City Council
Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall
Agenda — 116 items
- 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 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.
- 3 The Honorable Cynthia Newbille, President The Honorable Katherine Jordan, Vice President The Honorable Sarah Abubaker The Honorable Kenya Gibson The Honorable Stephanie Lynch (early departure) The Honorable Ellen Robertson The Honorable Reva Trammell The Honorable Nicole Jones
- 3 Absent
- 4 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
- 4 The Honorable Andrew Breton
- 5 Councilor Nicole Jones made a motion to approve final appointment of the following interim appointees to the Public Art Commission:
- 5 Call to Order
- 6 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.
- 6 Council President Cynthia Newbille called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and presided.
- 7 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
- 7 Spanish Interpretation Announcement
- 8 Councilmembers Present
- 8 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.
- 9 Action on Appointments and Reappointments
- 10 Board Appointments and Reappointments - June 9, 2025
- 10 Imam Adeeb Ahmed of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, 2617 Turner Road Richmond, Virginia, provided the invocation. Members of Council and the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
- 11 Awards and Presentations
- 11 President Newbille requested that all present join in a moment of silence in recognition of the passing of Doctor Lucille M. Brown, a Richmond Public Schools teacher, principal, and superintendent with over 41 years of service in public education.
- 12 Public Comment
- 13 June 9, 2025 Public Comment Period Speakers List
- 14 Agenda Review and Amendments
- 15 The Consent Agenda
- 16 Motions
- 17 Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
- 17 Andrea Almond Ricky Parker Brian Barr Holly Gordon Taron Sparks Elizabeth Wright Jessie Gemmer Nicole Jones
- 18 Introduction of Ordinances and Resolutions
- 18 The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
- 19 June 9, 2025 Introduction Papers List
- 20 Reports or Announcements by Members of the Council
- 20 There were no awards and presentations.
- 21 Adjournment
- 22 PAGE BREAK
- 23 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.
- 23 Omari Al-Qadaffi, senior organizer at Legal Aid Justice Center, addressed Council and expressed concerns about the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) CEO's plan to transfer Gilpin Court's 781 apartments to the Richmond Development Corporation (RDC) without board review. He requested that Council direct RRHA to cease all RDC real estate activities until proper board representation is established.
- 24 Time and Place of Meetings
- 24 Dreame Boyd, representing Gilpin Informed Residents, addressed Council and stated residents felt excluded from RDC transfer plans after working eighteen months on the Choice Neighborhood planning process. She requested RDC support for resident management training and section 3 contracts with ownership opportunities. Penny Page, Vice President of Partnership for Smarter Growth, addressed Council and expressed solidarity with residents' transparency requests, citing trust issues due to conflicting information from RRHA leadership. She urged Council to consider residents' recommendations. Stephanie Robertson, a Gilpin Court resident, addressed Council and supported the RDC plan after meeting with the RRHA CEO, describing eviction prevention programs and section 3 job opportunities. She emphasized residents' opportunity for homeownership and stated that RRHA is working for residents. Jing Lei, 5th District community member, addressed Council and expressed concerns about transferring Gilpin Court from RRHA to RDC, noting potential loss of resident rights and public accountability. Ms. Lei stated that residents have good reason not to trust due to lack of transparency and planning details. Sherrill Hampton, RRHA Senior Vice President for Real Estate Development, addressed Council and clarified that the proposal is resident-centered and that RDC is a nonprofit subsidiary wholly owned by RRHA with proper oversight. She noted urgency due to federal funding volatility and acknowledged the need for enhanced resident engagement. A copy of the material provided has been filed. Arthur Burton, Jackson Ward resident, addressed Council and described conditions at Gilpin Court as horrendous, noting his seven years of work in the community. He called for local development companies to complete the work in seven years rather than fifteen, characterizing the proposed timeline as inhumane. Councilor Stephanie Lynch characterized the issues as critical life-and-death matters deserving of a full Organizational Development Committee meeting agenda item. She emphasized concerns about displacement and the lack of one-for-one replacement, suggesting a robust discussion with RRHA and stakeholders about housing strategy for residents at 40% of area median income and below. President Newbille referred the matter to the June 17, 2025, Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee meeting, at 3:00 p.m., for full discussion, noting RRHA's commitment to a tenant bill of rights and similar protections. Councilor Kenya Gibson thanked advocates for their engagement and noted multiple failed RRHA board actions. She emphasized widespread implications for 3rd District residents and the Carver Elementary School community, expressing significant questions while encouraging advocates to stay connected despite potential retaliation fears. Councilor Reva Trammell requested more resident participation in upcoming meetings, noting mixed communications causing confusion among residents. She emphasized needing comprehensive information from both the board and residents rather than partial information. President Newbille invited RRHA representatives, RDC board members, and community voices to participate in the committee meeting, emphasizing discussion of strategy across all public housing communities including tenant bill of rights components.
