docketcity.com
Home › Richmond › Meetings

City Council

March 25, 2024 ·6:00 PM Final

Council Chamber, 2nd Floor - City Hall

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 161 items

  1. 1 Call to Order
  2. 2 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 The Honorable Ellen Robertson
  3. 3 Council President Kristen Nye called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and presided.
  4. 3 Absent
  5. 4 Chamber Security and Spanish Interpretation Announcement
  6. 4 The Honorable Katherine Jordan
  7. 5 Invocation was offered by Pastor Jason Nicholas of The Chapel, 1808 MacTavish Avenue, Richmond, Virginia.
  8. 6 Pledge of Allegiance
  9. 7 Chamber Emergency Evacuation Plan Announcement and Public Speaker Guidelines
  10. 8 Councilmembers Present
  11. 8 Michael Winborne, City Hall Security Manager, announced security policies and expected conduct for members of the public present in the Council Chamber.
  12. 9 Action on Appointments and Reappointments
  13. 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.
  14. 10 Awards and Presentations
  15. 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.
  16. 11 There were no awards and presentations.
  17. 12 Public Comment
  18. 12 Members of Council and the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
  19. 13 March 25, 2024 Public Comment Period Speakers List CD.2024.067
  20. 13 page break
  21. 14 Agenda Review and Amendments
  22. 15 Action Items (Consent Agenda)
  23. 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.
  24. 16 Action Items (Regular Agenda and Motions)
  25. 17 Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
  26. 17 There were no appointments or reappointments.
  27. 18 March 11, 2024 Informal Meeting Minutes CD.2024.077
  28. 19 March 11, 2024 Formal Meeting Minutes CD.2024.083
  29. 20 Introduction of Ordinances and Resolutions
  30. 21 March 25, 2024 Introduction Papers List CD.2024.089
  31. 22 Reports or Announcements by Members of the Council
  32. 22 Melissa Krumbein addressed Council, and she requested that Council not consider any proposed resolution requesting a ceasefire related to the conflict in Gaza.
  33. 23 Adjournment
  34. 23 A copy of the material provided has been filed.
  35. 24 PAGE BREAK
  36. 24 Zahra Jalajel, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) student, Students for Justice in Palestine member, addressed Council, and she requested that Council adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution related to the conflict in Gaza.
  37. 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.
  38. 25 Sarah Bourgeois addressed Council, and she stated her concerns about inaccessibility of city infrastructure for individuals with disabilities. Ms. Bourgeois also stated her concerns about the conflict in Gaza, and she requested that Council adopt a ceasefire resolution.
  39. 26 Time and Place of Meetings
  40. 26 Ogaga Obrimah addressed Council, and he requested that Council adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution regarding the conflict in Gaza.
  41. 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.
  42. 27 Claire Hitchins addressed Council, and she requested that Council adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution regarding the conflict in Gaza.
  43. 28 Public Comment Period
  44. 28 Sonali Gulati addressed Council, and she stated her concerns about the conflict in Gaza. Ms. Gulati requested that Council take action regarding a ceasefire in Gaza.
  45. 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.
  46. 29 Mark Sfeir addressed Council, and he requested that Council adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution regarding the conflict in Gaza.
  47. 30 Guidelines for Public Participation*
  48. 30 Nancy Wein addressed Council, and she stated that she was a Jewish resident of the city asking that Council adopt a proposed ceasefire resolution regarding the conflict in Gaza.
  49. 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.
  50. 31 page break
  51. 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.
  52. 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.
  53. 33 Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert moved to amend the agenda as follows:
  54. 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.
  55. 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.
