Richmond City Council to hold Special Meeting and vote Tuesday to extend deadline for payment of personal property taxes a full month: To be due June 1 instead of May 1, 2012

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, 26 April 2012 Richmond City Council to hold Special Meeting and vote Tuesday to extend deadline for payment of personal property taxes a full month: To be due June 1 instead of May 1, 2012 All nine members of Richmond City Council patroning Ordinance WHAT In direct response to public outcry with regard to the Richmond Government Administration recent mailing of personal property tax bills with less than two weeks notice to pay them, on Tuesday (May 2, 2012) Richmond City Council will hold a Special Council Meeting and vote to extend the deadline an entire month. This would extend the deadline for payment from the current date of May 1, 2012 - to a new date of June 1, 2012. This extension would include all tax payments for tangible personal property, business tangible personal property, machinery and tools, and personal property assessed for taxation by the Virginia State Corporation Commission. The Ordinance, No. 2012-78, would go into effect upon approval. WHEN Tuesday, May 1, 2012 5:00-6:30 p.m. WHERE Richmond City Council Chambers Richmond City Hall 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 WHO The Honorable Members of Richmond City Council CONTACT For more information, please contact Steve Skinner, Council Public Information Manager, Richmond City Council Office of the Council Chief of Staff, at 804.646.6052 (tel); 804.937.1386 (mobile tel) or, steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email) 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. - 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 to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

