Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee

Council Chamber, 2nd Floor – City Hall

Agenda — 182 items

1. 1 This meeting will be open to in-person participation; however, the public will have the option to provide their comments by teleconference/videoconference via Microsoft Teams. Interested citizens who wish to take advantage of this option, must do so prior to 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, September 19, 2024, by calling the Office of the City Clerk at (804) 646-7955 and selecting option 3.
2. 1 Committee Members and Other Council Members in Attendance
3. 2 Call to Order
4. 2 The Honorable Cynthia Newbille – Chair The Honorable Ellen Robertson – Vice Chair The Honorable Katherine Jordan – Member The Honorable Andreas Addison – Council Member (late arrival and early departure) The Honorable Nicole Jones – Council Member (late arrival and early departure) The Honorable Kristen Nye – Council President (early departure) The Honorable Reva Trammell – Council Member (early departure)
5. 3 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
6. 3 Staff and Others in Attendance
7. 4 Public Comment Period
8. 4 Tori Cotman, Assistant City Attorney Laura Drewry, City Attorney Tamiya Lunsford, Council Budget Analyst Nahdiyah Muhammad, Assistant City Clerk Candice Reid, City Clerk Steve Taylor, Council Policy Analyst RJ Warren, Deputy City Clerk
9. 5 Approval of Minutes
10. 6 July 18, 2024 - Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee Meeting Minutes CD.2024.268
11. 6 Chair Cynthia Newbille called the meeting to order at 12:07 p.m., and presided.
12. 7 Paper(s) for Consideration
13. 1. To amend City Code § 21-4, concerning definitions related to public procurement, and to amend Ch. 21, art. II, by adding therein new section 21-74, concerning the payment of prevailing wages for certain construction contracts, as authorized by Va. Code § 2.2-4321.3(C). (As Amended) ORD. 2024-186 recommended for approval
14. 8 Upon the Chair’s request, Assistant City Clerk Nahdiyah Muhammad 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. 2. 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) ORD. 2024-187 recommended for continuance
16. 9 page break
17. 3. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $1,350,000.00 from the United States Department of Transportation, and 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 Reconnect Jackson Ward 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 Reconnect Jackson Ward Special Fund by $1,350,000.00, for the purpose of funding the implementation of the Reconnect Jackson Ward project. ORD. 2024-206 recommended for approval
18. 10 Electronic Participation
19. 4. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Grant Agreement between the City of Richmond, the Elmington Capital Group, 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 2201 McDonough Street, 2301 McDonough Street, 2300 Semmes Avenue, 2310 Semmes Avenue, 2310A Semmes Avenue, 211 West 22nd Street, 215 West 22nd Street, 217 West 22nd Street, 219 West 22nd Street, 221 West 22nd Street, 301 West 22nd Street, 302 West 22nd Street, 307 West 22nd Street, 315 West 22nd Street, 322 West 22nd Street, 222 West 21st Street, and 2100 Perry Street. (5th District) ORD. 2024-207 recommended for approval
20. 11 Pursuant to Rule III(D)(4)(b) of Council’s Rules of Procedure, Vice Chair Ellen Robertson made a request to participate in the meeting via Microsoft Teams from home, due to a medical condition of a family member requiring her to provide care that prevented her physical attendance. The committee members present were required to adopt a motion to approve Vice Chair Robertson'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 members physically assembled to approve Vice Chair Robertson's participation in the meeting by electronic communication means.
21. 5. To amend and reordain City Code § 26-355, concerning the levy of tax on real estate, to establish a tax rate of $1.16 for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2025, pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-3321(b), and increasing such rate from the Rolled Back Tax Rate of $1.136 as computed in accordance with Va. Code § 58.1-3321(a). ORD. 2024-222 recommended for continuance
22. 12 Chair Cynthia Newbille moved to allow Vice Chair Ellen Robertson to participate in the meeting by electronic communication means. The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None.
