City Council
Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall
Agenda — 131 items
- 1 Council Members Present
- 2 Absent
- 3 The Honorable Stephanie Lynch
- 4 Spanish Interpretation Announcement
- 5 City Clerk Candice Reid stated that Spanish interpretation service was available in the Council Chamber and that attendees should speak with a representative to receive the appropriate equipment. She also stated that Spanish interpretation service was available virtually through Microsoft Teams. Roxana Talavera-Denson, Language Access Coordinator, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement, provided Spanish interpretation of Ms. Reid's announcement.
- 5 Call to Order
- 6 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
- 6 Council President Cynthia Newbille called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and presided.
- 7 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
- 8 The Honorable Cynthia Newbille, President The Honorable Katherine Jordan, Vice President The Honorable Sarah Abubaker The Honorable Andrew Breton The Honorable Kenya Gibson The Honorable Nicole Jones (late arrival) The Honorable Ellen Robertson The Honorable Reva Trammell
- 9 Action on Appointments and Reappointments
- 10 Board Appointments and Reappointments - March 23, 2026
- 11 Awards and Presentations
- 11 page break
- 12 Public Comment
- 13 There were no Public Comment speakers.
- 14 Agenda Review and Amendments
- 15 The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 7, Breton, Gibson, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0. Jones had yet to arrive.
- 16 Councilor Sarah Abubaker moved that the following appointments be approved:
- 17 Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
- 18 March 10, 2026 Informal Meeting Minutes
- 19 March 10, 2026 Formal Meeting Minutes
- 20 March 11, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes
- 21 Introduction of Ordinances
- 22 March 23, 2026 Introduction Papers List
- 23 Reports or Announcements by Members of the Council
- 23 Public Utilities and Services Commission: Andrew Grigsby (reappointment) Tracey Thayer (reappointment) Kirk Johnson
- 24 Adjournment
- 24 Sustainability and Resilience Commission: Sophia Delzell
- 25 Community Criminal Justice Board: Crystal Fitzgerald (reappointment)
- 25 Urban Forestry Commission: Whit Clements (reappointment) Mary Elfner (reappointment) Janine Lester (reappointment)
- 26 Aging and Disabilities Advisory Board: Autumn Richardson
- 27 Members of Council provided reports and announcements regarding respective district meetings and activities.
- 27 page break
- 28 There were no awards or presentations.
- 29 Upon the President's request, Deputy City Clerk Kiley Kesecker provided information on the appropriate way to evacuate the Council Chamber in an emergency along with public speaker guidelines.
- 30 ___________________________________ CITY CLERK
- 31 Pastor Christopher Carr of First Evangelical Lutheran Church provided the invocation. Members of Council and the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
- 32 The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 7, Breton, Gibson, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0. Jones had yet to arrive.
- 33 Clean City Commission: Alvin Misa (reappointment) Margie Langston Alex Marten
- 33 Councilor Andrew Breton moved to amend the agenda as follows:
- 34 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
- 35 City Personnel Board: Lacey Hancher
- 36 Central Virginia Waste Management Authority: Zachary Pauley
- 37 Richmond Ambulance Authority: Nicole Riley
- 38 The Consent Agenda
- 1. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 6320 Daytona Drive, 6330 Daytona Drive, and 6340 Daytona Drive for the purpose of up to [eight] five single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (9th District)
- 40 The following ordinances were considered:
- 2. To declare surplus and direct the conveyance of the City-owned real estate known as 301 Boroughbridge Road, consisting of 3.636± acres, 201 Covington Road, consisting of 1.284± acres, 209 Covington Road, consisting of 0.367± acres, 301 Covington Road, consisting of 0.367± acres, 307 Covington Road, consisting of 0.367± acres, and 313 Covington Road, consisting of 0.367± acres and commonly known as Sankofa Community Orchard, for nominal consideration to Central Virginia Agrarian Commons for the purpose of facilitating urban agriculture.