Richmond City Council Official meeting schedule for May 2012

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, April 26, 2012 Richmond City Council Official meeting schedule for May 2012 All Richmond citizens are invited and encouraged to attend all meetings, which are free and open to the public WHAT In delivery of its official duties as the governing body of Richmond, Richmond City Council holds an average of 12 official monthly public government meetings to discuss, deliberate, and act on laws, finances and policy. A summary of official Richmond City Council Official Public Meetings for the upcoming month is listed below. Meeting times and dates are subject to change and more meetings may be added as needed. Council Official Government Meetings are held on behalf of the "body of Council" and include (but are not limited to) two “Council Formal” meetings, two “Council Informal” meetings, six Council Standing Committee meetings, and Council Public Hearings and Public Information/Events held on an as-needed basis. All Richmond citizens are invited and encouraged to attend all Council meetings and to contact the Richmond Councilmember elected for their voting district (by phone, in person, via email, or by mail) to learn more; provide input; and/or ask questions. 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. Parking - Public Transportation, via GRTC, and free street parking around/in the vicinity of Richmond City Hall is available. Televised - Formal Council meetings are televised live on local PBS TV Station, WVCW and replayed daily at Noon and 7:00 p.m. on Richmond Government Access TV Channel 17. 2012 May Richmond City Council Meeting Schedule Summary Tuesday, May 1, 2012; 5:00-6:30 p.m._____________________________________________ Richmond City Council COUNCIL BUDGET REVIEW MEETING (Introduction Date for Council Budget Amendments) A special meeting to be held in consideration of Council establishing the Fiscal Year 2013 Richmond Government Budget. This is the introduction date for Council Budget Amendments. LOCATION Richmond City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St. Thursday, May 3, 2012; 5:00-6:30 p.m._____________________________________________ Richmond City Council ADDITIONAL COUNCIL BUDGET REVIEW MEETING (IF NEEDED) A special meeting to be held in consideration of Council establishing the Fiscal Year 2013 Richmond Government Budget. LOCATION Richmond City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St. Monday, May 7, 2012; 3:30-5:00 p.m._________________________________________________ Richmond City Council ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE (Note: This meeting to include Closed Session for Council Interviews of a new City Clerk and the time may be much longer) Responsible for oversight, monitoring and updating policy regarding Richmond City Council internal operations, Council offices and functions of Standing Committees, Boards and Commissions. LOCATION Richmond City Hall, 9th Floor, HR Training Room; 900 E. Broad Street Frequency Typically meets the first Monday of each month; 5:00-6:30 p.m. Monday, May 14, 2012; 3:00-5:00 p.m.________________________________________________ Richmond City Council INFORMAL MEETING SESSION (May include Discussion on Fiscal Year 2013 Richmond Government Budget.) Responsible for reviewing information and preparing for “Formal” Council meetings. Meetings may include presentations from city administration or private entities. LOCATION Richmond City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St. Frequency Typically meets the second and forth Monday of each month; 3:00-4:30 p.m. (With the exception of August, when no Informal meetings are held, and holidays) Monday, May 14, 2012; 6:00-8:00 p.m.________________________________________________ Richmond City Council FORMAL MEETING SESSION (Council to Adopt Fiscal Year 2013 Richmond Government Budget) Responsible for deciding official Council action, which includes discussing, adopting, rejecting, and amending laws and approving the budget. Formal meetings include a time for public 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 City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St. Frequency Typically meets the second and forth Monday of each month; 6:00-8:00 p.m. (With the exception of August, when no Formal meetings are held, and holidays) Wednesday, May 16, 2012; 5:00-6:30 p.m._____________________________________________ Richmond City Council HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE The Committee is responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding public mental and physical health, social services, recreation, and the public library. It also balances the primary role of the Richmond Public Schools Board regarding oversight of Richmond Public Schools and Council’s responsibility for appropriation of public funds. LOCATION Richmond City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St. Frequency Typically meets the third Wednesday of each month; 5:00-6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17, 2012; 3:00-4:30 p.m.___________________________________________ Richmond City Council FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE The Committee is 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 City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St. Frequency Beginning February 2011 meets the third Thursday of each month; 3:00-4:30 p.m. Monday, May 21, 2012; 5:00-6:30 p.m.________________________________________________ Richmond City Council PUBLIC SAFETY STANDING COMMITTEE The Committee is 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 Richmond Police Academy - 1202 W. Graham Road (Richmond’s Northside) Frequency Typically meets the third Monday of each month; 5:00-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, 2012; 3:00-4:30 p.m._____________________________________ ___________ Richmond City Council LAND USE, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE The Committee is responsible for oversight, monitoring and recommending laws and policy regarding real estate, housing, environmental issues, and public transportation. LOCATION Richmond City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St. Frequency Typically meets the Tuesday following the 3rd Monday of each month; 3:00-4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 24, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m.________________________________________________ Richmond City Council GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS STANDING COMMITTEE The Committee is responsible for reviewing general operations of all city administrative departments, agencies and offices and for making appropriate policy and operational changes and recommendations to increase efficiency and meet community priorities. LOCATION Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor Large Conference Room; 900 E. Broad Street Frequency Typically meets the Fourth Thursday of each month; 4:00-5:30 p.m. Monday, May 28, 2012_______________________________________________________________ HOLIDAY Richmond City Council will observe Memorial Day Holiday on Monday, May 28, 2012 and Richmond City Hall will be closed on that day. The regularly scheduled Richmond City Council Meetings for that day will be held the following day. Tuesday, May 29, 2012; 3:00-5:00 p.m.________________________________________________ Richmond City Council INFORMAL MEETING SESSION This meeting is held for reviewing information and preparing for “Formal” Council meetings. Meetings may include presentations from city administration or private entities. LOCATION Richmond City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St. Frequency Typically meets the second and forth Monday of each month; 3:00-4:30 p.m. (With the exception of August, when no Informal meetings are held, and holidays) Tuesday May 29, 2012; 6:00-8:00 p.m._________________________________________________ Richmond City Council FORMAL MEETING SESSION This meeting is held for deciding official Council action, which includes discussing, adopting, rejecting, and amending laws and approving the budget. Formal meetings include a time for public 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 City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St. Frequency Typically meets the second and forth Monday of each month; 6:00-8:00 p.m. (With the exception of August, when no Formal meetings are held, and holidays) 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. Member of the 2009–2012 RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL ______________________________ PRESIDENT (2011-2012) The Honorable Kathy Graziano Councilwoman, Richmond City Council - Southwest 4th District 804.320.2454 (office tel); 339.8393 (mobile) kathy.graziano@richmondgov.com (email) VICE PRESIDENT (2011-2012) The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson Councilwoman, Richmond City Council - Gateway 6th District 804.646.5724 (office tel); 314.7658 (mobile) ellen.robertson@richmondgov.com (email) West End 1st District The Honorable Bruce W. Tyler, Councilman Richmond City Council - West End 1st District 804.357.6007 (mobile) bruce.tyler@richmondgov.com (email) North Central 2nd District The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman Richmond City Council - North Central 2nd District 804.646.6532 (office tel); 690.0898 (mobile) charles.samuels@richmondgov.com (email) Northside 3rd District The Honorable Christopher A. Hilbert, Councilman Richmond City Council - Northside 3rd District 804.646.6055 (office tel) 306.0875 (mobile) chris.hilbert@richmondgov.com (email) Central 5th District The Honorable E. Martin Jewell, Councilman Richmond City Council - Central 5th District 804.646.5724 (office tel); 332.3654 (mobile) marty.jewell@richmondgov.com (email) East End 7th District The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman* Richmond City Council - East End 7th District 804.646.3012 (office tel) cynthia.newbille@richmondgov.com (email) *Elected November 3, 2009 in special local election Southside 8th District The Honorable Reva M. Trammell, Councilwoman Richmond City Council - Southside 8th District 804.646.6592 (office tel); 240.5050 (mobile) reva.trammell@richmondgov.com (email) South Central 9th District The Honorable Douglas G. Conner, Jr., Councilman Richmond City Council - South Central 9th District 804.646.6592 (office tel); 512,0500 (mobile) doug.conner@richmondgov.com (email) _____________________________________________________________ MAILING ADDRESS/WEBSITE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL Richmond City Hall - 900 East Broad Street, Suite 305 Richmond, Virginia 23219 - 804.646.7955 www.council.richmondva.gov (website) CONTACT For updated meeting information, please call the Richmond City Council Office of the City Clerk, at 804.646.7955. For more information regarding Richmond City Council, please contact Steve Skinner, Council Public Information Manager, Richmond City Council Office of the Council Chief of Staff, at 804.646.6052 (o); or, steven.skinner@richmondgov.com - end - Richmond City Council - Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 804.646.5345 tel - www.council.richmondva.gov website ______________________________________ 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.

