docketcity.com
Home › Richmond › Meetings

Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee

June 20, 2024 ·1:00 PM Final

Council Chamber, 2nd Floor – City Hall

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 148 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, June 20, 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 Ann-Frances Lambert – Council Vice President (late arrival and early departure)
  5. 3 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
  6. 3 Absent
  7. 4 Public Comment Period
  8. 4 The Honorable Katherine Jordan – Member
  9. 5 Approval of Minutes
  10. 5 Staff and Others in Attendance
  11. 6 April 18, 2024 - Finance & Economic Development Standing Committee Meeting Minutes CD.2024.160
  12. 6 Tori Cotman, Assistant City Attorney LaTanja Davenport, Council Budget Analyst Laura Drewry, City Attorney LaTesha Holmes, Council Chief of Staff Nahdiyah Muhammad, Assistant City Clerk Adam Poser, Deputy Council Chief of Staff Candice Reid, City Clerk RJ Warren, Deputy City Clerk
  13. 7 May 16, 2024 - Finance & Economic Development Standing Committee Meeting Minutes CD.2024.197
  14. 8 Paper(s) for Consideration
  15. 8 Chair Cynthia Newbille called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m., and presided.
  16. 1. 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. ORD. 2024-145 recommended for approval
  17. 2. 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. ORD. 2024-153 recommended for approval
  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. 3. 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. ORD. 2024-159 recommended for approval
  20. 11 page break
  21. 4. 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. ORD. 2024-162 recommended for approval
  22. 5. 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. ORD. 2024-163 recommended for approval
  23. 13 There were no corrections or amendments to the meeting minutes of the Thursday, April 18, 2024, and the Thursday, May 16, 2024 committee meetings, and the committee approved the minutes as presented.
  24. 6. 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) ORD. 2024-164 recommended for approval
  25. 7. 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) ORD. 2024-165 recommended for approval
  26. 8. 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. ORD. 2024-166 recommended for approval
  27. 9. 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. ORD. 2024-167 recommended for approval
  28. 10. 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.” ORD. 2024-168 recommended for approval
  29. 18 Sabrina Joy-Hogg, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Finance and Administration, provided the committee with a presentation regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) quarterly report.
  30. 11. 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. RES. 2024-R018 recommended for approval
  31. 12. 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. RES. 2024-R019 recommended for approval
  32. 20 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
  33. 21 Presentation(s)
  34. 21 Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert arrived at 1:17 p.m., and was seated.
  35. 22 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Quarterly Report
  36. 22 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson requested additional information regarding the availability and uses of ARPA funding.
  37. 23 June 20, 2024 - ARPA Quarterly Report CD.2024.215
  38. 23 DCAO Sabrina Joy-Hogg stated that city administration will meet with each Council membet to have an in depth review of ARPA funding.
  39. 24 Board Vacancies
  40. 24 Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert inquired about obligations dedicated to business for funding resources. Vice President Lambert also inquired about funding for beautification and other projects. Vice President Lambert further inquired about projects going forward without the use of ARPA funds.
  41. 25 There were no board vacancies.
  42. 25 DCAO Joy-Hogg stated ARPA funding cannot legally be used for certain projects.
  43. 26 Discussion Item(s)
  44. 26 Vice President Lambert inquired about funding allocated to Venture Richmond for the beautification of Downtown Richmond, and she asked if there is enough funding available for districts that also need development.
  45. 27 There were no discussion items.
  46. 27 DCAO Joy-Hogg stated that the funding for beautification is $75,000 and city administration will provide Council with additional information.
  47. 28 Staff Report
  48. 28 Chair Cynthia Newbille inquired about prioritizing planting new trees in communities that have a greater need due to the rising heat index.
  49. 29 June 20, 2024 - Finance & Economic Development Staff Report CD.2024.216
  50. 29 Torrence Robinson, Deputy Director of Operations and Maintenance for the Department of Public Works, stated the Department of Public Works is currently working on planting trees in areas with a higher index.
  51. 30 Vice President Lambert inquired about the percentage of minority owned businesses that currently have procurement contracts with the city.
  52. 31 DCAO Joy-Hogg stated that city administration will provide Council with additional information.
