City Council
Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall
Agenda — 121 items
- 1 Absent
- 2 Call to Order
- 2 The Honorable Kristen Nye, President The Honorable Ann-Frances Lambert, Vice President The Honorable Nicole Jones The Honorable Katherine Jordan The Honorable Cynthia Newbille The Honorable Ellen Robertson The Honorable Reva Trammell
- 3 Spanish Interpretation Announcement
- 4 Invocation
- 4 The Honorable Andreas Addison The Honorable Stephanie Lynch
- 5 Invocation was offered by Reverend Brenda B. Summerset of Ebenezer Baptist Church, 216 W Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia.
- 6 Members of Council and the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
- 6 Council President Kristen Nye called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and presided.
- 7 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
- 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 Roxana Talavera-Denson, Language Access Coordinator, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement, then provided Spanish interpretation of City Clerk Candice Reid’s announcement.
- 10 Board Appointments and Reappointments - June 24, 2024
- 11 Awards and Presentations
- 12 There were no awards and presentations.
- 12 page break
- 13 Public Comment
- 14 June 24, 2024 Public Comment Period Speakers List
- 14 Upon the President’s request, Assistant City Clerk Kimberly Morris provided information on the appropriate manner in which the Council Chamber is to be evacuated in the event of an emergency along with public speaker guidelines.
- 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 June 10, 2024 Informal Meeting Minutes
- 19 History and Culture Commission: Christopher Graham Alicia Pullen Janet E. Smith
- 20 June 10, 2024 Formal Meeting Minutes
- 20 The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 7, Jordan, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 21 Introduction of Ordinances and Resolutions
- 22 June 24, 2024 Introduction Papers List
- 23 Reports or Announcements by Members of the Council
- 24 Adjournment
- 25 PAGE BREAK
- 25 Rhonda Sneed, Blessing Warriors Chief Executive Officer, addressed Council and stated her concerns about Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health system, and other local hospitals, discharging patients without sufficient clothing. Ms. Sneed also stated her concerns about the city's inclement weather shelter not being open when the outdoor temperature exceeded 92 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 26 City Council is Richmond City's local legislative body and is composed of one council representative elected from each of the city's nine voter districts. Council members are elected to serve a four year term of office. Council elects one of its own to serve as the president and presiding officer for a two year term.
- 26 Bridgette Whitaker addressed Council and stated that she would continue her advocacy efforts related to city government.
- 27 Time and Place of Meetings
- 27 Lynne Fetter addressed Council and requested that members adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza. Lynne Fetter also stated her concerns about the conflict's impact on children located in Gaza.
- 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 Sean Cassar, Democratic Socialists of America Richmond Chapter steering member, addressed Council and requested that members adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza. Mr. Cassar stated that Council must take action due to the conflict's impact on local residents.
- 29 Public Comment Period
- 29 Anna Mackiewicz addressed Council and requested that members adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza. Ms. Mackiewicz stated that she believed the United States Government should not provide funding to Israel.
- 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 Aaron Woloshin, Democratic Socialists of America Richmond Chapter member, addressed Council and requested that members adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza. Mr. Woloshin stated his concerns about Council not taking action on the proposed ceasefire resolution.
- 31 Guidelines for Public Participation*
- 31 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
- 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.
- 32 Zahra Jalajel addressed Council and requested that members adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza. Ms. Jalajel also stated that she believed Council needed to take action on the proposed ceasefire resolution to reveal Council's position regarding the Gaza conflict.
- 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 President Kristen Nye recessed the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
- 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 President Nye reconvened the meeting at 6:39 p.m.
- 35 Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with a disability. Individuals are encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s Office at 804-646-7955 for a “Request for Reasonable Accommodation” form, which must be completed to receive assistance.
- 36 * The full text of the Council's Rules of Procedure is available on the City Clerk's website at www.rva.gov/office-city-clerk or in the Office of the City Clerk located in City Hall at 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200.
- 36 The proposed amendment to the meeting agenda was as follows:
- 37 PAGE BREAK
- 38 The Consent Agenda
- 38 The amended agenda was approved: Ayes 7, Jordan, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 39 The following ordinances and resolutions were considered:
- 1. To amend and reordain City Code § 9-58, which assigns polling places in the city, to relocate the polling [places] place for [Precinct 909 and] Precinct 910. (As Amended)
- 2. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3024 3rd Avenue for the purpose of a two-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District)
- 3. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1416 Bryan Street for the purpose of two two-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District)
- 4. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1609 Pollock Street for the purpose of up to three two-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District)
- 5. To amend City Code § 2-1176, concerning the administration of the Human Rights Commission, for the purpose of modifying the frequency of the Commission’s meetings.
- 6. To amend Ord. No. 2022-284, adopted Nov. 14, 2022, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2023-258, adopted Oct. 10, 2023, which accepted the second tranche of American Rescue Plan Act funds and appropriated such funds to the General Fund Budget and Capital Budget for certain agencies and contingencies, by transferring funds from certain previously identified projects as part of the city’s American Rescue Plan Act Spend Plan and transferring such funds to existing or new projects.
