RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
Event to include free school supply giveaway, music and food
WHAT Richmond City Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, Northside 3rd District, invites families living in Richmond’s Northside Brookland Park area to join him at the Brookland Park Back-to-School Rally. The event will include free school supply giveaway, music and food.
WHEN SATURDAY, August 29, 2009
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE Richmond Public Schools – Richmond Community High School
201 East Brookland Park Boulevard – Richmond, Virginia
WHO The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, Northside 3rd District
Dr. Yvonne W. Brandon, Superintendent, Richmond Public Schools
Brookland Park area civic groups, neighborhood associations and businesses.
CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Chris Hilbert, at 804.646.6055, 306.0875 (mobile); or chris.hilbert@richmondgov.com.
- E N D -
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Richmond City Council to resume regularly scheduled meetings
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
All Richmond residents invited and encouraged to attend
WHAT Richmond City Council will resume its regular meeting schedule in September, following the annual break in August, when regular meetings are not typically held.
Richmond City Council holds an average of 12 official monthly public meetings to discuss, deliberate, and act on laws and policy behalf of the community. Citizens are invited and encouraged to attend these meetings, which include (but are not limited to) two “Council Formal” Meetings, two “Council Informal” meetings, six Council Standing Committee meetings, and Public Hearings/Special Events/Commission meetings held on an as-needed basis. Meetings times and dates are subject to change. For more information and/or assistance, please call 804.646.7955.
Upcoming scheduled Council meetings for September include:
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 2009 MEETINGS _______________
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2009; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
(Would be held Monday, Sept. 7, but changed for Holiday)
Richmond City Council ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for reviewing the operation of every department, agency and unit of City government and for making recommendations for operational and organizational development as appropriate.
LOCATION
Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Conference Room
Frequency
Typically the first Monday of each month; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009; 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council INFORMAL MEETING
Responsible for reviewing information and preparing for “Formal” Council meetings. Meetings may include presentations from city administration or private entities.
LOCATION
Richmond Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street
Frequency
Typically the second and forth Monday of each month; 3:00-5:30 p.m.
(With the exception of August, when no Informal meetings are held, and holidays)
- M O R E -
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009; 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council FORMAL MEETING
Responsible for deciding official Council action, which includes discussing, adopting, rejecting, and amending laws and approving the budget. Formal meetings include a time for pubic comment and are televised live on the local PBS station and are replayed in Richmond on Government Access Channel 17, beginning at Noon and 7:00 p.m. daily.
LOCATION
Richmond Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street
Frequency
Typically the second and forth Monday of each month; 6:00-8:30 p.m.
(With the exception of August, when no Formal meetings are held, and holidays)
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2009; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding public mental and physical health, social services, recreation, and the public library. The Committee balances the primary role of the Richmond Public Schools Board regarding oversight of Richmond Public Schools against Council’s responsibility for appropriation of public funds.
LOCATION
Richmond Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street
Frequency
Typically the third Wednesday of each month; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council FINANCE STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding city fiscal operations, which includes the budgetary process, annual/biannual fiscal plan budgets, revenue and expenses and internal fiscal controls.
LOCATION
Richmond Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street
Frequency
Typically the third Thursday of each month; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2009; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council PUBLIC SAFETY STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding judiciary, law enforcement, fire and emergency response and prevention, ambulance services and emergency communications. Location recently changed from Council Chambers to Police Academy.
LOCATION
Richmond Police Academy - 1202 W. Graham Road (Richmond’s Northside)
Frequency
Typically the third Monday of each month; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
- M O R E -
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER, 22, 2009; 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council LAND USE, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding real estate, housing, environmental issues, and public transportation.
LOCATION
Richmond Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street
Frequency
Typically the Tuesday following the 3rd Monday of each month; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2009; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding Richmond City Council Standing Committees/Boards/Commissions; and, all other items not related or assigned to or by other Council Standing Committees.
LOCATION
Richmond City Hall, 2nd fl; 900 E. Broad St., 2nd Floor, Conference Room
Frequency
Typically the Fourth Thursday of each month; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2009; 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council INFORMAL MEETING
Responsible for reviewing information and preparing for “Formal” Council meetings and may include presentations from city administration or private entities.
LOCATION
Richmond Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street
Frequency
Typically the second and forth Monday of each month; 3:00-5:30 p.m.
(With the exception of August, when no Informal meetings are held, and holidays)
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2009; 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council FORMAL MEETING
Responsible for deciding official Council action, which includes discussing, adopting, rejecting, and amending laws and approving the budget. Formal meetings include a time for pubic comment and are televised live on the local PBS station and are replayed in Richmond on Government Access Channel 17, beginning at Noon and 7:00 p.m. daily.