- 3. To amend and reordain Ord. No. 1994-219-209, adopted Oct. 10, 1994, which authorized the special use of the property known as [2107-2117] 2107-2119 West Cary Street, for the purpose of the construction of a twelve-unit multi-family dwelling and six single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions, to modify the terms and conditions. (As Amended) (5th District)
- 4. To authorize the special use of the property known as 4021 Crutchfield Street for the purpose of a home occupation within an accessory structure, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District)
- 5. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $69,015.00 from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, and to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services called the “Virginia Fire Services PPE Grant Special Fund,” and increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ “Virginia Fire Services PPE Grant Special Fund” by $69,015.00 for the purpose of providing funding for firefighter turnout gear and personal protective equipment.
- 6. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $30,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Richmond Recovery Court entitled “Virginia State Opioid Response (SOR) Special Fund,” and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Richmond Recovery Court’s “Virginia State Opioid Response (SOR) Special Fund” by $30,000.00 for the purpose of providing funding to combat the public health crisis caused by escalating opioid misuse, opioid use disorder, and opioid-related overdoses.
- 7. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept a donation of landscaping services from Capital Trees valued at approximately $32,000.00, for the purpose of performing tree improvements in Byrd Park located at 1401 Pump House Drive, 2601 Police Memorial Way, and 2301 Amelia Street in the city of Richmond. (5th District)
- 8. To amend City Code § 2-1213, concerning the employee first-time homebuyer’s assistance program, for the purpose of expanding the program to include employees of the School Board of the City of Richmond as authorized by Code of Virginia, §15.2-958.2(A).
- 9. To designate the 2300 block of Barton Avenue in honor of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. (3rd District)
- 10. To commit to working with the City’s Administration to [development and implement] develop a [comprehensive] City-wide energy efficiency program that [reduces the] advances equitable reductions in energy burden [and cost of living for vulnerable households, supports small businesses, assists in the preservation of housing and the stabilization of neighborhoods, and makes meaningful], accelerates progress [towards the City’s climate goals] toward Richmond’s 2050 net-zero goals, and institutionalizes interdepartmental coordination across housing, utilities, and community development. (As Amended)
- 11. To request that the Chief Administrative Officer amend Administrative Regulation 4.8, concerning the City’s leave policy, to modify the maximum carryforward policy and procedures for paying out vacation leave balances for unclassified employees as a one-time occurrence during the transition to implement a maximum carryforward procedure and to request that the Chief Administrative Officer submit a written report of the operational and fiscal impacts of implementing such amendments and any additional proposed amendments no later than June 30, 2026.
- 51 Public Hearing
- 51 Martin Gary spoke in support of ORD. 2026-056 and provided information on Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the influence she had on rock n' roll.
- 52 The Regular Agenda
- 52 There were no comments and the Consent Agenda, except ORD. 2026-003, was adopted: Ayes 7, Breton, Gibson, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0. Jones had yet to arrive.
- 12. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1705 Commonwealth Avenue for the purpose of a space for outdoor events, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (1st District)
- 53 ORD. 2026-003 was rejected: Ayes 6, Breton, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0. Abstentions 1, Gibson. Jones had yet to arrive.
- 13. To amend ch. 26, article V, div. 2 of the City Code by adding therein a new section 26-370, concerning a deferral program for certain real estate taxes pursuant to and in accordance with Code of Virginia § 58.1-3219. (As Amended)
- 55 Budget Related Papers
- 55 There were no Regular Agenda items.
- 56 March 23, 2026 Budget Public Hearing Speakers List
- 14. To adopt the annual budget, which includes all of the separate current expense budgets for the general operation of the City government and for each utility as defined in ch. 13 of the City Charter and provides for increases to certain fees for the fiscal year commencing Jul.1, 2026, and ending Jun. 30, 2027, and to appropriate the estimated revenues for such fiscal year for the objects and purposes stated in such budget. (As Amended)
- 57 The following ordinances were considered:
- 15. To appropriate and to provide funds for financing the school budget for the fiscal year commencing Jul. 1, 2026, and ending Jun. 30, 2027.
