City Council
Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall
Agenda — 167 items
- 1 The Honorable Kristen Nye, President The Honorable Ann-Frances Lambert, Vice President The Honorable Nicole Jones The Honorable Katherine Jordan The Honorable Stephanie Lynch The Honorable Cynthia Newbille The Honorable Ellen Robertson The Honorable Reva Trammell
- 2 Call to Order
- 3 Order of Business
- 3 Absent
- 4 Invocation
- 4 The Honorable Andreas Addison
- 5 Pastor Chris Barras of Area 10 Faith Community Church, 2810 W Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia, provided the invocation.
- 6 Members of Council and the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
- 6 Council President Kristen Nye called the meeting to order at 6:11 p.m. and presided.
- 7 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
- 7 Spanish Interpretation Announcements
- 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.
- 9 Action on Appointments and Reappointments
- 9 Brandie Carter, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement Bilingual Interpreter, then provided Spanish interpretation of previously provided announcements.
- 10 Board Appointments and Reappointments - December 9, 2024
- 11 Awards and Presentations
- 12 December 9, 2024 Awards and Recognitions Ceremony Docket
- 12 page break
- 13 Public Comment
- 14 December 9, 2024 Public Comment Period Speakers List
- 14 Upon the President’s request, Council Management Analyst Lisa Braxton 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.
- 15 Agenda Review and Amendments
- 16 Action Items (Consent Agenda)
- 16 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
- 17 Action Items (Regular Agenda and Motions)
- 18 Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
- 18 Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert moved that the following appointments be approved:
- 19 November 12, 2024 Informal Meeting Minutes
- 19 Capital Area Partnership Uplifting People, Inc.: Kathryn Latimer
- 20 November 12, 2024 Formal Meeting Minutes
- 20 Human Rights Commission: Deon Wright, Jr.
- 21 Introduction of Ordinances and Resolutions
- 21 History and Culture Commission: Aaron-Paula Thompson
- 22 December 9, 2024 Introduction Papers List
- 22 Board of Commissioners of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority: Marika McCray
- 23 Reports or Announcements by Members of the Council
- 23 The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Jordan, Jones, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 24 Adjournment
- 25 PAGE BREAK
- 25 A copy of the material provided has been filed:
- 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.
- 27 Time and Place of Meetings
- 27 Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert on behalf of City Council, honored and recognized Coach William C. Stokes, and bestowed him with the Richmond City Council Community and Public Service Award.
- 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 Members honored and recognized President Kristen Nye, Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert and Councilor Andreas Addison for their service on Richmond City Council.
- 29 Public Comment Period
- 29 The Honorable Michael Jones, Virginia House of Delegates Representative, 77th Voter District, honored and recognized President Kristen Nye for her accomplishments in local government, and he presented her with a commending resolution that acknowledged her years of service in Richmond, Virginia.
- 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 Councilor Nicole Jones acknowledged and provided additional comments regarding the appointment of Tayia West as the 9th Voter District Council Liaison.
- 31 Guidelines for Public Participation*
- 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 Conor Shapiro addressed Council and stated his concerns about his experiences with antisemitism in the city.
- 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.
- 34 Amoree Speed, New Virginia Majority Community Organizer, addressed Council and stated her concerns about rental conditions in the city. Ms. Speed provided Council with a list of demands related to rental assistance for city residents.
- 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.
- 35 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
- 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.
- 36 Will Wilson, RVA YIMBY Co-Lead, addressed Council and stated that the city should continue advocating for more affordable housing development.
- 37 PAGE BREAK
- 37 Yohance Whitaker, Legal Aid Justice Center, Richmond Transparency and Accountability Project Community Organizer, addressed Council and stated his concerns about traffic stops within the city. Yohance Whitaker referenced traffic stop data that he believed showed a pattern of racial bias against Black drivers in the city.
- 38 The Consent Agenda
- 38 Kimberly Taylor, Virginia Organizing member, addressed Council and requested that the city continue developing a rental inspection district program.
