City Council
Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall
Agenda — 118 items
- 1 The Honorable Kristen Nye, President The Honorable Ann-Frances Lambert, Vice President The Honorable Andreas Addison The Honorable Katherine Jordan The Honorable Stephanie Lynch The Honorable Cynthia Newbille The Honorable Ellen Robertson The Honorable Reva Trammell
- 2 Absent
- 3 Call to Order
- 4 Chamber Security and Spanish Interpretation Announcement
- 4 The Honorable Nicole Jones
- 5 Invocation was offered by Reverend Rodney L. Greene, Sr. of Trinity Baptist Church, 2811 Fendall Avenue, 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 6:06 p.m. and presided.
- 7 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
- 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 Awards and Presentations
- 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 20240408 Formal Awards and Recognitions Ceremony Docket
- 12 Public Comment
- 13 April 8, 2024 Public Comment Period Speakers List
- 13 page break
- 14 Agenda Review and Amendments
- 15 Action Items (Consent Agenda)
- 15 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.
- 16 Action Items (Regular Agenda and Motions)
- 17 Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
- 17 There were no appointments or reappointments.
- 18 March 25, 2024 Informal Meeting Minutes
- 19 March 25, 2024 Formal Meeting Minutes
- 20 Introduction of Ordinances and Resolutions
- 20 Members recognized that City Council previously proclaimed and established the second week of April to be Richmond Public Safety Emergency 9-1-1 Telecommunicators Week. Councilmembers and Chief Administrative Officer Lincoln Saunders thanked Richmond Public Safety Emergency 9-1-1 Telecommunicators staff for their work and dedication.
- 21 April 8, 2024 Introduction Papers List
- 21 Councilor Ellen Robertson, on behalf of City Council, honored and recognized the work of the Department of Housing and Community Development staff, officially designating the month of April to be Richmond Community Development Month, and the first full week of April as Richmond Community Development Week.
- 22 Reports or Announcements by Members of the Council
- 23 Adjournment
- 24 PAGE BREAK
- 24 John Henry Williams, Sunrise Movement Richmond organizer, addressed Council and stated his concerns about what he believed was a lack of action by Council to address climate change. Mr. Williams requested that Council adopt a budget that prioritized the implementation of RVAgreen 2050.
- 25 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.
- 25 Ephraim Seidman addressed Council and stated his concerns regarding the events of October 7, 2023 in Israel. Mr. Seidman requested that Council not take action on a ceasefire resolution regarding the conflict in Gaza, and instead focus on local issues.
- 26 Time and Place of Meetings
- 26 Zaid Mahdawi addressed Council and stated his concerns regarding the conflict in Gaza. Mr. Mahdawi also stated his concerns with what he believed was a lack of action by Council, and he requested that members take action on a proposed ceasefire resolution.
- 27 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.
- 27 Hannah Wesley addressed Council and informed Council of her personal experiences when she previously lived in Gaza. Ms. Wesley stated that Council will be remembered for not taking action regarding a ceasefire resolution.
- 28 Public Comment Period
- 28 Summer Natour addressed Council and stated her concerns about the conflict in Gaza and its impact on her and other individuals.
- 29 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.
- 29 Bonnie Frieden addressed Council and stated her support for a ceasefire resolution. Ms. Frieden also stated that she did not want any taxes to be used to provide funding for Israel.
- 30 Guidelines for Public Participation*
- 30 Reem Khaldi addressed Council and discussed her family's experience in Gaza as Palestinians. Ms. Khaldi also stated her concerns regarding the Gaza conflict's impact on health facilities.
- 31 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.
- 31 Fernanda Diaz-Castro addressed Council and requested that Council adopt a ceasefire resolution. Ms. Diaz-Castro also stated her frustration with what she believed was a lack of action on a ceasefire resolution.
- 32 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 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.
- 33 Councilor Andreas Addison moved to amend the agenda as follows:
- 34 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.
