docketcity.com
Home › Richmond › Meetings

City Council

June 10, 2024 ·6:00 PM Final

Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall

Agenda PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 113 items

  1. 1 The Honorable Kristen Nye, President The Honorable Ann-Frances Lambert, Vice President The Honorable Andreas Addison The Honorable Nicole Jones The Honorable Katherine Jordan The Honorable Stephanie Lynch (early departure) The Honorable Cynthia Newbille (early departure) The Honorable Ellen Robertson The Honorable Reva Trammell
  2. 2 Call to Order
  3. 3 Council President Kristen Nye called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and presided.
  4. 4 Invocation
  5. 5 Invocation was offered by Senior Pastor Eric W. Carroll of Tomahawk Baptist Church, 12920 Hull Street Road, Midlothian, Virginia.
  6. 5 Chamber Security and Spanish Interpretation Announcement
  7. 6 Members of Council and the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
  8. 6 Michael Winborne, City Hall Security Manager, announced security policies and expected conduct for members of the public present in the Council Chamber.
  9. 7 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
  10. 7 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.
  11. 8 Councilmembers Present
  12. 8 Roxana Talavera-Denson, Language Access Coordinator, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement, then provided Spanish interpretation of City Hall Security Manager Winborne's and City Clerk Candice Reid’s announcements.
  13. 9 Action on Appointments and Reappointments
  14. 10 Board Appointments and Reappointments - June 6, 2024 CD.2024.200
  15. 11 Awards and Presentations
  16. 11 page break
  17. 12 There were no awards or presentations.
  18. 13 Public Comment
  19. 13 Upon the President’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.
  20. 14 June 10, 2024 Public Comment Period Speakers List CD.2024.201
  21. 15 Agenda Review and Amendments
  22. 16 Action Items (Consent Agenda)
  23. 16 The applicant for the Social Services Advisory board withdrew their application, and there were no board vacancies or applications for consideration.
  24. 17 Action Items (Regular Agenda and Motions)
  25. 18 Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
  26. 19 May 28, 2024 Informal Meeting Minutes CD.2024.182
  27. 20 May 28, 2024 Formal Meeting Minutes CD.2024.194
  28. 21 June 3, 2024 Special Meeting Minutes CD.2024.199
  29. 21 Alicia Diaz addressed Council and requested that members adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza. Ms. Diaz also stated her concerns about the conflict's impact on children located in Gaza.
  30. 22 Introduction of Ordinances and Resolutions
  31. 22 Sonali Gulati addressed Council and requested that members adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza. Ms. Gulati stated that Council previously passed a resolution in 1985 that addressed an international issue, and she asked that Council take similar action now.
  32. 23 June 10, 2024 Introduction Papers List CD.2024.203
  33. 23 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
  34. 24 Reports or Announcements by Members of the Council
  35. 24 Nancy Rives addressed Council and requested that members adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza. Ms. Rives also stated her concerns about the amount of destruction and violence due to the conflict.
  36. 25 Adjournment
  37. 25 Madeline McElgunn, Congregation Beth Ahabah member, addressed Council and requested that members adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza. Ms. McElgunn stated that Council should listen to calls for peace and asked that Council move forward with taking action regarding the conflict.
  38. 26 PAGE BREAK
  39. 26 Rabbi Dovid Asher, Keneseth Beth Israel, addressed Council and stated that Council should not be distracted by international affairs. Rabbi Asher also stated that Council should support the federal government's action regarding the conflict in Gaza.
  40. 27 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.
  41. 27 Samantha Porter addressed Council and requested that members adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza.
  42. 28 Time and Place of Meetings
  43. 28 It was the consensus of Council to allow Mary Ellen Barton to speak during the Public Comment Period.
  44. 29 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.
  45. 29 Mary Ellen Barton, Virginia Organizing member, on behalf of Kimberly Taylor, addressed Council and stated her concerns about the cost and quality of housing in the city. Ms. Barton requested that the city initiate a rental inspection district to address the concerns she raised.
  46. 30 Public Comment Period
  47. 31 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.
  48. 31 Councilor Andreas Addison moved to amend the agenda as follows:
  49. 32 Guidelines for Public Participation*
  50. 33 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.