Councilwoman Robertson invites all to see 44 free home make-overs in Eastview Neighborhood: Year of planning, preparation and production realized

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 26 April 2012 Councilwoman Robertson invites all to see 44 free home make-overs in Eastview Neighborhood: Year of planning, preparation and production realized Rebuilding Together of Richmond to deploy 1,500 volunteers in to fix homes owned by seniors with low-income and people who are disabled WHAT The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, invites everyone to come out and see 44 homes in the Eastview Neighborhood receive free home repair make-overs. Project to included homes owned by seniors with low-income and people who are disabled. Located in the Gateway 6th District, the Eastview Neighborhood includes a diverse mix of home styles, such as one story frame bungalows and brick Cape Cods. The homes were primarily built in the 1940's and 1950's. The Eastview Neighborhood is generally bounded by Interstates 64 and 95 on the north and west, the Mechanicsville Turnpike and Mosby Street corridor on the east, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Bridge on the south. Produced and managed by Rebuilding Together of Richmond, this 2012 Richmond Rebuilding Day event represents a year of dedication and hundreds of hours of planning, preparation and production. Work completed up to this point has included soliciting and reviewing applications; coordination of funding and supplies; months of skilled trades work done in preparation; and, coordination and management of 1,500 community volunteers. Examples of repairs and renovations include painting, heating/ cooling, roof, windows, handrails, porch repairs, lighting and removal of dangerous trip/ fall hazards. This will be the 20th event year. Rebuilding Together of Richmond is a local nonprofit agency that receives its supplies and funding from Richmond-based businesses, individuals and community partners. Homes to be repaired are chosen annually from applications submitted to Rebuilding Together of Richmond in November. Criteria for assistance include: homeowners who are 55 years of age or older or have disabilities; have a household income less than $25,000; and, living in a property in a selected project area (assessed annually). WHEN 2012 Richmond Rebuilding Day Event Saturday, 28 April 2012 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. WHERE Central Command Post Headquarters located at: Pilgrim Baptist Church 1900 Whitcomb Street WHO The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, CONTACT For more information, please contact Amy King, Director, Rebuilding Together of Richmond, at: 804.513.8628 (mobile); or via email, at: amy@rebuildingtogetherrichmond.org; or website, at www.rebuildingtogetherrichmond.org BACKGROUND __________________________________________________________________________ Rebuilding Together of Richmond Rebuilding Together of Richmond is part of nation's largest nonprofit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing critical home repair and modification services to those in need at no cost to homeowners. With the help of citizen volunteers, skilled tradesman, the support of local business and major corporate partners, Rebuilding Together affiliates in America’s largest cities and smallest towns make life considerably better for thousands of low-income homeowners. In addition to its core home repair work, Rebuilding Together also rehabilitates community centers and conducts home modification and repair programs that focus on aging in place. Rebuilding Together has programs dedicated to energy efficiency, veteran’s housing, and disaster recovery and reconstruction. For more information, please visit the Rebuilding Together website, at www.RebuildingTogether.org 2012 Rebuilding Together of Richmond Facts • Forty-four homes will be served in the Eastview Neighborhood • All homes are owned and occupied by seniors with low-income and people who are disabled living in the City of Richmond. • More than 1,500 volunteers participate in Rebuilding Together of Richmond each year. • The services and products delivered by Rebuilding Together of Richmond are paid for, sponsored and underwritten primarily by Richmond-based businesses and community partners. • The Richmond Rebuilding Together organization began in April 1993 with repairs to 23 homes in Richmond’s Blackwell Neighborhood. At the close of it nineteenth year, the organization has rehabilitated 879 homes and helped to revitalize 17 Richmond- area neighborhoods. • Improvements made to homes have included: o Reattaching gutters and downspouts o Adding handrails to front/back stoops, adding/repairing wheelchair ramps o Weatherizing doors and windows o Roof replacement, heating restoration and insulation o Hot water tank and other appliance repair and replacement o Electrical service upgrades o Bath fixtures replacement o Repair to floors rotted by wet conditions o Addition of security doors, deadbolts and peepholes. • The Home Modifications component of this program includes assessment of the homeowner and family members. Volunteer occupational and physical therapists make recommendations of products and modifications to be included in the rehab effort, such as: o Supplying durable medical equipment – tub benches, toilet railings, grab bars o Resolving safety issues – large numbers on telephones, CO2 and smoke detectors o Elimination of trip and fall hazards - 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.