- 39 The following ordinances and resolutions were considered:
- 39 Brian Peyton, Teamster Local 322 President, addressed Council and stated his appreciation for Council's involvement with establishing city employee collective bargaining.
- 1. To designate the 100 block of West Leigh Street in honor of William Isaac Johnson, Sr. (2nd District)
- 2. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $1,312,900.00 from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality 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 $1,312,900.00 for the purpose of funding the Pine Camp Safety Project and Stream Rehabilitation.
- 41 Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert moved to amend the agenda as follows:
- 3. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a First Amendment to Fiscal Agency Agreement between the City of Richmond and NextUp RVA for the purpose of accepting funds from NextUp RVA as reimbursement for the funds expended by the City for “CarMax Basketball Youth Development and Summer Camp” activities.
- 4. To amend the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 General Fund budget by revising the title of the Non-Departmental line item entitled “Reserve for Children’s Fund” to “Reserve for Children’s Fund (Early Childhood, Positive Youth Development, Postsecondary Success).”
- 5. 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 providing funding for the installation of 252 high visibility signal backplates at approximately 32 signal controlled intersections and 54 left turn flashing yellow arrow signal heads at approximately 24 signal controlled intersections.
- 6. 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 providing funding for the installation of left turn hardening measures at approximately 30 stop controlled intersections and 36 raised crossings at unsignalized intersections with stationed school crossing guards.
- 45 Councilor Nicole Jones requested that city administration provide an update regarding the implementation of tax relief and tax rebates.
- 7. 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 providing funding for the installation of various regulatory and warning signs and pavement markings at stop controlled intersections.
- 46 Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Lincoln Saunders provided an update and stated that tax rebates would be issued in February 2025. CAO Saunders also stated that tax relief programs were still being developed and that Council would be provided updates on the process.
- 8. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Franchise Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Greater Richmond Transit Co. for the purpose of displaying advertisements on Greater Richmond Transit Co. bus stops and bus rapid transit system stations.
- 47 President Kristen Nye requested that the update occur at the January 6, 2025, Organizational Development Standing Committee meeting.
- 9. To amend Ord. No. 2022-172, adopted Jun. 27, 2022, which authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to submit a PY 2022 / FY 2023 Annual Action Plan to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as an application for the receipt of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds; accepted funds from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the total amount of $8,826,296.00; and appropriated $8,826,296.00 for various projects, for the purpose of changing the subrecipient of HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds from the Better Housing Coalition to Cameo Street LLC.
- 48 The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Jordan, Jones, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 10. 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, as landlord, and the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, as tenant, for the purpose of leasing office space and a computer laboratory located at 436 Calhoun Street, commonly known as the “Calhoun Family Investment Center.” (3rd District)
- 11. 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, as lessor, and Cancer Retreat Centers, Inc., as lessee, for the purpose of allowing Cancer Retreat Centers, Inc. to lease the first floor of Blanton House located at 700 Blanton Avenue. (5th District)
- 12. To declare a public necessity exists and to authorize the acquisition of certain fee simple interests and easements for the public purpose of facilitating the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Seaton Acres Drainage Improvement Project.
- 13. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $500,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, to amend the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Planning and Development Review called the “Valentine DHR Historic Preservation Grant Special Fund,” 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 Planning and Development Review’s “Valentine DHR Historic Preservation Grant Special Fund” by $500,000.00, for the purpose of funding the Valentine Collections Care and Access Capital project.
- 14. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Opioid Funds Agreement between the City of Richmond and the City Sheriff for the purpose of implementing a Medication Assisted Treatment Pilot Program.
- 15. To amend Ord. No. 2024-099, adopted May 13, 2024, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Special Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by (i) transferring $300,000.00 from the National Opioid Settlement Special Fund for the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, (ii) creating a new special fund for the City Sheriff called the “Medication Assisted Treatment Pilot Program Special Fund,” and (iii) appropriating $300,000.00 of the transferred funds to the Medication Assisted Treatment Pilot Program Special Fund, all for the purpose of funding the implementation of a Medication Assisted Treatment Pilot Program.