23. 6. To amend and reordain City Code § 26-355, concerning the levy of tax on real estate, to establish a tax rate of $1.20 for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2025, pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-3321(b), and increasing such rate from the Rolled Back Tax Rate of $1.136 as computed in accordance with Va. Code § 58.1-3321(a). ORD. 2024-223 recommended for continuance
24. 13 Chair Cynthia Newbille discussed amending the meeting's agenda to continue consideration of ORD. 2024-222 and ORD. 2024-223, to the October Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting, with committee members.
25. 7. To approve the Work Plan and Budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, for the provision of services in the Downtown Special Service and Assessment Districts. ORD. 2024-224 recommended for approval
26. 14 Councilor Andreas Addison arrived at 12:11 p.m., and was seated.
27. 8. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Operational Agreement for Cooperative Partnerships for Opioid Abatement Authority Awards between the City of Richmond and Henrico County for the purpose of creating a resource map in collaboration with Henrico County to combat the opioid crisis. ORD. 2024-225 recommended for approval
28. 15 Sabrina Joy-Hogg, Senior Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Finance and Administration, requested that ORD. 2024-222 and ORD. 2024-223 be continued to the October Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting, so city administration could review the financial implications of the reduced tax rate.
29. 9. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer for, and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $178,170.00 from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, and to amend the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services called the “OAA Resource Mapping Project 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 Neighborhood and Community Services’ “OAA Resource Mapping Project Special Fund” by $178,170.00, for the purpose of creating a resource map in collaboration with Henrico County to combat the opioid crisis. ORD. 2024-226 recommended for approval
30. 16 Council President Kristen Nye provided the committee with additional background information regarding ORD. 2024-222 and ORD. 2024-223. Ms. Nye also stated that city administration needs to conduct more analysis to provide the committee with a comprehensive report of the financial implications.
31. 10. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $482,711.00 from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, to amend the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Special Fund Budget by creating certain new special funds for the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the total amount appropriated to the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services’ new special funds by $482,711.00, for the purpose of creating a resource map to combat the opioid crisis. ORD. 2024-227 recommended for approval
32. 17 Chair Cynthia Newbille requested that in addition to a fiscal impact analysis, options for tax relief should be provided to the committee.
33. 11. 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) revising the title of the Non-Departmental line item entitled “Young Men’s Christian Association of Greater Richmond (for Core Model Fund)” to “Young Men’s Christian Association of Greater Richmond (for Middle School Alliance),” (ii) transferring $100,000.00 from the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, (iii) appropriating $50,000.00 of the transferred funds to the “Young Men’s Christian Association of Greater Richmond (for Middle School Alliance)” line item in the Non-Departmental agency, and (iv) appropriating $50,000.00 of the transferred funds to the “Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond” line item in the Non-Departmental agency, all for the purpose of supporting the coordination of afterschool programming at six Richmond Public Schools middle schools. ORD. 2024-228 recommended for approval
34. 18 Lincoln Saunders, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), stated that city administration is looking for potential targeted tax relief options for city residents. CAO Saunders also stated that city administration will continue to analyze the fiscal implications of the proposed tax rates.
35. 12. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to enter into the Twenty-Seventh Commercial Area Revitalization Effort Program Cooperation Agreement between the City of Richmond, Virginia, and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of providing for the operation of the Commercial Area Revitalization Effort (“CARE”) Program. ORD. 2024-229 recommended for approval
36. 19 Councilor Reva Trammell stated her concerns regarding the proposed continuance of ORD. 2024-222 to the October Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting. Ms. Trammell also stated that city administration had ample time to review the fiscal implications of the reduced tax rate.
