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City Council

January 27, 2025 ·6:00 PM Final

Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall

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Agenda — 125 items

  1. 1 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 Stephanie Lynch (electronic participation) (early departure) The Honorable Ellen Robertson The Honorable Reva Trammell The Honorable Nicole Jones
  2. 2 Call to Order
  3. 3 Roxana Talavera-Denson, Language Access Coordinator, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement, then provided Spanish interpretation of City Clerk Reid's announcement.
  4. 4 Members of Council and the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
  5. 4 Council President Cynthia Newbille called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., and presided.
  6. 5 To be offered by Pastor Michael R. Lomax of Westwood Baptist Church
  7. 5 Spanish Interpretation Announcements
  8. 6 Pledge of Allegiance
  9. 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.
  10. 7 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
  11. 8 Councilmembers Present
  12. 8 Pastor Michael R. Lomax of Westwood Baptist Church, 915 Glenburnie Road, Richmond, Virginia, provided the invocation.
  13. 9 Action on Appointments and Reappointments
  14. 10 Awards and Presentations
  15. 10 President Cynthia Newbille requested a moment of silence in remembrance of former City Councilmember and Mayor, Henry L. Marsh III.
  16. 11 Public Comment
  17. 11 page break
  18. 12 January 27, 2025 Public Comment Period Speakers List CD.2025.018
  19. 13 Agenda Review and Amendments
  20. 13 Upon the President’s request, Assistant City Clerk Kimberly Morris provided information on the appropriate manner in which the Council Chamber is to be evacuated in the event of an emergency along with public speaker guidelines.
  21. 14 Action Items (Consent Agenda)
  22. 14 Electronic Participation
  23. 15 Action Items (Regular Agenda and Motions)
  24. 15 Pursuant to Rule III(D)(4)(b) of Council’s Rules of Procedure, Councilor Stephanie Lynch made a request to participate in the meeting via Microsoft Teams from her home, due to a medical condition that prevented her physical attendance. The Council members present were required to adopt a motion to approve Councilor Lynch's participation in the meeting by electronic communication means if it appeared to the body that her request complied with Rule III(D) of Council’s Rules of Procedure. A motion was solicited from those members physically assembled to approve Councilor Lynch's participation in the meeting by electronic communication means.
  25. 16 Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
  26. 16 Councilor Ellen Robertson moved to allow Councilor Stephanie Lynch to participate in the meeting by electronic communication means. The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None. Lynch was awaiting approval to participate through electronic communication means.
  27. 17 January 2, 2025 Special Organizational Meeting Minutes CD.2025.011
  28. 17 At the request of Council, Interim Chief Administrative Officer Sabrina Joy-Hogg introduced Scott Morris, Interim Director of the Department of Public Utilities, and she provided additional information regarding his qualifications and experience.
  29. 18 January 13, 2025 Informal Meeting Minutes CD.2025.009
  30. 18 Interim Director of the Department of Pubic Utilities Scott Morris addressed Council and discussed his recent appointment.
  31. 19 January 13, 2025 Formal Meeting Minutes CD.2025.019
  32. 20 Introduction of Ordinances and Resolutions
  33. 20 There were no appointments or reappointments.
  34. 21 January 27, 2025 Introduction Papers List CD.2025.023
  35. 22 Reports or Announcements by Members of the Council
  36. 22 There were no awards or presentations.
  37. 23 Adjournment
  38. 23 page break
  39. 24 PAGE BREAK
  40. 25 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.
  41. 26 Time and Place of Meetings
  42. 26 Paige Pruett addressed Council and requested that Council revoke the special use permit authorized by ORD. 2023-283, adopted November 13, 2023. Ms. Pruett provided Council with documentation and information that she believed proved that the structure located at 615 Maple Avenue was not in compliance and should not have been permitted to remain constructed.
  43. 27 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.
  44. 27 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
  45. 28 Public Comment Period
  46. 28 Thomas Courtney addressed and stated his concerns about the construction of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts' (VMFA) proposed art storage warehouse. Mr. Courtney also stated that he did not believe the proposed warehouse adhered to the prior special use permits approved for the location. Mr. Courtney further stated his concerns about the VMFA Foundation's recent purchases of residential property near the museum.
  47. 29 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.