  56. 36 PAGE BREAK
  57. 37 The Consent Agenda
  58. 38 The following ordinances and resolutions were considered:
  59. 1. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2017 2nd Avenue for the purpose of a two-family detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District) adopted Pass
  60. 39 The motion was seconded and approved: Ayes 8, Addison, Jones, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
  61. 2. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1200, 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212, and 1220 North 26th Street for the purpose of ten single-family attached dwellings and [ten] six garages [as an accessory use] which may be used as accessory dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. (As Amended) (7th District) adopted Pass
  62. 3. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1401 Hull Street and 1407 Hull Street for the purpose of a mixed-use building with off-street parking, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District) adopted
  63. 4. To amend City Code § 2-744, concerning the duty of the Mayor to submit reports on City’s comprehensive poverty reduction initiative, for the purpose of modifying reporting requirements. ORD. 2024-047 adopted
  64. 5. 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) continued and referred back
  65. 6. To amend City Code § 2-850 for the purpose of revising the membership composition of the Future of Workforce Commission to include representatives from businesses located without the corporate City limits that serve the residents of the city of Richmond. ORD. 2024-054 adopted
  66. 7. To designate the corner of 1601 Littlepage Street and Mechanicsville Turnpike in honor of Reverend Shady Clark, Jr. (6th District) ORD. 2024-055 adopted Pass
  67. 8. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept a donation from The Valentine Museum of a two-part sculpture to be installed in front of the property known as 1015 East Clay Street, along with maintenance services thereto, valued in the total amount of approximately $37,500.00 for the purpose of the aesthetic enhancement of the 1000 block of East Clay Street. (6th District) ORD. 2024-056 adopted
  68. 9. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2202 North 28th Street for the purpose of up to two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2024-057 adopted
  69. 10. To authorize the special use of the property known as 207 West Franklin Street for the purpose of two multifamily dwellings containing an aggregate of up to 11 dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District) ORD. 2024-058 adopted
  70. 11. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1103 West Franklin Street for the purpose of a four-unit multifamily building with an accessory dwelling unit, upon certain terms and conditions. (2nd District) adopted
  71. 12. To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1014 and 1016 Russell Street for the purpose of two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2024-060 adopted
  72. 13. To authorize the special use of the property known as 2704 Selden Street for the purpose of up to two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2024-061 adopted
  73. 14. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1005 Westover Hills Boulevard for the purpose of a mixed-use building containing up to 12 dwelling units and commercial space, upon certain terms and conditions. (4th District) ORD. 2024-062 adopted
  74. 15. To authorize the special use of the property known as 1906 Wood Street for the purpose of up to two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (6th District) adopted
  75. 16. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Commonwealth’s Development Opportunity Fund Performance Agreement between the City of Richmond, PPD Development, LP, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority, and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of providing PPD Development, LP with incentives to establish a bioanalytics laboratory facility at 737 North 5th Street in the city of Richmond. (6th District) ORD. 2024-064 adopted
  76. 17. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Performance Agreement between the City of Richmond, PPD Development, LP, and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of providing a grant to PPD Development, LP to establish, equip, and operate a new bioanalytics laboratory at 737 North 5th Street in the city of Richmond. (6th District) ORD. 2024-065 adopted
  77. 18. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $8,312.28 from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works’ Litter Control Act Grant Special Fund by $8,312.28 for the purpose of supporting the City’s litter prevention and recycling activities. ORD. 2024-067 adopted
  78. 19. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $50,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response called the “FY24 Mobile Camera Trailer Grant 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 Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response’s FY24 Mobile Camera Trailer Grant Special Fund by $50,000.00, for the purpose purchasing a mobile camera trailer. ORD. 2024-068 adopted