LOCATION
Richmond Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street
Frequency
Typically the second and forth Monday of each month; 6:00-8:30 p.m.
(With the exception of August, when no Formal meetings are held, and holidays)
CONTACT For more information, please contact Steve Skinner, at 804. 646.6052 or steven.skinner@richmondgov.com
- E N D -
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
All Richmond residents invited and encouraged to attend
WHAT Richmond City Council will resume its regular meeting schedule in September, following the annual break in August, when regular meetings are not typically held.
Richmond City Council holds an average of 12 official monthly public meetings to discuss, deliberate, and act on laws and policy behalf of the community. Citizens are invited and encouraged to attend these meetings, which include (but are not limited to) two “Council Formal” Meetings, two “Council Informal” meetings, six Council Standing Committee meetings, and Public Hearings/Special Events/Commission meetings held on an as-needed basis. Meetings times and dates are subject to change. For more information and/or assistance, please call 804.646.7955.
Upcoming scheduled Council meetings for September include:
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 2009 MEETINGS _______________
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2009; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
(Would be held Monday, Sept. 7, but changed for Holiday)
Richmond City Council ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for reviewing the operation of every department, agency and unit of City government and for making recommendations for operational and organizational development as appropriate.
LOCATION
Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Conference Room
Frequency
Typically the first Monday of each month; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009; 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council INFORMAL MEETING
Responsible for reviewing information and preparing for “Formal” Council meetings. Meetings may include presentations from city administration or private entities.
LOCATION
Richmond Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street
Frequency
Typically the second and forth Monday of each month; 3:00-5:30 p.m.
(With the exception of August, when no Informal meetings are held, and holidays)
- M O R E -
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009; 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council FORMAL MEETING
Responsible for deciding official Council action, which includes discussing, adopting, rejecting, and amending laws and approving the budget. Formal meetings include a time for pubic comment and are televised live on the local PBS station and are replayed in Richmond on Government Access Channel 17, beginning at Noon and 7:00 p.m. daily.
LOCATION
Richmond Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street
Frequency
Typically the second and forth Monday of each month; 6:00-8:30 p.m.
(With the exception of August, when no Formal meetings are held, and holidays)
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2009; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding public mental and physical health, social services, recreation, and the public library. The Committee balances the primary role of the Richmond Public Schools Board regarding oversight of Richmond Public Schools against Council’s responsibility for appropriation of public funds.
LOCATION
Richmond Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street
Frequency
Typically the third Wednesday of each month; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council FINANCE STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding city fiscal operations, which includes the budgetary process, annual/biannual fiscal plan budgets, revenue and expenses and internal fiscal controls.
LOCATION
Richmond Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street
Frequency
Typically the third Thursday of each month; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2009; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council PUBLIC SAFETY STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding judiciary, law enforcement, fire and emergency response and prevention, ambulance services and emergency communications. Location recently changed from Council Chambers to Police Academy.
LOCATION
Richmond Police Academy - 1202 W. Graham Road (Richmond’s Northside)
Frequency
Typically the third Monday of each month; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
- M O R E -
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER, 22, 2009; 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council LAND USE, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding real estate, housing, environmental issues, and public transportation.
LOCATION
Richmond Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street
Frequency
Typically the Tuesday following the 3rd Monday of each month; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2009; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS STANDING COMMITTEE
Responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding Richmond City Council Standing Committees/Boards/Commissions; and, all other items not related or assigned to or by other Council Standing Committees.
LOCATION
Richmond City Hall, 2nd fl; 900 E. Broad St., 2nd Floor, Conference Room
Frequency
Typically the Fourth Thursday of each month; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2009; 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council INFORMAL MEETING
Responsible for reviewing information and preparing for “Formal” Council meetings and may include presentations from city administration or private entities.
LOCATION
Richmond Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street
Frequency
Typically the second and forth Monday of each month; 3:00-5:30 p.m.
(With the exception of August, when no Informal meetings are held, and holidays)
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2009; 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Richmond City Council FORMAL MEETING
Responsible for deciding official Council action, which includes discussing, adopting, rejecting, and amending laws and approving the budget. Formal meetings include a time for pubic comment and are televised live on the local PBS station and are replayed in Richmond on Government Access Channel 17, beginning at Noon and 7:00 p.m. daily.
LOCATION
Richmond Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad Street
Frequency
Typically the second and forth Monday of each month; 6:00-8:30 p.m.
