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Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee

July 18, 2024 ·1:00 PM Final

Council Chamber, 2nd Floor – City Hall

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 113 items

  1. 1 Call to Order
  2. 1 Committee Members and Other Council Members in Attendance
  3. 2 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
  4. 2 The Honorable Cynthia Newbille – Chair The Honorable Katherine Jordan – Member The Honorable Andreas Addison – Council Member (late arrival and early departure via Microsoft Teams)
  5. 3 Public Comment Period
  6. 3 Absent
  7. 4 Approval of Minutes
  8. 4 The Honorable Ellen Robertson – Vice Chair
  9. 5 June 20, 2024 - Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee Meeting Minutes CD.2024.229
  10. 5 Staff and Others in Attendance
  11. 6 Paper(s) for Consideration
  12. 6 Tori Cotman, Assistant City Attorney LaTanja Davenport, Council Budget Analyst Laura Drewry, City Attorney Tamiya Lunsford, Council Budget Analyst Nahdiyah Muhammad, Assistant City Clerk Pamela Nichols, Council Management Analyst Candice Reid, City Clerk RJ Warren, Deputy City Clerk
  13. 1. 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 $1,000,000.00 from the Non-Departmental agency Eviction Diversion Program, (ii) create a new line item entitled “Non-Departmental Eviction Diversion Program - Southside Community Development and Housing Corporation” in the Non-Departmental agency, and (iii) appropriate such $1,000,000.00 to such new line item in the Non-Departmental agency for the purpose of providing funding to the Southside Community Development and Housing Corporation for the implementation of the City’s Eviction Diversion Program. ORD. 2024-183 recommended for approval
  14. 2. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to submit a PY 2024 / FY 2025 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; to accept funds from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the total amount of $9,584,765.00; and to appropriate $9,584,765.00 for various projects. ORD. 2024-184 recommended for approval
  15. 8 Chair Cynthia Newbille called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m., and presided.
  16. 3. To amend Ord. No. 2019-188, adopted Jul. 22, 2019, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2020-094, adopted May 11, 2020, and Ord. No. 2021-268, adopted Oct. 11, 2021, and to amend Ord. No. 2020-164, adopted Aug. 10, 2020, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2020-191, adopted Sept. 28, 2020, Ord. No. 2021-089, adopted Apr. 26, 2021, Ord. No. 2021-184, adopted Jul. 26, 2021, Ord. No. 2021-268, adopted Oct. 11, 2021, Ord. No. 2022-300, adopted Nov. 7, 2022, and Ord. No. 2023-182, adopted Jun. 26, 2023, which authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to submit original and amended Fiscal Year 2020 Consolidated Annual Action Plans to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 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 $15,027,206.00 and appropriated $16,854,300.00 for various projects, to re-appropriate $271,135.00 from surplus and reprogrammed CDBG-CV funds, for the purpose of providing funds to The Daily Planet, Inc., CARITAS, and YWCA Richmond, for homeless men and family shelters. ORD. 2024-185 recommended for approval
  17. 4. 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 continuance
  18. 10 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.
  19. 5. 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
  20. 6. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Fiscal Agency Agreement between NextUp RVA and City of Richmond for the purpose of authorizing NextUp RVA to act as a fiscal agent on behalf of the City to facilitate funding for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ 2024 CarMax Basketball Youth Development and Summer Camp program. ORD. 2024-188 recommended for approval
  21. 12 There were no public comment speakers.
  22. 7. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $10,000,000.00 from the United States Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, and to amend the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Gas Utility Budget, which appropriated the estimated receipts of the gas utility, by increasing estimated receipts and the amount appropriated for the gas utility by $10,000,000.00, for the purpose of providing funding for the repair, rehabilitation, and replacement of natural gas pipelines and related equipment. ORD. 2024-191 recommended for approval
  23. 13 page break
  24. 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, 95 APTS 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 506 Maury Street. (6th District) ORD. 2024-192 recommended for approval
  25. 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, Swansboro Place, 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 2008 Hull Street. (8th District) ORD. 2024-193 recommended for approval
  26. 15 There were no amendments or corrections to the meeting minutes of June 20, 2024 and the committee approved the minutes as presented.