  53. 33 There were no public comment speakers.
  54. 35 The following ordinance was considered:
  55. 37 Sabrina Joy-Hogg, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Finance and Administration, provided the committee with background information regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the proposed ordinance during the ARPA quarterly report.
  56. 38 Public Hearing
  57. 39 There were no public hearing speakers.
  58. 40 In response to an inquiry from Vice Chair Ellen Robertson, DCAO Joy-Hogg stated that $3,000,000 will go to the Childcare Education Trust Fund, the solar fund project, park improvements and other new projects. DCAO Joy-Hogg also stated that the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) has been funded with $1,500,000 in general funds.
  59. 41 There were no further comments or discussion and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2024-145 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Robertson, Newbille. Noes None.
  60. 42 The following ordinance was considered:
  61. 44 Giles Garrison, Superintendent of the James River Park System, provided the committee with an introduction and additional information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  62. 45 Public Hearing
  63. 46 There were no public hearing speakers.
  64. 47 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson inquired about the process of the city receiving gifts.
  65. 48 Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) Sabrina Joy-Hogg stated gifts or grants that are received by the city will go into a special fund designated for the funds.
  66. 49 There were no further comments or discussion and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2024-153 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Robertson, Newbille. Noes None.
  67. 50 The following ordinance was considered:
  68. 52 Dominic Barrett, Strategic Projects and Grants Advisor, Office of Human Services, provided the committee with an introduction and additional information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  69. 53 Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert left the meeting at 1:56 p.m.
  70. 54 Public Hearing
  71. 55 There were no public hearing speakers.
  72. 56 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson inquired about the funding allocated to the Heart of Richmond Awards.
  73. 57 Mr. Barrett stated that the funding has not been used and will be awarded to twelve organizations. Mr. Barrett also stated each organization will receive $16,600 in awards.
  74. 58 Vice Chair Robertson asked about applications received from the organizations that are awarded.
  75. 59 Mr. Barrett stated that the application for the Heart of Richmond Awards is built into the non-departmental application and timeline.
  76. 60 Vice Chair Robertson inquired about an appropriation for the FY25 budget. Vice Chair Robertson also inquired if applications have been received for the FY25 budget.
  77. 61 Mr. Barrett stated that there is an appropriation for $200,000 for the FY25 budget. Mr. Barrett also stated the application will be made available as a non-departmental grant application beginning October 1, 2024.
  78. 62 There were no further comments or discussion and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2024-159 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Robertson, Newbille. Noes None.
  79. 63 The following ordinance was considered:
  80. 65 Meghan Brown, Director of Budget and Strategic Planning, provided the committee with an introduction and additional information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  81. 66 Public Hearing
  82. 67 There were no public hearing speakers.
  83. 68 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson stated that there is funding needed for multiple organizations and events across the city. Vice Chair Robertson also stated that the city's budget does not fully support organizations in need. Vice Chair Robertson inquired about new appropriations.
  84. 69 Chair Cynthia Newbille asked if budget changes will occur from the proposed ordinance.
  85. 70 Ms. Brown provided the committee with additional information regarding allocations to cover present and future projects.
  86. 71 The committee had continued discussion with Ms. Brown and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) Sabrina Joy-Hogg regarding the proposed ordinance.
  87. 72 There were no further comments or discussion and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2024-162 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Robertson, Newbille. Noes None.
  88. 73 The following ordinance was considered:
  89. 75 Laura Thomas, Director of the Office of Sustainability, provided the committee with an introduction and additional information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  90. 76 Public Hearing
  91. 77 There were no public hearing speakers.
  92. 78 There were no further comments or discussion and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2024-163 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Robertson, Newbille. Noes None.
  93. 79 The following ordinances were considered:
  94. 82 Merrick Malone, Interim Director of Housing and Community Development, provided the committee with an introduction and additional information regarding the proposed ordinances.
  95. 83 Public Hearing
  96. 84 There were no public hearing speakers.
  97. 85 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson inquired if all of the development's 344 units will be at an area median income (AMI) of 60%.
  98. 86 Mr. Malone stated that the units will be set to an AMI of 0%-60%.
  99. 87 Chair Cynthia Newbille thanked city administration for developing resources to address the city's housing crisis.