(With the exception of August, when no Formal meetings are held, and holidays)
CONTACT For more information, please contact Steve Skinner, at 804. 646.6052 or steven.skinner@richmondgov.com
- E N D -
Monday, August 24, 2009
Councilman Chris Hilbert to hold Northside 3rd District meeting: Health and Wellness theme
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
Entire Northside 3rd District invited and encouraged to attend
WHAT Richmond City Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, Northside 3rd District, will hold a meeting in the Northside 3rd District. The meeting will have a Health and Wellness theme and include information regarding the H1N1 Virus, Flu Shots, fitness tips, and updates on back-to-school immunizations. Councilman Hilbert holds regular meetings throughout the year that include information on his goals and accomplishments on behalf of the district and special guests. The meeting is free and all Northside 3rd District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. The agenda for this meeting will include:
• Richmond Department Public Health to discuss:
• Updates on H1N1 Virus
• Difference between H1N1 Shots and General Flu Shots
• Updates on Back-to-School immunizations
• General Nutrition on a Budget
• Leona Roane, fitness instructor, Richmond Department of Parks Recreation and Community Facilities, to provide fitness tips.
NOTE: No shots will be given at this event
WHEN Wednesday, August 26, 2009
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
WHERE Richmond Police Department Training Academy
1202 W. Graham Road (In Richmond's Northside)
(1 Block west of Brook Road – Near Virginia Union University)
WHO The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, Northside 3rd District
CONTACT For more information, please contact the office of Councilman Chris
Hilbert, at 804.646.6055, or chris.hilbert@richmondgov.com.
- E N D -
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
Entire Northside 3rd District invited and encouraged to attend
WHAT Richmond City Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, Northside 3rd District, will hold a meeting in the Northside 3rd District. The meeting will have a Health and Wellness theme and include information regarding the H1N1 Virus, Flu Shots, fitness tips, and updates on back-to-school immunizations. Councilman Hilbert holds regular meetings throughout the year that include information on his goals and accomplishments on behalf of the district and special guests. The meeting is free and all Northside 3rd District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. The agenda for this meeting will include:
• Richmond Department Public Health to discuss:
• Updates on H1N1 Virus
• Difference between H1N1 Shots and General Flu Shots
• Updates on Back-to-School immunizations
• General Nutrition on a Budget
• Leona Roane, fitness instructor, Richmond Department of Parks Recreation and Community Facilities, to provide fitness tips.
NOTE: No shots will be given at this event
WHEN Wednesday, August 26, 2009
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
WHERE Richmond Police Department Training Academy
1202 W. Graham Road (In Richmond's Northside)
(1 Block west of Brook Road – Near Virginia Union University)
WHO The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, Northside 3rd District
CONTACT For more information, please contact the office of Councilman Chris
Hilbert, at 804.646.6055, or chris.hilbert@richmondgov.com.
- E N D -
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Richmond City Charter Review Commission Subcommittee to meet
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
Meeting is open to the public
WHAT A subcommittee of the Richmond City Charter Review Commission will hold a meeting. Originally established to review Richmond City Staff Appointments and Removal as it relates to the authority of Richmond City Council and the Mayor, the subcommittee is expected to consider recommendations regarding appointment and removal authority for the City Assessor.
The subcommittee process was established by the Commission to assist members with their review of the Richmond City Charter. Consisting of three Commission members each, the members of this subcommittee include:
• Dr. Robert Holsworth, Subcommittee Chairman;
• Mr. Orran L. Brown, Esq.; and,
• Dr. John Moeser.
WHEN Monday, August 24, 2009; 9:30-11:30 a.m.
WHERE Richmond City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond City Council Conference Room
CONTACT For more information, please call Daisy Weaver, Council Chief of Staff, at 804.646.5921, or daisy.weaver@richmondgov.com
BACKGROUND _________________________________________________________________
The Richmond City Charter Review Commission was established on July 28, 2008 by a Richmond City Council Resolution. The Commission will assist Richmond citizens with a comprehensive review of the Richmond City Charter in order to identify and correct potential conflicts and ambiguities in the present Charter following the City’s change from a Council-Manager to a Council-Mayor form of government in 2004.
Importance of Richmond City Charter ___________________________________________
Citizens of Richmond govern themselves at the state, local and federal level through a process known as Representative Democracy. In this form of government, people choose (elect) fellow citizens to act on their behalf in governing themselves. This self-governance includes deciding how tax monies are to be invested; what laws are needed; and, providing oversight on how government services are managed.
In the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia, the foundation of government is established in national and state constitutions. In Richmond, the city “constitution” is the Richmond City Charter. The Richmond City Charter contains the essential laws that define the structure, organization and powers of Richmond City government. The Charter is established by and can only be changed by an official act of the Virginia General Assembly.
