City Council
Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall
Agenda — 121 items
- 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 The Honorable Ellen Robertson The Honorable Reva Trammell The Honorable Nicole Jones (electronic participation)
- 2 Call to Order
- 3 Spanish Interpretation Announcements
- 4 Pastor Wilhelmenia Johnson of Restoration Fellowship Christian Center, 4908 Creedmore St, Richmond, Virginia, provided the invocation.
- 4 Council President Cynthia Newbille called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m., and presided.
- 5 Members of Council and the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
- 6 Pledge of Allegiance
- 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.
- 7 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
- 7 Roxana Talavera-Denson, Language Access Coordinator, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement, then provided Spanish interpretation of previously provided announcements.
- 8 Councilmembers Present
- 9 Action on Appointments and Reappointments
- 10 Awards and Presentations
- 11 Update on the City of Richmond's Water Restoration Efforts
- 11 Upon the President’s request, Council Management Analyst Pamela Nichols 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.
- 12 Public Comment
- 12 page break
- 13 January 13, 2025 Public Comment Period Speakers List
- 13 Electronic Participation
- 14 Agenda Review and Amendments
- 14 Pursuant to Rule III(D)(4)(b) of Council’s Rules of Procedure, Councilor Nicole Jones 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 Jones'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 Jones's participation in the meeting by electronic communication means.
- 15 Action Items (Consent Agenda)
- 15 Vice President Katherine Jordan moved to allow Councilor Nicole Jones to participate in the meeting by electronic communication means. The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None. Jones was awaiting approval to participate through electronic communication means.
- 16 Action Items (Regular Agenda and Motions)
- 17 Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
- 17 There were no appointments or reappointments.
- 18 December 2, 2024 Special Meeting Minutes
- 19 December 9, 2024 Informal Meeting Minutes
- 19 Mayor Danny Avula provided Council with a presentation update regarding the restoration of the city's water service. Mayor Avula stated that a thorough investigation would review the cause of the city's loss of water service, remedies immediately needed, and future mitigation efforts to prevent another occurrence. Mayor Avula also stated that the city would act to support city residents and businesses impacted by the loss of water service.
- 20 December 9, 2024 Formal Meeting Minutes
- 20 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
- 21 Introduction of Ordinances and Resolutions
- 22 January 13, 2025 Introduction Papers List
- 22 Interim Council Chief of Staff Matthew Slaats informed members about next steps Council would take to review the city's loss of water service and future oversight measures.
- 23 Reports or Announcements by Members of the Council
- 24 Adjournment
- 25 PAGE BREAK
- 25 Valerie Cymes addressed Council and requested that members stay focused on local issues and ignore demands that Council adopt a ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza.
- 26 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.
- 26 Elizabeth Drucker addressed Council and requested that more trashcans be available in Monroe Ward. Ms. Drucker also stated her concerns about public safety and the impact of street demonstrations on local businesses and residents in Monroe Ward.
- 27 Time and Place of Meetings
- 27 Anna Mackiewicz addressed Council and stated her concerns about housing stability in the city. Ms. Mackiewicz also stated that the city should partner with hotels and businesses to provide shelter for city residents in need of housing.
- 28 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.
- 28 Dina Weinstein addressed Council and stated her concerns about housing development in the city. Ms. Weinstein also stated she feared that too much development was occurring in neighborhoods that negatively impacted existing neighborhood character.
- 29 Public Comment Period
- 29 Warren Campbell, New Virginia Majority Organizer, on behalf of the Richmond Housing Justice Collective, addressed Council and stated his concerns about housing justice in the city. Mr. Campbell requested that Mayor Avula and City Council request that the Richmond General Circuit Court suspend all evictions due to the city's recent loss of water service and its impact on residents. Mr. Campbell also requested that the city release emergency funds to assist residents in need of housing stability.
- 30 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.
- 30 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
- 31 Guidelines for Public Participation*
- 31 Steve Wilborn addressed Council and stated his concerns about his recent interactions with city government. Mr. Wilborn also stated that he did not believe he was receiving the city services that should be expected from the amount of taxes received by the city.
- 32 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.
- 33 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.
- 33 Vice President Katherine Jordan moved to amend the agenda as follows:
- 34 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.
- 35 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.
- 36 * 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.
- 37 PAGE BREAK
- 38 The Consent Agenda
- 39 The following ordinances and resolutions were considered.
- 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)
- 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.
- 3. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer 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 administering the Commerce Road - (UPC 125367), Broad Rock Boulevard - (UPC 125368), Bells Road - (UPC 125369) and Commerce Road SGR - (UPC 125370) paving projects.
- 4. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Lease Agreement between the City of Richmond and American Towers LLC for the purpose of allowing American Towers LLC to continue to maintain and operate a telecommunications tower and telecommunications facilities at 8800 West Huguenot Road. (4th District)
- 5. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a GRTC Downtown Transfer Hub Site Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Richmond and the Greater Richmond Transit Co. for the purpose of constructing a permanent transfer hub and mixed-use development at 500 North 10th Street. (6th District)
- 44 The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
- 6. To amend Ord. No. 2024-099, adopted May 13, 2024, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 General Fund Budget and made appropriations thereto, to (i) transfer $92,722.00 from the Central Appropriations agency 400 Hull Street, LLC (economic development grant through EDA) line item, (ii) create a new line item called “512 Hull Street, LLC” in the Central Appropriations agency, and (iii) appropriate such $92,722.00 to such new line item in the Central Appropriations agency for the purpose of providing funding to the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for an economic incentive payment for the development and operation of affordable housing pursuant to the Grant Agreement authorized by Ord. No. 2024-195, adopted Jul. 22, 2024.