- 25 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.
- 26 Public Comment Period
- 26 Councilor Kenya Gibson made a motion to amend the agenda as follows:
- 27 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.
- 28 Guidelines for Public Participation*
- 29 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.
- 30 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.
- 31 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.
- 32 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.
- 33 * 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.
- 34 PAGE BREAK
- 35 THE CONSENT AGENDA
- 36 Items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and non-controversial. The Consent Agenda provides a method for the expeditious handling of items that do not require discussion and will be approved unanimously by a single roll-call vote of the Council. The public may speak to any item on the Consent Agenda when the public hearing is announced by the President.
- 1. 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)
- 2. 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)
- 38 The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
- 3. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3122 2nd Avenue for the purpose of up to three single-family detached dwellings and two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District)
- 4. 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)
- 40 The following ordinances were considered:
- 5. 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)
- 6. 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)
- 7. To close, to public use and travel, unimproved portions of West 23rd Street located south of Semmes Avenue and north of McDonough Street, McDonough Street located east of West 22nd Street, Perry Street located east of West 22nd Street, and two unimproved alleys, one located between West 23rd Street and an existing alley and a second located between Perry Street and Porter Avenue, all such streets and alleys together consisting of 45,430± square feet and, upon certain terms and conditions, and to authorize the Chief Administrator Officer to accept the dedication of a public utility easement consisting of 11,646± square feet and a 3,106± square foot public right-of-way, all for the purpose of facilitating the development of multifamily affordable housing.
- 8. 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)
- 9. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1000 North 21st Street for the purpose of up to four two-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 10. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 810 North 22nd Street and 812 North 22nd Street for the purpose of up to four single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 11. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2903 Brook Road for the purpose of one single-family detached dwelling and one accessory structure, upon certain terms and conditions. (3rd District)
- 12. To authorize the special use of the property known as 8 South Crenshaw Avenue for the purpose of uses permitted in the UB Urban Business District as set forth in City Code §§ 30-433.2 and 30-433.3, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District)
- 48 Public Hearing
- 13. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3102 P Street for the purpose of one two-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 49 Jennifer Ward, a resident at 3100 P Street, addressed Council in opposition of Ord. No. 2025-118 regarding a special use permit for 3102 P Street. Ms. Ward questioned why a duplex should be built on a 3,300 square foot lot when the project requires 6,000 square feet, arguing it introduces forced density inconsistent with neighborhood character. She requested that single-family zoning be upheld for the overall character of the community.
- 14. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 2111 Venable Street, 2113 Venable Street, 2115 Venable Street, 2115½ Venable Street, 2117 Venable Street, and 2119 Venable Street for the purpose of up to fifteen single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 50 Will Gillette, Baker Development Resources, addressed Council in support of Ord. No. 2025-118, representing the property owner. Mr. Gillette explained the request is for a two-family detached dwelling on a vacant parcel, which is permitted under R6 zoning, with the special use permit needed only due to lot size. He noted that at 33 feet wide, this lot is among the largest on the block and that no residential lot in the block meets current zoning standards.
- 15. To conditionally rezone the properties known as 603 Rear North 35th Street, 609 Rear North 35th Street, 619 North 36th Street, 3510 Glenwood Avenue, and 3516 Glenwood Avenue from the R-5 Single-Family Residential District to the R-63 Multifamily Urban Residential District, upon certain proffered conditions. (As Amended) (7th District)
- 51 There was no discussion, and the Consent Agenda was unanimously adopted.
