Tuesday, January 29, 2013

RESCHEDULED: Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille to hold meeting in the East End 7th Voter District

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Tuesday, 29 January 2013



RESCHEDULED: Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille to hold meeting in the East End 7th Voter District



All Richmond East End 7th Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend



WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, East End 7th Voter District, has rescheduled a meeting in the District. Originally scheduled for Tuesday, January 29, 2013, the meeting has been rescheduled to be held on Thursday, January 31, 2013. Councilwoman Newbille holds meetings in Richmond’s East End 7th Voter District throughout the year that include information on her goals and accomplishments as a Councilwoman, a topical agenda of current interest, and special guests. These meetings are free and open to the public and all East End 7th Voter District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments are served. Parking is Free. The planned agenda for this meeting is as follows:



Agenda



• 25th Street/Nine Mile Road Corridor Updates



• Interactive resident input on Fiscal Year 2013-2015 Richmond Government Budget Priorities



• Richmond Real Estate Tax Abatements/Relief for Seniors



• Vacant and Blighted Properties



• Richmond East End 7th Voter District - Public Safety Report

(Police and Fire)



WHEN Thursday, January 31, 2013

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.



WHERE Richmond East District Initiative Building

701 N. 25th Street

Richmond, Virginia 23223 (In Richmond’s East End 7th District)



WHO The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, East End 7th Voter District



CONTACT For more information, please contact Sam Patterson, Council Liaison, Richmond City Council, East End 7th Voter District, at 804.646.3012 (tel), or sam.patterson@richmondgov.com (email).







- E N D -



______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

Office of the Chief of Staff

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

______________________________________



MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.



VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.



Friday, January 25, 2013

Councilwoman Michelle R. Mosby to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in South Central 9th Voter District: Public Input needed

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Friday, January 25, 2013



Councilwoman Michelle R. Mosby to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in South Central 9th Voter District: Public Input needed



All South Central 9th Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend



WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Michelle R. Mosby, Richmond City Council, South Central 9th Voter District, will hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting in the South Central 9th Voter District. The meeting will include Byron C. Marshall, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer. The meeting is free and open to the public and all South Central 9th Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend.



This will be an interactive meeting to receive public input on budget priorities in creating the upcoming Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Richmond Government Budget, which will be established by Richmond City Council in May of 2013. During this meeting, participants will be provided hand-held devices to vote on issues that are important to them.



This Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting is very important in helping to identify which Richmond Government programs and services are important to South Central 9th Voter District residents for their neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. The current 2013 Fiscal Year Richmond Government Budget is $1,429,628,466.



The meeting will include presentations, discussions and input regarding the following areas:



Operation Service Priorities

• Streets and sidewalks in your Neighborhood

• Public Transportation

• Recycling Opportunities



Police and Safety Priorities

• Police Protection in your Neighborhood

• Quality of Animal Care and Control



Human Service Priorities

• Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities in your neighborhood

• Social Services

• Public Health Services

• Public Education



Economic Development

• Employment Opportunities in your neighborhood

• New Businesses



WHEN Thursday, February 7, 2013

6:00-8:00 p.m.



WHERE Richmond Public Schools

E.S.H. Greene Elementary School

1745 Catalina Drive

Richmond, Virginia 23224



WHO The Honorable Michelle R. Mosby, Richmond City Council

South Central 9th Voter District



Byron C. Marshall, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer



CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilwoman Michelle R. Mosby, Richmond City Council, South Central 9th Voter District, at 804.646.5497 (tel); or michelle.mosby@richmondgov.com (email)



Background - Richmond Government Budget ________________________________________

As Richmond Residents, we pool our resources in order to own and operate our local government and decide what public services we want to invest in; the priority (investment levels) for these services; and, how we pay for them. Examples of our services include the management, oversight and delivery of such things as clean/safe water; streets/parks; laws; firefighting/rescue; trash/sewage removal; police/courts; public transportation; and, our children’s education. Together, we own, operate, use and benefit from these services on a daily basis.



Funding for our services and enforcement of laws comes from state, local and federal sources, including fees and taxes (like the Richmond Real Estate Tax.)



In order to set the investments levels we want for these services, Richmond City Council establishes an official annual Richmond Government Budget in May of each year for the upcoming Fiscal Year.



The Richmond Government Budget is based on a Fiscal Year that runs July 1 to June 30 annually and the City operates on a two-year fiscal plan (Budget) that includes the Richmond General Fund, Richmond Capital Improvement Plan, Richmond Special Funds, Richmond Enterprise Funds, Richmond Internal Service Funds, the City Government contribution to Richmond Public Schools; and, additional state, federal, and other funds provided to Richmond Public Schools.



The Richmond Government Budget is typically amended every year. Thus, every year a proposed (draft) Richmond Government Budget (Fiscal Plan) is submitted to Richmond City Council by the Mayor, who is responsible for administering local government services. Council then reviews, analyzes, amends and establishes a new official Richmond Government Budget based on the priorities of residents.



Richmond City Council budget deliberations begin each August and intensify the following year, culminating in nearly 20 public meetings, hearings and work sessions from March through May.



The Richmond Government Budget takes the form of Ordinances that are approved by Richmond City Council each May for an upcoming Fiscal Year.



BACKGROUND - RICHMOND REAL ESTATE TAXES _______________________________________

We, as residents, have determined that a fair way to help pay for some of our local government services is for Richmond real estate owners to annually contribute funds based on a percentage of the value of the real estate they own in the city. Therefore, each year the fair market value of real estate in the city is assessed and an annual Richmond Real Estate Tax Rate is set. The rate is the percentage, based on $100 of value, that each real estate owner will contribute to help pay for government services in the city.



Our Richmond Real Estate Tax funds are the largest single local funding we use to help pay for our public services. Richmond real estate owners contribute their share annually, based on the value of their real estate and the tax rate, which is set by June 15 annually. For example, if a person owns $100,000 in real estate and the tax rate is $1.20 per $100 of assessed property value; their share is $1,200 for that year.



Beginning calendar year 2011, our Richmond Real Estate Taxes were divided into two collections a year instead of all at once and market valuation data was lagged one year. Payments are now due as follows: Half by January 14 and half by June 14.



Richmond City Council ______________________________________________________________



Mission - The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget.



Vision - Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.



- E N D -



______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

Office of the Chief of Staff

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

______________________________________



MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.



VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.



Thursday, January 24, 2013

Time Change for upcoming Richmond City Council Public Safety Standing Committee meeting

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Thursday, January 24, 2013



Time Change for upcoming Richmond City Council Public Safety Standing Committee meeting



All Richmond citizens invited and encouraged to attend



WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The meeting time has changed for the upcoming Richmond City Council Public Safety Standing Committee, being held on Tuesday, January 29, 2013. It will now begin at 4:30 p.m., rather than the previously scheduled time (of 5:00 p.m.).