Uniqueness of Richmond's New Form of Government ____________________________
Richmond has the only Council-Mayor government of its type in Virginia and, due to the uniqueness and differences of State/local governments across the country, is the only one like it in the U.S. Some of the differences include, but are not limited to, the many differences in how local governments are established; national, state and local differences between the many powers and relationships of cities, counties and towns; and what is considered Virginia's strict use of the "Dillon Rule", which is essentially a legal principal that limits the powers granted to local governments to those expressly granted or implied by the state, or essential to a locality. The fact that the Dillon Rule principal is not uniformly applied nationally and/or is used differently by different States adds to the uniqueness of Richmond's form of government.
Richmond’s Change of Government Highlights __________________________________
• The Richmond City Charter has undergone a number of changes since the last comprehensive review in 1947.
• In November 2003, Richmond citizens voted by city referendum to essentially separate the legislative and administrative powers of Richmond Government and replace the Council-Manager form of government with a Council-Mayor form.
• In support of this change, in 2004 the Virginia General Assembly passed House Bill 76, which changed the Charter of the City of Richmond, authorizing it to provide for the direct election of a mayor. Thus creating a Council-Mayor form of government.
• The city now has three distinct government branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial - which is similar to the state and federal “check and balance” government model.
• January 2005 - New Council-Mayor Form of Government began.
Resolutions Creating Richmond City Charter Review Commission _________________
• Richmond City Council Resolution # 2008-R114-115, establishing the Richmond City Charter Review Commission
• Richmond City Council Resolution # 2008-R 136-137, amending the Richmond City Charter Review Commission in order to establish a deadline for the selection of a chairman by the Commission
Richmond City Charter Review Commission Process _____________________________
The members of the Richmond City Charter Review Commission will follow a process and timeline to review the Charter. This will include breaking the Richmond City Charter into sections or functional areas and establishing sub-committees to address those specific areas. These sub-committees will then bring recommendations back to the full Committee for review and discussion. The entire Charter review process will be open to the public and all citizens of Richmond are invited and welcome to attend any and all meetings and to provide written suggestions and/or recommendations.
The work of the Commission is scheduled to take place from October 2008 through completion. A tentative deadline of October 1, 2009 has been chosen by the Commission for completion of their review. The review process will include soliciting, collecting and reviewing recommendations from Richmond Citizens, city government staff and local elected officials, which will include Council members that have served since the change in government in 2005.
Once completed, the findings of the Commission will be presented to Richmond City Council and the Mayor for their consideration.
Once recommendations are considered, and if action is determined, a Council Resolution enumerating any specific changes will be prepared for Council approval. Once approved, a request would be made to the Richmond Delegation to the Virginia General Assembly (VGA) for changes to be made during the 2010 VGA Legislative Session.
MEMBERS
Tasked with an historic undertaking, the Richmond City Charter Review Commission consists of nine members, who either live or work in Richmond; four of which appointed by Richmond City Council, four appointed by Mayor L. Douglas Wilder and a member selected by the original eight members of the Commission from outside the group to serve as chairman. Members of the 2008-2009 Richmond City Charter Review Commission include:
1. Chairman
John G. Douglass, Esq.
Selected by Richmond City Charter Review Commission Members, 11.10.08
2. Ms. Jeannie Baliles
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
3. Mr. Orran L. Brown, Esq.
Appointed by Richmond City Council
4. Ms. Jacqueline G. Epps, Esq.
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
5. Dr. Robert Holsworth
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
6. The Honorable Benjamin Lambert III
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
7. Mr. Frederick Marsh, Esq.
Appointed by Richmond City Council
8. Dr. John Moeser
Appointed by Richmond City Council
9. Mr. John Thompson, Esq.
Appointed by Richmond City Council
- E N D -
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
Meeting is open to the public
WHAT A subcommittee of the Richmond City Charter Review Commission will hold a meeting. Originally established to review Richmond City Staff Appointments and Removal as it relates to the authority of Richmond City Council and the Mayor, the subcommittee is expected to consider recommendations regarding appointment and removal authority for the City Assessor.
The subcommittee process was established by the Commission to assist members with their review of the Richmond City Charter. Consisting of three Commission members each, the members of this subcommittee include:
• Dr. Robert Holsworth, Subcommittee Chairman;
• Mr. Orran L. Brown, Esq.; and,
• Dr. John Moeser.
WHEN Monday, August 24, 2009; 9:30-11:30 a.m.
WHERE Richmond City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond City Council Conference Room
CONTACT For more information, please call Daisy Weaver, Council Chief of Staff, at 804.646.5921, or daisy.weaver@richmondgov.com
BACKGROUND _________________________________________________________________
The Richmond City Charter Review Commission was established on July 28, 2008 by a Richmond City Council Resolution. The Commission will assist Richmond citizens with a comprehensive review of the Richmond City Charter in order to identify and correct potential conflicts and ambiguities in the present Charter following the City’s change from a Council-Manager to a Council-Mayor form of government in 2004.