  48. 29 Toni Johnson addressed Council and stated her concerns about the conditions experienced by unhoused individuals in the city. Ms. Johnson also stated that the city should prioritize funding to help individuals experiencing homelessness.
  49. 30 Guidelines for Public Participation*
  50. 30 Monchelle Hicks-Whitaker addressed Council and stated her desire that the city remediate certain land to allow for more affordable housing construction.
  51. 31 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.
  52. 32 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.
  53. 32 Vice President Katherine Jordan moved to amend the agenda as follows:
  54. 33 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. 34 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. 35 * 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 The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None. Lynch was excused.
  58. 36 PAGE BREAK
  59. 37 The Consent Agenda
  60. 38 The following ordinances and resolution were considered:
  61. 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 continued and referred back
  62. 2. To amend and reordain City Code § 27-132, concerning the use of photo speed monitoring devices in highway work zones and school crossing zones and penalties, for the purpose of adding high-risk intersection segments authorized by Va. Code § 46.2-882.1. ORD. 2024-317 adopted Pass
  63. 3. 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, to (i) transfer $500,000.00 from the Non-Departmental agency Right to Counsel for Evictions, (ii) create a new line item in the Non-Departmental agency called the “Right to Counsel for Evictions Program - Central Virginia Legal Aid Society,” and (iii) appropriate such $500,000.00 to such new line item in the Non-Departmental agency for the purpose of providing funding for a right to counsel for evictions program. ORD. 2025-001 adopted Pass
  64. 4. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $1,850,287.27 from the National Opioid Settlement Fund, resulting from settlement agreements with Settling Distributors, Janssen, Allergan, Teva, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and McKinsey, and to amend Ord. No. 2024-099, adopted May 13, 2024, which adopted the Special Fund Budget for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and made appropriations thereto, by increasing the revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services’ National Opioid Settlement Special Fund by $1,850,287.27, for the purpose of funding opioid abatement and remediation strategies to combat the opioid crisis. ORD. 2025-002 adopted Pass
  65. 5. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $2,377,500.00 from the Virginia Resources Authority, and to amend the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Water Utility Budget which appropriated the estimated receipts of the water utility, by increasing estimated receipts and the amount appropriated for the water utility by $2,377,500.00, for the purpose of funding the City’s lead water service line replacement and water service line inventory programs. ORD. 2025-003 adopted Pass
  66. 6. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Financing Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Resources Authority for the purpose of funding the City’s lead water service line replacement and water service line inventory programs. ORD. 2025-004 adopted Pass
  67. 7. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $262,500.00 from the United States Department of Energy, and to amend the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Special Fund Budget by (i) creating a new special fund for the Office of Sustainability called the “Grant - EECBG Home Energy Audits, Energy Savings for Richmond’s Workforce Housing Project Special Fund,” (ii) appropriating the increase to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Office of Sustainability’s “Grant - EECBG Home Energy Audits, Energy Savings for Richmond’s Workforce Housing Project Special Fund” by $262,500.00, and (iii) appropriating $250,000.00 of such funds to Viridiant, all for the purpose of providing funding for energy efficiency assistance for low-income residents. ORD. 2025-005 adopted Pass
  68. 8. To amend Ord. No. 2022-244, adopted Sept. 23, 2022, which authorizes the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Vehicle Lease Agreement between the City of Richmond, as lessor, and the Richmond Ambulance Authority, as lessee, for the purpose of leasing to the Richmond Ambulance Authority certain ambulances owned by the City, for the purpose of adding six “chase” vehicles to the Vehicle Lease Agreement and leasing certain City-owned personal property to the Richmond Ambulance Authority. ORD. 2025-006 adopted Pass
  69. 9. 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, by increasing estimated revenues from the JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. line of credit borrowings, authorized by Ord. No. 2023-077, adopted May 8, 2023, by $977,721.00 and appropriating such $977,721.00 to the Vehicle Replacement project in the Capital Vehicle and Equipment category for the purpose of purchasing six “chase” vehicles to be leased by the City to the Richmond Ambulance Authority. ORD. 2025-007 adopted Pass
  70. 10. 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, 2811 Rady, LLC, and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of facilitating the construction of an affordable residential development located at 2811 Rady Street. (6th District) ORD. 2025-008 adopted Pass
  71. 11. To accept a quitclaim deed from the School Board conveying a portion of 1211 Jahnke Road and commonly known as Westover Park to the City and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to act on behalf of the City in executing such deed. (4th District) ORD. 2025-009 adopted Pass
  72. 12. To designate the 900 block of Decatur Street in honor of Reverend Robert A. Winfree. (6th District) ORD. 2025-010 adopted Pass
  73. 13. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Right of Entry agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of General Services for the purpose of permitting the City access to and use of the parking garage located at 311 North 7th Street to make certain repairs to the City owned property located at 730 East Broad Street. (6th District) ORD. 2025-011 adopted Pass
  74. 51 Public Hearing
  75. 14. 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) RES. 2024-R041 continued and referred back
  76. 52 Martin Wegbreit, pro bono attorney and former Director of Litigation for the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, spoke in support of ORD. 2025-001, and stated that the appropriated $500,000 to the Right to Counsel for Evictions Program, will provide much needed legal assistance to city residents. Mr. Wegbreit also stated that he would invite Council and the mayor to attend and witness future Richmond Circuit Court eviction proceedings.
