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City Council

September 8, 2025 ·6:00 PM Final

Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall

Agenda — 170 items

  1. 1 Interested persons that wish to provide comments by teleconference/videoconference via Microsoft Teams, must register prior to 10:00 a.m., on the day of the meeting, by calling the Office of the City Clerk at (804) 646-7955 and selecting option 3.
  2. 1 Council Members Present
  3. 2 Spanish interpretation service (SIS) is now offered in-person and virtually during Richmond City Council Formal meetings. Please visit the SIS station in the Council Chamber for assistance or select the language interpretation option when joining the Microsoft Teams meeting.
  4. 2 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 The Honorable Stephanie Lynch The Honorable Ellen Robertson The Honorable Reva Trammell (early departure)
  5. 3 Order of Business
  6. 3 Call to Order
  7. 4 Invocation
  8. 4 Council President Cynthia Newbille called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. and presided.
  9. 5 To be offered by Reverend Wendy Bullock of Trinity Baptist Church
  10. 5 Spanish Interpretation Announcement
  11. 6 Pledge of Allegiance
  12. 6 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. City Clerk Reid also stated that Spanish interpretation service was available virtually through Microsoft Teams. Roxana Talavera-Denson, Language Access Coordinator, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement, then provided Spanish interpretation of City Clerk Reid's announcement.
  13. 7 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
  14. 7 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
  15. 8 Roll Call
  16. 8 Reverend Wendy Bullock of Trinity Baptist Church provided the invocation. Members of Council and the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
  17. 9 Action on Appointments and Reappointments
  18. 9 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
  19. 10 Board Appointments and Reappointments - September 8, 2025 CD.2025.264
  20. 10 Upon the President's request, Assistant City Clerk Nahdiyah Muhammad provided information on the appropriate way to evacuate the Council Chamber in an emergency along with public speaker guidelines.
  21. 11 Awards and Presentations
  22. 12 Public Comment
  23. 12 There were no awards or presentations.
  24. 13 September 8, 2025 Public Comment Period Speakers List CD.2025.266
  25. 14 Agenda Review and Amendments
  26. 15 Action Items (Consent Agenda)
  27. 15 Councilor Kenya Gibson moved to continue consideration of the appointment to the Richmond Public Library Board to the October 14, 2025 Formal Council meeting, which was seconded and unanimously approved. Councilor Nicole Jones moved that the following appointments and reappointments be approved:
  28. 16 Action Items (Regular Agenda and Motions)
  29. 16 Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks: Vik Murthy Capital Area Alcohol Safety Action Program Policy Advisory Board: Beverly Hawkins Future of Workforce Commission: Victoria Gochez Human Rights Commission: Ismael Romero Richmond Behavioral Health Authority: Stephayne Fuina Verenda Cobbs Social Services Advisory Board: Rosalind Hall W. Camden Whitehead Richmond Retirement System: Carlin Gibson, Sr. (reappointment)
  30. 17 Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
  31. 17 Advisory Board for the Assessment of Towing Fees and the Storage of Vehicles: Tabitha Shearin
  32. 18 There are no minutes to be approved.
  33. 18 Community Criminal Justice Board: Tracey Paner (reappointment) David Smith (reappointment) Richmond Ambulance Authority Julia Hammond (reappointment) Mark Hickman (reappointment) Kirk Roberts (reappointment) Marilyn West (reappointment) Board of Fire Appeals: William Andrews (reappointment)
  34. 19 Introduction of Ordinances and Resolutions
  35. 19 Community Transportation Advisory Committee: James Hutzler Audit Committee: Zanas DaQuan Talley Clean City Commission: Crystal Carter Sustainability and Resilience Commission: Daniel Hart (reappointment) Luis Huertas (reappointment) Harrison Wallace (reappointment) Frank Novitzki Renee Purdy
  36. 20 September 8, 2025 Introduction Papers List CD.2025.288
  37. 21 Reports or Announcements by Members of the Council
  38. 21 The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
  39. 22 Adjournment
  40. 22 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
  41. 23 PAGE BREAK
  42. 24 City Council is Richmond City's local legislative body and is composed of one council representative elected from each of the city's nine voter districts. Council members are elected to serve a four year term of office. Council elects one of its own to serve as the president and presiding officer for a two year term.