37. 13. 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, New Manchester Flats VI Multifamily, LLC, and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of facilitating the construction of an affordable housing development located at 1021 East 4th Street. (6th District) ORD. 2024-230 recommended for approval
38. 20 Member Katherine Jordan moved to amend the agenda as follows:
39. 14. 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, Commonwealth Catholic Charities Housing Corporation, and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of facilitating the construction of an affordable residential development located at 1031 Fourqurean Lane. (6th District) ORD. 2024-231 recommended for approval
40. 15. 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, Bellevue Gardens VA 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 1711 Bellevue Avenue and 3940 Rear Rosewood Avenue. (3rd District) ORD. 2024-232 recommended for approval
41. 16. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Performance Agreement between the City of Richmond, 1203 E Brookland LLC, and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of facilitating the construction of an affordable housing development located at 1203 East Brookland Park Boulevard. (6th District) ORD. 2024-233 recommended for approval
42. 23 Councilor Andreas Addison stated that city residents have expressed concerns about being priced out of their homes due to tax rates and high assessments in the city. Mr. Addison also stated that black home ownership is decreasing at an alarming rate due to the city's real estate market. Mr. Addison further stated that the financial implications from a reduced tax rate can be avoided through the current FY 24-25 budget.
43. 17. 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, 6951 Carnation Multifamily, 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 6951 West Carnation Street. (9th District) ORD. 2024-234 recommended for approval
44. 24 CAO Saunders stated that city administration will continue to review opportunities for expanding the tax relief rate cap for the elderly and residents with a disability. CAO Saunders also stated that during previous General Assembly sessions, city administration lobbied for a Long-term Owner Occupancy Program (LOOP) exemption that would allow the city to offer income based targeted relief. CAO Saunders further stated that city administration is hoping to bring relief to city homeowners and renters.
45. 18. 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, Standard Development Partners 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 250 East German School Road. (9th District) ORD. 2024-235 recommended for approval
46. 25 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson stated that city administration will need to analyze the budget to identify the proper cuts to support a lower tax rate in the city. Vice Chair Robertson also stated that she is in support of targeted tax relief.
47. 19. 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, Lynhaven Ridge VA 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 2510 Lynhaven Avenue. (8th District) ORD. 2024-236 recommended for approval
48. 26 Member Katherine Jordan requested city administration look at a broader policy to keep residents from becoming displaced.
49. 20. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a General Services Administration Public Buildings Service Lease Amendment between the City of Richmond and the United States Government for the purpose of increasing the number of parking spaces for federal employees at a parking facility located at 500 East Marshall Street. (6th District) ORD. 2024-237 recommended for approval
50. 27 The committee and Council members present further discussed the proposed real estate tax rates.
51. 21. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute The Second Enterprise Zone Cooperation Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of administering the Enterprise Zone Program to stabilize and revitalize enterprise zone areas by stimulating private investment through financial incentives. ORD. 2024-238 recommended for approval
52. 28 Councilor Nicole Jones joined the meeting at 12:23 p.m.
53. 22. To adopt, pursuant to City Code § 21-44, procedures for utilizing construction management or design-build contracts. RES. 2024-R030 recommended for approval
54. 29 The motion to amend the agenda was seconded and unanimously approved.
55. 23. To approve the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s bond issuance as required by Va. Code § 33.2-2902(16). RES. 2024-R031 recommended for approval
56. 24. To express support for the master plan for the project known as the “Shockoe Project” and to request that the Chief Administrative Officer (i) endeavor to coordinate the execution of a certain document for any material changes to such master plan and (ii) provide the Council with quarterly reports concerning the implementation and construction of such project. RES. 2024-R032 recommended for approval
57. 31 Maurice Neblett addressed the committee and stated his concerns regarding the proposed tax rates. Mr. Neblett also stated that more affordable housing will give the city increased revenue and the increased revenue will offset the decrease in real estate tax revenue.
58. 32 page break
59. 32 Johnny Walker addressed the committee and stated his concerns regarding the proposed tax rates, and he expressed his support for ORD. 2024-222.
60. 33 Presentation(s)
61. 33 Paul Goldman addressed the committee and stated his concerns regarding the proposed tax rates, and he expressed his support for ORD. 2024-222.
62. 34 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Quarterly Report
63. 34 Thomas Courtney addressed the committee and stated that he made a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to city administration regarding the Fiscal Year 2024 reporting related to short-term rentals. Mr. Courtney inquired about Council and city administration membership to the Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority and the Richmond Region Tourism Board.