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission 2012 Regular Schedule of Meetings: Upcoming Meetings

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 Tuesday, 24 April 2012 Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission 2012 Regular Schedule of Meetings: Upcoming Meetings All Citizens invited and encouraged to attend WHAT 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 meetings are 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 citizens 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 Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission 2012 Regular Schedule of Meetings: Upcoming Meetings Thursday, May 3, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 7, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 5, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m. Thursday, August 2, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m. Thursday, September 6, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m. Thursday, October 4, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m. Thursday, November 1, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m. Thursday, December 6, 2012; 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 District, The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council East End 7th District, Member, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission 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 or The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council East End 7th District, Member, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission, at 804.646.3012; or cynthia.newbille@richmodngov.com. Background _________________________________________________________________________ Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission 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

Councilwoman Reva Trammell's upcoming schedule of meeting in the Southside 8th 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 24 April 2012 Councilwoman Reva Trammell's upcoming schedule of meeting in the Southside 8th District All Southside 8th District citizens invited and encouraged to attend WHAT The Honorable Reva M. Trammell, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Southside 8th District, will hold the following meetings in the Southside 8th District. Councilwoman Trammel personally holds individual monthly meetings that include information on her goals and accomplishments, a thematic agenda, special guests, free parking and free refreshments. The meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month and are free and all of Richmond’s Southside 8th District residents are invited and encouraged to attend. The upcoming meetings schedule is: WHEN Thursday, May 17, 2012; 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 21, 2012; 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 19, 2012; 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 16, 2012; 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 20, 2012; 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 18, 2012; 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 15, 2012; 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 20, 2012; 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 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 - 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.

Councilwoman Robertson announces Highland Park Community Meetings to be held fourth Thursday of each month

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, 24 April 2012 Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson announces Highland Park Community Meetings to be held fourth Thursday of each month Entire Highland Park Neighborhood Community invited and encouraged to attend WHAT The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, announces that there will be a Highland Park Community Meeting held every fourth Thursday of the month. The meetings will be for neighbors in realizing the rebirth, revitalization and renaissance of this historic and beautiful community treasure. Meetings will include (but not be limited to) discussions on the following topics: • New Highland Park Neighborhood Community Garden • New improvements to Ann Hardy Park for all ages and families • Presentation of a potential future Mural at Ann Hardy • Community efforts to reduce crime WHEN Thursday, April 26, 2012 5:00-7:00 p.m. WHERE Richmond Department of Parks Recreation and Community Facilities Ann Hardy Plaza Community Center 3300 First Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23231 WHO The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District CONTACT For more information, please contact Ms. Cybelle O’Sullivan-McDaniels, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or cybelle.o’sullivan@richmondgov.com; www.ellenrobertson.com (website) - 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.

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson encourages residents to attend "We Are Highland Park" beautification event for Ann Hardy Park

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 23 April 2012 Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson encourages residents to attend "We Are Highland Park" beautification event for Ann Hardy Park Everyone invited and encouraged to attend this exciting fun-filled family event WHAT The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, encourages the entire Highland Park Neighborhood to attend the "We Are Highland Park" Ann Hardy Plaza beautification event for the City of Richmond Ann Hardy Park being held this Saturday. This exciting family event will include neighbors helping neighbors and enjoying food, fun and fellowship in working together to beautify the Ann Hardy Park, located in the Gateway 6th District. It will include more than 60 neighbors, high school student and volunteers. Lunch will be provided to all volunteers. This event is a continuation of multiple exciting events and activities that have and are being planned in realizing the rebirth, revitalization and renaissance of this historic and beautiful community treasure. WHEN Saturday, April 28, 2012 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lunch served at 12:30 p.m. WHERE Meet at Richmond Department of Parks Recreation and Community Facilities Ann Hardy Plaza Community Center 3300 First Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23231 WHO The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District CONTACT For more information, please contact Ms. Cybelle O’Sullivan-McDaniels, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or cybelle.o’sullivan@richmondgov.com; www.ellenrobertson.com (website) - 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.