- 16. 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).
- 53 THE REGULAR AGENDA
- 53 Councilor Ellen Robertson moved that the ordinance entitled:
- 17. To amend City Code §§ 26-871, concerning the establishment of annual license taxes, and 26-873, concerning exemptions to license taxes, to increase the threshold for business, professional and occupational license taxes from $250,000.00 to $500,000.00. (As Amended)
- 54 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)
- 18. To express support for the study and installation of photo speed monitoring devices in high-risk intersection segments[, including the 600 and 700 blocks of South Belvidere Street and certain other locations,] pursuant to Va. Code § 46.2-882.1 and [through the City of Richmond’s Department of Police “Safety Camera Program” and] to request that the Chief Administrative Officer consider identifying additional locations for the installation of photo speed monitoring devices and increasing the number of photo speed monitoring devices deployed by the City. (As Amended) (5th District)
- 55 be amended and continued to July 28, 2025, to modify the terms and conditions related to right-of- way improvements. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved. Councilor Kenya Gibson moved that the ordinance entitled:
- 56 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)
- 57 be amended and continued to June 23, 2025, to modify the Plans. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
- 58 PAGE BREAK
- 59 Councilor Reva Trammell moved to expedite consideration of the following resolution:
- 19. To consent to the Mayor’s designation of Sharon Ebert as Interim Chief Administrative Officer.
- 61 The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
- 62 Mayor Danny Avula introduced the proposed resolution noting that Ms. Ebert had served as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Economic Development and Community Development for the past six years.
- 63 Public Hearing
- 64 There were no public hearing speakers. Councilor Ellen Robertson thanked Mayor Avula for the request and praised Ms. Ebert's long-term service to the city, noting her expertise and willingness to work extensive hours. Councilor Reva Trammell thanked Ms. Ebert for accepting the interim role and expressed appreciation for former interim CAO Sabrina Joy Hogg's hard work and dedication to the city.
- 65 There was no additional discussion, and Res. No. 2025-R027 was unanimously adopted. Councilor Nicole Jones moved to expedite consideration of the following resolution:
- 20. To consent to the Mayor’s appointment of Odie Donald II to the position of Chief Administrative Officer and to approve the compensation therefor
- 67 The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
- 68 Mayor Danny Avula addressed Council regarding his nomination of Odie Donald II as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Mayor Avula stated from a pool of over 200 candidates, Odie Donald emerged as the strongest candidate for three key reasons: proven experience managing municipal operations in Georgia localities including South Fulton and Augusta-Richmond County; broader perspective from larger localities like Washington DC and Atlanta where he currently serves as Chief of Staff to Mayor Andre Dickens; and focus on expanding economic opportunities through workforce development, having helped over half a
- 69 million people find employment or housing and leveraged over $3 billion in investment for underserved communities. The mayor discussed Mr. Donald’s employment contract, noting that bringing in a professional of this caliber required negotiating at the top end of the council-approved salary range, as Mr. Donald was not seeking a new position. Mayor Avula emphasized that investing in top-tier leadership is necessary for improving city operations and building effective government.