  27. 10. To amend and reordain City Code §§ 11-34, concerning administration and enforcement of ch. 11, art. II, 11-37, concerning violations of ch. 11, art. II, and 11-38 concerning the penalties for violation of ch. 11, art. II, for the purpose of modifying the City’s sound control program. ORD. 2024-194 recommended for approval
  28. 11. 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, 512 Hull Street, 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 512 Hull Street. (6th District) ORD. 2024-195 recommended for approval
  29. 18 Presentation(s)
  30. 18 Pamela Nichols, Council Management Analyst, reviewed board vacancies for the committee’s consideration.
  31. 19 There were no presentations.
  32. 19 Member Katherine Jordan moved to continue consideration of the Participatory Budgeting Steering Commission board appointment applications to the October 17, 2024 Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None
  33. 20 Board Vacancies
  34. 21 July 18, 2024 - Finance and Economic Development Board Vacancy Report CD.2024.234
  35. 21 A copy of material provided has been filed.
  36. 22 Discussion Item(s)
  37. 22 Councilor Andreas Addison joined the meeting at 1:19 p.m.
  38. 23 August Committee Meeting
  39. 24 Staff Report
  40. 24 The following ordinance was considered:
  41. 25 July 18, 2024 - Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee Staff Report CD.2024.247
  42. 26 Michelle Brown Peters, Deputy Director for Housing and Community Development, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  43. 27 Public Hearing
  44. 28 There were no public hearing speakers.
  45. 29 There were no further comments or discussion and Member Katherine Jordan moved to forward ORD. 2024-183 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None.
  46. 30 The following ordinance was considered:
  47. 32 Michelle Brown Peters, Deputy Director for Housing and Community Development, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  48. 33 Public Hearing
  49. 34 There were no public hearing speakers.
  50. 35 Member Katherine Jordan inquired about the shelters that are already established and how the funds will be used. Ms. Jordan also inquired if the funds will allow for expansion of services.
  51. 36 Ms. Peters stated that the federal funds will be used for operational costs, salary and case management.
  52. 37 Chair Cynthia Newbille inquired about the allocations for the funds to provide continued support for established support systems.
  53. 38 Ms. Peters stated that organizations submit applications to request funding. Ms. Peters also stated that the allocation will help continue funding for organizations that have identified their needs for services.
  54. 39 Sabrina Joy-Hogg, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Finance and Administration, provided the committee with additional information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  55. 40 Ms. Peters had continued discussion with the committee regarding the proposed ordinance.
  56. 41 There were no further comments or discussion and Member Katherine Jordan moved to forward ORD. 2024-184 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None.
  57. 42 The following ordinances were considered:
  58. 46 Merrick Malone, Interim Director of Housing and Community Development, provided the committee with an introduction and additional information regarding the proposed ordinances.
  59. 47 Public Hearing
  60. 48 There were no public hearing speakers.
  61. 49 There were no comments or discussion and Member Katherine Jordan moved to forward ORD. 2024-192, ORD. 2024-193 and ORD. 2024-195 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None.
  62. 50 The following ordinance was considered:
  63. 52 Michelle Brown Peters, Deputy Director for Housing and Community Development, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  64. 53 Public Hearing
  65. 54 There were no public hearing speakers.
  66. 55 There were no comments or discussion and Member Katherine Jordan moved to forward ORD. 2024-185 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None.
  67. 56 The following ordinance was considered:
  68. 58 Robert Steidel, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Operations, and Rene Almaraz, Director of Procurement, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance. DCAO Steidel and Mr. Almaraz requested to change the effective date of the ordinance from January 1, 2025, to July 1, 2025, due to certain projects having a set budget to avoid financial implications.