  43. 25 Time and Place of Meetings
  44. 25 Wanda Stallings addressed Council raising concerns with speed cameras not functioning properly and issuing citations erroneously. Melvin Jones addressed Council regarding water damage to his home due to a leak and the resultant $3,000 water bill. Fern Viaz-Castro addressed Council raising concerns about vulnerable immigrant communities located in the city and protection from illegal deportations by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
  45. 26 The public is invited and encouraged to attend and participate in the City Council meetings. The City Council meets in the City Hall second floor Council Chamber, in informal work session at 4:00 p.m., and in formal session at 6:00 p.m., on the second and fourth Monday during the months of January, February, March, April, May, June and September and only on the second Monday during the months of October, November and December. In the month of July, one such meeting is held on the fourth Monday of the month and in the month of August, no such meetings are held. All meetings of the Council are open to the public.
  46. 26 Kimberly Fagan addressed Council regarding speeding and aggressive driving on German School Road, requesting that speed bumps, cameras, and other traffic calming measures be put in place. Victoria McCullough addressed Council regarding protection for immigrant communities located in the city. Jana Hobbs, New Virginia Majority member, addressed Council and requested that a local anti-rent gouging authority bill be added to the legislative agenda. Kasey Miller addressed Council and requested that a local anti-rent gouging authority bill be added to the legislative agenda. Lisa Delao, New Virginia Majority member, addressed Council regarding protection from Immigration and Customs Enforcement for immigrant communities located in the city. Rich Prado addressed Council regarding issues related to the alleged operation of an illegal group home in the city. Morgan Hafer addressed Council raising concerns about city bike lanes and unallocated funds designated for such construction.
  47. 27 Public Comment Period
  48. 27 A copy of all material provided has been filed.
  49. 28 The Public Comment Period is an opportunity for persons to address Council concerning the services, policies and affairs of the city and to discuss issues not on the agenda for the business meeting.
  50. 29 Guidelines for Public Participation*
  51. 29 Councilor Nicole Jones made a motion to amend the agenda as follows:
  52. 30 The maximum time allotted to persons speaking to any matter under consideration by the Council shall not exceed thirty (30) minutes for proponents and thirty (30) minutes for opponents. Speakers should state their full legal name, any organization(s) they represent and any economic or professional relationship(s) that would benefit by the adoption of the paper(s) they are addressing.
  53. 31 Speakers are not permitted to address or question the Council Chief of Staff, the City Attorney, the City Clerk, or any staff member directly. Questions should be directed to the President who may, at his/her discretion, solicit a response. Applause is permitted during the “Awards and Presentations” period only.
  54. 32 Persons speaking regarding agenda items are generally limited to three (3) minutes; however, no individual from the public may speak for more than ten (10) minutes total during the business meeting. Individuals may express their views in writing in lieu of an oral presentation.
  55. 33 Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with a disability. Individuals are encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s Office at 804-646-7955 for a “Request for Reasonable Accommodation” form, which must be completed to receive assistance.
  56. 34 * The full text of the Council's Rules of Procedure is available on the City Clerk's website at www.rva.gov/office-city-clerk or in the Office of the City Clerk located in City Hall at 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200.