  79. 20. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $249,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Office of the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services called the OIRE Youth and Family Violence Prevention Special Fund, and to appropriate $88,750.00 of the accepted funds to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Office of the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services’ OIRE Youth and Family Violence Prevention Special Fund by $88,750.00, and to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the YWCA Richmond line item in the Non-Departmental agency by the remaining $160,250.00 of the accepted funds, all for the purpose of providing violence prevention and intervention services to newcomer, immigrant, and refugee youth. ORD. 2024-069 adopted
  80. 21. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $249,976.00 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response called the “FY24 Vehicle Barrier System Grant 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 Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response’s FY24 Vehicle Barrier System Grant Special Fund by $249,976.00, for the purpose purchasing a vehicle barrier system. ORD. 2024-070 adopted
  81. 22. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $300,000.00 from the Virginia 9-1-1 Services Board, to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response called the “FY24 Call Handling Equipment Grant 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 Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response’s FY24 Call Handling Equipment Grant Special Fund by $300,000.00, for the purpose of updating the call handling equipment within the City’s emergency communication center. ORD. 2024-071 adopted
  82. 23. To amend Ord. No. 2023-071, adopted May 8, 2023, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget, by increasing estimated revenues from the Downtown Special Assessment Fund and Riverfront Special Assessment Fund by $613,714.32 and appropriating such increases to the Department of Finance’s Special Assessment Districts Special Fund and Riverfront Special Assessment Special Fund for the purpose of funding Venture Richmond services. ORD. 2024-072 adopted
  83. 24. 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) ORD. 2024-073 continued
  84. 25. 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 Ninth District pursuant to Va. Code § 15.2-2503 for the use of the Council Member in the representation of the Ninth District. ORD. 2024-074 adopted
  85. 26. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a License Agreement between the Capital Region Land Conservancy, Inc., as licensor, and the City of Richmond, as licensee, for the purpose of granting the City of Richmond access to the portion of the Richmond Slave Trail located on the property known as 1401 Brander Street in the city of Richmond to make certain improvements. (6th District) ORD. 2024-075 adopted
  86. 27. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the total amount of $3,000,000.00 from the Central Virginia Transportation Authority, and to amend Ord. No. 2023-073, adopted May 8, 2023, which accepted a program of proposed Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and the four fiscal years thereafter, adopted a Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, and determined a means of financing the same, by (i) establishing a new project for the Department of Public Works in the Transportation category called the “Fall Line Trail Bryan Park Segment” project, and (ii) increasing estimated revenues from the funds received from the Central Virginia Transportation Authority and the amount appropriated to the new Department of Public Works’ Fall Line Trail Bryan Park Segment project in the Transportation category by $3,000,000.00, for the purpose of funding the implementation of the Fall Line Trail Bryan Park Segment project. ORD. 2024-076 adopted
  87. 28. 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 increasing revenues from estimated interest income by $9,000,000.00, to appropriate a portion of such estimated interest income to various City departments and a non-departmental agency, to create certain new line items in the Non-departmental agency, appropriate a portion of such estimated interest income revenue thereto, and transfer certain funds; to amend Ord. No. 2023-073, adopted May 8, 2024, which accepted a program of proposed Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and the four fiscal years thereafter, adopted a Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, and determined a means of financing the same, by establishing a new project for the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities in the Capital Investment Opportunities category called the “Parks Improvement Projects” project; and to appropriate $988,156.00 in transferred funds of such $9,000,000.00 of increased revenue from estimated interest income to the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities’ Parks Improvement Projects project in the Capital Investment Opportunities category for the purpose of funding improvements in City parks and recreation facilities. ORD. 2024-077 continued and referred back
  88. 29. To erect all-way stop signs at the intersection of Grayland Avenue and South Sheppard Street. (5th District) ORD. 2024-078 continued