- 70 Public Hearing
- 71 Brian Anderson, President and CEO of Chamber RVA, addressed Council in support of the appointment. Mr. Anderson commended the mayor and the Robert Bobb Group for the search process and praised Mr. Donald's qualifications, experiences, and character based on his knowledge of his work in Georgia. He noted Mr. Donald's assistance with planning the inner city visit to Atlanta and characterized him as a leader who works alongside teammates to ensure job completion. Charles Willis, Executive Director of United Communities Against Crime, addressed Council in support of the appointment. Mr. Willis noted his research on Mr. Donald's experience addressing housing crises, homelessness, economic development, and crime prevention. He praised the mayor for transparency in the appointment process and urged Council to support the resolution expeditiously. Councilor Kenya Gibson quoted the city charter regarding the appointment process and emphasized Council's role in providing checks and balances for this critical position. Ms. Gibson expressed concerns about the expedited timeline, noting the appointment was announced Friday with a vote scheduled the following business day, and that the employment contract was shared only hours before the meeting. She stated she would abstain from the vote to reflect her commitment to process, transparency, and public accountability. Councilor Nicole Jones expressed full support for the appointment, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and noting lessons learned during the Atlanta visit. Ms. Jones stated her excitement about ending speculation regarding the CAO position and emphasized the need for Council, the mayor, and the CAO to work together addressing district issues. Councilor Sarah Abubaker supported the nomination while emphasizing the need for accountability, noting that with a high salary comes great responsibility. Vice President Katherine Jordan expressed support for bringing stability to the position, noting the burden placed on staff filling leadership gaps. Councilor Ellen Robertson expressed confidence in the mayor's selection while requesting that the resolution not be expedited to allow more time for due diligence and meeting with the candidate. Ms. Robertson emphasized the importance of 100% solid Council support for this
- 72 critical position and noted major challenges facing the city, particularly in the finance department. Councilor Reva Trammell thanked the mayor for his phone call and noted her conversation with Mr. Donald, expressing confidence in his qualifications. Ms. Trammell emphasized the immediate need for a CAO and supported proceeding with the vote without delay. President Newbille appreciated the mayor’s approach in retaining a nationally recognized firm for the search and noted seeing Mr. Donald's work during the Atlanta visit, particularly around housing initiatives.
- 73 There was no additional discussion, and Res. No. 2025-R028 was adopted: Ayes 7, Jones, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None. Abstentions 1, Gibson.
- 75 There were no minutes for approval.
- 78 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances and resolution on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.:
- 21. To amend and reordain City Code § 21-4, concerning definitions related to public procurement, and to amend ch. 21, art. II, by adding therein new section 21-75, concerning reverse auctioning, authorized by Va. Code § 2.2-4303(I).
- 22. To amend City Code § 2-1204, concerning the residency of certain officers and employees, to modify the City’s residency requirement for certain officers and employees. (As Amended)
- 23. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an UpTogether Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and FII - National for the purpose of implementing the Richmond Resilience Initiative guaranteed income program.
- 24. To declare a public necessity for and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to acquire by gift, purchase, condemnation, or otherwise, certain fee simple interests and temporary construction easements for the purpose of facilitating the construction of the Courtland Street Sanitary Sewer Main Replacement project. (8th District)
- 25. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the total amount of $1,385,900.00 from the Virginia Department of Transportation, to amend Ord. No. 2024-100, adopted May 13, 2024, which accepted a program of proposed Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and the four fiscal years thereafter, adopted a Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, and determined a means of financing the same, to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works’ Complete Streets project in the Transportation - G.O. Bonds category by $1,385,900.00, for the purpose of funding the Complete Streets project.
- 26. To amend Ord. No. 2024-099, adopted May 13, 2024, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2025 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, to (i) create certain new line items in the Non-Departmental agency, (ii) transfer $250,000.00 from the Office of Sustainability, and (iii) appropriate such $250,000.00 to such new line items in the Non-Departmental agency, all for the purpose of providing grants to certain entities to facilitate the implementation of neighborhood climate resilience projects.
- 27. To amend Ord. No. 2024-099, adopted May 13, 2024, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by (i) increasing revenues from estimated personal property taxes, prepared food taxes, betting parlor fees, and cigarette taxes by $4,032,431.00, (ii) reducing total appropriations by $5,663,464.00, (iii) increasing total appropriations by $9,695,895.00, and (iv) transferring funds from various agencies and appropriating the increased revenues and transferred funds to various agencies.
- 28. To support an application to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program for the purpose of funding the installation of protected bike lanes on Franklin Street from Belvidere Street to Lombardy Street and to commit to the required agreements of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program.
- 87 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.:
- 29. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3103 2nd Avenue for the purpose of one two-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District)
- 30. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1807 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)
- 31. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1315 North 31st Street for the purpose of up to three single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 32. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1811 Blair Street for the purpose of up to two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District)
- 33. 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)
- 94 Members of Council provided reports and announcements regarding respective district meetings and activities.
- 95 Councilor Stephanie Lynch left the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
- 97 There being no further business before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
- 98 ___________________________________ CITY CLERK