  77. 15. 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 Riverside Drive, Cowardin Avenue, Hull Street, and West 24th Street 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 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. (5th District) RES. 2025-R007 adopted Pass
  78. 53 Charles Willis spoke in support of ORD. 2025-010, and stated his appreciation for the efforts of Reverend Robert A. Winfree to improve the Richmond community.
  79. 16. To express City Council’s support for the City’s participation in the United States Department of Transportation’s [Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity] Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development funding program for a Mayo Bridge replacement project. (As Amended) RES. 2025-R008 adopted Pass
  80. 54 Councilor Reva Trammell stated her appreciation for Reverend Robert A. Winfree, and she requested to be added as a co-patron of ORD. 2025-010.
  81. 55 The Regular Agenda
  82. 55 President Cynthia Newbille, Councilor Nicole Jones, and Vice President Katherine Jordan requested to be added as co-patrons of ORD. 2025-010.
  83. 56 Councilor Kenya Gibson stated her support for ORD. 2025-001, and she requested that involved parties provide the city feedback about the program, so that Council can be made aware if more assistance is needed. Councilor Gibson also stated her concerns about the data collected from speed cameras referenced in ORD. 2024-317, and she requested that Council seek more information about the duration of storage and for what purposes the data will be used.
  84. 57 Councilor Ellen Robertson stated her appreciation for Reverend Robert Winfree, and she thanked Council for considering ORD. 2025-010. Councilor Robertson requested to be added as a co-patron of ORD. 2025- 001, ORD. 2025-002, ORD. 2025-003, ORD. 2025-004, ORD. 2025-005, ORD. 2025-006, ORD. 2025-007, and RES. 2024-041.
  85. 58 Councilor Stephanie Lynch stated her appreciation for Reverend Robert Winfree and his impact on the community. Councilor Lynch also stated her support for ORD. 2025-001 and the Right to Counsel for Evictions Program.
  86. 59 Vice President Katherine Jordan requested to be added as a co-patron of ORD. 2025-001 and ORD. 2025-005.
  87. 60 President Cynthia Newbille requested to be added as a co-patron of ORD. 2025-001, ORD. 2025-002, ORD. 2025-003, and ORD. 2025-005. President Newbille also stated that she would ensure that city administration provide information to address Councilor Gibson's data-related questions relating to ORD. 2024-317.
  88. 61 Councilor Nicole Jones requested to be added as a co-patron of ORD. 2025-001, ORD. 2025-002, and ORD. 2025-005.
  89. 62 Councilor Ellen Robertson requested to be added as a co-patron of ORD. 2025-008.
  90. 63 Councilor Andrew Breton requested to be added as a co-patron of ORD. 2024-317 and ORD. 2025-001.
  91. 64 Councilor Kenya Gibson requested additional information about how the city selected Viridiant to conduct home energy audits referenced in ORD. 2025-005.
  92. 65 Laura Thomas, Director of Sustainability, provided information regarding why the city decided to partner with Viridiant.
  93. 66 Councilor Kenya Gibson requested to be added as a co-patron of ORD. 2024-317 and ORD. 2025-001.
  94. 67 There were no further discussions and the Consent Agenda was unanimously adopted.
  95. 69 There were no Regular Agenda items.
  96. 70 Motions
  97. 71 Councilor Andrew Breton moved that the resolution entitled:
  98. 72 be amended to change the name of the funding program to "Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development" in accordance with a new federal classification.