- 7. To amend Ord. No. 2024-099, adopted May 13, 2024, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Internal Service Fund Budgets, by re-appropriating $5,700,000.00 from the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Information Technology fund balance to the Department of Information Technology Internal Service Fund to fund necessary equipment replacement and project expenses.
- 8. 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, 1400 Hull Owner, 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 1401 Hull Street, 1403 Hull Street, 1405 Hull Street, and 1407 Hull Street. (6th District)
- 9. 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, 1500 Hull Owner, 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 1501 Hull Street, 1503 Hull Street, 1505 Hull Street, and 1511 Hull Street. (6th District)
- 10. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the total amount of $1,148,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Transportation and 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 (i) establishing a new project for the Department of Public Works in the Transportation category called the “Richmond Signal System Smart City Traffic Signal Controllers” project and (ii) increasing estimated revenues from the funds received from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the amount appropriated to the new Department of Public Works’ “Richmond Signal System Smart City Traffic Signal Controllers” project in the Transportation category by $1,148,000.00, for the purpose of funding the implementation of a Richmond Signal System Smart City Traffic Signal Controllers program.
- 11. To amend Ord. No. 2021-277, adopted Nov. 8, 2021, which authorized the special use of the property known as 3401 Patterson Avenue for the purpose of a restaurant, tea room, café, delicatessen, ice cream parlor, or similar food service establishment, upon certain terms and conditions, and repealed Ord. No. 90-142-117, adopted May 14, 1990, to authorize a mobile food truck use and to revise the plans, upon certain terms and conditions. (1st District)
- 12. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1800 North 27th Street for the purpose of one single-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 13. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2501 Dana Street for the purpose of up to three single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (8th District)
- 14. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 5728 Patterson Avenue and 805 Libbie Avenue for the purpose of a mixed-use building, including commercial space, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (1st District)
- 15. To accept and approve the biennial real estate strategies plan entitled “Revised 2024 Biennial Real Estate Strategies Plan for City Owned Surplus Properties.” (As Amended)
- 16. 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)
- 17. To express support for the conveyance of the property located at 2911 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard from Virginia Commonwealth University to the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond, for the purpose of facilitating the continued construction and operation of the Diamond District Redevelopment Project. (2nd District)
- 56 Public Hearing
- 18. To request the Virginia Department of Transportation to amend the street mileage inventory for the City of Richmond.
- 57 Jon Lugbill, Sports Backers Executive Director, spoke in support of RES. 2024-R042, and stated that Sports Backers supported the conveyance of its current headquarters located at 2911 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, to the Economic Development Authority. Mr. Lugbill also stated that Sports Backers would be relocating its headquarter to a new location closer to the city's Fall Line Trail, and he requested that the Fall Line Trail be connected to the Diamond District Development.
- 58 The Regular Agenda
- 58 Courtney Farrar, RVA Rapid Transit Ambassador, spoke in support of ORD. 2024-320, and stated that the proposed downtown permanent transfer hub would benefit residents that utilize public transit.
- 19. 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)
- 59 There were no discussions and the Consent Agenda was unanimously adopted.
- 61 There were no regular agenda items.
- 62 Motions
- 63 Councilor Reva Trammell moved that the ordinance entitled:
- 19. 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)
- 65 be amended and continued to February 24, 2025, to change the effective date from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026.
- 66 The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None. Lynch was excused.
- 67 Councilor Kenya Gibson moved to expedite consideration of the following resolutions:
- 20. To repeal Res. No. 2021-R009, adopted Jan. 11, 2021, which would terminate the services of Kiya A. Stokes as a Council Liaison for the City of Richmond effective Dec. 31, 2024.
- 21. To appoint Sarandon Elliott to the position of Council Liaison.
- 70 The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None. Lynch was excused.
- 71 Councilor Kenya Gibson provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed resolutions.
- 72 There were no comments or discussions and RES. 2025-R005 and RES. 2025-R006 were adopted: Ayes 8, Breton, Gibson, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Abubaker, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None. Lynch was excused.
- 79 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances and resolutions on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.:
- 22. 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.
- 23. 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.
- 24. 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.
- 25. 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.
- 26. 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.
- 27. 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.
- 28. 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.
- 29. 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)
- 30. 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)
- 31. To designate the 900 block of Decatur Street in honor of Reverend Robert A. Winfree. (6th District)
- 32. 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)
- 33. 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)
- 34. 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)
- 93 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.:
- 35. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3401 Decatur Street for the purpose of two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (8th District)
- 36. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 2526 Floyd Avenue and 105 North Robinson Street to allow for certain uses permitted in the R-63 Multifamily Urban Residential District, upon certain terms and conditions, and to repeal Ord. No. 88-92-99, adopted Apr. 25, 1988, as amended by Ord. No. 89-41-46, adopted Mar. 13, 1989, as amended by Ord. No. 94-195-188, adopted Sept. 15, 1994, as amended by Ord. No. 99-196-208, adopted Jul. 12, 1999. (2nd District)
- 37. 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)
- 38. To authorize the special use of the property known as 618 South Laurel Street for the purpose of an accessory dwelling unit located on the same lot as a two-family dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District)
- 39. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3308 East Marshall Street for the purpose of a mixed-use building with outdoor dining, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 40. To authorize the special use of the property known as 501 South Pine Street for the purpose of an outdoor storage area accessory to a restaurant, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District)
- 41. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3316 Q Street for the purpose of two two-family detached dwellings and one single family attached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 42. To authorize the special use of the property known as 207 Reveille Street for the purpose of a single-family detached dwelling with an accessory dwelling unit, upon certain terms and conditions. (1st District)
- 103 Members of Council provided reports and announcements regarding respective district meetings and activities.
- 105 There being no further business before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. ___________________________________ CITY CLERK