- 16. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $950,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, to amend the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Planning and Development Review called the “JXN Project DHR Historic Preservation Grant Special Fund”, 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 Planning and Development Review’s “JXN Project DHR Historic Preservation Grant Special Fund” by $950,000.00, for the purpose of funding the JXN Skipwith-Roper Homecoming project.
- 17. To (i) amend Ord. No. 2021-291, adopted Oct. 25, 2021, which authorized the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept the first tranche of American Rescue Plan Act funds in the amount of $77,439,914.00 from the United States Department of the Treasury and amended the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 General Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the General Fund Budget for certain agencies and reserves for contingencies by $35,639,914.00, by transferring a portion of such $35,639,914.00 in the amount of $60,000.00 from the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, formerly known as the Office of the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services; and (ii) 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 creating certain new line items in the Non-Departmental agency and the amount appropriated to such new line items in the Non-Departmental agency by $60,000.00, all for the purpose of providing grants to expand access to early childhood care and education programs.
- 18. To amend Ord. No. 2024-099, adopted May 13, 2024, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 General Fund Budget and made appropriations thereto, by transferring $80,342.95 from the Non-Departmental agency line item ARPA - HCD - St. Joseph’s Villa - Youth Outreach and $245,174.86 from the Non-Departmental agency line item ARPA - HCD - Commonwealth Catholic Charities - Inclement Weather Shelter Operations and appropriating the transferred funds in the total amount of $325,517.81 to the Department of Housing and Community Development for the purpose of funding affordable housing initiatives.
- 19. To amend Ord. No. 2022-099, adopted Apr. 11, 2022, which amended Ord. No. 2021-099, adopted May 24, 2021, to create certain new line items in the Non-Departmental agency, transfer $1,283,288.00 from the Department of Housing and Community Development, and appropriate such $1,283,288.00 to the new line items in the Non-Departmental agency, all for the purpose of providing grants to certain entities for the provision of housing-related services, to recapture funds in the amount of $80,342.95 from Saint Joseph’s Villa; to amend Ord. No. 2022-104, adopted Apr. 25, 2022, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2022-243, adopted Sept. 12, 2022, and Ord. No. 2023-086, adopted Mar. 27, 2023, which authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to issue grants, loans, or a combination thereof from the City’s 1st Tranche of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds to certain entities in designated amounts and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City, to execute all necessary documents to effect such issuance for the purpose of financing the construction and preservation of single-family and multifamily dwellings, to recapture funds in the amount of $250,000.00 from the Better Housing Coalition; and to amend Ord. No. 2023-180, adopted Jun. 26, 2023, which authorized the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept the second tranche of American Rescue Plan Act funds in the amount of $10,000,000.00 from the United States Department of the Treasury and amended the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 General Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the General Fund Budget for certain agencies by $8,000,000.00 of the $10,000,000.00 of ARPA funding from the Department of Housing and Community Development for the purpose of funding the City’s efforts to recover from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to recapture funds in the amount of $245,174.86 from Commonwealth Catholic Charities and funds in the amount of $500,000.00 from Planet Zero Residences, LLC, all for the purpose of expanding affordable housing initiatives.
- 20. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to issue grants, loans, or a combination thereof from the City’s first and second Tranches of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds to certain entities in designated amounts and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City, to execute all necessary documents to effect such issuance for the purpose of financing the construction and preservation of single-family and multifamily dwellings.
- 21. To authorize the Chief Administration Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $150,000.00 from the United States Conference of Mayors, and to amend the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Office of Community Wealth Building called the “S.O.L.V.E. Academy Program Special Fund,” and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Office of Community Wealth Building’s “S.O.L.V.E. Academy Program Special Fund” by $150,000.00, for the purpose of funding a Strategic Opportunities Leading to Valuable Experiences Academy program.