  100. 88 There were no further comments or discussion and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2024-164 and ORD. 2024-165 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Robertson, Newbille. Noes None.
  101. 89 The following ordinance was considered:
  102. 91 Rene Almaraz, Director of Procurement Services, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  103. 92 Public Hearing
  104. 93 There were no public hearing speakers.
  105. 94 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson inquired about construction manager at risk projects, and she confirmed that any such requests would come to Council as a resolution.
  106. 95 Mr. Almaraz stated that the City Council will review and approve all construction manager at risk projects.
  107. 96 Vice Chair Robertson asked about additional time being added to the project timeline due to Council needing to review and approve all projects.
  108. 97 Mr. Almaraz stated additional information will be provided to Council.
  109. 98 There were no further comments or discussion and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2024-166 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Robertson, Newbille. Noes None.
  110. 99 The following ordinance was considered:
  111. 101 Shelia White, Director of Finance, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  112. 102 Public Hearing
  113. 103 There were no public hearing speakers.
  114. 104 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson inquired if the city's systems and infrastructure will have the ability to adapt to the change resulting from the likely approval of the proposed ordinance. Vice Chair Robertson also inquired about the timeline for the transition.
  115. 105 Ms. White stated that city administration will continue to work with vendors to prepare for the transition. Ms. White also stated that there is currently no timeline regarding the transition process, and that she will provide Council with additional information.
  116. 106 There were no further comments or discussion and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2024-167 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Robertson, Newbille. Noes None.
  117. 107 The following resolution was considered:
  118. 109 Shelia White, Director of Finance, provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed resolution.
  119. 110 Public Hearing
  120. 111 There were no public hearing speakers.
  121. 112 There were no further comments or discussion and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward RES. 2024-R018 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Robertson, Newbille. Noes None.
  122. 113 The following resolution was considered:
  123. 115 Katie McConnell, Deputy Director of Economic Development, provided the committee with an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed resolution.
  124. 116 page break
  125. 117 Public Hearing
  126. 118 David Saks, Community Development Manager for Henrico County, spoke in support of RES. 2024-R019, and stated the Henrico Board of Supervisors authorized the submission of an application to the Department of Housing and Community Development to amend the county's zone.
  127. 119 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson asked about the steps that Council will need to take regarding the economic development zones.
  128. 120 Ms. McConnell stated that city administration will provide Council with additional information.
  129. 121 Chair Cynthia Newbille stated that an opportunity for partnerships with other regions should be considered as an economic development opportunity for the city.
  130. 122 Vice Chair Robertson inquired if there is an agreement between Henrico County and the city.
  131. 123 The committee had continued discussion with Ms. McConnell regarding the proposed resolution.
  132. 124 There were no further comments or discussion and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward RES. 2024-R019 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Robertson, Newbille. Noes None.
  133. 125 The following ordinance was considered:
  134. 127 Sabrina Joy-Hogg, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Finance and Administration, provided the committee with a presentation and background information regarding the proposed ordinance.
  135. 128 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
  136. 129 Public Hearing
  137. 130 There were no public hearing speakers.
  138. 131 Vice Chair Ellen Robertson inquired if the information presented regarding ORD. 2024-168 was given to all members of Council.
  139. 132 DCAO Joy-Hogg stated that the information presented has not been given to the full Council.
  140. 133 Chair Cynthia Newbille inquired if additional changes to the surplus policy were conveyed to all members of Council.
  141. 134 DCAO Joy-Hogg stated that Council has been made aware of all changes to the surplus policy.
  142. 135 The committee had continued discussion with DCAO Joy-Hogg and Roland Kooch, Senior Vice President, Davenport & Company, regarding the city's credit rating and ORD. 2024-168.
  143. 136 Vice Chair Robertson requested to be added as a co-patron to ORD. 2024-168.
  144. 137 There were no further comments or discussion and Vice Chair Ellen Robertson moved to forward ORD. 2024-168 to Council with the recommendation to approve, which was seconded and approved: Ayes 2, Robertson, Newbille. Noes None.
  145. 143 Council staff provided the committee with the June Finance and Economic Development staff report.
  146. 145 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
  147. 146 Adjournment
  148. 147 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:36 p.m.