- 16. To accept a program of proposed Capital Improvement Projects for the fiscal year beginning Jul. 1, 2026, and for the four fiscal years thereafter; to adopt a Capital Budget for the fiscal year beginning Jul. 1, 2026; and to determine the means of financing the same. (As Amended)
- 17. To adopt a new pay plan for the City for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and to repeal Ord. No. 2025-059, adopted May 12, 2025, and all amendatory ordinances thereto. (As Amended)
- 18. To authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds and notes of the City of Richmond in the maximum principal amount of $135,014,135 to finance the cost of school projects and general capital improvement projects of the City for the following purposes and uses: construction, reconstruction, improvements and equipment for public schools; construction, reconstruction, improvement and equipment for various infrastructure needs, including transit facilities, traffic control facilities, streets, sidewalks and other public ways, bridges, storm sewers, drains and culverts, street lights, floodwall and levee system facilities and refuse disposal facilities; construction, reconstruction, improvement and equipment for public safety and other governmental purposes; to make grants or loans to assist in financing capital expenditures for the purposes of promoting the development of housing projects for the benefit of persons with low or moderate incomes; participation in redevelopment, conservation and community development programs, including the construction, reconstruction, improvement and equipment for targeted public facilities included in these programs; construction, reconstruction, improvements and equipment for public institutional, operational, cultural, educational and entertainment buildings and facilities, including but not limited to the theaters, parks, playgrounds, cemeteries, libraries and museums; acquisition of real property therefor as appropriate; and the making of appropriations to the City’s Economic Development Authority and the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority to be used to finance capital expenditures or to make loans or grants to finance capital expenditures or to make loans or grants to finance capital expenditures for the purposes of promoting economic development or promoting the development of housing projects for the benefit of persons with low or moderate incomes; to authorize the Director of Finance, with the approval of the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City, to sell such bonds for such capital improvement projects; to provide for the form, details and payment of such bonds; to authorize the issuance of notes of the City in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds; and to authorize the issuance of such bonds as either federally tax-exempt bonds or federally taxable bonds, or both.
- 19. To authorize the issuance of general obligation public improvement bonds of the City of Richmond in the maximum principal amount of $9,778,140 to finance the cost of capital improvement projects of the stormwater utility of the City for the following purposes and uses: replacement of and upgrades to the stormwater facilities, including but not limited to, construction, reconstruction, improvements, rehabilitation and upgrades of stormwater sewers and associated facilities; new and replacement infrastructure of the storm sewer system, drainage structures, catch basins, ditches, storm sewer pipes, culverts, green infrastructure; acquisition of real property therefor as appropriate; and equipment for various infrastructure needs; to authorize the Director of Finance, with the approval of the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City, to sell such bonds for such capital improvement projects; to provide for the form, details and payment of such bonds; to authorize the issuance of notes of the City in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds; and to authorize the issuance of such bonds as either federally tax-exempt bonds or federally taxable bonds, or both.
- 20. To authorize the issuance of public utility revenue bonds of the City of Richmond in the maximum principal amount of $314,003,404 to finance the cost of capital improvement projects of the gas, water and wastewater utilities and public utility buildings and facilities for the following purposes and uses: enlargement, extension, repair, replacement, improvement and equipping of the gas plant, gate stations, transmission, distribution and service lines and associated metering equipment; enlargement, extension, repair, replacement, improvement and equipping of the waterworks plant, pump stations, transmission, distribution and service lines and associated metering equipment; enlargement, extension, repair, replacement, improvement and equipping of the wastewater plant and intercepting lines; construction, reconstruction, repair, replacement, and improvement of sanitary and storm water sewers, pumping stations, drains and culverts; construction, reconstruction, repair, replacement, improvement and equipping of public utility buildings and facilities therefor, including but not limited to the stores division; and acquisition of real property and real property rights (including without limitation easements and rights-of-way) therefor as appropriate; to authorize the Director of Finance, with the approval of the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City, to sell such bonds for such capital improvement projects; to provide for the form, details and payment of such bonds; to approve the form of supplemental indenture of trust; to authorize the issuance of notes of the City in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds; and to authorize the issuance of such bonds as either federally tax-exempt bonds or federally taxable bonds, or both.
- 21. To authorize the issuance of general obligation equipment notes of the City of Richmond in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $11,000,000 to finance the costs of equipment and vehicles for the various departments, bureaus and agencies of the City and the Richmond Ambulance Authority; and to authorize the Director of Finance, with the approval of the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City, to issue and sell equipment notes to finance the acquisition of such equipment and vehicles; to provide for the form, details and payment of such notes; and to authorize the issuance of such notes as either federally tax-exempt notes or federally taxable notes, or both.