- 22. 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, as landlord, and the United States National Parks Service, a division of the Department of the Interior, as tenant, to maintain and operate radio communications equipment on and within City Hall located at 900 East Broad Street. (6th District)
- 23. To authorize the special use of the property known as 303 Bates Street for the purpose of a mixed-use building, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District)
- 24. To authorize the special use of the property known as 207 East Ladies Mile Road for the purpose of up to three single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (3rd District)
- 25. To authorize the special use of the property known as 5220 Euclid Avenue for the purpose of up to eleven single-family detached dwellings, under certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 26. To authorize the special use of the property known as 6241 Forest Hill Avenue for the purpose of up to two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (4th District)
- 27. To authorize the special use of property known as 5790 Hull Street Road for the purpose of (i) an automotive repair and automotive parts sales facility and (ii) a grocery, convenience, and specialty food store, upon certain terms and conditions, and to repeal Ord. No. 89-246-231, adopted Sept. 11, 1989, and all amendatory ordinances thereto. (9th District)
- 28. 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)
- 29. To close, to public use and travel, an alley in the block bounded by Maury Street, East 4th Street, Everett Street and East 3rd Street, consisting of 1,980± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District)
- 30. To repeal ch. 30, art. IX, div. 6 (§§ 30-950-30-950.5); to amend and reordain City Code §§ 30-402.1, concerning permitted principal uses, 30-402.2, concerning permitted accessory uses and structures, 30-412.1, 30-413.2, 30-413.11, 30-414.1, 30-416.1, 30-418.1, and 30-419.2, all concerning permitted principal uses, 30-419.3, concerning permitted principal uses on corner lots, 30-419.4, concerning permitted accessory uses and structures, 30-420.1, 30-422.1, 30-424.1, 30-426.1, 30-428.1, 30-430.1, and 30-432.1, all concerning permitted principal uses, 30-432.5, concerning compliance with master plan, 30-433.2 and 30-433.11, concerning permitted principal and accessory uses, 30-433.13, concerning yard requirements, 30-434.1, 30-436.1, 30-438.1, and 30-440.1, concerning permitted principal and accessory uses, 30-440.3, concerning yards, 30-442.1, concerning permitted principal and accessory uses, 30-442.4, concerning yards, 30-444.2, concerning permitted principal and accessory uses, 30-444.4, concerning yards, 30-446.2, concerning permitted principal and accessory uses, 30-446.4, concerning yards, 30-447.2, concerning permitted principal and accessory uses, 30-447.3, concerning yards and setbacks, 30-447.4, concerning land area coverage, 30-447.11, concerning permitted principal and accessory uses, 30-447.12, concerning yards and setbacks, 30-447.13, concerning land area coverage, 30-448.1, 30-449.2, 30-450.1, and 30-451.2, all concerning permitted principal and accessory uses, 30-451.5, concerning yard requirements, 30-452.1 and 30-457.2, concerning permitted principal and accessory uses, 30-457.3, concerning principal uses permitted by conditional use permit, 30-691.5, concerning phasing of development, 30-691.7, concerning plan of development, 30-692.1:2., concerning applications for the installation or construction of projects, 30-692.3, concerning permitted use of alternative support structures, 30-692.4, concerning review criteria for installations utilizing alternative support structures, 30-698.3, concerning approvals, 30-1045.6. concerning specific conditions applicable to particular uses, 30-1170.6, concerning enforcement and guarantees; and to amend ch. 30, art. X, div. 4 (§§ 30-1030 - 30-1030.8) concerning plans of development.