Topics to be discussed include Richmond Police and Fire personnel pay raises, insurance, career development, retirees and more.



WHEN Tuesday, January 29, 2013

4:30-6:30 p.m.



WHERE Richmond Police Department - Richmond Police Academy

1202 W. Graham Road (In Richmond's Northside) - Richmond, Virginia



WHO Richmond City Council Public Safety Standing Committee



CONTACT For more information, please contact the Chairman of the Richmond City Council Public Safety Standing Committee, Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell, at 804-240-5050 (mobile); or, 233-7382 (home), or via email, at reva.trammell@richmondgov.com





- E N D -



______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

Office of the Chief of Staff

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

______________________________________



MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.



VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.



Councilman Parker C. Agelasto to hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in the Central 5th Voter District: Public Input needed

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Thursday, January 24, 2013



Councilman Parker C. Agelasto to hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in the Central 5th Voter District: Public Input needed



All Central 5th Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend



WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Parker C. Agelasto, Councilman, Richmond City Council, Central 5th Voter District will hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting in the Central 5th Voter District. The meeting will include Byron C. Marshall, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer. The meeting is free and open to the public and all Central 5th Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend.



This will be an interactive meeting to receive public input on budget priorities in creating the upcoming Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Richmond Government Budget, which will be established by Richmond City Council in May of 2013. During this meeting, participants will be provided hand-held devices to vote on issues that are important to them.



This Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting is very important in helping to identify which Richmond Government programs and services are important to Central 5th Voter District residents for their neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. The current 2013 Fiscal Year Richmond Government Budget is $1,429,628,466.



The meeting will include presentations, discussions and input regarding the following areas:



Operation Service Priorities

• Streets and sidewalks in your Neighborhood

• Public Transportation

• Recycling Opportunities



Police and Safety Priorities

• Police Protection in your Neighborhood

• Quality of Animal Care and Control



Human Service Priorities

• Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities in your neighborhood

• Social Services

• Public Health Services

• Public Education



Economic Development

• Employment Opportunities in your neighborhood

• New Businesses



WHEN Wednesday, February 6, 2013

6:00-8:00 p.m.



WHERE Virginia War Memorial

621 South Belvidere Street

Richmond, Virginia 23220



WHO The Honorable Parker C. Agelasto, Councilman

Richmond City Council, Central 5th Voter District



Byron C. Marshall, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer



CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Parker C. Agelasto, Richmond City Council, Central 5th Voter District, at 804.646.6050 (tel), or parker.agelasto@richmondgov.com (email)



Background - Richmond Government Budget ________________________________________

As Richmond Residents, we pool our resources in order to own and operate our local government and decide what public services we want to invest in; the priority (investment levels) for these services; and, how we pay for them. Examples of our services include the management, oversight and delivery of such things as clean/safe water; streets/parks; laws; firefighting/rescue; trash/sewage removal; police/courts; public transportation; and, our children’s education. Together, we own, operate, use and benefit from these services on a daily basis.



Funding for our services and enforcement of laws comes from state, local and federal sources, including fees and taxes (like the Richmond Real Estate Tax.)



In order to set the investments levels we want for these services, Richmond City Council establishes an official annual Richmond Government Budget in May of each year for the upcoming Fiscal Year.



The Richmond Government Budget is based on a Fiscal Year that runs July 1 to June 30 annually and the City operates on a two-year fiscal plan (Budget) that includes the Richmond General Fund, Richmond Capital Improvement Plan, Richmond Special Funds, Richmond Enterprise Funds, Richmond Internal Service Funds, the City Government contribution to Richmond Public Schools; and, additional state, federal, and other funds provided to Richmond Public Schools.



The Richmond Government Budget is typically amended every year. Thus, every year a proposed (draft) Richmond Government Budget (Fiscal Plan) is submitted to Richmond City Council by the Mayor, who is responsible for administering local government services. Council then reviews, analyzes, amends and establishes a new official Richmond Government Budget based on the priorities of residents.



Richmond City Council budget deliberations begin each August and intensify the following year, culminating in nearly 20 public meetings, hearings and work sessions from March through May.



The Richmond Government Budget takes the form of Ordinances that are approved by Richmond City Council each May for an upcoming Fiscal Year.



BACKGROUND - RICHMOND REAL ESTATE TAXES _______________________________________

We, as residents, have determined that a fair way to help pay for some of our local government services is for Richmond real estate owners to annually contribute funds based on a percentage of the value of the real estate they own in the city. Therefore, each year the fair market value of real estate in the city is assessed and an annual Richmond Real Estate Tax Rate is set. The rate is the percentage, based on $100 of value, that each real estate owner will contribute to help pay for government services in the city.



Our Richmond Real Estate Tax funds are the largest single local funding we use to help pay for our public services. Richmond real estate owners contribute their share annually, based on the value of their real estate and the tax rate, which is set by June 15 annually. For example, if a person owns $100,000 in real estate and the tax rate is $1.20 per $100 of assessed property value; their share is $1,200 for that year.



Beginning calendar year 2011, our Richmond Real Estate Taxes were divided into two collections a year instead of all at once and market valuation data was lagged one year. Payments are now due as follows: Half by January 14 and half by June 14.



Richmond City Council ______________________________________________________________



Mission - The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget.



Vision - Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.



- E N D -





______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

Office of the Chief of Staff

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

______________________________________



MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.



VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.



Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Councilman Charles R. Samuels to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in North Central 2nd Voter District with Mayor: Public Input needed

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Wednesday, January 23, 2013



Councilman Charles R. Samuels to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in North Central 2nd Voter District with Mayor: Public Input needed



All North Central 2nd Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend



WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd Voter District, will hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting in the North Central 2nd Voter District that will Include Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones. The meeting is free and open to the public and all North Central 2nd Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend.



This will be an interactive meeting to receive public input on budget priorities in creating the upcoming Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Richmond Government Budget, which will be established by Richmond City Council in May of 2013. During this meeting, participants will be provided hand-held devices to vote on issues that are important to them.



This Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting is very important in helping to identify which Richmond Government programs and services are important to North Central 2nd Voter District residents for their neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. The current 2013 Fiscal Year Richmond Government Budget is $1,429,628,466.



The meeting will include presentations, discussions and input regarding the following areas:



Operation Service Priorities

• Streets and sidewalks in your Neighborhood

• Public Transportation

• Recycling Opportunities



Police and Safety Priorities

• Police Protection in your Neighborhood

• Quality of Animal Care and Control



Human Service Priorities

• Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities in your neighborhood

• Social Services

• Public Health Services

• Public Education



Economic Development

• Employment Opportunities in your neighborhood

• New Businesses



WHEN Wednesday, January 30, 2013

6:00-8:00 p.m.