  99. 73 The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
  100. 74 The following resolution was considered:
  101. 76 Dironna Moore Clarke, Department of Public Works (DPW) Deputy Director of the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility, provided information about why the resolution was amended and additional background information regarding RES. 2025-R008.
  102. 77 There were no further comments or discussions and RES. 2025-R008 was unanimously adopted.
  103. 78 Councilor Ellen Robertson requested to be added as a co-patron of RES. 2025-R008.
  104. 79 Councilor Nicole Jones moved to expedite consideration of the following resolution:
  105. 17. To remove Andreas D. Addison and J. E. Lincoln Saunders from the Board of Directors of the Greater Richmond Transit Company and to provide for the appointment of Nicole Jones and Sharon Ebert as two of the City of Richmond’s three Directors of the Greater Richmond Transit Company for the period commencing upon such appointment and terminating on the date of the 2025 annual meeting of shareholders upon the election and qualification of the successors to these Directors. RES. 2025-R009 adopted Pass
  106. 81 The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
  107. 82 President Cynthia Newbille provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed resolution.
  108. 83 There were no comments or discussions and RES. 2025-R009 was unanimously adopted.
  109. 85 There were no amendments or corrections to the meeting minutes of the Special Organizational Council Meeting held on January 2, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.; the Informal and Formal Council Meetings held on Tuesday, January 13, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.; and Council approved the minutes as presented.
  110. 91 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances and resolution on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.:
  111. 18. To declare a public necessity for and to authorize the acquisition of the parcels of real property owned by the Capital Region Land Conservancy, Inc., located at 1401 Brander Street and 1421 Brander Street for the purpose of maintaining such properties as public greenspace and enhancing connectivity for the Richmond Slave Trail within the James River Park System. (6th District) ORD. 2025-020 introduced and referred
  112. 19. To grant a conservation and open-space easement on the property known as 1401 Brander Street and 1421 Brander Street to the Capital Region Land Conservancy, Inc. and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. (6th District) ORD. 2025-021 introduced and referred
  113. 20. To establish the Civilian Review Board’s policies and procedures pursuant to Va. Code § 9.1-601(D) and City Code § 2-1202.4(f). RES. 2025-R010 introduced and referred
  114. 95 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.:
  115. 21. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1001 Barlen Drive for the purpose of up to two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (9th District) ORD. 2025-022 introduced and referred
  116. 22. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3310 Q Street for the purpose of up to two two-family detached dwellings with two accessory dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2025-023 introduced and referred
  117. 23. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2811 Rady Street for the purpose of four multifamily dwellings containing an aggregate of up to 352 dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District) ORD. 2025-024 introduced and referred
  118. 24. 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 introduced and referred
  119. 25. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $1,495,548.00 from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and to amend Ord. No. 2024-099, adopted May 13, 2024, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Stormwater Utility Budget and appropriated the estimated receipts of the stormwater utility, by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the stormwater utility by $1,495,548.00 for the purpose of funding the modernization of the City’s stormwater asset inventory. ORD. 2025-026 introduced and referred
  120. 26. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $371,232.00 from the Virginia Transit Association and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works’ Shared Mobility Special fund by $371,232.00 for the purpose of funding a Free Rides to Work program. ORD. 2025-027 introduced and referred
  121. 27. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Cooperation Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Transit Association for the purpose of funding a Free Rides to Work program. ORD. 2025-028 introduced and referred
  122. 28. To amend Ord. No. 2021-079, adopted Apr. 12, 2021, which authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $150,000.00 from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation; amended the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities called the Bellemeade Park Outdoor Educational Classroom Facility Special Fund; and appropriated the grant funds received to the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the new Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ Bellemeade Park Outdoor Educational Classroom Facility Special Fund by $150,000.00 for the purpose of funding the design, permitting, and construction of an outdoor classroom at Bellemeade Park located at 1800 Krouse Street in the city of Richmond, to change the permitted use of the grant funds and modify the name of the special fund to which the grant funds are appropriated. ORD. 2025-029 introduced and referred
  123. 105 Members of Council provided reports and announcements regarding respective district meetings and activities.
  124. 106 Councilor Stephanie Lynch left the meeting at 7:17 p.m.
  125. 108 There being no further business before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. ___________________________________ CITY CLERK