- 22. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to submit a PY 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan and PY 2026 Annual Action Plan to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as an application for the receipt of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds; to accept funds from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the total amount of $12,553,779.59; and to appropriate $12,553,779.59 for various projects. (As Amended)
- 67 Public Hearing
- 69 Cynthia Robinson, Richmond Virtual Academy (RVA) President, spoke in support of funding for Richmond Public Schools (RPS) and keeping RVA running for K-12 students.
- 70 Jacqueline Johnson Wilson, parent of RVA student, spoke in support of continued funding for RVA, noting that many virtual academy students do not have another option for education.
- 71 Dee Winston, parent of RVA student, spoke in support of continued funding for RVA, noting that the virtual academy is not a separate entity from RPS.
- 72 Sherlita Salley, parent of RVA student, spoke in support of continued funding for RVA and stated that her child has special needs that make in-person instruction a safety issue.
- 73 Sandra Portee, RVA Virtual Learning Coordinator, spoke in support of continued funding for RVA and stated that homebound services cannot replace the virtual academy as they are temporary services.
- 74 Tomorrow Lofton-Pickens, RVA Instructional Compliance Coordinator, spoke in support of continued funding for RVA, stating that it is a separate school from RPS.
- 75 Kindy Anderson spoke in opposition to Richmond's response to federal budget cuts for immigration and housing, as well as they city's use of FLOCK security cameras.
- 76 Narissa Rahaman, Equality Virginia Executive Director, spoke in opposition to any funding cuts for healthcare.
- 77 Tyrone Davis spoke in support of regular cost of living adjustments for retirees.
- 78 Emma Clark, Richmond Education Association Organizer and former RPS teacher, spoke in support of continued funding for RVA.
- 79 Emily Grimes spoke in opposition to the city's use of FLOCK cameras and noted the potential for misuse of the data they collect.
- 80 Councilor Nicole Jones arrived and was seated.
- 81 Felicia Boney, Service Employees International Union 32 BJ member, spoke in support of funding for the city's collective bargaining agreements and a joint compensation study.
- 82 Lisa Delao, Hugenot High School Teacher and Richmond Education Association member, spoke in support of fully funding RPS and in opposition to the city's contract with FLOCK security.
- 83 Candace Benn, RVA School Councilor, spoke in support of continued funding for RVA and fully funding RPS.
- 84 Egon Shroud, Westover Hills Elementary teacher, spoke in support of full funding for RPS, contingent on an external audit of the RPS budget to address the top-heavy organizational structure.
- 85 Aurora Britt spoke in opposition to the city's contract with FLOCK security.
- 86 Beth Hosef, RPS teacher, asked that Council support the RPS budget proposed by Superintendent Jason Kamras.
- 87 Michael Rafferty spoke in opposition to the city's contract with FLOCK security.
- 88 Kai Banks spoke in support of funding for the Office of Community Wealth Building.
- 89 Carolyn Pugh, Community Climate Collaborative and Richmond Environmental Justice Coalition, spoke in support of funding for the Office of Sustainability, free public transit, bike/pedestrian infrastructure, and participatory budgeting.
- 90 Maria Düster, Community Climate Collaborative, spoke in support of funding for programs to relieve citizen energy bills, as well as a city energy efficiency program.
- 91 Wes Smith, Executive Director for Workforce Solutions with the Virginia Manufacturers Association, spoke in favor of continued support for the Richmond Office of Community Wealth Building.
- 92 Kacey Miller spoke in support of funding tax relief programs for renters and stated that funds are being cut from valuable city departments to fund constitutional officers.
- 93 Anthony Scianni, Laborers International Union of North America, spoke in support of continued funding for the Office of Community Wealth Building.
- 94 Emily Yen, Teamsters Local 322, spoke in support of full funding for RPS including the virtual academy.
- 95 Selena Jimenez spoke in support of continued funding for the Office of Community Wealth Building.
- 96 Almonte Canselo spoke in opposition to funding for the city's use of automated license plate readers.
- 97 George Brown spoke in support of the Office of Community Wealth Building.
- 98 Chloe Tremper, teacher at Boushall Middle School, spoke in support of an external forensic audit of RPS spending.
- 99 Geno White spoke in opposition to the city's contract with FLOCK security.