Importance of Richmond City Charter ___________________________________________
Citizens of Richmond govern themselves at the state, local and federal level through a process known as Representative Democracy. In this form of government, people choose (elect) fellow citizens to act on their behalf in governing themselves. This self-governance includes deciding how tax monies are to be invested; what laws are needed; and, providing oversight on how government services are managed.
In the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia, the foundation of government is established in national and state constitutions. In Richmond, the city “constitution” is the Richmond City Charter. The Richmond City Charter contains the essential laws that define the structure, organization and powers of Richmond City government. The Charter is established by and can only be changed by an official act of the Virginia General Assembly.
Uniqueness of Richmond's New Form of Government ____________________________
Richmond has the only Council-Mayor government of its type in Virginia and, due to the uniqueness and differences of State/local governments across the country, is the only one like it in the U.S. Some of the differences include, but are not limited to, the many differences in how local governments are established; national, state and local differences between the many powers and relationships of cities, counties and towns; and what is considered Virginia's strict use of the "Dillon Rule", which is essentially a legal principal that limits the powers granted to local governments to those expressly granted or implied by the state, or essential to a locality. The fact that the Dillon Rule principal is not uniformly applied nationally and/or is used differently by different States adds to the uniqueness of Richmond's form of government.
Richmond’s Change of Government Highlights __________________________________
• The Richmond City Charter has undergone a number of changes since the last comprehensive review in 1947.
• In November 2003, Richmond citizens voted by city referendum to essentially separate the legislative and administrative powers of Richmond Government and replace the Council-Manager form of government with a Council-Mayor form.
• In support of this change, in 2004 the Virginia General Assembly passed House Bill 76, which changed the Charter of the City of Richmond, authorizing it to provide for the direct election of a mayor. Thus creating a Council-Mayor form of government.
• The city now has three distinct government branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial - which is similar to the state and federal “check and balance” government model.
• January 2005 - New Council-Mayor Form of Government began.
Resolutions Creating Richmond City Charter Review Commission _________________
• Richmond City Council Resolution # 2008-R114-115, establishing the Richmond City Charter Review Commission
• Richmond City Council Resolution # 2008-R 136-137, amending the Richmond City Charter Review Commission in order to establish a deadline for the selection of a chairman by the Commission
Richmond City Charter Review Commission Process _____________________________
The members of the Richmond City Charter Review Commission will follow a process and timeline to review the Charter. This will include breaking the Richmond City Charter into sections or functional areas and establishing sub-committees to address those specific areas. These sub-committees will then bring recommendations back to the full Committee for review and discussion. The entire Charter review process will be open to the public and all citizens of Richmond are invited and welcome to attend any and all meetings and to provide written suggestions and/or recommendations.
The work of the Commission is scheduled to take place from October 2008 through completion. A tentative deadline of October 1, 2009 has been chosen by the Commission for completion of their review. The review process will include soliciting, collecting and reviewing recommendations from Richmond Citizens, city government staff and local elected officials, which will include Council members that have served since the change in government in 2005.
Once completed, the findings of the Commission will be presented to Richmond City Council and the Mayor for their consideration.
Once recommendations are considered, and if action is determined, a Council Resolution enumerating any specific changes will be prepared for Council approval. Once approved, a request would be made to the Richmond Delegation to the Virginia General Assembly (VGA) for changes to be made during the 2010 VGA Legislative Session.
MEMBERS
Tasked with an historic undertaking, the Richmond City Charter Review Commission consists of nine members, who either live or work in Richmond; four of which appointed by Richmond City Council, four appointed by Mayor L. Douglas Wilder and a member selected by the original eight members of the Commission from outside the group to serve as chairman. Members of the 2008-2009 Richmond City Charter Review Commission include:
1. Chairman
John G. Douglass, Esq.
Selected by Richmond City Charter Review Commission Members, 11.10.08
2. Ms. Jeannie Baliles
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
3. Mr. Orran L. Brown, Esq.
Appointed by Richmond City Council
4. Ms. Jacqueline G. Epps, Esq.
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
5. Dr. Robert Holsworth
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
6. The Honorable Benjamin Lambert III
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
7. Mr. Frederick Marsh, Esq.
Appointed by Richmond City Council
8. Dr. John Moeser
Appointed by Richmond City Council
9. Mr. John Thompson, Esq.
Appointed by Richmond City Council
- E N D -
Monday, August 17, 2009
Council members Doug Conner, Marty Jewell, Chris Hilbert, Reva Trammell, and Bruce Tyler to attend media conference regarding proposed medical complex concept in Shockoe Bottom
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
Will present a draft Richmond City Council Resolution
WHAT Richmond City Council members Doug Conner, South Central 9th District,: Marty Jewell, Central 5th District; Chris Hilbert, Northside 3rd District; Reva Trammell, Southside 8th District; and Bruce Tyler, West End 1st District will attend a media conference called by Paul Goldman regarding the idea of having a medical complex in Shockoe Bottom area of Richmond. The conference will include presentation of a draft Resolution proposing setting up a commission. Membership and details will be part of the event.