  89. 30. To erect all-way stop signs at the intersection of Parkwood Avenue and McCloy Street. (5th District) ORD. 2024-079 continued
  90. 31. To designate that portion of East 32nd Street located between its intersection with Midlothian Turnpike and its intersection with McRand Street in honor of the late Frank J. Wilkins, Sr. (5th District) ORD. 2024-080 adopted Pass
  91. 32. To amend City Code § 26-298, concerning interest on refunds of tax payments, for the purpose of requiring the Department of Finance to notify taxpayers of admissions, lodging, and meals taxes and business, professional and occupational license taxes of any credits or overpayments on their accounts and invite the taxpayer to apply for a refund within 90 days of the credit becoming available. ORD. 2024-081 adopted
  92. 33. To amend City Code § 26-361, concerning the due date, payment without penalty, and interest chargeable on delinquent taxes, 26-362, concerning the due date when assessed by the State Corporation Commission, penalty, and rates of interest chargeable on delinquent taxes, and 26-430, concerning the penalty for delinquent taxes, for the purpose of requiring the Department of Finance to send to taxpayers assessed with taxes and levies for that year by United States mail a bill setting forth the amount due not later than 45 days prior to the payment due date for such taxes and levies. ORD. 2024-082 adopted
  93. 34. To amend and reordain City Code §§ 26-364, concerning tax relief for elderly persons, and evaluation of exemption or freeze program, and 26-365, concerning real estate tax relief for qualified permanently and totally disabled, and evaluation of exemption or freeze program, for the purpose of revising certain exemptions and deadlines. ORD. 2024-083 adopted
  94. 35. To express support for the City’s acquisition, designation, and establishment of a portion of the property located at 405 West 6th Street and commonly known as Manchester Green as an official City park. (6th District) RES. 2024-R008 adopted
  95. 36. To adopt Richmond Connects, Strategic Plan: A Multimodal Plan for Improving Transportation Equity in Richmond as the official comprehensive transportation plan for the City of Richmond in accordance with Res. No. 2019-R065, adopted Dec. 9, 2019, and Res. No. 2021-R032, adopted Jun. 14, 2021. RES. 2024-R011 adopted
  96. 74 Public Hearing
  97. 37. To support administratively designating the project entitled “Affordable Housing Projects” in Ord. No. 2023-073, adopted May 8, 2023, which accepted a program of proposed Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and the four fiscal years thereafter, adopted a Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, and determined a means of financing the same, as “Equitable Affordable Housing Program” and identifying the listed department in the City’s records as “Affordable Housing Trust Fund,” for the purpose of confirming that such project is consistent with a certain text amendment to Ord. No. 2023-073, adopted May 8, 2023. RES. 2024-R012 adopted
  98. 75 Jasmine Cuellar spoke in opposition of ORD. 2024-020, and stated she believed the proposed development did not offer true affordable housing.
  99. 76 Page Break
  100. 76 Robert Cordova spoke in opposition of ORD. 2024-020, and stated his concerns about the development's proposed off-street parking. Mr. Cordova also stated that the area of the proposed development did not require additional parking.
  101. 77 The Regular Agenda
  102. 77 Allan Chipman spoke in opposition of ORD. 2024-047, and he stated his concerns about the proposed changes to the required mayoral reports addressing the city’s comprehensive poverty reduction initiative.
  103. 78 There were no Regular Agenda items.
  104. 78 Petra Tuzun spoke in opposition of ORD. 2024-020, and stated her concerns that the proposed development would erase an historic area of the city and negatively impact the quality of life in the neighborhood.
  105. 79 Cassie Knight spoke in opposition of ORD. 2024-020, and stated that she did not believe the proposed development would address the need for affordable housing on Hull Street.
  106. 80 Justin Haselhorst, Richmond Tenants Union member, spoke in opposition of ORD. 2024-020, and stated his concerns regarding subsidies provided to developers to construct affordable housing units in the city.
  107. 81 Alex Caligiuri, Richmond Tenants Union member, spoke in opposition of ORD. 2024-020, and requested that Council not adopt the proposed ordinance.
  108. 82 Jack Durham spoke in opposition of ORD. 2024-020, and requested that Council listen to surrounding residents regarding the proposed development.
  109. 83 Anna Mackiawicz spoke in opposition of ORD. 2024-020, and stated that the development should consist of apartments targeted to lower income residents.
  110. 84 Kenneth Reid spoke in opposition of ORD. 2024-020, and stated his concerns that the proposed development would displace current residents.
  111. 85 Autumn Davis spoke in opposition of ORD. 2024-020, and stated that the proposed development would increase gentrification in the city.
  112. 86 Anne Forrester, Richmond Public Schools (RPS) teacher, Richmond Education Association Vice President, spoke in opposition of ORD. 2024-020, and she stated her concerns about the developments impact on current residents and RPS students.