WHERE Science Museum of Virginia

2500 West Broad Street - Richmond, Virginia



WHO The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd Voter District



The Honorable Dwight C. Jones, Mayor of Richmond, Virginia



CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Charles R. Samuels, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd Voter District, at 804.646.6532; or by email, at charles.samuels@richmondgov.com.



Background - Richmond Government Budget ________________________________________

As Richmond Residents, we pool our resources in order to own and operate our local government and decide what public services we want to invest in; the priority (investment levels) for these services; and, how we pay for them. Examples of our services include the management, oversight and delivery of such things as clean/safe water; streets/parks; laws; firefighting/rescue; trash/sewage removal; police/courts; public transportation; and, our children’s education. Together, we own, operate, use and benefit from these services on a daily basis.



Funding for our services and enforcement of laws comes from state, local and federal sources, including fees and taxes (like the Richmond Real Estate Tax.)



In order to set the investments levels we want for these services, Richmond City Council establishes an official annual Richmond Government Budget in May of each year for the upcoming Fiscal Year.



The Richmond Government Budget is based on a Fiscal Year that runs July 1 to June 30 annually and the City operates on a two-year fiscal plan (Budget) that includes the Richmond General Fund, Richmond Capital Improvement Plan, Richmond Special Funds, Richmond Enterprise Funds, Richmond Internal Service Funds, the City Government contribution to Richmond Public Schools; and, additional state, federal, and other funds provided to Richmond Public Schools.



The Richmond Government Budget is typically amended every year. Thus, every year a proposed (draft) Richmond Government Budget (Fiscal Plan) is submitted to Richmond City Council by the Mayor, who is responsible for administering local government services. Council then reviews, analyzes, amends and establishes a new official Richmond Government Budget based on the priorities of residents.



Richmond City Council budget deliberations begin each August and intensify the following year, culminating in nearly 20 public meetings, hearings and work sessions from March through May.



The Richmond Government Budget takes the form of Ordinances that are approved by Richmond City Council each May for an upcoming Fiscal Year.



BACKGROUND - RICHMOND REAL ESTATE TAXES _______________________________________

We, as residents, have determined that a fair way to help pay for some of our local government services is for Richmond real estate owners to annually contribute funds based on a percentage of the value of the real estate they own in the city. Therefore, each year the fair market value of real estate in the city is assessed and an annual Richmond Real Estate Tax Rate is set. The rate is the percentage, based on $100 of value, that each real estate owner will contribute to help pay for government services in the city.



Our Richmond Real Estate Tax funds are the largest single local funding we use to help pay for our public services. Richmond real estate owners contribute their share annually, based on the value of their real estate and the tax rate, which is set by June 15 annually. For example, if a person owns $100,000 in real estate and the tax rate is $1.20 per $100 of assessed property value; their share is $1,200 for that year.



Beginning calendar year 2011, our Richmond Real Estate Taxes were divided into two collections a year instead of all at once and market valuation data was lagged one year. Payments are now due as follows: Half by January 14 and half by June 14.



Richmond City Council ______________________________________________________________



Mission - The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget.



Vision - Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.



- E N D -





______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

Office of the Chief of Staff

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

______________________________________



MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.



VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.



A statement by The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson Regarding the safety of Richmond Public Schools Norrell Elementary School

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Wednesday, 23 January 2013



A statement by

The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson

Councilwoman, Gateway 6th Voter District



Regarding the safety of Richmond Public Schools Norrell Elementary School



(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- "Norrell Elementary School is safe. We base our trust that it is safe on extensive testing, studies, reports and results documented by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Department of Health, the Richmond Department of Public Utilities, the Richmond Department of Public Works, and an independent environmental consultant (France Environmental).



We asked that Norrell Elementary School be tested and it was, thoroughly. It passed all the tests for safety and there are no environmental hazards at the school, none whatsoever. We have reams of documented proof from nearly every respected environmental agency that Norrell is safe.



Throughout this process, our parents and children have come to the table, asked questions, and have received factual information regarding the safety of the school in order to help guide their decisions regarding its use. There are, however, some out there who are neither parents nor that have children attending the school who are expressing concern. I invite those individuals to come to the table, become informed, review the reports, and get the facts.



Since the children attending Norrell Elementary School are members of our families living the Northside 6th District, I will be holding a special meeting for any concerned citizens in order for them to be informed on the facts as they take up their special charge of advising our children in the Gateway 6th District. We want our community dialogue to be open and honest and for our parents and children to have factual information and not be told what is not true.



If the community determines it wants to make decisions based on perception and false fears, rather than factual information, then we shall say so. If we desire closing schools where testing has been done, then let's do that. But please, let's not make claims that are unfounded or make decisions that are not based on facts.



By all information sources, Norrell Elementary School is safe.



CONTACT For more information, please contact The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th Voter District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or ellen.robertson@richmondgov.com;



- E N D -

Friday, January 18, 2013

Councilwoman Robertson invites everyone to come out for important Richmond-Henrico Turnpike Community Cleanup

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Friday, January 18, 2013



Councilwoman Robertson invites everyone to come out for important Richmond-Henrico Turnpike Community Cleanup



Entire Community invited and encouraged to attend



WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th Voter District, invites all Richmond Residents to come out to volunteer and help with the Richmond-Henrico Turnpike Community Cleanup being held Saturday, January 26, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. to Noon. The cleanup will run through the Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail, from Valley Road to E. Brookland Park Boulevard.



All individuals, community groups, businesses, families, friends, neighbors, and organizations are invited to come out to help clean up trash and debris to help make this important area of Richmond an even better and cleaner place to live, work, learn, love, play, visit, and raise a family.



Volunteers are reminded to wear sturdy shoes or boots, clothes that are suitable for the temperature and that you don't mind getting dirty, and gloves. Trash bags and grabbers will be provided.



In the case of inclement weather, i.e. if it rains or snows on the morning of Saturday, January 26, 2013, the cleanup is canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date.



WHEN Saturday, January 26, 2013

9:30 a.m. - Noon



WHERE Meet-up is at 9:30 a.m. at the Intersection of

Dove Street and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike



WHO The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th Voter District



CONTACT For more information, please contact Dr. Charles Price, at 804.358.0256 (tel), or fewmit@comcast.net (email)

or

Cybelle O’Sullivan-McDaniels, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th Voter District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or cybelle.o’sullivan@richmondgov.com (email)



- E N D -



______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

____________________________________________



MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.



VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.











Thursday, January 17, 2013

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission upcoming meeting schedule

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL




Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov







COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY



IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED



Wednesday, 16 January 2013









Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission upcoming meeting schedule









All Richmond Residents invited and encouraged to attend









WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission upcoming meeting schedule listed below.









The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission holds monthly meetings regarding its work and ongoing projects in helping to preserve and present the history of slavery in Richmond. The upcoming scheduled meeting dates are listed below and are typically scheduled to be held the first Thursday of each month, beginning at 4:00 p.m., at the same location (note: meeting dates are subject to change). These meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to attend. The agenda for these meeting typically include the following:









·Welcome



·New Business



·Updates



·Committee Reports



·Charette



·Upcoming Events



·Closing Remarks/Adjournment









WHEN 4:00-5:30 p.m.



Thursday, February 7, 2013



Thursday, March 7, 2013



Thursday, April 4, 2013



Thursday, May 2, 2013



Thursday, June 6, 2013



Thursday, July 11, 2013 (second Tuesday due to first Tuesday holiday)



Thursday, August 1, 2013



Thursday, September 5, 2013



Thursday, October 3, 2013



Thursday, November 7, 2013



Thursday, December 5, 2013







WHERE Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Building



701 N. 25th Street (In Richmond’s Historic East End)









WHO The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Chairman, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission; Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates - 70th Voter District









The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council East End 7th Voter District, Member, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission













CONTACT For more information, please contact:









The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Chairman, Richmond Slave Trail Commission (Member, Virginia House of Delegates -70th Voter District) at 804.698.1070 (tel), or deldmcquinn@house.virginia.gov (email)









The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council East End 7th Voter District, Member, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission, at 804.646.3012 (tel); or cynthia.newbille@richmondgov.com (email)









Background ____________________________________________________________________________









Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission



One of Richmond City Council's more than 55 official boards, task forces and commissions that it has created and that assists with providing oversight of certain projects and priorities, the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission is a government entity of Richmond City Council that was established by Resolution Number 98-R 102-107, adopted July 13, 1998, as amended by Resolution No. 2000-R111-109, adopted July 24, 2000, as amended by Resolution No. 2003-R132-123, adopted July 14, 2003, as amended by Resolution No. 2003-R155-141, adopted September 8, 2003, as amended by Resolution No. 2004-R125-131, adopted June 28, 2004.









The purpose of the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission is to assist Council with oversight and assistance in helping to preserve and present the history of slavery in Richmond. The Commission meets monthly and includes 17 members that are appointed by Council to serve for three year terms. The composition of membership is as follows:









The Commission shall be composed of seventeen (17) members. Such persons shall be appointed by the Council and shall serve for terms of three (3) years. The membership of the Commission shall include at least one (1) member of City Council, not less than three (3) members of the “Hope in the Cities” organization and a representative from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. Any appointed Council members shall be given the first option of serving as the Chair of the Commission in order of their appointment. Five members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for meetings.









Over the years, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission has worked on a number of important projects, which have included:









· 2011



Unveiling of 17 Richmond Slave Trail Markers located throughout the Shockoe Bottom area of Richmond, marking sites that help tell the historic journey, human impact, and the role Richmond played in the tragic history of slavery.









The Richmond Slave Trail Markers will serve to recognize the regrettable time in our nation’s history when parts of the United States allowed the enslavement of fellow human beings and an estimated 8 percent of U.S. families owned slaves just before the U.S. Civil War. The site of the event and location of one of the 17 markers, Lumpkin's Slave Jail was the largest slave-holding facility in operation in Richmond, Virginia from 1840 until the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865. During that time, Richmond was home to the largest domestic slave export business in the United States. The Confederate Army surrendered Richmond, the Capital of the Confederacy, on April 3, 1865.



Following shortly after the end of the U. S. Civil War, which ended in Virginia on April 9, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States of America Constitution was adopted on December 6, 1865. This amendment officially abolished slavery. A precursor for this amendment was the Emancipation Proclamation, an Executive Order signed by President Abraham Lincoln, on January 1, 1863, which proclaimed the freedom of slaves living in states under Confederate control.









· 2009



Development of the conceptual Richmond National Slavery Museum



Richmond City Council provides annual staff assistance and financial support for the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission. Council staff support includes providing fiscal management, public information, writing, publication creation, graphic design, special event and project management, promotions and fundraising. Additional staff support is provided by the Richmond City Administration through the Richmond Department of Economic Development, which includes project engineering and management.









· 2009



Development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program, Signage and



Commemorative Site: Lumpkin’s Slave Jail









· 2008



Discovery of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail historic foundation and architectural



artifacts.









· 2008 – 2009



Phase II Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment: which



included engineering and storm water engineering









· 2007



Richmond International Unveiling of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue on Friday, March 30, 2007, erected at 15th and E. Main Streets. Included design and construction of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute plaza and erection of the statue. This project was part of a global initiative placing three statues in three countries. Dedicated to slavery reconciliation, the installation of the statue represents nearly 10 years of work between the City of Richmond, Virginia, USA (North America), Liverpool, England (Europe), and the Republic of Benin (Africa). A statue was erected in Liverpool in 1989 and the Republic of Benin in August 2005.









· 2006



Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment



Lumpkin's Slave Jail was the largest slave holding facility in operation in Richmond, Virginia from 1840 until the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865. During that time, Richmond was home to the largest domestic slave export business in the United States. Owned by Robert Lumpkin, the jail was a place that tens of thousands of African men, women and children were "stored" before being transported to slave owners living in states where slavery was legal. Following Lumpkin's death shortly after the Civil war, his common law widowed wife Mary Lumpkin, who was African-American, inherited the estate. In 1867, she leased the jail to Reverend Nathaniel Colver, who established a school for freed slaves at the site. Founded by the American Baptist Home Missionary Society and the National Theological Institute, the school grew into what is now Virginia Union University.









· 2003



Acquisition of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue. For three quarters of the 18th Century, Virginia (North America), Liverpool, England (Europe), and the Republic of Benin (Africa) represented one of the largest global commercial trade triangles of enslaved Africans. Liverpool's shipbuilding industry provided the vessels that sailed to the Kingdom of Dahomey, now the Republic of Benin, where Africans were loaded on ships and transported to the Americas, with Richmond, Virginia being one of the major recipients.









Support



Richmond City Council provides annual staff assistance as available and financial support for the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission. Council staff support includes providing fiscal management, public information, writing, publication creation, graphic design, special event and project management. Additional staff support is provided by the Richmond City Administration through the Richmond Department of Economic Development, which includes project engineering and management.