WHEN Monday, August 17, 2009
11:00 -11:30 a.m.
WHERE Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Richmond, Virginia
WHO Richmond City Council members Doug Conner, South Central 9th
District; Marty Jewell, Central 5th District; Chris Hilbert, Northside 3rd District; Reva Trammell, Southside 8th District; and Bruce Tyler, West End 1st District.
Paul Goldman
CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Doug Conner,
at 804.512.0500 or Paul Goldman, at 804.833.6313.
- E N D -
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
Will present a draft Richmond City Council Resolution
WHAT Richmond City Council members Doug Conner, South Central 9th District,: Marty Jewell, Central 5th District; Chris Hilbert, Northside 3rd District; Reva Trammell, Southside 8th District; and Bruce Tyler, West End 1st District will attend a media conference called by Paul Goldman regarding the idea of having a medical complex in Shockoe Bottom area of Richmond. The conference will include presentation of a draft Resolution proposing setting up a commission. Membership and details will be part of the event.
WHEN Monday, August 17, 2009
11:00 -11:30 a.m.
WHERE Richmond City Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Richmond, Virginia
WHO Richmond City Council members Doug Conner, South Central 9th
District; Marty Jewell, Central 5th District; Chris Hilbert, Northside 3rd District; Reva Trammell, Southside 8th District; and Bruce Tyler, West End 1st District.
Paul Goldman
CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Doug Conner,
at 804.512.0500 or Paul Goldman, at 804.833.6313.
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Monday, August 10, 2009
Richmond City Charter Review Commission to hold Richmond Citizen Public Forum to receive comments on proposed Richmond City Charter changes
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
All Richmond residents invited and highly encouraged to attend
WHAT The Richmond City Charter Review Commission will hold a Richmond Citizen Public Forum to receive citizen comments on proposed changes to the Richmond City Charter prior to the Commission giving their final recommendations to Richmond City Council. Richmond residents are invited and highly encouraged to attend this meeting and provide their input.
The ongoing review of the Richmond City Charter, which began in 2008, has been an open public process. The Richmond City Charter Review Commission has held numerous public meetings and has a website and email to help ensure that the entire process is open to the public. The website includes information and updates and the email provides easy access for sharing ideas.
Residents unable to attend the meeting are encouraged to provide their input to the Richmond City Charter Review Commission and participate through the following ways:
1. via website (charter.richmondva.gov)
3. via email: (charter.changes@richmondgov.com)
2. via fax, at: 804.646.5468
4. via letter, at: Richmond City Charter Commission
Richmond City Hall; 900 E. Broad St., Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219
5. in person (at meetings)
6. by phone: 804.646.3771
WHEN Tuesday, September 1, 2009 6:30-8:30 p.m.
WHERE Richmond Council Chambers, City Hall, 2nd floor
900 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia
CONTACT For more information, please call Daisy Weaver, Council Chief of
Staff, at 804.646.5921, or daisy.weaver@richmondgov.com
- M O R E -
BACKGROUND _________________________________________________________________
The Richmond City Charter Review Commission was established on July 28, 2008 by a Richmond City Council Resolution. The Commission will assist Richmond citizens with a comprehensive review of the Richmond City Charter in order to identify and correct potential conflicts and ambiguities in the present Charter following the City’s change from a Council-Manager to a Council-Mayor form of government in 2004.
Importance of Richmond City Charter ___________________________________________
Citizens of Richmond govern themselves at the state, local and federal level through a process known as Representative Democracy. In this form of government, people choose (elect) fellow citizens to act on their behalf in governing themselves. This self-governance includes deciding how tax monies are to be invested; what laws are needed; and, providing oversight on how government services are managed.
In the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia, the foundation of government is established in national and state constitutions. In Richmond, the city “constitution” is the Richmond City Charter. The Richmond City Charter contains the essential laws that define the structure, organization and powers of Richmond City government. The Charter is established by and can only be changed by an official act of the Virginia General Assembly.
Uniqueness of Richmond's New Form of Government ____________________________
Richmond has the only Council-Mayor government of its type in Virginia and, due to the uniqueness and differences of State/local governments across the country, is the only one like it in the U.S. Some of the differences include, but are not limited to, the many differences in how local governments are established; national, state and local differences between the many powers and relationships of cities, counties and towns; and what is considered Virginia's strict use of the "Dillon Rule", which is essentially a legal principal that limits the powers granted to local governments to those expressly granted or implied by the state, or essential to a locality. The fact that the Dillon Rule principal is not uniformly applied nationally and/or is used differently by different States adds to the uniqueness of Richmond's form of government.