  69. 59 Public Hearing
  70. 60 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 federal government has used prevailing wages to keep local workers on federal projects. He also stated that prevailing wages reduce poverty among construction workers.
  71. 61 Layla Tatiana Calderón, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council Union member, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance.
  72. 62 Chair Cynthia Newbille stated her support for the proposed ordinance, and also stated concerns of the financial implications of the proposed ordinance on current construction projects.
  73. 63 DCAO Steidel stated that budgets for projects scheduled to begin in the second half of the fiscal year will have to be increased to accommodate the prevailing wage increase.
  74. 64 Member Katherine Jordan inquired about the future financial implications of planned projects.
  75. 65 Mr. Almaraz stated that there are no projected financial implications for future projects. Mr. Almaraz stated that any project that is over $250,000 will incorporate prevailing wages.
  76. 66 Member Jordan inquired about an amendment to the proposed ordinance to reflect the start date for financial changes.
  77. 67 DCAO Steidel stated that there will need to be an amendment to reflect an effective date of July 1, 2025.
  78. 68 Sabrina Joy-Hogg, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Finance and Administration, stated that the July 1, 2025 effective date will allow for city administration to plan for the next fiscal year. DCAO Joy-Hogg provided the committee with additional information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  79. 69 Ms. Jordan requested a fiscal impact statement on possible start dates for implementation.
  80. 70 The committee had continued discussion with city administration regarding the proposed ordinance.
  81. 71 There were no further comments or discussion and Member Katherine Jordan moved continue ORD. 2024-186 to the September 19, 2024 Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None.
  82. 72 The following ordinance was considered:
  83. 74 Councilor Andreas Addison, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  84. 75 Public Hearing
  85. 76 There were no public hearing speakers.
  86. 77 Chair Cynthia Newbille inquired about continuing the proposed ordinance to allow for time to identify the revenue source.
  87. 78 Councilor Addison stated that there is no immediate urgency to advance the proposed ordinance. Councilor Addison also stated the importance of continuing the progress on the work associated with the ordinance.
  88. 79 There were no further comments or discussion and Chair Cynthia Newbille moved continue ORD. 2024-187 to the September 19, 2024 Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None.
  89. 80 Councilor Andreas Addison left the meeting at 1:47 p.m.
  90. 81 The following ordinance was considered:
  91. 83 Deborah Morton, Deputy Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  92. 84 Public Hearing
  93. 85 There were no public hearing speakers.
  94. 86 The committee stated their appreciation to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, for its work in providing summer programs to the youth.
  95. 87 There were no further comments or discussion and Member Katherine Jordan moved to forward ORD. 2024-188 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None.
  96. 88 The following ordinance was considered:
  97. 90 Christian Chirico, Deputy Director of Richmond Gas Works, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  98. 91 Public Hearing
  99. 92 There were no public hearing speakers.
  100. 93 Chair Cynthia Newbille inquired about additional requests for federal funding.
  101. 94 Mr. Chirico stated that the federal grant program provided $1 billion over 5 years. Mr. Chirico also stated that the funding was capped at $10 million dollars per recipient due to the number of applicants. Mr. Chirico provided the committee with additional information regarding project funding.
  102. 95 There were no further comments or discussion and Member Katherine Jordan moved to forward ORD. 2024-191 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None.
  103. 96 The following ordinance was considered:
  104. 98 Sabrina Joy-Hogg, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Finance and Administration, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  105. 99 Major Ronnie Armstead, Richmond Police Department (RPD), provided the committee with additional information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  106. 100 Public Hearing
  107. 101 There were no public hearing speakers.
  108. 102 There were no comments or discussion and Member Katherine Jordan moved to forward ORD. 2024-194 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Jordan, Newbille. Noes None.
  109. 107 It was the consensus of the committee to cancel the August Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting.
  110. 109 Council staff provided the committee with the July Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee staff report.
  111. 111 A copy of material provided has been filed.
  112. 112 Adjournment
  113. 113 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:58 p.m.