64. 35 ARPA Quarterly Report CD.2024.299
65. 35 Councilor Nicole Jones left the meeting at 12:37 p.m.
66. 36 Board Vacancies
67. 37 There were no board vacancies.
68. 37 There were no amendments or corrections to the meeting minutes of July 18, 2024 and the committee approved the minutes as presented.
69. 38 Discussion Item(s)
70. 39 There were no discussion items.
71. 39 Councilor Reva Trammell inquired about the scheduled date for the October Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting.
72. 40 Staff Report
73. 40 The committee and Council members present discussed rescheduling the Thursday, October 17, 2024, Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting.
74. 41 September 19, 2024 - Finance & Economic Development Staff Report CD.2024.282
75. 41 It was the consensus of the committee to reschedule the next standing committee meeting to Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.
76. 42 Paper(s) for Consideration
77. 43 The following ordinance was considered:
78. 45 Robert Steidel, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Operations, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance. DCAO Steidel provided information regarding previous questions from the committee.
79. 46 Chair Cynthia Newbille inquired about the fiscal impact of implementing the proposed ordinance on January 1, 2025.
80. 47 DCAO Steidel stated that the total cost for implementing the proposed ordinance on January 1, 2025, would require a $407,000 increase to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget. DCAO Steidel also stated the recommended start date of prevailing wages is July 1, 2025, due to said fiscal impact.
81. 48 Council President Kristen Nye stated that she is in support of a July 1, 2025, start date.
82. 49 Member Katherine Jordan stated she understands the fiscal impact of a January 1, 2025, implementation, and that she does not believe it will have a significant fiscal impact on the CIP budget.
83. 50 Public Hearing
84. 51 Charles Skelly, President of the Richmond Building and Construction Trades Union Council and Business Manager of IBEW Local 666, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance, and he stated that the union is in support of the proposed ordinance with either proposed start date.
85. 52 Chair Newbille stated that she is in support of a July 1, 2025, start date. Chair Cynthia Newbille requested to be added as co-patron to ORD. 2024-186.
86. 53 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson inquired about the fiscal impact of a January 1, 2025, start date. Vice Chair Robertson also inquired about the implementation of prevailing wages across all future projects. Vice Chair Robertson further inquired about a financial comparison between the current contracts and the contracts with prevailing wages.
87. 54 Rene Almaraz, Director of Procurement, stated that all contracts after the implementation will have prevailing wages advertised. Mr. Almaraz provided the committee with additional information regarding the process for advertising prevailing wages.
88. 55 DCAO Steidel stated that a project is estimated at a labor cost of the project's value. DCAO Steidel also stated the labor costs with prevailing wages will be an increase of 7.2%.
89. 56 Sharon Ebert, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Planning and Economic Development, provided the committee with additional information regarding the fiscal impact of prevailing wages on the Diamond District and CarMax Park projects.
90. 57 The committee further discussed the proposed ordinance with city administration.
91. 58 Councilor Reva Trammell left the meeting at 1:06 p.m.
92. 59 There were no further comments or discussions and Member Katherine Jordan moved to forward ORD. 2024-186 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
93. 60 The following ordinance was considered:
94. 62 Councilor Andreas Addison, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance. Mr. Addison also provided information regarding previous questions from the committee.
95. 63 Council President Kristen Nye left the meeting at 1:13 p.m.
96. 64 Public Hearing
97. 65 There were no public hearing speakers.
98. 66 Sabrina Joy-Hogg, Senior Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Finance and Administration, provided the committee with the fiscal impact of the proposed ordinance. Senior DCAO Joy-Hogg stated that when a revenue reduction is proposed, an alternative revenue source must be identified. Senior DCAO Joy-Hogg further stated that there is a revenue shortfall projected at $1,000,000.00, due to a pause on collection and delinquency notices on business, professional and occupational license (BPOL) tax collections for FY 2024, to review meal taxes.