- 35 * 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 PAGE BREAK
- 37 The Consent Agenda
- 38 The following ordinances and resolution were considered:
- 1. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1 Rear North Auburn Avenue and 3145 Rear Floyd Avenue for the purpose of a surface parking lot, garages, and electric vehicle charging stations, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (1st District)
- 39 The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Addison, Jordan, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 2. 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 [$830,485.00] $865,000.00 from the Office of Sustainability, and (iii) appropriate such [$830,485.00] $865,000.00 to the new line items in the Non-Departmental agency, all for the purpose of providing grants to certain entities to facilitate the implementation of neighborhood climate resilience projects. (As Amended)
- 3. To erect all-way stop signs at the intersection of Grayland Avenue and South Sheppard Street. (5th District)
- 4. To erect all-way stop signs at the intersection of Parkwood Avenue and McCloy Street. (5th District)
- 5. To amend and reordain Ord. No. 2019-300, adopted Nov. 12, 2019, which authorized the special use of the property known as 1217 West Leigh Street for the purpose of a veterinary clinic, to expand the veterinary use and to revise the plans, upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District)
- 6. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1205 North 34th Street for the purpose of two single-family attached dwellings, certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 7. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2727 West Broad Street for the purpose of a restaurant use with a nightclub that is open until 2:00 a.m., upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District)
- 8. To authorize the special use of the property known as 5224 Bryce Lane for the purpose of a day nursery for up to 12 children, upon certain terms and conditions. (9th District)
- 9. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2127 Idlewood Avenue for the purpose of a dwelling unit within an accessory building to a single-family attached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District)
- 10. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3001 West Leigh Street for the purpose of a mixed-use building with outdoor dining, upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District)
- 11. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2430 Rucker Lane for the purpose of up to two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (8th District)
- 12. To close to public use and travel a portion of public right-of-way located on the west side of Pear Street at its intersection with East Cary Street, consisting of 842 ± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 13. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $10,000.00 from The United States Conference of Mayors, and to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Office of Community Wealth Building called the Grant - RVA Doulas-in-Training Special Fund, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Office of Community Wealth Building’s Grant - RVA Doulas-in-Training Special Fund by $10,000.00, for the purpose funding the implementation of the RVA Doulas-in-Training program.
- 14. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $3,320,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, and to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Justice Services called Safer Communities Special Fund, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by increasing revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Justice Services’ Safer Communities Special Fund by $3,320,000.00, for the purpose of funding the implementation of the Safer Community Program.
- 15. 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)
- 53 Public Hearing
- 16. To declare surplus and direct the conveyance of the City-owned real estate known as 4809 Old Warwick Road, consisting of 0.308± acres, for nominal consideration to United Parents Against Lead & Other Environmental Hazards for the purpose of facilitating the continued use of the property to provide assistance to residents of the city of Richmond impacted by lead poisoning and other environmental hazards.
- 54 Courtney Farrar spoke in support of ORD. 2024-092, and stated that it would help the city's disadvantaged communities.
- 55 Page Break
- 55 There were no further comments or discussions and the Consent Agenda was adopted: Ayes 8, Addison, Jordan, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 56 The Regular Agenda
- 57 There were no Regular Agenda items.
- 58 Motions
- 59 Councilor Andreas Addison moved that the ordinance entitled:
- 1. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1 Rear North Auburn Avenue and 3145 Rear Floyd Avenue for the purpose of a surface parking lot, garages, and electric vehicle charging stations, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (1st District)
- 61 be amended and continued to Monday, April 22, 2024, to modify the terms and conditions by adding a new condition to provide for the leasing of any parking space on a monthly basis.
- 62 The motion was seconded and approved, Ayes 8, Addison, Jordan, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 63 Councilor Katherine Jordan moved that the ordinance entitled:
- 2. 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 [$830,485.00] $865,000.00 from the Office of Sustainability, and (iii) appropriate such [$830,485.00] $865,000.00 to the new line items in the Non-Departmental agency, all for the purpose of providing grants to certain entities to facilitate the implementation of neighborhood climate resilience projects. (As Amended)
- 65 be amended and continued to Monday, April 22, 2024, to modify the name of the line item “Second Baptist Church Richmond” by removing the word “Richmond” and creating a new line item in the non-departmental agency called “Kinfolk Community” and appropriating funds to such new line item.
- 66 The motion was seconded and approved, Ayes 8, Addison, Jordan, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 67 Councilor Ellen Robertson moved to expedite consideration of the following resolution:
- 17. To support an economically mixed project to be located on the property known as 500 Maury Street pursuant to Va. Code § 36-55.30:2. (6th District)
- 69 The motion was seconded and approved, Ayes 8, Addison, Jordan, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 70 Councilor Ellen Robertson provided an introduction and additional background information regarding the proposed development on Maury Street.
- 71 Councilor Stephanie Lynch inquired about the size of the parcel referenced in the proposed development.
- 72 Councilor Robertson provided additional information regarding the size of the proposed housing development.
- 73 There were no further comments or discussions and RES. 2024-R014 was adopted: Ayes 8, Addison, Jordan, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
- 76 There were no amendments or corrections to the meeting minutes of the Informal and Formal Council Sessions held on Monday, March 25, 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, April 22, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.:
- 18. To amend Ord. No. 2023-088, adopted Mar. 27, 2023, which authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to submit a HOME - ARP Allocation Plan to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the receipt of Home Investment Partnerships - American Rescue Plan (HOME - ARP) Program funds in the amount of $5,840,854.00, to authorize the Chief Administrative to submit an amended HOME - ARP Allocation Plan.