  57. 35 PAGE BREAK
  58. 36 The Consent Agenda
  59. 37 The following ordinances were considered:
  60. 1. To authorize the special use of the property known as 7100 Jahnke Road for the purpose of a [mixed-use] multifamily building containing up to [14] 17 dwelling units, with off-street parking, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (4th District) ORD. 2024-312 adopted Pass
  61. 2. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3618 Hawthorne Avenue for the purpose of a four-unit multifamily dwelling and six single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (3rd District) ORD. 2025-014 continued and referred back
  62. 3. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 5009 Rear Snead Road, 5015 Snead Road, and 5015 Rear Snead Road for the purpose of up to 180 multifamily dwelling units and a clubhouse, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (9th District) ORD. 2025-025 continued and referred back
  63. 4. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Grant Agreement between the City of Richmond, Refuge Apartments, LP, and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of facilitating the construction of an affordable housing development located at 5015 Snead Road, 5009 Rear Snead Road, and 5015 Rear Snead Road, or a site resulting from any such consolidation of the aforementioned parcels. (9th District) ORD. 2025-032 continued
  64. 41 The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
  65. 5. To amend Ord. No. 2008-270-261, adopted Nov. 10, 2008, which amended Ord. No. 2003-296-255, adopted Sep. 8, 2003, which authorized a Community Unit Plan at 1300 Westwood Avenue for a mixed-use development consisting of a maximum of one hundred forty residential units, a community center with reception facility and non-medical office, a preventative healthcare facility, two private schools, and a fifty unit dormitory, and modified the plan for the fence required between the subject property and 1409 Palmyra Avenue, to modify the Community Unit Plan to allow for the development of tennis courts. (As Amended) (3rd District) ORD. 2025-046 amended and continued
  66. 6. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 3801 Hanover Avenue and 3803 Hanover Avenue for the purpose of up to two single-family detached dwellings and [eight] four single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (1st District) ORD. 2025-079 continued
  67. 7. To authorize the special use of the property known as 418 Hunt Avenue for the purpose of up to one two-family detached dwelling and one single-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (3rd District) ORD. 2025-080 adopted Pass
  68. 8. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2618 Rear West Main Street for the purpose of a multifamily dwelling containing up to [four] three dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (2nd District) ORD. 2025-081 continued and referred back
  69. 9. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3200 2nd Avenue for the purpose of up to [one] two single-family detached [dwelling] dwellings, [two] one two-family detached [dwellings] dwelling, and four single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (6th District) ORD. 2025-113 continued and referred back
  70. 10. To repeal City Code §§ 2-29, 2-31, 2-32, and 2-33, concerning the classifications of Council liaison, Council Policy Analyst, Council Budget Analyst, and the Council Public Relations Specialist, respectively, and to amend City Code § 2-30, concerning the Council Chief of Staff appointment and duties, for the purpose of providing for the appointment of employees in such classifications by the Council Chief of Staff. (As Amended) ORD. 2025-136 adopted Pass
  71. 11. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 2201 Fenton Street and 2203 Fenton Street for the purpose of up to three single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2025-148 continued
  72. 12. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3923 Grove Avenue for the purpose of [a] five single-family detached [dwelling] dwellings and [16] six single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (1st District) ORD. 2025-150 continued
  73. 13. To authorize the conditional use of the property known as 505 West Leigh Street for the purpose of a lodginghouse, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (2nd District) ORD. 2025-155 adopted Pass
  74. 14. To amend and reordain Ord. No. 2014-226-207, adopted Nov. 10, 2014, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2017-187, adopted Oct. 9, 2017, which authorized the special use of the property known as 707 East Main Street for the purpose of the installation of one new roof sign, to authorize residential uses, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District) ORD. 2025-166 adopted Pass
  75. 15. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 212 North 20th Street, 214 North 20th Street, 216 North 20th Street, and 218 North 20th Street for the purpose of up to six single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2025-167 adopted Pass
  76. 16. To authorize the special use of the property known as 817 North 22nd Street for the purpose of two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2025-168 adopted Pass
  77. 17. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1010 North 21st Street for the purpose of a single-family detached dwelling and up to two two-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2025-169 adopted Pass
  78. 18. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1813 ½ North 28th Street for the purpose of one two-family detached dwelling and one dwelling unit within an accessory structure, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2025-170 adopted Pass
  79. 19. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1612 North 31st Street for the purpose of up to two two-family detached dwellings and up to two accessory dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2025-171 adopted Pass