  51. 34 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.
  52. 35 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.
  53. 36 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.
  54. 37 * 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.
  55. 37 page break
  56. 38 PAGE BREAK
  57. 39 The Consent Agenda
  58. 40 The following ordinances were considered:
  59. 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) ORD. 2024-127 amended and continued
  60. 2. To amend City Code § 2-1224, concerning compensation and expenses of the members of Council and President of the Council, to provide for salary increases authorized by Va. Code §§ 15.2-1414.5 and 15.2-1414.6. ORD. 2024-129 adopted Pass
  61. 3. To declare a public necessity for and to authorize the acquisition by gift of the parcel of real property known as 436 Calhoun Street, and commonly known as the “Calhoun Family Investment Center,” from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, for the purpose of maintaining such parcel as a community center. (3rd District) ORD. 2024-135 adopted Pass
  62. 4. 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) ORD. 2024-138 continued
  63. 5. 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) continued
  64. 6. To authorize the special use of the property known as 6209 Forest Hill Avenue for the purpose of a single-family detached dwelling with an accessory building, upon certain terms and conditions. (4th District) adopted Pass
  65. 7. 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) continued
  66. 8. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $6,000,000.00 from the United States Department of Agriculture, to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by (i) creating a new special fund for the Office of Sustainability called the Grant - USDA Coalition Based Urban Greening, (ii) appropriating the increase to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Office of Sustainability’s Grant - USDA Coalition Based Urban Greening by $6,000,000.00, and (iii) appropriating $3,417,354.00 of such funds to certain community-based organizations, all for the purpose of providing funding for the Urban Forest Master Plan, invasive species removal, workforce development, community engagement, and agroforestry. ORD. 2024-143 adopted Pass
  67. 9. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $13,400,966.00 from the Virginia Department of General Services and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works’ Enslaved African Heritage Campus project in the Capital Investment Opportunities category by $13,400,966.00 for the purpose of funding the planning and development of a Slavery and Freedom Heritage Site in Richmond. ORD. 2024-144 adopted Pass
  68. 49 Public Hearing
  69. 10. To amend Ord. No. 2023-071, adopted May 8, 2023, as amended by Ord. No. 2023-273, adopted Oct. 10, 2023, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by changing the uses and allocation of the Council District Funds for the Third District pursuant to Va. Code § 15.2-2503 for the use of the Council Member in the representation of the Third District. ORD. 2024-154 adopted Pass
  70. 50 Charles Skelly spoke in support of ORD. 2024-129, and stated that the compensation increase for Council was justified.
  71. 11. To amend Ord. No. 2023-071, adopted May 8, 2023, as amended by Ord. No. 2023-273, adopted Oct. 10, 2023, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by changing the uses and allocation of the Council District Funds for the Fourth District pursuant to Va. Code § 15.2-2503 for the use of the Council Member in the representation of the Fourth District. ORD. 2024-155 adopted Pass
  72. 51 Tariq Waajid, Department of Parks, Recreations and Community Facilities Recreation Program Manager, spoke in support of ORD. 2024-135, and the transfer of the Calhoun Center from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) to the city. Mr. Waajid stated that the city's plan to use the Calhoun Center as a community center, would be very beneficial for nearby city residents.
  73. 12. To amend Ord. No. 2023-071, adopted May 8, 2023, as amended by Ord. No. 2023-273, adopted Oct. 10, 2023, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by changing the uses and allocation of the Council District Funds for the Sixth District pursuant to Va. Code § 15.2-2503 for the use of the Council Member in the representation of the Sixth District. ORD. 2024-156 adopted Pass
  74. 52 Clarence Wilson, Brothers Concerned for Gilpin member, spoke in support of ORD. 2024-135, and stated that the Calhoun Center would increase the quality of life of residents and decrease crime.
  75. 13. To amend Ord. No. 2023-071, adopted May 8, 2023, as amended by Ord. No. 2023-273, adopted Oct. 10, 2023, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by changing the uses and allocation of the Council District Funds for the Eighth District pursuant to Va. Code § 15.2-2503 for the use of the Council Member in the representation of the Eighth District. ORD. 2024-157 adopted Pass