- 31. To amend Ord. No. 2023-180, adopted June 26, 2023, which authorized the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on the behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept the second tranche of American Rescue Plan Act funds in the amount of $10,000,000.00 from the United States Department of the Treasury and amended the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 General Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the General Fund Budget for certain agencies by $8,000,000.00 of the $10,000,000.00 of ARPA funding from the Department of Housing and Community Development, to recapture funds in the amount of $500,000.00 from BR2 Owner, LLC, and to amend Ord. 2024-099, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by transferring $500,000.00 from the Department of Housing and Community Development, creating a new line item in the Non-Departmental budget called “ARPA-Housing Families First,” and appropriating such $500,000.00 transferred from the Department of Housing and Community Development to the new Non-Departmental budget line item called “ARPA - Housing Families First,” all for the purpose of expanding affordable housing initiatives.
- 32. 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 anticipated revenues from certain funds due to the City from the Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority, in accordance with an Interlocal Agreement dated Feb. 1, 2000, by $1,900,000.00, (ii) creating a new line item in the Non-Departmental agency called “Rings vs. Rent Scholarship Foundation,” and (iii) appropriating such increased estimated revenues to such new line item and other certain line items in the Non-Departmental agency and the Department of Finance, the Department of Economic Development, and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.
- 33. To amend Res. No. 2023-R052, adopted Oct. 10, 2023, which approved the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority’s performance contract for Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025, for the purpose of amending the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority’s performance contract for Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025.
- 34. To designate the property known as 250 East German School Road as a revitalization area pursuant to Va. Code § 36-55.30:2. (9th District)
- 35. To name the alley located in the block bounded by Russell Street, Carrington Street, North 25th Street, and Venable Street as “Union Grace Alley.” (7th District)
- 36. To endorse, for the City of Richmond, legislative proposals set forth within the document entitled “City of Richmond Legislative Proposals for the Virginia General Assembly 2025 Regular Session;” to request the Richmond delegation to the General Assembly of Virginia to take legislative action consistent with and in vigorous support of such recommendations; to support other legislative action recommendations; and to encourage other organizations and individuals to support such recommendations.
- 76 The Regular Agenda
- 37. 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)
- 38. 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 a franchise for the management of the Hopkins Road Transfer Station located at 3506 Hopkins Road and the East Richmond Road Convenience Center located at 3800 East Richmond Road in accordance with a certain Franchise Agreement. (8th District/7th District)
- 39. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1321 Porter Street for the purpose of a multifamily dwelling containing up to four dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District)
- 85 Public Hearing
- 86 Courtney Farrar, RVA Rapid Transit Ambassador, spoke in support of ORD. 2024-291, and stated that the revenue from advertisements would help offset the cost of free bus fares. Ms. Farrar also spoke in support of ORD. 2024-300 and ORD. 2024-305.
- 87 Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, JXN Project Co-Founder and Executive Director, spoke in support of ORD. 2024-300, and provided Council with additional information regarding the JXN Project's work and its funding.
- 88 Cindy Moussavou, Housing Families First Deputy Director of Programs, spoke in support of ORD. 2024-315, and she informed Council about how the proposed appropriated funds would help Housing Families First implement certain housing assistance programs.
- 89 Bridgette Whitaker spoke in support of RES. 2024-R038, and she stated that Council needed to continue its work to improve city services. Ms. Whitaker also stated that the public should have been given more time to review and provide feedback of the proposed legislative agenda.
- 90 Councilor Ellen Robertson requested to be added as a co-patron of ORD. 2024-307, ORD. 2024-305, and ORD. 2024-315.
- 91 Councilor Nicole Jones requested to be a co-patron of ORD. 2024-311 and stated her support for the proposed development on Hull Street. Councilor Jones also requested to be added as a co-patron of RES. 2024-R036.
- 92 Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert requested to be added as a co-patron of ORD. 2024-300, and stated her support for ORD. 2024-293.
- 93 There were no further comments or discussions and the Consent Agenda was adopted: Ayes 8, Jordan, Jones, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 95 The following ordinance was reconsidered:
- 97 President Kristen Nye provided information regarding the bid process for ORD. 2024-218, and she summarized offers for ORD. 2024-218 from Meridian Waste Virginia, LLC, and Waste Management of Virginia, Inc.