  80. 20. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1711 Georgia Avenue and 1715 Georgia Avenue for the purpose of up to four single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District) ORD. 2025-172 adopted Pass
  81. 21. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2201 North Lombardy Street for the purpose of a mixed-use building, upon certain terms and conditions. (3rd District) ORD. 2025-173 continued
  82. 22. To authorize the conditional use of the property known as 16 East Marshall Street for the purpose of a nightclub, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (2nd District) ORD. 2025-174 continued and referred back
  83. 23. To authorize the special use of the property known as 210 West Marshall Street for the purpose of a restaurant, upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District) ORD. 2025-175 adopted Pass
  84. 24. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3607 Moss Side Avenue for the purpose of a single-family detached dwelling with a driveway within the front yard, upon certain terms and conditions. (3rd District) ORD. 2025-176 adopted Pass
  85. 25. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2510 Porter Street for the purpose of one two-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District) ORD. 2025-177 adopted Pass
  86. 26. To authorize the special use of the property known as 400 North Robinson Street for the purpose of a three-story mixed-use building, upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District) ORD. 2025-178 adopted Pass
  87. 27. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1400 School Road for the purpose of student housing, containing up to three stories and up to four student housing units, that will individually house more than three unrelated persons, upon certain terms and conditions. (3rd District) ORD. 2025-179 adopted Pass
  88. 28. To declare surplus and direct the conveyance of City-owned real estate known as 8790 Strath Road in Henrico County, consisting of 0.899± acres, for $6,500.00 to Jonathan McQuinn and Delores McQuinn for private use. ORD. 2025-180 continued
  89. 65 Tyrese Johnson spoke in opposition to ORD. 2025-180 and stated that the property should be sold openly to the highest bidder instead of conveyed via an unsolicited offer. Linda J. Woods spoke in opposition to all special use permit ordinances that reduce lot size. Umar Kenyatta spoke about issues related to affordable housing in the city. Jenifer Beausoliel spoke in opposition to ORD. 2025-178 and stated that the proposed structure exceeds the maximum height allowable in the B-1 zoning district. Jana Hobbs spoke in opposition to all special use permit ordinances that support greater density. Anna Mackiewicz spoke in opposition to any proposed luxury apartment complexes. Janice Allen, Historic Jackson Ward Association President, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-155 and the proposed use by the Ronald McDonald House Foundation. John Zeugner spoke in support of ORD. 2025-181 and the proposed residential and commercial development. Maddie Call spoke in support of ORD. 2025-181 and the new development and redevelopment of the area in a green, environmentally conscious way.
  90. 29. To direct the conveyance of the City-owned real estate located at 3410 Belmont Road, consisting of 0.341± acres, and 3420 Belmont Road, consisting of 0.514± acres, for $187,000.00 to Belmont Investments LLC, for the purpose of facilitating the construction of a mixed-use development project. (8th District) ORD. 2025-181 adopted Pass
  91. 66 Councilor Andrew Breton stated that he would like to see additional information on ORD. 2025-180 and the process of conveying a city-owned property located outside the city. Councilor Sarah Abubaker stated that she agreed with Councilor Breton that the property should be put out for public bid because the original offer was unsolicited. President Cynthia Newbille stated that whatever is decided, Council needs to be consistent with its processes to ensure that everyone is held to the same standards.
  92. 30. To direct the sale of the City-owned real estate located at 1900 Greenwood Avenue, consisting of 0.1377± acres, 1902 Greenwood Avenue, consisting of 0.0689± acres, 1904 Greenwood Avenue, consisting of 0.1377± acres, 1908 Greenwood Avenue, consisting of 0.0689± acres, 1910 Greenwood Avenue, consisting of 0.0689± acres, 1914 Greenwood Avenue, consisting of 0.1377± acres, 2000 Greenwood Avenue, consisting of 0.4550± acres, 2013 Greenwood Avenue, consisting of 0.1377± acres, 2001 Joshua Street, consisting of 0.2940± acres, 2015 Joshua Street, consisting of 0.1610± acres, and 2001 Fendall Avenue, consisting of 0.4920± acres to Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity, Inc. for $100,000.00 for the purpose of facilitating the construction of affordable housing. (3rd District) ORD. 2025-182 adopted Pass
  93. 67 Sharon Ebert, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Planning and Economic Development, explained what would be an appropriate timeline for continuance of the item.
  94. 31. To establish the Civilian Review Board’s policies and procedures pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 9.1-601(D) and City Code § 2-1202.4(f). RES. 2025-R020 adopted Pass
  95. 68 Councilor Andrew Breton moved to continue consideration of ORD. 2025-180 to the November 10, 2025 Formal Council meeting. The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 6, Breton, Gibson, Jones, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan. Noes 2, Newbille, Robertson. Abstentions 1, Lynch.
  96. 69 Public Hearing
  97. 69 Councilor Kenya Gibson stated that she would like to see the policy revised to make the open bid process the norm for city-owned property sales. Councilor Ellen Robertson stated that conducting an opportunity analysis would be helpful when considering where affordable housing will fit into the policy.