- 7. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2416 3rd Avenue for the purpose of a two-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District)
- 8. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1105 Apperson Street for the purpose of a single-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 9. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 3004 Lawson Street and 3006 Lawson Street for the purpose of two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District)
- 10. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1001 East Main Street for the purpose of a self-storage use within a mixed-use building, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District)
- 11. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 2057 Moore Street, 2061 Moore Street, 2065 Moore Street, and 2069 Moore Street for the purpose of up to four two-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (3rd District)
- 12. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2501 Porter Street for the purpose of a two-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District)
- 13. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2509 Porter Street for the purpose of a two-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District)
- 14. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept a donation of services in the form of construction materials and labor valued at approximately $100,000.00 from the Friends of The James River Park and, in connection therewith, to execute a Byrd Park Pump House, Right-of-Entry Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Friends of The James River Park, all for the purpose of funding the repair and restoration of the Byrd Park Pump House.
- 15. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a First Amendment to Help Me Help You Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and the Help Me Help You Foundation, for the purpose of facilitating the implementation of a guaranteed income pilot program for returning residents.
- 16. To amend Ord. No. 2023-071, adopted May 8, 2023, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, to (i) create certain new line items in the Non-Departmental agency, (ii) transfer $199,200.00 from the Non-Departmental agency Reserve for Heart of Richmond Awards, and (iii) appropriate such $199,200.00 to the new line items in the Non-Departmental agency, all for the purpose of providing Heart of Richmond Awards grant funds to certain entities.
- 17. 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 tenant, and the Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, as landlord, for the purpose of operating a public dog park located at 4401 Forest Hill Avenue. (4th District)
- 18. To declare a public necessity for and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept an additional parcel of real property presently or formerly owned by Enrichmond Foundation, commonly known as East End Cemetery, for the purpose of preserving and maintaining such parcel as a historic African-American cemetery and public greenspace.
- 19. To amend Ord. No. 2023-071, adopted May 8, 2023, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by (i) increasing revenues from estimated local sales and use, consumer utility, and admissions taxes and from permits and license fees by $5,489,264.00, (ii) reducing total appropriations by $8,069,133.00, and increasing total appropriations by $13,558,397.00, (iii) transferring funds from various agencies and non-departmental programs and appropriating the increased revenues and transferred funds to various agencies and non-departmental programs, (iv) providing for certain assignments of fund balance for the Employee Compensation Reserve Fund, and (v) requiring that certain funds appropriated to the Department of Housing and Community Development for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 shall be expended for affordable housing efforts.
- 20. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Statutory Partnership Agreement between the City of Richmond and Groundwork RVA, Inc., for the purpose of applying for the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Community Change Grant.
- 21. 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, Walmsley Gardens, 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 4824, 4838, 4850, 4870, and 4890 Walmsley Boulevard. (9th District)
- 22. 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, Walmsley Senior, 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 4824, 4838, 4850, 4870, and 4890 Walmsley Boulevard. (9th District)
- 23. To amend and reordain City Code §§ 21-44 concerning design-build and construction management contracts, 21-67 concerning competitive negotiation for goods, nonprofessional services, insurance, and construction, and 21-73 concerning job order contracting, all for the purpose of reflecting amendments to state law that Va. Code § 2.2-4343(A)(12) requires the City to follow.
- 24. To amend and reordain City Code § 12-22, concerning the authority to accept payment by commercially acceptable means and service charge, to permit City agencies the option to remove currently mandated services charges for the payment of any amount due for taxes, interest, penalties, fees, fines, or other charges for the public.
- 25. To amend and reordain City Code §§ 12-241, concerning definitions for fund balances, 12-242, concerning the disposition of calculated general fund surplus and reporting, 12-261, concerning the “Rainy day” fund, 12-262, concerning the unassigned fund balance, 12-263, concerning the Budget and Revenue Stabilization Contingency Reserve, and 12-265, concerning special purpose reserves, for the purpose of changing the minimum percentages for the maintenance of the “rainy day” fund and the unassigned fund balance, modifying the reporting requirements for the general fund balance, modifying the date by which assignments of special purpose reserves must be made, and changing the name of the “rainy day” fund to the “Downturn Reserve Fund” and the “Budget and Revenue Stabilization Contingency Reserve” to the “Contingency Reserve.”
- 26. To designate the property known as 6951 West Carnation Street as a revitalization area pursuant to Va. Code § 36-55.30:2. (9th District)
- 27. To provide that the Department of Finance may enter into an agreement with any taxpayer who has been assessed with omitted taxes, including penalties and interest with respect to such taxes for the payment of the taxes, penalties, and interest so assessed over a period that is reasonable under the circumstances but that in no event shall exceed 72 months.