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson encourages entire Highland Park Neighborhood to attend "We Are Highland Park" Unity in the Community beautification event this Saturday

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson encourages entire Highland Park Neighborhood to attend "We Are Highland Park" Unity in the Community beautification event this Saturday Everyone invited and encouraged to attend this exciting fun-filled family event WHAT The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, encourages the entire Highland Park Neighborhood to attend the "We Are Highland Park" Unity in the Community beautification event being held this Saturday. This exciting family event will include neighbors helping neighbors and enjoying food, fun and fellowship in working together to beautify the Highland Park Neighborhood, located in the Gateway 6th District. It will include more than 50 neighbors, high school student and volunteers. Lunch will be provided to all volunteers. This event is a continuation of multiple exciting events and activities that have and are being planned in realizing the rebirth, revitalization and renaissance of this historic and beautiful community treasure. WHEN Saturday, April 21, 2012 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch at 12:30 p.m. WHERE Meet at Richmond Department of Parks Recreation and Community Facilities Ann Hardy Plaza Community Center 3300 First Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23231 WHO The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District CONTACT For more information, please contact Ms. Cybelle O’Sullivan-McDaniels, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or cybelle.o’sullivan@richmondgov.com; www.ellenrobertson.com (website) Friday 20 April 2012 Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov - E N D -

Richmond City Council encourages everyone to attend the Que Pasa Festival of Virginia

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 19 April 2012 Richmond City Council encourages everyone to attend the Que Pasa Festival of Virginia Being held on the Richmond Canal Walk on "Cinco de Mayo" (Richmond, Virginia) -- Richmond City Council invites and encourages everyone to attend the upcoming Que Pasa Festival of Virginia. Entry to this fun-filled family event is free and open to the public (donations are welcome). This will be the tenth year of this exciting event, which will celebrate Richmond's Hispanic Community, Latin American culture and the 150th Anniversary of "Cinco de Mayo". Being held in downtown Richmond on the Richmond Canal Walk, the event will include Latin American food, dancing, performances, crafts music and free canal boat rides. Festivities will include the transformative decoration of the Richmond Canal Walk to resemble to resemble that of Xochimilco, Mexico. WHEN Saturday, May 5, 2012 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. WHERE Richmond Canal Walk Turning Basin 137 Virginia Street, Richmond Virginia CONTACT For more information, please contact the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, at 804.378.4099; or visit the website, at quepasafestival.com. Background ____________________________________________________________________________ "Cinco de Mayo" is a date of Mexican heritage observed to commemorate the Mexican Army's triumph over French forces on May 5, 1862. (This is not Mexico's Independence Day, which is celebrated September 16). - 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 to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

44 free home make-overs in Eastview Neighborhood: Year of planning, preparation and production realized

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 18 April 2012 Councilwoman Robertson invites all to see 44 free home make-overs in Eastview Neighborhood: Year of planning, preparation and production realized Rebuilding Together of Richmond to deploy 1,500 volunteers in to fix homes owned by seniors with low-income and people who are disabled WHAT The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, invites everyone to come out and see 44 homes in the Eastview Neighborhood receive free home repair make-overs. Project to included homes owned by seniors with low-income and people who are disabled. Located in the Gateway 6th District, the Eastview Neighborhood includes a diverse mix of home styles, such as one story frame bungalows and brick Cape Cods. The homes were primarily built in the 1940's and 1950's. The Eastview Neighborhood is generally bounded by Interstates 64 and 95 on the north and west, the Mechanicsville Turnpike and Mosby Street corridor on the east, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Bridge on the south. Produced and managed by Rebuilding Together of Richmond, this 2012 Richmond Rebuilding Day event represents a year of dedication and hundreds of hours of planning, preparation and production. Work completed up to this point has included soliciting and reviewing applications; coordination of funding and supplies; months of skilled trades work done in preparation; and, coordination and management of 1,500 community volunteers. Examples of repairs and renovations include painting, heating/ cooling, roof, windows, handrails, porch repairs, lighting and removal of dangerous trip/ fall hazards. This will be the 20th event year. Rebuilding Together of Richmond is a local nonprofit agency that receives its supplies and funding from Richmond-based businesses, individuals and community partners. Homes to be repaired are chosen annually from applications submitted to Rebuilding Together of Richmond in November. Criteria for assistance include: homeowners who are 55 years of age or older or have disabilities; have a household income less than $25,000; and, living in a property in a selected project area (assessed annually). WHEN 2012 Richmond Rebuilding Day Event Saturday, 28 April 2012 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. WHERE Central Command Post Headquarters located at: Pilgrim Baptist Church 1900 Whitcomb Street WHO The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, CONTACT For more information, please contact Amy King, Director, Rebuilding Together of Richmond, at: 804.513.8628 (mobile); or via email, at: amy@rebuildingtogetherrichmond.org; or website, at www.rebuildingtogetherrichmond.org BACKGROUND __________________________________________________________________________ Rebuilding Together of Richmond Rebuilding Together of Richmond is part of nation's largest nonprofit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing critical home repair and modification services to those in need at no cost to homeowners. With the help of citizen volunteers, skilled tradesman, the support of local business and major corporate partners, Rebuilding Together affiliates in America’s largest cities and smallest towns make life considerably better for thousands of low-income homeowners. In addition to its core home repair work, Rebuilding Together also rehabilitates community centers and conducts home modification and repair programs that focus on aging in place. Rebuilding Together has programs dedicated to energy efficiency, veteran’s housing, and disaster recovery and reconstruction. For more information, please visit the Rebuilding Together website, at www.RebuildingTogether.org 2012 Rebuilding Together of Richmond Facts • Forty-four homes will be served in the Eastview Neighborhood • All homes are owned and occupied by seniors with low-income and people who are disabled living in the City of Richmond. • More than 1,500 volunteers participate in Rebuilding Together of Richmond each year. • The services and products delivered by Rebuilding Together of Richmond are paid for, sponsored and underwritten primarily by Richmond-based businesses and community partners. • The Richmond Rebuilding Together organization began in April 1993 with repairs to 23 homes in Richmond’s Blackwell Neighborhood. At the close of it nineteenth year, the organization has rehabilitated 879 homes and helped to revitalize 17 Richmond- area neighborhoods. • Improvements made to homes have included: o Reattaching gutters and downspouts o Adding handrails to front/back stoops, adding/repairing wheelchair ramps o Weatherizing doors and windows o Roof replacement, heating restoration and insulation o Hot water tank and other appliance repair and replacement o Electrical service upgrades o Bath fixtures replacement o Repair to floors rotted by wet conditions o Addition of security doors, deadbolts and peepholes. • The Home Modifications component of this program includes assessment of the homeowner and family members. Volunteer occupational and physical therapists make recommendations of products and modifications to be included in the rehab effort, such as: o Supplying durable medical equipment – tub benches, toilet railings, grab bars o Resolving safety issues – large numbers on telephones, CO2 and smoke detectors o Elimination of trip and fall hazards - 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.