- 19. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept a donation of construction services valued at approximately $600,000.00 from Capital Trees and, in connection therewith, to execute a Right-of-Entry Agreement between the City of Richmond and Capital Trees, all for the purpose of facilitating the construction of erosion and sediment control, park trails and fixture installation, planting, and landscaping for Hotchkiss Field Community Center located at 701 East Brookland Park Boulevard in the city of Richmond. (6th District)
- 20. 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 300 Franklin, LLC, as landlord, for the purpose of leasing a portion of the property located at 300 East Franklin Street, consisting of 113,319± square feet, for office space and associated parking for the use of the City’s Department of Social Services. (6th District)
- 21. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Memorandum of Understanding Property Analytics Firm Infrastructure Grant Program between the City of Richmond, the Commonwealth of Virginia, CoStar Realty Information, Inc., the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority, and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of providing CoStar Realty Information, Inc., with incentives for the development of infrastructure of existing and planned facilities at its regional headquarters located at 501 South 5th Street and 600 Tredegar Street in the city of Richmond. (6th District)
- 22. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Property Tax Grant Performance Agreement between the City of Richmond, CoStar Realty Information, Inc., and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of providing a grant to CoStar Realty Information, Inc., to expand, equip, improve, and operate its regional headquarters located at 501 South 5th Street and 600 Tredegar Street in the city of Richmond. (6th District)
- 23. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for an on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept grant funds in the amount of $100,000,000.00 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 $100,000,000.00 for the purpose of funding the Combined Sewer Overflow project.
- 88 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.:
- 24. To authorize the issuance of general obligation public improvement bonds of the City of Richmond in the maximum principal amount of $170,000,000 to finance the costs of the design, acquisition, construction and equipping of a new baseball stadium to be developed in connection with the redevelopment of the area known as the “Diamond District” and to pay the issuance and financing costs incurred in connection with such bonds (including, but not limited to, certain capitalized interest on such bonds); to authorize the Director of Finance, with the approval of the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City, to sell such bonds for such capital improvement project, to provide for the form, details and payment of such bonds; and to authorize the issuance of notes of the City in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds.
- 25. To create the Diamond District Community Development Authority.
- 26. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute the Diamond District Redevelopment Project Purchase and Sale and Development Agreement by and between the City of Richmond, Virginia, Diamond District Partners, LLC, and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond, Virginia, for the purpose of providing for the financing, construction, maintenance, and operation of public improvements and private development within an area generally known as the Diamond District along North Arthur Ashe Boulevard and Hermitage Road.
- 27. To approve a plan to finance certain public infrastructure in connection with the redevelopment of the area known as the “Diamond District” through the issuance of revenue bonds by the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond, Virginia (the “Authority”); to approve the form of a Cooperation Agreement pursuant to which the City of Richmond, Virginia (the “City”), will undertake, subject to annual appropriation by the Council of the City of sufficient amounts for such purposes, to make available to the Authority such funds as may be necessary to enable the Authority to (a) satisfy its undertakings pursuant to the Purchase and Sale and Development Agreement, the Stadium Development Agreement and the Stadium Lease, each to be entered into in connection with the Diamond District redevelopment project, (b) pay the debt service on the revenue bonds to be issued to finance such public infrastructure and (c) pay certain other costs and fees and fund other obligations required pursuant to the terms of the financing documents pursuant to which such revenue bonds are to be issued; and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer and other appropriate officers of the City to execute and deliver the Cooperation Agreement and such other documents as may be necessary or appropriate to accomplish the plan of finance with respect to the public infrastructure.
- 93 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.:
- 28. To amend ch. 9, art. III, of the City Code by adding therein a new section 9-58.1, concerning polling place licenses.
- 29. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1515 Chamberlayne Parkway for the purpose of a mixed-use building containing up to 91 dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. (3rd District)
- 30. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 2902 ½ East Franklin Street and 2904 East Franklin Street for the purpose of two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District)
- 31. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1210 West Franklin Street for the purpose of a multifamily dwelling containing up to three dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District)
- 32. To authorize the special use of the property known as 3704 Lawson Street for the purpose of up to four two-family detached dwellings which may contain permanent supportive housing uses, upon certain terms and conditions. (5th District)
- 100 Members of Council provided reports and announcements regarding respective district meetings and activities.
- 101 page break
- 103 There being no further business before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m. ___________________________________ CITY CLERK