Richmond’s Change of Government Highlights __________________________________
• The Richmond City Charter has undergone a number of changes since the last comprehensive review in 1947.
• In November 2003, Richmond citizens voted by city referendum to essentially separate the legislative and administrative powers of Richmond Government and replace the Council-Manager form of government with a Council-Mayor form.
• In support of this change, in 2004 the Virginia General Assembly passed House Bill 76, which changed the Charter of the City of Richmond, authorizing it to provide for the direct election of a mayor. Thus creating a Council-Mayor form of government.
• The city now has three distinct government branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial - which is similar to the state and federal “check and balance” government model.
• January 2005 - New Council-Mayor Form of Government began.
Resolutions Creating Richmond City Charter Review Commission _________________
• Richmond City Council Resolution # 2008-R114-115, establishing the Richmond City Charter Review Commission
• Richmond City Council Resolution # 2008-R 136-137, amending the Richmond City Charter Review Commission in order to establish a deadline for the selection of a chairman by the Commission
Richmond City Charter Review Commission Process _____________________________
The members of the Richmond City Charter Review Commission will follow a process and timeline to review the Charter. This will include breaking the Richmond City Charter into sections or functional areas and establishing sub-committees to address those specific areas. These sub-committees will then bring recommendations back to the full Committee for review and discussion. The entire Charter review process will be open to the public and all citizens of Richmond are invited and welcome to attend any and all meetings and to provide written suggestions and/or recommendations.
The work of the Commission is scheduled to take place from October 2008 through completion. A tentative deadline of October 1, 2009 has been chosen by the Commission for completion of their review. The review process will include soliciting, collecting and reviewing recommendations from Richmond Citizens, city government staff and local elected officials, which will include Council members that have served since the change in government in 2005.
Once completed, the findings of the Commission will be presented to Richmond City Council and the Mayor for their consideration.
Once recommendations are considered, and if action is determined, a Council Resolution enumerating any specific changes will be prepared for Council approval. Once approved, a request would be made to the Richmond Delegation to the Virginia General Assembly (VGA) for changes to be made during the 2010 VGA Legislative Session.
MEMBERS
Tasked with an historic undertaking, the Richmond City Charter Review Commission consists of nine members, who either live or work in Richmond; four of which appointed by Richmond City Council, four appointed by Mayor L. Douglas Wilder and a member selected by the original eight members of the Commission from outside the group to serve as chairman. Members of the 2008-2009 Richmond City Charter Review Commission include:
1. Chairman
John G. Douglass, Esq.
Selected by Richmond City Charter Review Commission Members, 11.10.08
2. Ms. Jeannie Baliles
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
3. Mr. Orran L. Brown, Esq.
Appointed by Richmond City Council
4. Ms. Jacqueline G. Epps, Esq.
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
5. Dr. Robert Holsworth
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
6. The Honorable Benjamin Lambert III
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
7. Mr. Frederick Marsh, Esq.
Appointed by Richmond City Council
8. Dr. John Moeser
Appointed by Richmond City Council
9. Mr. John Thompson, Esq.
Appointed by Richmond City Council
- E N D -
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
All Richmond residents invited and highly encouraged to attend
WHAT The Richmond City Charter Review Commission will hold a Richmond Citizen Public Forum to receive citizen comments on proposed changes to the Richmond City Charter prior to the Commission giving their final recommendations to Richmond City Council. Richmond residents are invited and highly encouraged to attend this meeting and provide their input.
The ongoing review of the Richmond City Charter, which began in 2008, has been an open public process. The Richmond City Charter Review Commission has held numerous public meetings and has a website and email to help ensure that the entire process is open to the public. The website includes information and updates and the email provides easy access for sharing ideas.
Residents unable to attend the meeting are encouraged to provide their input to the Richmond City Charter Review Commission and participate through the following ways:
1. via website (charter.richmondva.gov)
3. via email: (charter.changes@richmondgov.com)
2. via fax, at: 804.646.5468
4. via letter, at: Richmond City Charter Commission
Richmond City Hall; 900 E. Broad St., Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219
5. in person (at meetings)
6. by phone: 804.646.3771
WHEN Tuesday, September 1, 2009 6:30-8:30 p.m.