  113. 87 Lamarr Johnson, Pig and Brew owner, Red Hibachi and Beer owner, addressed ORD. 2024-020, and stated his concerns about the proposed development's impact on residents and his employees.
  114. 88 Limor Glazer spoke in opposition of ORD. 2024-020, and stated her concerns about the development's impact on the affordability issues experienced by residents.
  115. 89 John Henry Williams, Sunrise Movement member, spoke in support of ORD. 2024-073, ORD. 2024-064, ORD. 2024-065, and RES. 2024-R011.
  116. 90 Pastor M.J. Jefferson spoke in support of ORD. 2024-055, and stated his appreciation for Reverend Shady Clark, Jr.'s positive impact on the city.
  117. 91 Caroline Tobe, United Methodist Family Services Center Student Support Coach, spoke in support of RES. 2024-011, and stated that the Richmond Connects, Strategic Plan would help increase equal access to transit and improve pedestrian safety.
  118. 92 Reverend Carson Rhyne, Jr. spoke in support of ORD. 2024-055, and informed Council of Reverend Shady Clark, Jr.'s impact on youth in the city.
  119. 93 Shanetia Clark spoke in support of ORD. 2024-055, and stated that she was the daughter of Reverend Shady Clark, Jr.
  120. 94 Pastor Keith Johnston spoke in support of ORD. 2024-055, and stated that Reverend Shady Clark, Jr. deserved the honorary street designation.
  121. 95 Wayne Johnson, Eastminster Presbyterian Church Elder, spoke in support of ORD. 2024-055, and informed Council about the positive impact of Reverend Shady Clark, Jr. on the city.
  122. 96 Lory Markham, Markham Planning, on behalf of the ORD. 2024-020 applicant, spoke in support of ORD. 2024-020, and stated that the issue before Council was a special use permit to address backyard set back requirements for the proposed development. Ms. Markham also spoke in support of RES. 2024-R008.
  123. 97 Albert Alexander, Eastminster Presbyterian Church member, spoke in support of ORD. 2024-055, and informed Council of his positive experiences with Reverend Shady Clark, Jr.
  124. 98 Joseph Carlisle spoke in support of ORD. 2024-020, and stated that the proposed ordinance would help increase affordable housing inventory in the city.
  125. 99 Tyler O'Connell, RVA YIMBY member, spoke in support of ORD. 2024-020, and stated that the development would provide necessary housing near transit options in the city.
  126. 100 Andrew Bryant spoke in support of ORD. 2024-020, and stated that the proposed development would help address the city's low housing inventory.
  127. 101 Will Wilson spoke in support of ORD. 2024-020, and stated his concerns about the difficulty developers experience with building in the city.
  128. 102 Brantley Tyndall, Sports Backers Bike Walk RVA Director, spoke in support of RES. 2024-R011, and stated his appreciation for city staff's work on the proposed resolution.
  129. 103 Rodney Hunter, Wesley Memorial Methodist Church Pastor, spoke in support of ORD. 2024-055, and stated that Reverend Rodney Clark, Jr. deserved the honorary street designation.
  130. 104 Stephanie Power, RVA Rapid Transit staff member, spoke in support of RES. 2024-R011, and stated her appreciation for city staff's work on the transit plan.
  131. 105 Tiffany Harris, RVA Rapid Transit volunteer, spoke in support of RES. 2024-R011, and stated that the transit plan would help improve the experience and safety of residents waiting at bus stops.
  132. 106 Raphael Hernandez spoke in support of ORD. 2024-020, and stated that development would bring much needed housing to the city near high transit services.
  133. 107 Milton Vice, Hull Street Merchants Association President, spoke in support of ORD. 2024-020, and stated that surrounding area needed the proposed development.
  134. 108 Samia Marcab spoke in support of RES. 2024-R008, and stated the added green space would help improve the health of city residents.
  135. 109 Allan Chipman spoke in support of ORD. 2024-083, and stated the ordinance would help increase assistance for the city's senior population.
