopened
Part 1/7 - 2012 Jan. 23 - Prayer, Pledge, Appointments - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.
The second formal meeting of the year began at 6:19 PM, Monday, January 23, 2012.
The meeting opened with a prayer spoken by Rev. Chambliss, "that we may be about the business of revitalizing and energizing our city," followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and Chamber Evacuation instructions.
APPOINTMENTS [6] First time Appointees are required to appear in person before the Council.
Res. No. 2011-R171-2012-4 (Patron: All Members of Council) - To appoint Stacy L. Burrs [pictured above, right] to the Minority Business Enterprise and Emerging Small Business Advisory Board.
Resolution 2011-R172-2012-5 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To appoint Tracey G. Jeter [pictured above, left] to the Minority Business Enterprise and Emerging Small Business Advisory Board (MBE Representative).
Resolution 2011-R174-2012-6 (Patron: All Members of Council) To appoint Latoya Hawks to the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority [RRHA], Tenant Representative.
Resolution 2011-R176-2012-7 (Patron: All Members of Council) To appoint Oliver R. Singleton to the GRTC and Transit Study Task Force.
Resolution 2011-R177-2012-8 (Patron: All Members of Council) To appoint Jonathan Coleman to the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Resolution 2012-R2-9 (Patron: All Members of Council) To appoint Bruce W. Tyler to the GRTC and Transit Study Task Force.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Tony Benony Amekudzi spoke.
Cora Hayes spoke in support of the appointment of Latoya Hawks to the RRHA Board.
Marty Jewell abstained from the vote on Latoya Hawks to the RRHA Board [6:25].
And President Kathy Graziano wished Councilwoman Reva Trammell "Happy Birthday."
Part 2/7 - 2012 Jan. 23 - Awards & Amending Agenda - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.
AWARDS PERIOD
Part 3/7 - 2012 Jan. 23 - Regular Agenda - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.
REGULAR AGENDA
Eggleston Plaza and Kelvin Hanson [pictured above]
11. Ordinance 2011-211-2012-6 (Patron: Mayor Jones, By Request) - To authorize the special use of 535½, 537 and 541 North 2nd Street for the purpose of waiving parking, building height, maximum residential floor area and setback requirements for the construction of a mixed-use building with up to 31 dwelling units and uses permitted in the underlying zoning district. (As Amended) [0:27]
Reopening Tax Exemption Process for Non-Profits [30:52]
12. Ordinance 2012-1-7 (Patrons: Mr. Jewell, Mr. Tyler and Mr. Samuels) - To repeal City Code for the purpose of authorizing the City Assessor to accept applications for tax exemptions by classification and designation, and to extend the filing deadlines for applications to March 1, 2012, effective for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, for the purpose of temporarily permitting the filing and acceptance of applications.
Part 4/7 - 2012 Jan. 23 - Citizen Comment Period - Richmond City Council - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.
CITIZEN COMMENT PERIOD
Vivek Jain [pictured above], a member of Occupy Richmond, urged City Council to pass a resolution against war with Iran. [0:51]
Charles Willis, Executive Director of Citizens Against Crime, asked City Council for financial support of "immediate need of at least $300" for candles, typing paper, bereavement cards, printer ink, frames, pins, stamps, etc. [4:14]
Part 5/7 - 2012 Jan. 23 - Consent Agenda /Expedited /Minutes Approved - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver Persinger.
CONSENT AGENDA
13. Ordinance 2011-201-2012-8 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer and the Director of Procurement Services to execute a contract between the City and Harris & Harris, Ltd. for collection agency services.
14. Ordinance 2011-202-2012-9 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer and the Director of Procurement Services, to execute a contract between the City and Professional Recovery Consultants, Inc. for collection agency services.
15. Ordinance 2011-208-2012-10 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to execute a Lease Agreement to allow New Cingular Wireless PCS LLC to operate telecommunication equipment at 4515 North Avenue.
16. Ordinance 2011-212-2012-11 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to execute a Project Agreement for Use between the City and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for the purpose of receiving a grant of $62,073 to fund capital improvements at Main Street Station.
17. Ordinance 2011-214-2012-12 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept $5,000 from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and to appropriate the amount to the Non-Departmental Budget for the purpose of providing grants of $2,500.00 to the Richmond Boys Choir and $2,500.00 to the 1708 Gallery.
18. Ordinance 2012-3-13 (Patrons: Mr. Conner and Vice-President Robertson) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to execute a Memorandum of Understanding for the purpose of the City making a donation of $10,000 to assist the Partnership for Smarter Growth in applying for a grant for the James River Branch Rails-to-Trails and Cannon Creek Greenway projects.
19. Ord. No. 2012-6-14 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to execute a Revocable Sublicense Agreement to allow Richmond 20 MHz, LLC to operate and maintain telecommunications equipment on a portion of 4827 Old Warwick Road.
26. Res. No. 2011-R166-2012-10 (Patrons: All Members of Council) - To request that the Richmond Metropolitan Authority install mile markers at appropriate intervals along the Powhite Parkway and the Downtown Expressway.
27. Res. No. 2011-R109-2012-11 (Patron: Vice-President Robertson) - To approve a timeline of critical milestones leading up to the adoption of the City’s Fiscal Year 2012-2013 budget. (As Amended)
EXPEDITED CONSIDERATION
Resolution 2012-R3-12 (Patrons: All Members of Council) - To amend the “2012 City of Richmond Legislative Proposals for the Virginia General Assembly” and request the Richmond delegation to the General Assembly of Virginia to support Senate Bill 41, concerning relief for Thomas E. Haynesworth, and legislation to improve the methods of compensating persons who have been wrongfully incarcerated.