- 98 Public Hearing
- 99 Tim Webb, Meridian Waste Virginia, LLC Director of Government Affairs, spoke in opposition of the reconsideration of ORD. 2024-218, and stated that Council should honor its prior decision to award the franchise agreement to Meridian Waste Virginia, LLC.
- 100 Rob Clendenin, Waste Management of Virginia, Inc. Public Sector Senior Account Executive, spoke in support of reconsidering ORD. 2024-2018. Mr. Clendenin also stated that Waste Management of Virginia, Inc. offered the best offer for the franchise agreement.
- 101 Christine Gibson spoke in support of awarding the franchise agreement to Waste Management of Virginia, Inc.
- 102 Bobby Vincent, Department of Public Works Director, stated that city staff incorrectly informed Council at the October 15, 2024, Council Formal meeting, that Meridian Waste Virginia, LLC had submitted the highest and best offer for the franchise agreement. Director Vincent also stated that city administration recommends the franchise agreement be awarded to Waste Management of Virginia, Inc.
- 103 Councilor Cynthia Newbille moved to accept Waste Management of Virginia, Inc.'s bid and to adopt ORD. 2024-218, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 6, Jordan, Robertson, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None. Abstentions 2, Jones, Lynch.
- 104 The following ordinance was considered:
- 106 Councilor Ellen Robertson provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed special use permit.
- 107 Public Hearing
- 108 Emily Pinchbeck, 1321 Porter Street LLC Property Manager, spoke in support of ORD. 2024-282, and stated that the special use permit would bring the 1321 Porter Street property into compliance with city zoning requirements.
- 109 Sophia Oliveri spoke in support of ORD. 2024-282, and provided members with her experience as a former tenant of 1321 Porter Street.
- 110 Ross Butler spoke in support of ORD. 2024-282, and stated that he believed the property manager was addressing all efforts to bring the property into compliance with city zoning.
- 111 There were no further comments or discussions and ORD. 2024-282 was adopted: Ayes 8, Jordan, Jones, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 112 Councilor Nicole Jones moved to expedite consideration of the following resolution:
- 40. To appoint Matthew Slaats as the Interim Council Chief of Staff.
- 114 The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Jordan, Jones, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 115 President Kristen Nye provided an introduction for RES. 2024-R039.
- 116 Public Hearing
- 117 Courtney Farrar, RVA Rapid Transit Ambassador, spoke in support of RES. 2024-R039, and stated that she believed Matthew Slaats could help improve the city as Interim Council Chief of Staff.
- 118 Leidiana Delgado, Council Management Analyst, spoke in support of RES. 2024-R039 and stated that Matthew Slaats was an excellent leader.
- 119 Isaac Samuels, Council Management Analyst, spoke in support of RES. 2024-R039 and stated that he believed Matthew Slaats would do great things for the Council and the city.
- 120 There were no further comments or discussions and RES. 2024-R039 was adopted: Ayes 7, Jordan, Jones, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Newbille, Nye. Noes None. Lambert was excused.
- 121 President Kristen Nye welcomed Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Lincoln Saunders to provide comments regarding his tenure with the city as CAO.
- 122 Members provided comments and appreciation to CAO Saunders for his service to the city as CAO.
- 124 There were no amendments or corrections to the meeting minutes of the Informal and Formal Council Meetings held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.; and Council approved the minutes as presented.
- 129 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances and resolutions on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.:
- 41. 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.
- 42. 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.
- 43. 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)
- 44. 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)
- 45. 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.
- 46. 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.
- 47. 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)
- 48. 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)
- 49. 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.
- 50. 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)
- 51. 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)
- 52. 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)
- 53. 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)
- 54. 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)
- 55. 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)
- 56. 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)
- 57. To request the Virginia Department of Transportation to amend the street mileage inventory for the City of Richmond.
- 148 Members of Council provided reports and announcements regarding respective district meetings and activities.
- 150 There being no further business before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m. ___________________________________ CITY CLERK