  136. 110 Curtis Rustin spoke in support of ORD. 2024-055, and stated his appreciation for the work of Reverend Shady Clark, Jr.
  137. 111 Michelle Brown-Harris, Battery Park Association President, spoke in support of RES. 2024-R011, and stated that the transit plan would help increase pedestrian safety in her neighborhood.
  138. 112 Councilor Ellen Robertson stated her support of RES. 2024-R008, and she also stated her appreciation for the city's collaboration to address funding for the city's Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Councilor Robertson also stated she held a town hall to address the questions raised by residents regarding ORD. 2024-020. Councilor Robertson further stated that ORD. 2024-020 only addressed the special use permit related to the development's setback requirements. Councilor Robertson informed Council and members of the public that the development would remove a blighted building and establish more affordable housing units at the location.
  139. 113 Councilor Cynthia Newbille requested to be added as a co-patron of RES. 2024-R008 and ORD. 2024-055.
  140. 114 Councilor Stephanie Lynch stated that legislation on the Consent Agenda would make needed changes to the Department of Finance operations.
  141. 115 Councilor Andreas Addison stated he understood concerns about the anticipated rental rates of the development referenced in ORD. 2024-020, but noted that he believed the new housing units were necessary. Councilor Addison also stated his support for RES. 2024-R011. Councilor Addison requested to be added as a co-patron of ORD. 2024-081, ORD. 2024-082 and ORD. 2024-R083.
  142. 116 Councilor Reva Trammell requested to be added as a co-patron of ORD. 2024-020, ORD. 2024-055 and RES. 2024-R008. Councilor Trammell stated her support for the development project referenced in ORD. 2024-020.
  143. 117 Councilor Ellen Robertson requested to be added as a co-patron of ORD. 2024-063, ORD. 2024-064, ORD. 2024-067, ORD. 2024-073, ORD. 2024-069, ORD. 2024-075 and ORD. 2024-076.
  144. 118 Vice President Ann-Frances Lambert requested to be added as a co-patron of ORD. 2024-054, ORD. 2024-055 and ORD. 2024-075.
  145. 119 President Kristen Nye stated her appreciation for city staff's work on RES. 2024-R011 and the Richmond Connects, Strategic Plan. President Nye also stated that she believed legislation on the Consent Agenda would make it easier for residents to engage with the city's Finance Department.
  146. 120 There were no further comments or discussions and the Consent Agenda was adopted: Ayes 8, Addison, Jones, Robertson, Lynch, Trammell, Newbille, Lambert, Nye. Noes None.
  147. 123 page break
  148. 125 There were no amendments or corrections to the meeting minutes of the Informal and Formal Council Sessions held on Monday, March 11, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m., respectively; and Council approved the minutes as presented.
  149. 130 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.:
  150. 38. 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. ORD. 2024-092 introduced and referred
  151. 39. 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. ORD. 2024-093 introduced and referred
  152. 40. 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) ORD. 2024-094 introduced and referred
  153. 41. 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. ORD. 2024-095 introduced and referred
  154. 135 City Council will hold a public hearing on the following ordinances and resolution on Monday, April 22, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.:
  155. 42. To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Health Equity Trust Fund Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and the Richmond and Henrico Public Health Foundation for the purpose of continued operations of the Health Equity Trust Fund, which was created to support and strengthen community efforts to address health disparities and the disproportionate burden of adverse health effects. ORD. 2024-096 introduced and referred
  156. 43. 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) ORD. 2024-097 introduced and referred
  157. 44. To authorize the special use of the property known as 5500 Campbell Avenue for the purpose of four single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. (7th District) ORD. 2024-098 introduced and referred
  158. 45. To support an application to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program for the purpose of funding Safe Routes to School programs at certain Richmond public schools and to commit to the required agreements of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program. RES. 2024-R013 introduced and referred
  159. 141 Members of Council provided reports and announcements regarding respective district meetings and activities.
  160. 142 Councilor Stephanie Lynch left the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
  161. 144 There being no further business before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m. ___________________________________ CITY CLERK