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson encourages entire Highland Park Neighborhood to attend "We Are Highland Park" Unity in the Community beautification event this Saturday

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 18 April 2012 Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson encourages entire Highland Park Neighborhood to attend "We Are Highland Park" Unity in the Community beautification event this Saturday Everyone invited and encouraged to attend this exciting fun-filled family event WHAT The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, encourages the entire Highland Park Neighborhood to attend the "We Are Highland Park" Unity in the Community beautification event being held this Saturday. This exciting family event will include neighbors helping neighbors and enjoying food, fun and fellowship in working together to beautify the Highland Park Neighborhood, located in the Gateway 6th District. It will include more than 50 neighbors, high school student and volunteers. Lunch will be provided to all volunteers. This event is a continuation of multiple exciting events and activities that have and are being planned in realizing the rebirth, revitalization and renaissance of this historic and beautiful community treasure. WHEN Saturday, April 21, 2012 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch at 12:30 p.m. WHERE Meet at Richmond Department of Parks Recreation and Community Facilities Ann Hardy Plaza Community Center 3300 First Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23231 WHO The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District CONTACT For more information, please contact Ms. Cybelle O’Sullivan-McDaniels, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or cybelle.o’sullivan@richmondgov.com; www.ellenrobertson.com (website) - 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.

Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail First Phase Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Community Bike Ride to be held

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, 17 April 2012

Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail First Phase Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Community Bike Ride to be held

Official opening of a .4 mile stretch of a 1.9 mile planned project: All invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia) -- A Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail First Phase Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Community Bike Ride will be held to officially mark a significant milestone and achievement of the ongoing community improvement and reclamation initiative for a 1.9 mile area that comprises the Cannon Creek Greenway.

The Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail First Phase Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Community Bike Ride will commemorate the official opening of a .4 mile stretch (Dove Street to Valley Road) of the 1.9 mile planned project.

A community bike ride will commence immediately following the ribbon cutting and will run from Cannon Creek to Shockoe Bottom and Back. This marked course will be about two miles round-trip.

The Ceremony and Bike ride are free and open to the public and all families, residents, organizations and individuals are invited and encouraged to attend and bring their bikes and join in the celebration.

WHEN Saturday, May 5, 2012
10:00 a.m.- Noon

WHERE Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail
Entrance at the Intersection of Dove Street and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike
in the Richmond Gateway 6th District

WHO The Honorable Dwight C. Jones, Mayor of Richmond
The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman,
Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District
The Honorable Chris Hilbert, Councilman,
Richmond City Council, Northside 3rd District
Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, Director
Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities
Dr. Charles Price, Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club

CONTACT Steve Skinner, Richmond City Council Public Information Manager, at 804.937.1386 (mob) or steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

Dr. Charles Price, Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club, at 804. 358.0256 or fewmit@comcast.net (email)

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


BACKGROUND __________________________________________________________________________

Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Project
The Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Project is an ongoing community improvement and reclamation initiative for the 1.9 mile area that comprises the Cannon Creek Greenway, which includes a heavily-wooded ravine located adjacent to a section of the north-south Richmond-Henrico Turnpike between Valley Road on the south and Craigie Avenue, located in the Gateway 6th District and Northside 3 District of Richmond.

