City Council
Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall
Agenda — 115 items
- 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 Cynthia Newbille (early departure) The Honorable Ellen Robertson The Honorable Reva Trammell
- 2 Call to Order
- 3 Council President Kristen Nye called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and presided.
- 3 Absent
- 4 Invocation
- 4 The Honorable Stephanie Lynch
- 5 Invocation was offered by Associate Pastor Matthew Hensley of Richmond's First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Avenue, Richmond, Virginia.
- 6 Members of Council and the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
- 7 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
- 7 Chamber Security and Spanish Interpretation Announcement
- 8 Councilmembers Present
- 8 Michael Winborne, City Hall Security Manager, announced security policies and expected conduct for members of the public present in the Council Chamber.
- 9 Action on Appointments and Reappointments
- 9 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.
- 10 Board Appointments and Reappointments - May 28, 2024
- 10 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.
- 11 Awards and Presentations
- 12 There were no awards or presentations.
- 13 Public Comment
- 13 page break
- 14 May 28, 2024 Public Comment Period Speakers List
- 15 Agenda Review and Amendments
- 15 Upon the President’s request, Council Management Analyst Pamela Nichols 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.
- 16 Action Items (Consent Agenda)
- 17 Action Items (Regular Agenda and Motions)
- 17 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
- 18 Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
- 19 May 8, 2024 Special Meeting Minutes
- 19 Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert moved that consideration of the applicant for appointment to the Social Services Advisory Board be continued to the June 10, 2024 Formal Council meeting, and that the following appointments and reappointments be approved:
- 20 May 13, 2024 Informal Meeting Minutes
- 20 Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks: Christopher Frelke (reappointment) Charles Willis
- 21 May 13, 2024 Formal Meeting Minutes
- 21 Future of Workforce Commission: Andreas Addison Barbara Couto Sipe Dionne Henderson Sean Miller
- 22 Introduction of Ordinances and Resolutions
- 22 Human Rights Commission: Aoife Ryle
- 23 May 28, 2024 Introduction Papers List
- 23 J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Board: Peter Blake Emmy Ready
- 24 Reports or Announcements by Members of the Council
- 24 Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Inc.: Thomas Loftus
- 25 Adjournment
- 25 Maggie L. Walker Initiative Citizens Advisory Board: Jonette Meade Barley
- 26 PAGE BREAK
- 26 Richmond Behavioral Health Authority: Deborah Dancey
- 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.
- 27 Richmond Public LIbrary: Sheron Carter-Gunter (reappointment) Garrett Sawyer (reappointment) William Yates (reappointment) Gail Zwirner (reappointment)
- 28 Time and Place of Meetings
- 28 City Planning Commission: Brian White
- 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.
- 29 History and Culture Commission: Bryan Clark Green
- 30 Public Comment Period
- 30 Commission of Architectural Review: Emily Striffler
- 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.
- 31 The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Addison, Jordan, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 32 Guidelines for Public Participation*
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 36 Harry Ragsdale addressed Council and stated his concerns regarding the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Mr. Ragsdale requested that the city sufficiently fund DPU, so that it can better provide utilities and service to city residents.
- 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.
- 37 Maya Charlton addressed Council and requested that members adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza. Ms. Charlton also stated her concerns regarding the conflict in Gaza and its impact on civilians.
- 38 PAGE BREAK
- 38 Sherry Grinsteiner, Congregation Or Atid Rabbi, addressed Council and stated her opposition to Council considering any ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza. Rabbi Grinsteiner also stated that Council does not have any jurisdiction to address international affairs.
- 39 The Consent Agenda
- 39 Taylor Dayton addressed Council and requested that members adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza. Ms. Dayton also addressed her concerns about the conflict's impact on children located in Gaza.
- 40 The following ordinances were considered:
- 40 Tara Morand addressed Council and requested that members adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza. Ms. Morand stated that she believed she must take action on the conflict, and she noted her concerns about the amount of deaths that have occurred in the conflict.
- 1. To amend Ord. No. 2000-410-2001-10, adopted Jan. 8, 2001, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2001-220-231, adopted Jul. 23, 2001, and Ord. No. 2017-242, adopted May 29, 2019, which approved the “Shops at Stratford Hills Community Unit Plan,” for the purpose of increasing the area subject to the community unit plan by 2.85 acres to 67.4± acres and modifying the development standards, under certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (4th District)
- 41 Mark Wood addressed Council and requested that members adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza. Mr. Wood stated that Council should not remain silent, and instead, take a stand to address the conflict in Gaza.
- 2. To amend City Code § 11-36, concerning exemptions to sound control, for the purpose of modifying the hours during which [the City’s] refuse collection and sanitation services shall be exempted from the requirements of the City’s sound control provisions. (As Amended)
- 42 Mariam Oweis addressed Council and requested that members adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza. Ms. Oweis stated that she had discussed the resolution individually with members, but she noted her disappointment that a ceasefire resolution had not been adopted.
- 3. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute appropriate documents releasing The Maggie Walker Community Land Trust and its successors in interest from any obligation to fulfill certain deed conditions and contractual requirements to redevelop the property known as 2615 Q Street for the purpose of allowing the Land Trust to sell such property to the owners of abutting parcels and utilize the proceeds from such sale to facilitate the development of affordable housing by The Maggie Walker Community Land Trust in the city of Richmond. (7th District)
- 43 Michelle Ingram, New Virginia Majority member, addressed Council and stated that the city was in a housing crisis. Ms. Ingram requested that Council take action to address high rental rates in the city and the impact on working families in the city.