Council financial support is provided through appropriations in the Richmond City Budget. This includes appropriations in the Richmond City Budget Capital Improvement Plan, Non-Departmental budgets and Departmental budgets. Funding is predicated on requests made by the Commission and as determined by Council.









Examples of Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission financial investment support, per Fiscal Year (FY), include:





• FY 2011- $6,000



For general Commission support



• FY 2010- $6,000



For general Commission support



• FY 2009 - $75,000



For general Commission support ($30,000 - spent $5,124) and for development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program; signage and commemorative site; Lumpkin’s Slave Jail; development of conceptual National Slavery Museum; and, paid sponsorship for Symposium at the University of Richmond for the Civil War Sesquicentennial.





• FY 2008 - $370,000



For general Commission support ($30,000 - spent $7,748) and for Phase II of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment, which included $155,000 for earthmoving and $35,000 for engineering and stormwater engineering (floodplain and proximity to I-95 berm) and $150,000 for archaeological services to hire a vendor.





• FY 2007 - $511,000



For general Commission support ($11,000) and design and construction of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute plaza; erection of the statue; and, the International Unveiling of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue





• FY 2006 - $35,000



For Richmond Slave Trail Brochure Creation/Printing Phase I of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment





• FY 2003 - $119,000



For acquisition (purchase) of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue and freight

from the United Kingdom





Additional financial, staff and archeological support has also been provided by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods, and a number of corporate, nonprofit and individual financial sponsors.















- end -















______________________________________



Steven R. Skinner, APR



Council Public Information Manager



RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL



OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF



Richmond City Hall



900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305



Richmond, Virginia 23219



804.646.6052 (office)



804.335.4054 (mobile)



804.937.1386 (home/mobile)



804.646.5468 (fax)



steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)



www.council.richmondva.gov(website)



____________________________________________









MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council



is to represent citizens in creating and amending



local laws, providing government policy and



oversight, and approving the city budget.









VISION Richmond City Council is committed to



creating a vibrant community that is a great place















Councilman Chris A. Hilbert's schedule of meetings to be held in Northside 3rd Voter District in 2013

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Thursday, January 17, 2013



Councilman Chris A. Hilbert's schedule of meetings to be held in Northside 3rd Voter District in 2013



Entire Richmond Northside 3rd Voter District invited and encouraged to attend



WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, Richmond City Council Northside 3rd Voter District, will hold the meetings listed below in the Northside 3rd Voter District. Councilman Hilbert holds individual meetings throughout the year that include information on his goals and accomplishments; a topical agenda; and, special guests. These meetings are typically held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every other month (Note: exception this year for December). The meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond Northside 3rd Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend.



The planned agenda topics for the upcoming meeting on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 includes the following:



AGENDA

• Meet and discuss issues with the Northside 3rd District Safety Team

• Richmond Government Budget Discussions



WHEN Wednesday, January 23, 2013; 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013; 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013; 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013; 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013; 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013; 6:00-8:00 p.m.



WHERE Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities

Pine Camp Recreation Center - Theater

4901 Old Brook Road, Richmond, Virginia 23227



WHO The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, Richmond City Council, Northside 3rd Voter District



CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, at 804.646.6055 or chris.hilbert@richmondgov.com.



- E N D -





______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

____________________________________________



MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.



VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.







Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Councilwoman Reva Trammell to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in Southside 8th Voter District

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Tuesday, January 15, 2013



Councilwoman Reva Trammell to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in Southside 8th Voter District



All Southside 8th Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend



WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Reva M. Trammell, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Southside 8th Voter District, will hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting in the Southside 8th Voter District. All Southside 8th Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend.



This will be an interactive meeting to receive public input on budget priorities in creating the upcoming Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Richmond Government Budget, which will be established by Richmond City Council in May of 2013. During this meeting, participants will be provided hand-held devices to vote on issues that are important to them.



This Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting is very important in helping to identify which Richmond Government programs and services are important to Southside 8th Voter District residents for their neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. The current 2013 Fiscal Year Richmond Government Budget is $1,429,628,466.



The meeting will include presentations, discussions and input in the following areas:



Operation Service Priorities

• Streets and sidewalks in your Neighborhood

• Public Transportation

• Recycling Opportunities



Police and Safety Priorities

• Police Protection in your Neighborhood

• Quality of Animal Care and Control



Human Service Priorities

• Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities in your neighborhood

• Social Services

• Public Health Services

• Public Education



Economic Development

• Employment Opportunities in your neighborhood

• New Businesses



Councilwoman Trammel personally holds individual monthly meetings that include information on her goals and accomplishments, a thematic agenda, special guests, and free parking. The meetings are free and all of Richmond’s Southside 8th Voter District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend.



WHEN Thursday, January 24, 2013

6:00-8:00 p.m.



WHERE Satellite Restaurant & Lounge/Crab House

4000 Jefferson Davis Highway - Richmond, Virginia



WHO The Honorable Reva M. Trammell, Councilwoman

Richmond City Council, Southside 8th Voter District



CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilwoman Reva Trammell, at 804-240-5050 (mobile); or, 233-7382 (home), or via email, at reva.trammell@richmondgov.com



Background - Richmond Government Budget ________________________________________

As Richmond Residents, we pool our resources in order to own and operate our local government and decide what public services we want to invest in; the priority (investment levels) for these services; and, how we pay for them. Examples of our services include the management, oversight and delivery of such things as clean/safe water; streets/parks; laws; firefighting/rescue; trash/sewage removal; police/courts; public transportation; and, our children’s education. Together, we own, operate, use and benefit from these services on a daily basis.



Funding for our services and enforcement of laws comes from state, local and federal sources, including fees and taxes (like the Richmond Real Estate Tax.)



In order to set the investments levels we want for these services, Richmond City Council establishes an official annual Richmond Government Budget in May of each year for the upcoming Fiscal Year.



The Richmond Government Budget is based on a Fiscal Year that runs July 1 to June 30 annually and the City operates on a two-year fiscal plan (Budget) that includes the Richmond General Fund, Richmond Capital Improvement Plan, Richmond Special Funds, Richmond Enterprise Funds, Richmond Internal Service Funds, the City Government contribution to Richmond Public Schools; and, additional state, federal, and other funds provided to Richmond Public Schools.



The Richmond Government Budget is typically amended every year. Thus, every year a proposed (draft) Richmond Government Budget (Fiscal Plan) is submitted to Richmond City Council by the Mayor, who is responsible for administering local government services. Council then reviews, analyzes, amends and establishes a new official Richmond Government Budget based on the priorities of residents.



Richmond City Council budget deliberations begin each August and intensify the following year, culminating in nearly 20 public meetings, hearings and work sessions from March through May.