  76. 53 Steven Nesmith, RRHA Chief Executive Officer, spoke in support of ORD. 2024-135, and he stated his appreciation for city leaders involved with the transfer of the Calhoun Center.
  77. 14. To request that the Chief Administrative Officer cause the preparation of a study to identify a location in the Shockoe Bottom area of the city of Richmond for the National Slavery Museum. continued and referred back
  78. 54 Councilor Katherine Jordan stated her appreciation for Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert's involvement with the transfer of the Calhoun Center from RRHA to the city.
  79. 55 The Regular Agenda
  80. 55 Councilor Stephanie Lynch stated her appreciation for the work of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and members of the public related to the transfer of the Calhoun Center.
  81. 56 Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert stated it was her honor to help facilitate the transfer of the Calhoun Center from RRHA to the city.
  82. 57 There were no further comments or discussions and the Consent Agenda was unanimously adopted, except for of ORD. 2024-129, which was also adopted: Ayes 8, Addison, Jordan, Jones, Robertson, Lynch, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes 1, Trammell.
  83. 59 There were no Regular Agenda items.
  84. 60 page break
  85. 61 Motions
  86. 62 Councilor Nicole Jones moved that the ordinance entitled:
  87. 63 Be amended and continued to Monday, June 24, 2024, to modify the polling place location for Precinct 909.
  88. 64 The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
  89. 66 There were no amendments or corrections to the meeting minutes of the Informal and Formal Council Sessions held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m., respectively; the Special Session held on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.; and Council approved the minutes as presented.
  90. 72 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances and resolutions on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.:
  91. 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. ORD. 2024-158 introduced and referred
  92. 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. ORD. 2024-159 introduced and referred
  93. 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) ORD. 2024-160 introduced and referred
  94. 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. ORD. 2024-161 introduced and referred
  95. 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. ORD. 2024-162 introduced and referred
  96. 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. ORD. 2024-163 introduced and referred
  97. 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) ORD. 2024-164 introduced and referred
  98. 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) ORD. 2024-165 introduced and referred
  99. 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. ORD. 2024-166 introduced and referred
  100. 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. ORD. 2024-167 introduced and referred
  101. 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.” ORD. 2024-168 introduced and referred
  102. 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) RES. 2024-R017 introduced and referred
  103. 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. RES. 2024-R018 introduced and referred
  104. 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. RES. 2024-R019 introduced and referred
  105. 87 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.:
  106. 29. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2711 Q Street for the purpose of up to two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2024-169 introduced and referred
  107. 30. To authorize the special use of the property known as 409 Cleveland Street for the purpose of a café with accessory retail, production, wholesale, and certain distribution uses, upon certain terms and conditions. (1st District) ORD. 2024-170 introduced and referred
  108. 31. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3513 Idlewood Avenue, for the purpose of two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District) ORD. 2024-171 introduced and referred
  109. 32. To authorize the special use of the property known as 308 Oak Lane for the purpose of a single-family detached dwelling, with driveway access to the street exceeding nine feet in width, upon certain terms and conditions. (1st District) ORD. 2024-172 introduced and referred
  110. 93 Members of Council provided reports and announcements regarding respective district meetings and activities.
  111. 94 Councilor Stephanie Lynch left the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
  112. 95 Councilor Cynthia Newbille left the meeting at 7:12 p.m.
  113. 97 There being no further business before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m. ___________________________________ CITY CLERK