- 28. To express support for the request by the County of Henrico that the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development approve its application to amend its portion of Zone 28A; and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to execute the Joint Amendment Agreement indicating the City’s support for the County’s application.
- 68 The Regular Agenda
- 68 Public Hearing
- 69 Regina Pointer addressed ORD. 2024-141, and stated her concerns about the impact the special use permit may have on her sewage line.
- 70 President Kristen Nye confirmed that city staff would address her questions and concerns.
- 71 Councilor Ellen Robertson stated she was just made aware of Ms. Pointer's concerns and that she is hopeful that city staff can resolve Ms. Pointer's concerns.
- 72 Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert informed members that she believed the local Moore Street community supported ORD. 2024-150 after initial concerns were raised and addressed.
- 73 There were no further comments or discussions and the Consent Agenda was adopted: Ayes 7, Jordan, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 75 There were no Regular Agenda items.
- 77 There were no amendments or corrections to the meeting minutes of the Informal and Formal Council Sessions held on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m., respectively; and Council approved the minutes as presented.
- 82 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances and resolutions on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.:
- 29. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a First Amendment to Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and The Salvation Army for the purpose of modifying the City’s payment obligation of grant funds to The Salvation Army for the operations of an inclement weather shelter and year-round emergency shelter located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue. (3rd District)
- 30. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a First Amendment to Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and Emergency Shelter, Inc., doing business as HomeAgain, for the purpose of modifying the City’s payment obligation of grant funds to HomeAgain for the operations of a 50 bed, year-round emergency shelter located at 7 North 2nd Street. (6th District)
- 31. 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 to provide funding for the reconstruction of Jefferson Avenue from 21st Street to 25th Street. (7th District)
- 32. To repeal ch. 14, art. III of the City Code, consisting of §§ 14-147 through 14-155, concerning the City’s erosion and sediment control program; and to amend 14-83, concerning floodplain districts, 14-120, concerning required permits, 14-263, concerning general performance criteria, 14-295, concerning enforcement of ch. 14, art. IV, and 14-322 through 14-333, 14-335, and 14-336, concerning the City’s stormwater management program, and to amend ch. 14, article V, by adding therein new sections numbered 14-323.1, concerning regulated land-disturbing activities, and 14-329.1, concerning erosion and sediment control plan and contents of plans, all for the purpose of aligning the City Code with state law.
- 33. To accept a quitclaim deed from the School Board of the City of Richmond conveying a portion of the real property located at 813 North 28th Street and commonly known as Ethel Bailey Furman Park to the City and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to act on behalf of the City in executing such deed. (7th District)
- 34. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Assignment and Assumption of Leasehold Interest in Ground Lease between the City and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of the assumption by the City of the Authority’s ground lease of a 15.04-acre parcel located at 2401 West Leigh Street to facilitate the transfer of the ownership and operation of the facilities located thereon from the Authority to the City. (2nd District)
- 35. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1600 Roseneath Road and 3406 West Moore Street for the purpose of a mixed-use building, upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District)
- 36. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 2300 Semmes Avenue, 2201 McDonough Street, 2301 McDonough Street, 215 West 22nd Street, 217 West 22nd Street, 219 West 22nd Street, 221 West 22nd Street, 301 West 22nd Street, 307 West 22nd Street, 315 West 22nd Street, 322 West 22nd Street, 302 West 22nd Street, 2100 Perry Street, and 222 West 21st Street for the purpose of up to three multifamily buildings containing an aggregate of up to 266 dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (5th District)
- 37. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 2519 Hermitage Road and 1613 Rhoadmiller Street for the purpose of an animal shelter with an outdoor area, upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District)
- 38. To amend and reordain Ord. No. 75-309-302, adopted Dec. 15, 1975, as most recently amended by Ord. No. 2023-316, adopted Nov. 13, 2023, pertaining to the “Stony Point Community Unit Plan,” for the purpose of amending the development standards, as they pertain to Map Section E of the Southern Portion of the Plan, to modify the development standards as they pertain to Map Section K of the Northern Portion of the Plan, regarding permitted principal and accessory uses, signage, hours of operation, and developable building area. (4th District)
- 39. 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.
- 40. 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.
- 41. 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.
- 42. 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)
- 43. 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)
- 44. 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.
- 45. To approve the City of Richmond Plan of Services under the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act.
- 46. To request that the Chief Administrative Officer cause the Department of Economic Development to engage a consultant to work with the property owners and businesses in the Carytown neighborhood to establish a Business Improvement and Recruitment District [and to]; submit an ordinance setting forth the particulars of such District to the Council; and engage with property owners and businesses located within business corridors of the city of Richmond to discuss whether establishing a Business Improvement and Recruitment District would be beneficial to their economic futures. (As Amended)
- 47. To designate the property known as 1021 East 4th Street as a revitalization area pursuant to Va. Code § 36-55.30:2. (6th District)
- 103 Members of Council provided reports and announcements regarding respective district meetings and activities.
- 105 There being no further business before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m. ___________________________________ CITY CLERK