99. 67 Councilor Addison asked if the shortfall will be resolved once the collection of BPOL tax payments resumes.
100. 68 Senior DCAO Joy-Hogg stated that city administration is not aware of the status of the delinquent accounts.
101. 69 Member Katherine Jordan inquired about the revenue source to account for the fiscal impact of the proposed ordinance.
102. 70 Councilor Addison stated that the surplus for the current budget can potentially make up for the revenue shortfall. Councilor Addison stated that he will provide the committee with additional information.
103. 71 Senior DCAO Joy-Hogg stated that the surplus from the current budget will be a one-time surplus and cannot make up for the permanent revenue loss of the proposed ordinance.
104. 72 The committee and Councilor Addison further discussed the proposed ordinance with city administration.
105. 73 There were no further comments or discussion and Member Katherine Jordan moved to continue ORD. 2024-187 to the October 10, 2024 Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
106. 74 The following ordinance was considered:
107. 76 Kevin Vonck, Department of Planning and Development Review Director, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance.
108. 77 Councilor Andreas Addison left the meeting at 1:24 p.m.
109. 78 page break
110. 79 Public Hearing
111. 80 There were no public hearing speakers.
112. 81 There were no comments or discussions and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2024-206 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
113. 82 The following ordinances were considered:
114. 91 Merrick Malone, Interim Director of Housing and Community Development, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinances.
115. 92 Public Hearing
116. 93 There were no public hearing speakers.
117. 94 Member Katherine Jordan requested a breakdown of the housing units that will be available at 50%-80% area median income (AMI) rates. Member Jordan also inquired about the amount of units that will be under 80% AMI, If no incentives are used.
118. 95 Mr. Malone stated that the grant permits up to 80% AMI and additional relief is available for units at 0%-50% AMI. Mr. Malone also stated that there are no restrictions and the grant is for 0%-80%. Mr. Malone further stated developers that offer 0%-50% AMI units, will have additional incentives.
119. 96 Chair Cynthia Newbille inquired about the AMI that is set for the city and the amount of units that will be available within the 50%-80% range. Chair Newbille stated that the goal of affordable housing is to create stability for homeowners and renters working towards home ownership.
120. 97 The committee requested additional information and continued discussion with city administration regarding the proposed ordinances.
121. 98 There were no further comments or discussions and Chair Cynthia Newbille moved to forward ORD. 2024-207, ORD. 2024-230, ORD. 2024-231, ORD. 2024-232, ORD. 2024-233, ORD. 2024-234, ORD. 2024-235 and ORD. 2024-236 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
122. 99 The following ordinance was considered:
123. 101 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance.
124. 102 Public Hearing
125. 103 There were no public hearing speakers.
126. 104 Lucy Meade, Director of Economic Development & Community Relations for Venture Richmond, stated that Venture Richmond submits an annual budget to the city to approve the work plan and budget for the General District, Riverfront and Manchester areas of the city. Ms. Meade stated that she was available to answer questions related to the proposed ordinance.
127. 105 There were no further comments or discussions and Member Katherine Jordan moved to forward ORD. 2024-224 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
128. 106 The following ordinances were considered:
129. 110 Michael Fatula, Policy Advisor for the Opioid Response Coordination, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinances.
130. 111 Public Hearing
131. 112 There were no public hearing speakers.
132. 113 There were no comments or discussions and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2024-225, ORD. 2024-226 and ORD. 2024-227 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
133. 114 Chair Cynthia Newbille and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson requested to be added as co-patrons to ORD. 2024-225, ORD. 2024-226 and ORD. 2024-227.
134. 115 The following ordinance was considered:
135. 117 Eva Colen, Senior Policy Advisor and Manager of the Office of Children and Families, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance.
136. 118 Public Hearing
137. 119 There were no public hearing speakers.
138. 120 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson inquired about the transfer of funds and why Next Up RVA is being removed as a provider.