WHERE Richmond Council Chambers, City Hall, 2nd floor
900 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia
CONTACT For more information, please call Daisy Weaver, Council Chief of
Staff, at 804.646.5921, or daisy.weaver@richmondgov.com
- M O R E -
BACKGROUND _________________________________________________________________
The Richmond City Charter Review Commission was established on July 28, 2008 by a Richmond City Council Resolution. The Commission will assist Richmond citizens with a comprehensive review of the Richmond City Charter in order to identify and correct potential conflicts and ambiguities in the present Charter following the City’s change from a Council-Manager to a Council-Mayor form of government in 2004.
Importance of Richmond City Charter ___________________________________________
Citizens of Richmond govern themselves at the state, local and federal level through a process known as Representative Democracy. In this form of government, people choose (elect) fellow citizens to act on their behalf in governing themselves. This self-governance includes deciding how tax monies are to be invested; what laws are needed; and, providing oversight on how government services are managed.
In the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia, the foundation of government is established in national and state constitutions. In Richmond, the city “constitution” is the Richmond City Charter. The Richmond City Charter contains the essential laws that define the structure, organization and powers of Richmond City government. The Charter is established by and can only be changed by an official act of the Virginia General Assembly.
Uniqueness of Richmond's New Form of Government ____________________________
Richmond has the only Council-Mayor government of its type in Virginia and, due to the uniqueness and differences of State/local governments across the country, is the only one like it in the U.S. Some of the differences include, but are not limited to, the many differences in how local governments are established; national, state and local differences between the many powers and relationships of cities, counties and towns; and what is considered Virginia's strict use of the "Dillon Rule", which is essentially a legal principal that limits the powers granted to local governments to those expressly granted or implied by the state, or essential to a locality. The fact that the Dillon Rule principal is not uniformly applied nationally and/or is used differently by different States adds to the uniqueness of Richmond's form of government.
Richmond’s Change of Government Highlights __________________________________
• The Richmond City Charter has undergone a number of changes since the last comprehensive review in 1947.
• In November 2003, Richmond citizens voted by city referendum to essentially separate the legislative and administrative powers of Richmond Government and replace the Council-Manager form of government with a Council-Mayor form.
• In support of this change, in 2004 the Virginia General Assembly passed House Bill 76, which changed the Charter of the City of Richmond, authorizing it to provide for the direct election of a mayor. Thus creating a Council-Mayor form of government.
• The city now has three distinct government branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial - which is similar to the state and federal “check and balance” government model.
• January 2005 - New Council-Mayor Form of Government began.
Resolutions Creating Richmond City Charter Review Commission _________________
• Richmond City Council Resolution # 2008-R114-115, establishing the Richmond City Charter Review Commission
• Richmond City Council Resolution # 2008-R 136-137, amending the Richmond City Charter Review Commission in order to establish a deadline for the selection of a chairman by the Commission
Richmond City Charter Review Commission Process _____________________________
The members of the Richmond City Charter Review Commission will follow a process and timeline to review the Charter. This will include breaking the Richmond City Charter into sections or functional areas and establishing sub-committees to address those specific areas. These sub-committees will then bring recommendations back to the full Committee for review and discussion. The entire Charter review process will be open to the public and all citizens of Richmond are invited and welcome to attend any and all meetings and to provide written suggestions and/or recommendations.
The work of the Commission is scheduled to take place from October 2008 through completion. A tentative deadline of October 1, 2009 has been chosen by the Commission for completion of their review. The review process will include soliciting, collecting and reviewing recommendations from Richmond Citizens, city government staff and local elected officials, which will include Council members that have served since the change in government in 2005.
Once completed, the findings of the Commission will be presented to Richmond City Council and the Mayor for their consideration.
Once recommendations are considered, and if action is determined, a Council Resolution enumerating any specific changes will be prepared for Council approval. Once approved, a request would be made to the Richmond Delegation to the Virginia General Assembly (VGA) for changes to be made during the 2010 VGA Legislative Session.
MEMBERS
Tasked with an historic undertaking, the Richmond City Charter Review Commission consists of nine members, who either live or work in Richmond; four of which appointed by Richmond City Council, four appointed by Mayor L. Douglas Wilder and a member selected by the original eight members of the Commission from outside the group to serve as chairman. Members of the 2008-2009 Richmond City Charter Review Commission include:
1. Chairman
John G. Douglass, Esq.
Selected by Richmond City Charter Review Commission Members, 11.10.08
2. Ms. Jeannie Baliles
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
3. Mr. Orran L. Brown, Esq.
Appointed by Richmond City Council
4. Ms. Jacqueline G. Epps, Esq.
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
5. Dr. Robert Holsworth
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
6. The Honorable Benjamin Lambert III
Appointed by Mayor Wilder
7. Mr. Frederick Marsh, Esq.
Appointed by Richmond City Council
8. Dr. John Moeser
Appointed by Richmond City Council
9. Mr. John Thompson, Esq.
Appointed by Richmond City Council
- E N D -