  98. 70 The Regular Agenda
  99. 70 At the request of President Newbille, DCAO Ebert clarified where item 29, ORD. 2025-181 fits into the context of the discussion. Mark Kronenthal, an attorney representing Belmont Investments, LLC, explained that the applicant first learned about the Belmont Road parcels from a city advertisement listing surplus properties for sale.
  100. 32. To amend Ord. No. 2025-057, adopted May 12, 2025, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget and made appropriations thereto, by transferring $5,800,000.00 from the “Delinquent Tax Sales” special fund, and to amend Ord. No. 2025-057, adopted May 12, 2025, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund Budget, by (i) creating a new line item in the Outside Agencies and Central Appropriations agency called “Restitution Payments,” and (ii) appropriating such transferred funds to such new line item in the Outside Agencies and Central Appropriations agency for the purpose of providing funding for a restitution payment pursuant to Va. Code § 8.01-195.13. ORD. 2025-188 adopted Pass
  101. 71 There was no further discussion, and the Consent Agenda, with the exception of ORD. 2025-180, was unanimously adopted.
  102. 73 The following ordinance was considered:
  103. 75 Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Odie Donald II introduced the item and provided additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  104. 76 Public Hearing
  105. 77 Tracey Hardney-Scott, City of Richmond and Virginia State Conference NAACP Housing Chair, spoke in opposition to the funding source identified to make the restitution payment, but expressed support for justice for Mr. Grimm.
  106. 78 Kasey Miller spoke in support of the restitution payment being made to Mr. Grimm but stated she was opposed to the payment being made with funds meant for the affordable housing trust fund. Linda J. Woods spoke in support of the restitution payment being made to Mr. Grimm but was opposed to the payment coming from the delinquent tax sale fund. Regina Largent, Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities (RISC) member, spoke on affordable housing issues in the city in relation to her son’s difficulty in finding affordable, stable housing. Ralph Hodge, RISC member, spoke in support of the restitution payment being made to Mr. Grimm but was opposed to the payment coming from the delinquent tax sale fund. Alex Krieger, RISC member, spoke in opposition to funds from the delinquent tax sale fund being misallocated to make the restitution payment.
  107. 79 Councilor Ellen Robertson explained the changes to the situation since the previous meeting at which the proposed ordinance was initially reviewed, and the results of various meetings with the Chief Administrative Officer and Mayor.
  108. 80 Councilor Stephanie Lynch stated that Council should proceed with caution, as a housing trust fund is not a panacea and there is still much work to be done.
  109. 81 Councilor Reva Trammell stated that Council has put a lot of funding in the affordable housing trust fund, and she would like to see a report on those exact figures. Councilor Kenya Gibson stated that she would not be voting in support of the paper as presented. She also stated that the housing trust is an effective tool because of the oversight involved, and she would like to see more comprehensive financial reporting in the future.
  110. 82 President Newbille stated that the affordable housing crisis is a much larger issue than can be addressed with a single piece of legislation, but the current policy on Affordable Housing Trust Fund allocations needs to be rewritten to be more specific than “up to one million dollars.”
  111. 83 There were no further comments or discussions and ORD. 2025-188 was adopted: Ayes 8, Breton, Jones, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 1, Gibson.
  112. 84 Motions
  113. 85 Councilor Kenya Gibson moved that the ordinance entitled:
  114. 5. To amend Ord. No. 2008-270-261, adopted Nov. 10, 2008, which amended Ord. No. 2003-296-255, adopted Sep. 8, 2003, which authorized a Community Unit Plan at 1300 Westwood Avenue for a mixed-use development consisting of a maximum of one hundred forty residential units, a community center with reception facility and non-medical office, a preventative healthcare facility, two private schools, and a fifty unit dormitory, and modified the plan for the fence required between the subject property and 1409 Palmyra Avenue, to modify the Community Unit Plan to allow for the development of tennis courts. (As Amended) (3rd District) ORD. 2025-046
  115. 87 be amended and continued to September 22, 2025, to update references and modify and add terms and conditions related to the tennis courts. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
  116. 88 Councilor Reva Trammell moved to expedite consideration of the following resolution:
  117. 33. To reverse the decision of the Commission of Architectural Review denying an application for a certificate of appropriateness for the property located at 2201 Venable Street in the city of Richmond, regarding construction of a three-story, detached single-family dwelling, by fully approving such application. (7th District) RES. 2025-R035 introduced for expedited consideration
  118. 90 The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Breton, Jones, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes 1, Gibson.