The Richmond Government Budget takes the form of Ordinances that are approved by Richmond City Council each May for an upcoming Fiscal Year.



BACKGROUND - RICHMOND REAL ESTATE TAXES _______________________________________

We, as residents, have determined that a fair way to help pay for some of our local government services is for Richmond real estate owners to annually contribute funds based on a percentage of the value of the real estate they own in the city. Therefore, each year the fair market value of real estate in the city is assessed and an annual Richmond Real Estate Tax Rate is set. The rate is the percentage, based on $100 of value, that each real estate owner will contribute to help pay for government services in the city.



Our Richmond Real Estate Tax funds are the largest single local funding we use to help pay for our public services. Richmond real estate owners contribute their share annually, based on the value of their real estate and the tax rate, which is set by June 15 annually. For example, if a person owns $100,000 in real estate and the tax rate is $1.20 per $100 of assessed property value; their share is $1,200 for that year.



Beginning calendar year 2011, our Richmond Real Estate Taxes were divided into two collections a year instead of all at once and market valuation data was lagged one year. Payments are now due as follows: Half by January 14 and half by June 14.



Richmond City Council ______________________________________________________________



Mission - The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget.



Vision - Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.



- E N D -





______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

Office of the Chief of Staff

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

______________________________________



MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.



VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.



Monday, January 14, 2013

A statement by The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, Northside 3rd Voter District

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Monday, 14 January 2013



A statement by

The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert

Councilman, Northside 3rd Voter District



(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) – "I am disgusted and outraged in learning about the total destruction of all the trees at the planned Washington Redskins Football training site in our city. Richmond residents deserve much better than this complete and utter failure to protect one of our city's most valuable resources, our urban forest.



This incident is shocking and calls into question the entire management of this project and I want to get to the bottom of it.



I demand a full report on how this was allowed to happen and the specific steps that will be taken immediately to resolve and remedy this loss. This is to include a full one for one replacement, meeting the same measurement caliper of those taken down."



CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Chris A. Hilbert,

Richmond City Council, Northside 3rd Voter District, at 804.646.6055 or chris.hilbert@richmondgov.com.







- E N D -



______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

____________________________________________



MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.



VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

A statement by The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, North Central 2nd Voter District

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Monday, 14 January 2013



A statement by

The Honorable Charles R. Samuels

Councilman, North Central 2nd Voter District



(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) – "This weekend I drove past the Redskins training site to see how construction was moving along. I was shocked when I saw that every single tree on the property had been removed. This was not the intent of the City, nor was it the agreement I had made with the Administration regarding the development of this site.



The agreement between the Administration and myself was that, while there would be a one-for-one tree replacement for any tree that had to come down, as many trees as possible would remain; including those surrounding a portion of the vita course on the west side of the property.



While I do not believe the trees were torn down at the direction of the Administration, I am gravely concerned about the communication efforts that preceded the trees coming down, as clearly our agreement between the Administration and Richmond City Council was not honored or communicated to the construction workers.



Trees are an integral part of our urban neighborhoods and my goal is to repopulate the city with appropriate trees, not to remove old-growth trees merely for development. I am sorry this situation has developed and will work to find a solution."





CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Charles R. Samuels, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd Voter District, at 804.646.6532; or by email, at charles.samuels@richmondgov.com.





- E N D -





Thursday, January 10, 2013

Councilwoman Robertson to hold Eastview Neighborhood Community Revitalization Meeting

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Thursday, January 10, 2013



Councilwoman Robertson to hold Eastview Neighborhood Community Revitalization Meeting



All Eastview Residents are invited and encouraged to attend



WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th Voter District, will hold an Eastview Neighborhood Community Revitalization Meeting in partnership with the Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review, Eastview Civic Association and Storefront for Community Design.



The meeting will include important community discussions and updates on revitalization efforts. A survey for meeting participants is included below.



This meeting is free and open to the public and all Richmond Eastview Neighborhood Community Residents are invited and encouraged to attend. Free parking is available and refreshments will be provided.



WHEN Saturday, January 12, 2013

10:00 a.m. – Noon



WHERE CAPUP building,

1103 Oliver Hill Way



WHO The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th Voter District



Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review



Eastview Civic Association



Storefront for Community Design



CONTACT For more information, please contact Cybelle O’Sullivan-McDaniels, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th Voter District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or cybelle.o’sullivan@richmondgov.com (email)







- MORE -







EASTVIEW COMMUNITY PRIORITIES SURVEY



NAME (Optional): ___________________________________

EMAIL/ PHONE (Optional): ____________________________





Please fill in from 1 to 5 circles, with 1 indicating low priority and 5 indicating high priority.

1. In Eastview we should have quality housing options for diverse income levels. We should:

Create options for current residents of public housing to purchase affordable housing

Senior housing opportunities and “age-in-place” programs

Develop new townhouse style residences to attract families to Eastview

OR OTHER________________________________________________________________



2. In Eastview we should have improved educational facilities. We should:

Provide expanded middle and high school educational opportunities

Provide a pre-kindergarten and day-care program for Eastview’s very young

Provide job skills training and life skills programs at the Martin Luther King campus

OTHER___________________________________________________________________



3. In Eastview we should have a multi-purpose indoor and outdoor recreational facility and create a new park. We should:

Build a new recreational facility to serve youth and adults

Designate “Shockoe Valley Park” adjacent to recreational facility location

Landscape and treat old landfill sites to convert parks and recreational land.

OTHER___________________________________________________________________



4. In Eastview we should make site improvements on Oliver Hill Way. We should:

Create a “Welcome to Eastview” gateway at the intersection of Oliver Hill Way and Fairfield Way

Make landscape improvements that will make the corridor more safe and attractive for pedestrians and cyclists.

Encourage new infill in Shockoe Valley to face on Oliver Hill Way and Hospital Street.

OTHER___________________________________________________________________



5. In Eastview we should have more shopping options and a more welcoming corridor. We should:

Work with storeowners to make landscape and sidewalk improvements on Mechanicsville Turnpike, especially at the Fairfield and Fairmount intersections.

Develop a merchant’s association to enact improvements

Advertise large developable sites in Eastview along Interstate 64 for new business uses

Add a grocery store to the shopping center located at Cool Lane

OTHER___________________________________________________________________



6. In Eastview we should create increased pedestrian connectivity. We should:

Establish walking and biking trails throughout Eastview connecting parks and open spaces

Create a walking and bike trail linking Eastview to Highland Park

Create a link between the Martin Luther Kind Middle School campus and Shockoe Bottom

OTHER__________________________________________________________________





- E N D -





Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force meeting on Thursday canceled

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Tuesday, 8 January 2013



Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force meeting on Thursday canceled



WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force meeting, scheduled for Thursday, January 10, 2013, has been canceled. The Task Force typically holds meetings the second Thursday of the month.