139. 121 Ms. Colen stated that the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services is providing the funding. Ms. Colen also stated that there is a funding line for coordinating support for out of school time. Ms. Colen further stated Next Up RVA will not be removed as a provider and will be specifying their scope of services, and that the city's non-departmental grant will now support community providers of afterschool programs. Ms. Colen provided the committee with additional information regarding the proposed ordinance.
140. 122 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson stated that she agrees with the coordination of services with Next Up RVA and transferring the services to allow for more support services. Vice Chair Robertson also stated that she is not in support of providing more funding for additional outside service providers and she further stated her concerns regarding financial reports that are scheduled for October 2024.
141. 123 Ms. Colen provided the committee with additional information regarding financial reports that will be completed in October, and she continued discussion with the committee regarding the proposed ordinance.
142. 124 There were no further comments or discussions and Member Katherine Jordan moved to forward ORD. 2024-228 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
143. 125 Chair Cynthia Newbille requested to be added as co-patron to ORD. 2024-228.
144. 126 The following ordinances were considered:
145. 129 Katie McConnell, Deputy Director of Economic Development, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinances.
146. 130 Public Hearing
147. 131 There were no public hearing speakers.
148. 132 Member Katherine Jordan inquired if the round of funding for the Commercial Area Revitalization Effort (CARE), is designated for a 50% match in funding, and if it could increase. Member Jordan stated that she has received a letter of support from a business owner in the Arts District regarding the proposed ordinances.
149. 133 Ms. McConnell stated that the CARE program provides a 50% match to qualified investments. Ms. McConnell also stated that there is an update regarding a class of investments entitled, Priority Security Improvements, in partnership with the Richmond Police Department (RPD). Ms. McConnell further stated that this will provide a 100% rebate for security improvements. Ms. McConnell provided the committee with additional information regarding the proposed ordinances.
150. 134 There were no further comments or discussions and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2024-229 and ORD. 2024-238 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
151. 135 The following ordinance was considered:
152. 137 Gail Johnson, Interim Director for the Department of General Services, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance.
153. 138 page break
154. 139 Public Hearing
155. 140 There were no public hearing speakers.
156. 141 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson inquired if there is a current contract with the federal government and the city to provide parking for federal employees. Vice Chair Robertson also inquired if the proposed ordinance will increase the number of available parking spaces, and she asked about the potential for providing additional parking for businesses located Downtown.
157. 142 Ms. Johnson stated the agreement is to renew the lease and increase the number of parking spaces from 17 to 23 for the federal government. Ms. Johnson also stated that city administration can work with Council to propose additional options for businesses located Downtown.
158. 143 There were no further comments or discussions and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2024-237 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
159. 144 The following resolution was considered:
160. 146 Rene Almaraz, Director of Procurement, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed resolution.
161. 147 Public Hearing
162. 148 There were no public hearing speakers.
163. 149 There were no comments or discussions and Member Katherine Jordan moved to forward RES. 2024-R030 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
164. 150 The following resolution was considered:
165. 152 Michael Nguyen, Deputy Director for Finance, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed resolution.
166. 153 Public Hearing
167. 154 There were no public hearing speakers.
168. 155 There were no comments or discussions and Member Katherine Jordan moved to forward RES. 2024-R031 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
169. 156 The following resolution was considered:
170. 158 Chair Cynthia Newbille provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed resolution.
171. 159 Public Hearing
172. 160 There were no public hearing speakers.
173. 161 Member Katherine Jordan thanked Chair Cynthia Newbille for her work on the Shockoe Project.
174. 162 Member Katherine Jordan and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson requested to be added as co-patrons to RES. 2024-R032.
175. 163 There were no further comments or discussions and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward RES. 2024-R032 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and unanimously approved.
176. 164 page break
177. 167 Sabrina Joy-Hogg, Senior Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Finance and Administration, provided the committee with a presentation regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) quarterly report.
178. 169 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
179. 175 Council staff provided the committee with the September Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee staff report.
180. 177 A copy of material provided has been filed.
181. 178 Adjournment
182. 179 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:32 p.m.