  119. 91 Kevin Vonck, Director of Planning and Development Review outlined the application review process and the nature of the request in the proposed resolution.
  120. 92 Public Hearing
  121. 93 Will Gillette, Baker Development Resources, explained that the applicant is willing to make all of the changes recommended by Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) staff.
  122. 94 Councilor Kenya Gibson inquired about the expeditious nature of the proposed resolution and if it was properly advertised. She also stated that she would like more time for consideration. Councilor Ellen Robertson stated that it would be helpful to see the administrative recommendations to the developer for approval as they relate to CAR.
  123. 95 Councilor Nicole Jones moved to continue consideration of the proposed resolution to the September 22, 2025 meeting. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
  124. 96 Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
  125. 97 There were no meeting minutes for approval.
  126. 98 Introduction of Ordinances and Resolutions
  127. 99 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances and resolutions on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.:
  128. 34. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $8,719.00 from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Housing and Community Development’s HOME - ARP Special Fund by $8,719.00, for the purpose of funding the construction of the Rady Street Apartments project. ORD. 2025-189 introduced and referred
  129. 35. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a First Amendment to Lease Agreement between the City of Richmond and Challenge Discovery Projects, Inc. for the purpose of providing outpatient behavioral health clinic services at 2405 Jefferson Avenue. (7th District) ORD. 2025-192 introduced and referred
  130. 36. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Standard Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation for the purpose of funding the FLT – Kanawha Plaza Multi Use Trail project. ORD. 2025-193 introduced and referred
  131. 37. To designate the 2800 block of 3rd Avenue in honor of the Reverend F. Todd Gray. ORD. 2025-194 introduced and referred
  132. 38. To designate the 4800 block of Bryce Lane in honor of Dr. Lois Bias. ORD. 2025-195 introduced and referred
  133. 39. To designate the 3400 block of Castlewood Road in honor of Bishop Alfred L. Nicholson. ORD. 2025-196 introduced and referred
  134. 40. To designate the 200 block of East 19th Street in honor of Curtis T. “Bubba” Johnson. ORD. 2025-197 introduced and referred
  135. 41. To designate the 200 block of East Clay Street in honor of Jack Green. ORD. 2025-198 introduced and referred
  136. 42. To designate that portion of West Broad Street located between North Foushee Street and North Adams Street in honor of Ted Santarella. ORD. 2025-199 introduced and referred
  137. 43. To designate the 1600 block of South Meadow Street in honor of Dr. Joan Belle Christian. ORD. 2025-200 introduced and referred
  138. 44. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the total amount of $224,012.00 from the Great American Insurance Company, and to amend Ord. No. 2025-058, adopted May 12, 2025, which accepted a program of proposed Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and the four fiscal years thereafter, adopted a Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, and determined a means of financing the same, to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works’ Complete Streets project in the Transportation - Federal/State/Regional category by $224,012.00, for the purpose of appropriating funds received from the Great American Insurance Company for various infrastructure improvements in the Governor’s Retreat subdivision. ORD. 2025-201 introduced and referred
  139. 45. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the total amount of $4,388,200.00 from the Virginia Department of Transportation and to amend Ord. No. 2025-058 adopted May 12, 2025, which accepted a program of proposed Capital Improvements Projects for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and the four fiscal years thereafter, adopted a Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, and determined a means of financing the same, by (i) establishing a new project for the Department of Public Works in the Transportation category called the “Fall Line Trail (FLT) – Kanawha Plaza Multi Use Trail” project and (ii) increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the new Department of Public Works’ “Fall Line Trail (FLT) – Kanawha Plaza Multi Use Trail” project in the Transportation category by $4,388,200.00, for the purpose of providing funding for the Fall Line Trail Kanawha Plaza Multi Use Trail project. ORD. 2025-202 introduced and referred
  140. 46. To accept a quitclaim deed from the School Board conveying a portion of 200 West Clay Street and a portion of 119 West Leigh Street and commonly known as Abner Clay Park to the City and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to act on behalf of the City in executing such deed. (2nd District) ORD. 2025-203 introduced and referred