- 100 Madeline McKiligan spoke in support of fulfilling the full budget request for RPS.
- 101 Councilor Nicole Jones moved to continue all pending budget related ordinances to the Monday, April 13, Council meeting, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
- 102 City Clerk Candice Reid stated that Consent Agenda Item 2, ORD. 2026-003 required seven votes to be adopted, and since it only received six affirmative votes, it was not adopted.
- 103 Vice President Katherine Jordan asked if Consent Agenda Item 2 might be reconsidered now that Councilor Jones was present.
- 104 Ms. Reid stated that she would defer to the City Attorney regarding the procedure for making a motion to reconsider without a prevailing side on the original vote, as the only non-affirmative vote was an abstention and any motion to reconsider must be made by a member on the prevailing side.
- 105 City Attorney Laura Drewry stated that to reconsider a motion without a clear prevailing side, a motion to suspend the Rules of Procedure would first need to be approved before a motion could be made to reconsider the item.
- 106 Vice President Katherine Jordan moved to suspend rule V, section G of Council's Rules of Procedure and to reconsider Item 2, ORD. 2026-003, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 7, Breton, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0. Abstentions 1, Gibson.
- 107 The following ordinance was reconsidered:
- 2. To declare surplus and direct the conveyance of the City-owned real estate known as 301 Boroughbridge Road, consisting of 3.636± acres, 201 Covington Road, consisting of 1.284± acres, 209 Covington Road, consisting of 0.367± acres, 301 Covington Road, consisting of 0.367± acres, 307 Covington Road, consisting of 0.367± acres, and 313 Covington Road, consisting of 0.367± acres and commonly known as Sankofa Community Orchard, for nominal consideration to Central Virginia Agrarian Commons for the purpose of facilitating urban agriculture.
- 109 Public Hearing
- 110 There were no Public Hearing speakers.
- 111 Councilor Nicole Jones expressed her support for the proposed ordinance and Sankofa Community Orchard.
- 112 There was no discussion, and ORD. 2026-003 was adopted: Ayes 7, Breton, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 0. Abstain 1, Gibson.
- 114 There were no amendments or corrections to the following meeting minutes, which were approved as presented.
- 120 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinance on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.:
- 23. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $150,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response called the “FY26 NG9-1-1 Additional Funding Special Fund,” and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response’s “FY26 NG9-1-1 Additional Funding Special Fund” by $150,000.00 for the purpose of implementing a transcription service for radio transmission.
- 122 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.:
- 24. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1215 North 29th Street for the purpose of up to one two-family detached dwelling and one dwelling unit within an accessory building, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 25. To authorize the special use of the property known as 101 Cowardin Avenue for the purpose of a multifamily dwelling containing up to 120 dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions, and to repeal Ord. No. 85-316-86-1, adopted Jan. 13, 1986, and all amendatory ordinances thereto. (As Amended) (6th District)
- 26. To amend and reordain Ord. No. 80-125-107, adopted Jun. 30, 1980, which authorized the use of the real estate, a parcel containing 2.274 acres, located on the south side of Forest Hill Avenue east of Bliley Road being more completely described as follows: beginning at a point on the south side of Forest Hill Avenue, said point being 670 feet east of the center line of Bliley Road; thence extending 208.41 feet in a southeasterly direction along the south line of Forest Hill Avenue to a point; thence extending 381.23 feet in a southwesterly direction along a line of bearings 54° 03’ 10” W to a point; thence extending 232.56 feet in a northwesterly direction along a line of bearing N 43° 26’ 40” W to a point; thence extending 77.64 feet in a northwesterly direction along a line of bearing N 42° 11’ 05” W to a point; thence extending 410.83 feet in a northeasterly direction along a line of bearing N 68° 12’ 25” E to the point of beginning, for multiple-family dwelling (condominium) purposes and to authorize the construction of eighteen townhouse (condominium) dwelling units (for sale), with accessory off-street parking, to allow for accessory structures and additions that are customarily incidental and clearly subordinate to the single-family attached dwellings. (4th District)
- 27. To amend City Code §§14-335, concerning the City's Erosion and Stormwater Management Program, 28-780, concerning the City's Pre-treatment Program, and 28-966, concerning penalties for illicit discharge and connection violations.