The purpose of the Task Force is to make recommendations to Richmond City Council with regard to enhancing mass transit in the Metro-Richmond area and the efficiency and effectiveness of the GRTC Transit System. The meeting is free and open to the public and all residents are invited and encouraged to attend.



WHEN Meeting canceled



WHO Members of the Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force



CONTACT For more information, please contact Marianne Pitts, at 804.646.3179;

or marianne.pitts@richmondgov.com.



Background ____________________________________________________________________________



Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force

Richmond City Council established the Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force on September 27, 2010 by Richmond City Council Ordinance No. 2010-173-166.



The objective of the Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force is to provide a report to Council within in a year of its first meeting which recommends the following:



1. Any legislation, plans, policies, and programs that promote efficient mass transit in the city;



2. Economic development, economic growth, employment and tourism strategies that include public transportation; and,



3. Public relations and education programs to increase public use of mass transit.



4. The Task Force shall also work with interested private organizations to improve the service and efficiency of the GRTC.





- E N D -



______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

____________________________________________



MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.



VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.













Thursday, January 3, 2013

Richmond City Council congratulates new Richmond Public School Board members

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Thursday, 3 January 2013



Richmond City Council congratulates new Richmond Public School Board members



Sworn in Thursday, January 3, 2013



(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The members of Richmond City Council congratulate all the new Richmond Public School Board members who were sworn in today, Thursday, January 3, 2013.



Richmond City Council thanks these dedicated public servants for their leadership and willingness to represent our community as members of the Richmond Public School Board on behalf of the education of our community's most precious resource, our children.



Richmond City Council is a strong advocate, supporter, promoter and champion of education and the continued progress, advancement and success of all Richmond students, school administrators, educators, staff and parents and looks forward to working with the Richmond Public School Board over the next four years.



- E N D -



______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

____________________________________________



MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.



VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.







From The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Thursday, 3 January 2012



From The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson



(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) – "To the citizens of Richmond, Virginia and especially the citizens of the inspirational Gateway 6th District, members of Richmond City Council, and Mayor Dwight C. Jones, I am honored to serve again as the Vice President of Richmond City Council.



January 2, 2013, was a special occasion and is one to be celebrated for many reasons -- first, because we are fortunate to be Americans and second, because we are citizens of Richmond, Virginia.



The past nine years, because you asked and I willingly accepted, have afforded me the opportunity to serve as chair of several Richmond City Council Standing Committees, regional committees, and to serve on many other boards and commissions. I am honored to have had Richmond City Council’s support to serve three consecutive terms as Council Vice President.



The City of Richmond is a GREAT place to serve. I welcome our new council members and pray their stay will be rewarding and fulfills their desires for the constituents and the City.

The year 2013 marks a new beginning and one with promising opportunities. We have already opened the doors to two new Richmond Public Elementary Schools south of the James River. This includes Oakgrove-Bellemeade in the Gateway 6th District and Broad Rock in the Southside 8th District. Richmond Public Schools' Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School is also under construction and a new public high school will be next. In the face of economic stagnation, fiscal turmoil, and federal grid lock, Richmond is witnessing an urban revolution. Our accomplishments are many and deserve mentioning so we do not forget our successes while we focus on the future.

The work remaining to be done allows little time for rest and demands commitments that are beyond a part-time duty and the needed resources that are beyond the abilities of many of our citizens, especially the working middle class and people of poverty.

The next four years demand that Richmond City Council and the City stop delaying the implementation of the Mayor's Anti-Poverty Commission Report, which includes a blueprint for creating jobs and establishing efficient regional public transportation.

In moving forward, we must support the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in order to eliminate blighted buildings. In too many neighborhoods there are at least one or two blighted buildings on almost every block. We also must rebuild our public housing communities so that they are economically inclusive and include all the needed supporting amenities that Richmond citizens deserve and are due.

A system of economic equality is fair, it is just, and it demands a balanced playing field if it is to establish prosperity for all citizens. During the past four years, significant proportions of tax dollars have leveraged economic development in the City. We are grateful to our business partners, our schools of higher learning, and our government agencies and staffs. But, beginning now, in 2013, our priorities must be equitable, fair and just. Our children, people earning less than a living wage, those who don’t own property and small businesses are not receiving a fair share of the tax dollars and representation in the City.

As Vice President, my top priority is to make “the future of our children’s education” number one. Second, poverty and the consequences that are created by injustice in public policy must no longer be tolerated. Richmond will never reduce poverty and homelessness until every child is achieving excellence in education, the poor are healthy and earning at least a living wage and economically inclusive neighborhoods replace “projects.” These must be our first priorities. Richmond City Council, the Mayor and the Richmond School Board must budget to achieve desired educational outcomes, communities with amenities and jobs and business opportunities for every one desiring to work.

Time is not on our side. When I found out yesterday that Richmond City Council President Charles Samuel decided to excuse me off serving as a chair of any Richmond City Council Standing Committees, my heart was at first troubled. But, after a moment of reflecting on the authority of my life, I welcome this major reduction in service demands that were denied me as a window of opportunity to refocus my energy on the things most important to me.

Today, I am seeking advisors regarding the Richmond Alternatives to Incarceration Citizen Advisory Board. I welcome the Richmond Public School Board Members and look forward to a renewed relationship to join forces to make “achieving excellence in public education” our number one priority to ensure we “win the war waged against our children and our future generations.” As Vice President, I am here to serve full-time to make these and many other significant accomplishments a reality so that our citizens will be healthy and live prosperously in the City of Richmond.

I look forward to working with the Mayor, Richmond City Council, Richmond Public School Board and citizens for the next four years. Thank you and it is an honor to serve you."



CONTACT For more information, please contact The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th Voter District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or ellen.robertson@richmondgov.com;





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Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission to hold meeting

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL


Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov



COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Wednesday, 2 January 2013



Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission to hold meeting



All Richmond Residents invited and encouraged to attend



WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission will hold a meeting. The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission holds meetings regarding its work and ongoing projects in helping to preserve and present the history of slavery in Richmond. The meetings are typically scheduled to be held the first Thursday of each month, beginning at 4:00 p.m., at the same location. These meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to attend. The agenda for these meeting typically include the following:



• Welcome

• New Business

• Updates

• Committee Reports

• Charette

• Upcoming Events

• Closing Remarks/Adjournment



WHEN Thursday, January 3, 2013; 4:00-5:30 p.m.