The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved. [25:04]
Part 6/7 - 2012 Jan. 23 - Reports & Announcements - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver Persinger.
REPORTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ellen Robertson [0:24]
At 5:33, Mr. Jewell asked Mrs. Robertson about the Workforce Investment Board, he wanted to know if Richmond was planning to pull out of the Regional Alliance because of the perception that Richmond was getting little return on it's investment. President Graziano said this was a topic better suited for a committee meeting, Mr. Jewell insisted it was important for constituents to know where they could go to look for work.
Doug Conner [9:49]
Charles Samuels - No Report. [11:08]
Chris Hilbert [11:33]
Marty Jewell [17:57]
Cynthia Newbille [25:33]
Reva Trammell [27:30]
Bruce Tyler [31:20]
Kathy Graziano [32:20] She said her district had 48% of the leaves in the city.
Mr. Hilbert encouraged citizens to call their legislators to oppose House Bill 107 which would dilute Richmond's voting majority on the RMA Board. Hilbert called the bill "a complete attack on the sovereignty of the City of Richmond." [34:45]
Part 7/7 - 2012 Jan. 23 - Introduction of New Papers - Richmond City Council - Richmond, VA from Silver Persinger.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW PAPERS
City Council will hold a Public Hearing on the following Ordinance and Resolution on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 6 PM:
1. Ord. No. 2012-8 (Patron: Mr. Tyler) - To approve an amendment to the Master Plan for the City of Richmond, which Master Plan was adopted by the City Planning Commission on Nov. 6, 2000, and approved by the City Council by Ord. No. 2000-371-2001-11 on Jan. 8, 2001, for the purpose of changing designations on the Land Use Plan for the Patterson/Libbie/Grove area generally bounded by Park Avenue to the north, York Road to the south, Maple Avenue to the west and Dunbar Street to the east.
(COMMITTEE: Organizational Development, Monday, February 6, 2012, 5 PM)
2. Res. No. 2012-R4 (Patron: Ms. Newbille) - To approve an expenditure in the amount of $1,500.00 from the Council Districts Funds for the Seventh District to make a donation to the East District Family Resource Center for the Camp Diva Annual Date with Dad Dinner ($1,000.00) and for Parent Resource Network parenting events ($500.00).
City Council will hold a Public Hearing on the following Ordinances on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 6 PM:
3. Ord. No. 2012-9 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Project Agreement for Use of Commonwealth Transportation Funds –Fiscal Year 2012 between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for the purpose of granting the City $100,000 for the purpose of continuing the City of Richmond Employee Trip Reduction Program.
(COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, February 16, 2012, 3 PM)
4. Ord. No. 2012-10 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $500,000 from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works by $500,000 for the purpose of continuing the City of Richmond Employee Trip Reduction Program.
(COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, February 16, 2012, 3 PM)
5. Ord. No. 2012-11 (Patron: Mayor Jones) - To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Agreement for the Use of Federal Highway Administration Congestion Mitigation Air Quality – Fiscal Year 2012 between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for the purpose of granting the City $400,000 for the purpose of continuing the City of Richmond Employee Trip Reduction Program.
(COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, February 16, 2012, 3 PM)
6. Ord. No. 2012-12 (Patron: Mr. Tyler) - To amend Ord. No. 2010-173-166, adopted Sep.
27, 2010, which establishes a GRTC and Transit Study Task Force, to remove certain limitations on the Task Force’s membership so that persons who are officers or
employees of the City and persons whose employers hold contracts with the City or subcontracts of such contracts may be appointed to the Task Force.
(COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 3 P.M.)
7. Ord. No. 2012-13 (Patron: Mayor Jones, By Request) - To conditionally rezone the property known as 1031 Fourqurean Lane from the R-5 Single-Family Residential
Disrict to the R-53 Multifamily Residential District (Conditional), upon certain proffered conditions.
(Planning Commission, Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 1:30 P.M.)
8. Ord. No. 2012-14 (Patron: Mayor Jones, By Request) - To authorize the special use of the properties known as 3200 West Clay Street and 3204 West Leigh Street for the purpose of a multifamily dwelling with up to one hundred thirty-nine (139) units, uses permitted in the B-6 Mixed-Use Business District, and a parking area to serve the multifamily dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions.
(Planning Commission, Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 1:30 P.M.)
9. Ord. No. 2012-15 (Patron: Mayor Jones, By Request) - To amend Ord. No. 95-35-44, adopted Mar. 13, 1995, which authorized the special use of the property known as 1500
North Lombardy Street for the purpose of expansion of an existing educational institution through the construction and use of a library, to allow for an increase in the area of signage permitted to be attached to the library, upon certain terms and conditions.
(Planning Commission, Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 1:30 P.M.)
City Council will hold a Public Hearing on the following Ordinance on Monday, March 12, 2012 at 6 PM:
10. Ord. No. 2012-16 (Patron: Vice-President Robertson) - To amend and reordain ch. 2, art. V of the City Code by adding therein a new div. 3 (§§ 2-906—2-908), for the
purpose of establishing a Citizen Advisory Commission on Alternatives to Incarceration.
(COMMITTEE: Public Safety, Tuesday, February 28, 2012, 5 P.M.)