  141. 47. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Amendment I: Extension of Project Period between the City of Richmond and the National Recreation and Park Association for the purpose of supporting the ongoing implementation of the Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative project. ORD. 2025-204 introduced and referred
  142. 48. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $125,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Justice Services’ Help Me Help You Program Special Fund by $125,000.00 for the purpose of funding the Help Me Help You program. ORD. 2025-205 introduced and referred
  143. 49. To amend Ord. No. 2025-057, adopted May 12, 2025, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by (i) increasing anticipated revenues from certain funds due to the City from the Virginia Department of Taxation , in accordance with Va. Code § 58.1-1748 and Ord. No. 2025-099, adopted Jun. 2, 2025, by $200,000.00; (ii) creating a new special fund for the Office of Sustainability called the “Disposable Plastic Bag Tax Special Fund;” and (iii) appropriating the increase to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Special Fund Budget by increasing the estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Office of Sustainability’s “Disposable Plastic Bag Tax Special Fund” by $200,000.00, all for the purpose of funding local environmental cleanups, education programs designed to reduce environmental waste, pollution and litter mitigation, and providing reusable bags to recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Women, Infants, and Children Program benefits. ORD. 2025-206 introduced and referred
  144. 50. To amend City Code § 26-355, concerning the levy of tax on real estate, to establish a tax rate of $1.20 for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2026, pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-3321(b), and increasing such rate from the Rolled Back Tax Rate of $1.146 as computed in accordance with Va. Code § 58.1-3321(a). ORD. 2025-207 introduced and referred
  145. 51. To amend City Code § 26-355, concerning the levy of tax on real estate, to establish a tax rate of $1.16 for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2026, pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-3321(b), and increasing such rate from the Rolled Back Tax Rate of $1.146 as computed in accordance with Va. Code § 58.1-3321(a). ORD. 2025-208 introduced and referred
  146. 52. To approve of the City’s participation in the proposed settlement of opioid-related claims against Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Zydus, and Sandoz, and their related corporate entities, and to direct the City Attorney to execute the documents necessary to effectuate the City’s participation in the settlements, including the required release of claims against the settling entities. RES. 2025-R036 introduced and referred
  147. 53. To approve of the City’s participation in the proposed settlement of opioid-related claims against Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Parties, and their related corporate entities, and to direct the City Attorney to execute the documents necessary to effectuate the City’s participation in the settlements, including the required release of claims against the settling entities. RES. 2025-R037 introduced and referred
  148. 54. To approve the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority’s performance contract for Fiscal Year 2026 and Fiscal Year 2027. RES. 2025-R038 introduced and referred
  149. 55. To direct the City Planning Commission, as a part of its required review of the Master Plan in 2025, to prepare, submit to public hearing, and consider an amendment to the Master Plan that identifies the area generally bounded by, to the south, Interstate 95 and Interstate 64; to the east, Hermitage Road from Interstate 95 and Interstate 64 to the five-way intersection at Brookland Parkway and Westwood Avenue, Chatham Road from Westwood Avenue to Palmyra Avenue; to the north, Palmyra Avenue from Chatham Road to Hermitage Road, and Oakdale Avenue from Hermitage Road to Catalpa Avenue; and to the west, Catalpa Avenue from Oakdale Avenue to Westwood Avenue, and Westwood Avenue from Catalpa Avenue to Interstate 95 and Interstate 64, as a Neighborhood Node and to request that the Chief Administrative Officer cause the Department of Planning and Development Review, the Department of Public Works, the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility, the Department of Economic Development, and the Department of Housing and Community Development to collectively work with the City Planning Commission to prepare such amendment to the Master Plan. RES. 2025-R039 introduced and referred
  150. 56. To express the Council’s acceptance of the findings of the MGT Performance, City of Richmond, Virginia Minority Business Enterprise, 2023 Disparity Study and to request that the Chief Administrative Officer cause the Office of Minority Business Development to (i) develop and implement a comprehensive plan of action based on the recommendations of such disparity study to promote equity in the City’s procurement practices and (ii) conduct a comprehensive minority business enterprise disparity study every five years beginning in Fiscal Year 2026-2027. RES. 2025-R040 introduced and referred
  151. 123 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.:
  152. 57. To provide for the granting by the City of Richmond to the person, firm or corporation to be ascertained in the manner prescribed by law of an easement upon, over, under, and across certain property known as 510 East 4th Street for the construction, maintenance, and operation of improvements and associated appurtenances for the generation, distribution and transmission of electricity in accordance with a certain Right of Way Agreement. (6th District) ORD. 2025-190 introduced and referred
  153. 58. To provide for the granting by the City of Richmond to the person, firm or corporation to be ascertained in the manner prescribed by law of the franchise, right, and privilege to install and maintain a solar farm and pollinator meadow located at 3800 East Richmond Road in accordance with a certain Ground Lease. (7th District) ORD. 2025-191 introduced and referred
  154. 59. To amend City Code § 2-772, concerning the filing of statements of economic interests, for the purpose of requiring more detailed disclosure forms of members of certain boards and commissions [with the power to issue bonds or expend funds in excess of $10,000 in any fiscal year]. (As Amended) ORD. 2025-209 introduced and referred
  155. 60. To amend City Code § 2-1351, concerning definitions related to open data and a transparency program, and to amend ch. 2, art. VII, div. 4 of the City Code by adding therein a new section 2-1361, concerning a Freedom of Information Act request library, for the purpose of establishing an online Freedom of Information Act library. (As Amended) ORD. 2025-210 introduced and referred
  156. 61. To amend City Code § 2-1352, concerning general requirements of the open data portal, to prohibit charging fees for requesting information required to be posted in the open data portal pursuant to section 2-1360 and to amend ch. 2, art. VII, div. 4 of the City Code by adding therein a new section 2-1360, concerning required datasets, for the purpose of requiring publication of certain datasets in the open data portal. (As Amended) ORD. 2025-211 introduced and referred
  157. 62. To rezone the property known as 526 Maury Street from the M-2 Heavy Industrial District to the TOD-1 Transit Oriented Nodal District. (6th District) ORD. 2025-212 introduced and referred
  158. 63. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1008 North 35th Street for the purpose of up to two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2025-213 introduced and referred
  159. 64. To authorize the conditional use of the property known as 1407 East Cary Street for the purpose of a nightclub, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (7th District) ORD. 2025-214 introduced and referred
  160. 65. 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) ORD. 2025-215 introduced and referred
  161. 66. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 600 Decatur Street, 602 Decatur Street, 604 Decatur Street, 606 Decatur Street, 608 Decatur Street, 610 Decatur Street, 612 Decatur Street, 614 Decatur Street, 616 Decatur Street, 620 Decatur Street, 622 Decatur Street, 624 Decatur Street, 626 Decatur Street, 628 Decatur Street, 630 Decatur Street, 632 Decatur Street, 634 Decatur Street, 110 East 7th Street, 112 East 7th Street, 114 East 7th Street, 116 East 7th Street, 118 East 7th Street, 120 East 7th Street, 110 Manchester Mews, 111 Manchester Mews, 112 Manchester Mews, 113 Manchester Mews, 114 Manchester Mews, 115 Manchester Mews, 116 Manchester Mews, 117 Manchester Mews, 118 Manchester Mews, 119 Manchester Mews, 120 Manchester Mews, 121 Manchester Mews, 111 East 6th Street, 113 East 6th Street, 115 East 6th Street, 117 East 6th Street, 119 East 6th Street, and 121 East 6th Street, for the purpose of up to 40 single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District) ORD. 2025-216 introduced and referred
  162. 67. To authorize the special use of the property known as 15 East Main Street for the purpose of up to three short-term rental units, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District) ORD. 2025-217 introduced and referred
  163. 68. To amend Ord. No. 2005-285-273, adopted Dec. 12, 2005, which authorized the special use of the property known as 2600 West Main Street for the purpose of a restaurant with an enclosed outdoor dining area, to reduce the required parking from eighteen parking spaces to thirteen parking spaces, upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District) ORD. 2025-218 introduced and referred
  164. 69. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2 South Robinson Street for the purpose of an independent cooking facility, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District) ORD. 2025-219 introduced and referred
  165. 70. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1924 Wood Street for the purpose of up to six single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District) ORD. 2025-220 introduced and referred
  166. 138 Reports or Announcements by Members of Council
  167. 139 Members of Council provided reports and announcements regarding respective district meetings and activities.
  168. 140 Councilor Reva Trammell left the meeting at 8:57 p.m.
  169. 141 Adjournment
  170. 142 There being no further business before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.