The goal of the project is to establish a nature, bike and pedestrian trail that includes family-oriented park facilities and a 1.9 mile, 10 foot wide, asphalt-surfaced path. It is envisioned that this project will help to increase the social, economic, and physical revitalization of the Northside and Gateway Voter Districts of Richmond. Plans for the Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway’s include serving as a scenic park and recreational area for the 300 unit, mixed income housing revitalization initiative of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) that will be built nearby. Construction of the RRHA initiative is planned for the near future.

The sidewalk and street intersections of the Greenway’s bicycle and pedestrian trial will connect the business and commercial corridor along E. Brookland Park Boulevard residential neighborhoods, schools, and community centers for ease of access by bicycling or walking. It will also provide an alternative transportation route for bicycle commuting from the residential neighborhoods of Highland Park and Barton Height to the City’s downtown. In addition to its use for family-oriented, recreational activities, the Greenway may also serve as an outdoor environmental laboratory for the science classes of nearby schools.

The Cannon Creek Greenway Project may also be linked to the United States of America East Coast Greenway, which is being built in sections from Main to Florida, and to the Virginia Capital Trail, which would link Richmond to Williamsburg and Jamestown.

Other projects leading up to this work have included two community cleanups, held in 2009 and 2010 to remove unwanted trash and debris and clearing the site of underbrush in 2010 and 2011 by Virginia Army National Guard, 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, with the assistance of the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and the Richmond Department of Public Works. The work of the Virginia Army National Guard, 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, has been critical to the success of this community project. The work performed by the Virginia Army National Guard in 2011 is valued at more than $275,000 and was provided to Richmond at no charge.

The Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Project is supported by The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council Gateway 6th District, The Honorable Christopher A. Hilbert, Councilman, Richmond City Council Northside 3rd District, Richmond Department of Public Works, Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, Virginia Army National Guard, Southern Barton Heights Community Association, Virginia Chapter Sierra Club, Richmond Public Schools, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Green Park Civic Association, Highland View Civic Association, Chestnut Hill Action Team, Battery Park Civic Association and the Virginia Tech School of Architecture and Design - Landscape Architecture Program.


Timeline ________________________________________________________________________________
The following is a summarized Progress Timeline:

2008 Planning for the features of the Greenway began in 2008 and has included a series of community meetings and workshops involving neighborhood civic associations, elected Councilmembers, residents of the Highland Park and Barton Heights communities, Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation, Richmond Department of Community Development, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA), and several environmental and recreation organizations.

2009 Saturday, January 24, 2009,
A Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Community Cleanup was established to remove unwanted trash and debris from the Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway. The cleanups have been extremely successful in helping transform the area, which, over the years, had been used as an illegal dump site. The cleanup included more than 200 volunteers who cleaned up 20 tons of trash, which included 400 tires.

October, 2009
A stakeholders’ Planning “Charrette” was conducted to decide on the features of the reclaimed Cannon Creek Greenway by faculty and students of the Virginia Tech Landscape Architectural Program. The Richmond Government Administration also completed an environmental study of the Greenway site began conducting an engineering study of the area and hired an engineering consultant contractor to study of the proposed alternative routes of the Greenway’s bike and pedestrian trail.

December 1, 2009
Richmond submitted an “Innovative Readiness Training Request for Military Assistance Application to the Virginia Office of the Office and the Virginia Adjutant General to the Virginia Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Reserve Affairs. The request was for them to establish, as a training function of the Virginia National Guard, the clearing of undergrowth and construction of the Cannon Creek Greenway’s bike/pedestrian trail and park by the Virginia Army National Guard, 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion.

2010 Saturday, March 20, 2010
Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Community Cleanup was held to remove unwanted trash and debris from the Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway. The cleanup included an estimated 100 community volunteers.

July 22 - July 27, 2010
The First Phase of the Project was begun to clear undergrowth in the Cannon Creek Greenway. This included approximately 25 Citizen Soldier Engineers from the Powhatan-based Virginia Army National Guard - 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion and the assistance of the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and the Richmond Department of Public Works. This project included the clearing of sizable undergrowth and grading the land for a walking and biking trail. The Petersburg-based Virginia Army National Guard - Forward Support Company of the 276th Engineer Battalion provided logistical support for the units on site to keep them fed and fueled. The work performed was valued at more than $20,000 and was provided to Richmond at no charge. The use of heavy and light engineerng equipment on the site helps provide “real world” training in preparing Soldiers for the Defense Support to Civilian Authorities mission in responding in the aftermath of devastating hurricanes, floods, tornados and ice/snow events.