WHERE Richmond East District Initiative Government Services Building

701 N. 25th Street (In Richmond’s Historic East End)



WHO The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Chairman, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission; Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates - 70th Voter District



CONTACT For more information regarding the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission, please contact The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Chairman, Richmond Slave Trail Commission (Member, Virginia House of Delegates -70th Voter District) at 804.698.1070, or deldmcquinn@house.virginia.gov



Background ____________________________________________________________________________



Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission

One of Richmond City Council's more than 55 official boards, task forces and commissions that it has created and that assists with providing oversight of certain projects and priorities, the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission is a government entity of Richmond City Council that was established by Resolution Number 98-R 102-107, adopted July 13, 1998, as amended by Resolution No. 2000-R111-109, adopted July 24, 2000, as amended by Resolution No. 2003-R132-123, adopted July 14, 2003, as amended by Resolution No. 2003-R155-141, adopted September 8, 2003, as amended by Resolution No. 2004-R125-131, adopted June 28, 2004.



The purpose of the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission is to assist Council with oversight and assistance in helping to preserve and present the history of slavery in Richmond. The Commission meets monthly and includes 17 members that are appointed by Council to serve for three year terms. The composition of membership is as follows:



The Commission shall be composed of seventeen (17) members. Such persons shall be appointed by the Council and shall serve for terms of three (3) years. The membership of the Commission shall include at least one (1) member of City Council, not less than three (3) members of the “Hope in the Cities” organization and a representative from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. Any appointed Council members shall be given the first option of serving as the Chair of the Commission in order of their appointment. Five members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for meetings.



Over the years, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission has worked on a number of important projects, which have included:



• 2011

Unveiling of 17 Richmond Slave Trail Markers located throughout the Shockoe Bottom area of Richmond, marking sites that help tell the historic journey, human impact, and the role Richmond played in the tragic history of slavery.



The Richmond Slave Trail Markers will serve to recognize the regrettable time in our nation’s history when parts of the United States allowed the enslavement of fellow human beings and an estimated 8 percent of U.S. families owned slaves just before the U.S. Civil War. The site of the event and location of one of the 17 markers, Lumpkin's Slave Jail was the largest slave-holding facility in operation in Richmond, Virginia from 1840 until the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865. During that time, Richmond was home to the largest domestic slave export business in the United States. The Confederate Army surrendered Richmond, the Capital of the Confederacy, on April 3, 1865.



Following shortly after the end of the U. S. Civil War, which ended in Virginia on April 9, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States of America Constitution was adopted on December 6, 1865. This amendment officially abolished slavery. A precursor for this amendment was the Emancipation Proclamation, an Executive Order signed by President Abraham Lincoln, on January 1, 1863, which proclaimed the freedom of slaves living in states under Confederate control.



• 2009

Development of the conceptual Richmond National Slavery Museum

Richmond City Council provides annual staff assistance and financial support for the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission. Council staff support includes providing fiscal management, public information, writing, publication creation, graphic design, special event and project management, promotions and fundraising. Additional staff support is provided by the Richmond City Administration through the Richmond Department of Economic Development, which includes project engineering and management.



• 2009

Development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program, Signage and

Commemorative Site: Lumpkin’s Slave Jail



• 2008

Discovery of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail historic foundation and architectural

artifacts.



• 2008 – 2009

Phase II Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment: which

included engineering and storm water engineering



• 2007

Richmond International Unveiling of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue on Friday, March 30, 2007, erected at 15th and E. Main Streets. Included design and construction of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute plaza and erection of the statue. This project was part of a global initiative placing three statues in three countries. Dedicated to slavery reconciliation, the installation of the statue represents nearly 10 years of work between the City of Richmond, Virginia, USA (North America), Liverpool, England (Europe), and the Republic of Benin (Africa). A statue was erected in Liverpool in 1989 and the Republic of Benin in August 2005.



• 2006

Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment

Lumpkin's Slave Jail was the largest slave holding facility in operation in Richmond, Virginia from 1840 until the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865. During that time, Richmond was home to the largest domestic slave export business in the United States. Owned by Robert Lumpkin, the jail was a place that tens of thousands of African men, women and children were "stored" before being transported to slave owners living in states where slavery was legal. Following Lumpkin's death shortly after the Civil war, his common law widowed wife Mary Lumpkin, who was African-American, inherited the estate. In 1867, she leased the jail to Reverend Nathaniel Colver, who established a school for freed slaves at the site. Founded by the American Baptist Home Missionary Society and the National Theological Institute, the school grew into what is now Virginia Union University.



• 2003

Acquisition of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue. For three quarters of the 18th Century, Virginia (North America), Liverpool, England (Europe), and the Republic of Benin (Africa) represented one of the largest global commercial trade triangles of enslaved Africans. Liverpool's shipbuilding industry provided the vessels that sailed to the Kingdom of Dahomey, now the Republic of Benin, where Africans were loaded on ships and transported to the Americas, with Richmond, Virginia being one of the major recipients.



Support

Richmond City Council provides annual staff assistance as available and financial support for the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission. Council staff support includes providing fiscal management, public information, writing, publication creation, graphic design, special event and project management. Additional staff support is provided by the Richmond City Administration through the Richmond Department of Economic Development, which includes project engineering and management.

Council financial support is provided through appropriations in the Richmond City Budget. This includes appropriations in the Richmond City Budget Capital Improvement Plan, Non-Departmental budgets and Departmental budgets. Funding is predicated on requests made by the Commission and as determined by Council.



Examples of Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission financial investment support, per Fiscal Year (FY), include:



• FY 2011- $6,000

For general Commission support



• FY 2010- $6,000

For general Commission support



• FY 2009 - $75,000

For general Commission support ($30,000 - spent $5,124) and for development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program; signage and commemorative site; Lumpkin’s Slave Jail; development of conceptual National Slavery Museum; and, paid sponsorship for Symposium at the University of Richmond for the Civil War Sesquicentennial.



• FY 2008 - $370,000

For general Commission support ($30,000 - spent $7,748) and for Phase II of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment, which included $155,000 for earthmoving and $35,000 for engineering and stormwater engineering (floodplain and proximity to I-95 berm) and $150,000 for archaeological services to hire a vendor.



• FY 2007 - $511,000

For general Commission support ($11,000) and design and construction of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute plaza; erection of the statue; and, the International Unveiling of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue



• FY 2006 - $35,000

For Richmond Slave Trail Brochure Creation/Printing Phase I of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment



• FY 2003 - $119,000

For acquisition (purchase) of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue and freight

from the United Kingdom



Additional financial, staff and archeological support has also been provided by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods, and a number of corporate, nonprofit and individual financial sponsors.





- end -





______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

____________________________________________



MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.



VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place