- 4. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1415 Bryan Street for the purpose of three two-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District)
- 44 President Kristen Nye recessed the meeting at 6:38 p.m.
- 5. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 3301 Maplewood Avenue and 800 Freeman Road for the purpose of a stadium, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District)
- 45 President Nye reconvened the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
- 6. To amend and reordain City Code §§ 2-1128, concerning applications for equalization of real estate assessments, 26-101, concerning the creation and purpose of the Office of Assessor of Real Estate, 26-104, concerning the duties, 26-122, concerning the time of making and entering assessment and notice of increases, and 26-147, concerning land books generally, to be effective for real estate tax assessments that are used to calculate real estate taxes for the tax years beginning on Jan. 1, 2026, and Jan. 1, 2027; to amend and reordain City Code §§ 26-104, concerning the duties, 26-105, concerning the assessment of new buildings substantially completed or fit for use and occupancy, and abatement of levies, 26-122, concerning time of making and entering an assessment and notice of increase, 26-147, concerning land books generally, 26-203, concerning the effective date of assessments, 26-230, concerning application to the Assessor for administrative reviews, 26-231, concerning notice of administrative reviews, 26-232, concerning action after hearing and rule of evidence, 26-233, concerning the delegation of hearings to assistant and the summary of evidence, and 26-262, concerning notice to the Assessor of new or remodeled buildings and assessment, to be effective for real estate tax assessments that are used to calculate real estate taxes for the tax years beginning on January 1, 2028, and later; and to amend ch. 26, art. III, div. 1 by adding therein a new section numbered 26-49, concerning the effective date of assessments, all for the purpose of transitioning the City Assessor’s annual real estate assessment cycle from a calendar year to a fiscal year.
- 7. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept grant funds in the amount of $50,000,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality 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 Utilities’ Combined Sewer Overflow project in the Utilities category by $50,000,000.00 for the purpose of funding the Combined Sewer Overflow project.
- 47 Councilor Andreas Addison moved to amend the agenda as follows:
- 8. To authorize RRG Properties, LLC, to encroach upon the public right-of-way with an outdoor dining area encroachment, and associated awnings, along the north line of East Broad Street and the east line of North 28th Street at the northeast corner of the intersection of East Broad Street and North 28th Street, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 9. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Programmatic Agreement, and a Second Amendment thereto, between the City of Richmond and the Virginia State Historic Preservation Office for the purpose of ensuring compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act in the performance of programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- 10. To designate the 2200 block of Gordon Avenue in honor of Gilda Marie Hines. (8th District)
- 11. 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)
- 51 The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Addison, Jordan, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 12. To amend City Code §§ 2-1336, concerning definitions related to webpages for development and capital improvements projects, 2-1337, concerning general requirements, and 2-1339, concerning exclusions, and to repeal § 2-1338, concerning project webpage requirements.
- 52 page break
- 13. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer and the Director of Procurement Services, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Goods and Services Contract between the City and Manchester Marketing, Inc. T/A Seibert’s Towing for towing-related services and tow lot operation.
- 54 The Regular Agenda
- 65 Public Hearing:
- 66 Sheryl Venable spoke in support of ORD. 2024-134, and informed Council that she was the daughter of Gilda Marie Hines. Ms. Venable addressed the positive impact that Gilda Marie Hines had as a former city employee.
- 67 Maceo Venable spoke in support of ORD. 2024-134, and informed Council that he was the son-in-law of Gilda Marie Hines. Mr. Venable stated his appreciation to Councilor Reva Trammell for sponsoring the ordinance, and he addressed the positive impression that Gilda Marie Hines had on people's lives.
- 68 Omar Kenyatta, Black Wall Street USA representative, spoke in support of ORD. 2022-205, and he requested that the city ensure future inclusivity within the Stratford Hills Community Unit Plan.
- 69 Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert, President Kristen Nye, and Councilors Cynthia Newbille, Ellen Robertson, Andreas Addison, Katherine Jordan, and Nicole Jones requested to be added as co-patrons of ORD. 2024-134.
- 70 Councilor Cynthia Newbille requested to be added as a co-patron of ORD. 2024-132.
- 71 There were no comments or discussions and the Consent Agenda was adopted: Ayes 8, Addison, Jordan, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 73 There were no Regular Agenda items.
- 75 There were no amendments or corrections to the meeting minutes of the Special Council Session held on Monday, May 8, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., the Informal and Formal Council Sessions held on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m., respectively; and Council approved the minutes as presented.
- 81 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.:
- 14. 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.
- 15. 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.
- 84 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.:
- 16. 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.
- 17. 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)
- 18. 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)
- 19. 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)
- 20. 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)
- 21. 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)
- 22. 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)
- 23. 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)
- 24. 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.
- 94 page break
- 96 Members of Council provided reports and announcements regarding respective district meetings and activities.
- 97 Councilor Cynthia Newbille left the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
- 99 There being no further business before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. ___________________________________ CITY CLERK