2011 July 17- July 27, 2011
Approximately 75 Citizen Soldier Engineers from the Powhatan-based Virginia Army National Guard - 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, with the assistance of the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and the Richmond Department of Public Works, cleared sizable undergrowth and grading the land for a pedestrian and biking trail along Cannon Creek. The Petersburg-based Virginia Army National Guard - Forward Support Company of the 276th Engineer Battalion provided logistical support for the units on site to keep them fed and fueled. The work performed was valued at more than $275,000 and was provided to Richmond citizens at no charge. The use of heavy and light engineer equipment on the site helps provide “real world” training in preparing Soldiers for the Defense Support to Civilian Authorities mission in responding in the aftermath of devastating hurricanes, floods, tornados and ice/snow events.

July 26, 2011
The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District and the community surrounding the Cannon Creek Greenway held a thank you dinner and celebration for Virginia Army National Guard - 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion. The celebration dinner was sponsored and hosted by the community in appreciation of their outstanding work and included a community tour of the site. The work performed was valued at more than $275,000 and was provided to Richmond citizens at no charge.

Dove Street Redevelopment ______________________________________________________________
Once the location of Dove Court, a public housing complex, operated by the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA), plans for the area include building new mixed-income rental and for-sale housing on the former Dove Court site and the site of the former Carrington Gardens-Northridge Apartments. It will also include redevelopment of a former Virginia Army National Guard Armory building located there and the creation of for-sale housing.

- 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.

UPDATED: Richmond City Council schedule for establishing Fiscal Year 2013 Richmond Government Budget

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, 11 April 2012

UPDATED: Richmond City Council schedule for establishing Fiscal Year 2013 Richmond Government Budget

Current Richmond Government Budget for FY 2012 is $1,447,745,909 and Includes: Richmond General Fund, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), Special Funds, Enterprise Funds, Internal Service Funds, and Federal, State and additional funds for Richmond Public Schools

(Richmond, Virginia) -- UPDATED SCHEDULE BELOW and Attached, Most recent additions done in purple. As Americans, we pool our resources in order to own and operate our citizen-run governments. In doing so, we decide how we want our community to operate (laws); what public services we invest in (funding); the priority (investment levels) of services; and, how we pay for them (taxes/fees).

As the governing body of Richmond, Richmond City Council represents residents in determining the laws and government services they want. Thus, each year Richmond City Council establishes an annual Richmond Government Budget (In practice: An initial biennial (2-yr.) fiscal plan budget is established that is further amended in its second year.) and establishes a Richmond Real Estate Tax Rate to help pay for some of it (estimated 15%). Richmond is currently in the second year of a two-year fiscal plan.

Our Richmond government services include the management and delivery such things as the administration, management and delivery of clean/safe drinking water, streets and parks; trash/leaf/sewage removal; public transportation; police; firefighting/rescue; economic development; and, educating our children.

Our Richmond Government Budget includes the following six components: Richmond General Fund, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), Special Funds, Enterprise Funds, Internal Service Funds, and Federal, State and additional funds for Richmond Public Schools.

Our Richmond Government operates on a Fiscal Year running July 1 to June 30 annually. The current Richmond Government Budget for FY 2012 is $1,447,745,909 and was established by Richmond City Council on May 23, 2011. It began July 1, 2011 and ends June 30, 2012.

Richmond City Council's review and establishment of a new budget for the upcoming fiscal year will include more than a dozen public meetings, hearings and work sessions. These meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to attend.

At the conclusion of the deliberations, Council will vote to officially establish an official Richmond Government Budget for the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY), which runs from July 1 to June 30 annually. Our Official Richmond Government Budget takes the form of laws, which are approved by Council as Ordinances. Council is scheduled to vote to establish a final budget during its regular Formal Council Meeting on Monday, May 14, 2012, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

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

Richmond citizens are invited and encouraged to attend any and all of the public meetings and budget work sessions. While there is no public comment during the work sessions, citizens are invited to publicly address Council regarding the Budget during the Council Public Hearings.

The following is the Richmond City Council Comprehensive Schedule for establishing the Fiscal Year 2013 Richmond Government Budget. It includes budget review, work sessions public hearings and action dates. This schedule is subject to change. For the latest times and locations, please call the Richmond City Council Office of the City Clerk, at 804.646.7955.




UPDATED: FY 2013 Council Budget Review Schedule
Revised 4.11.2012/1258 hrs/srs
Meetings to be held at Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor; 900 E. Broad St. Richmond, Virginia 23219

Date/Time Title Description Meeting Location
August 2011-February 2012
August 2011 - February 2012 Council Budget Review Council works with Administration to Review Budget needs Ongoing staff meetings Different locations
March
Tuesday
March 6, 2012
3:00 p.m. Budget Proposal submitted to Council by Mayor Council receives a proposed budget from Mayor Council Special Meeting Richmond City Council Chambers
Friday
March 9, 2012
1:00 p.m. Internal Initial Budget Review Internal Staff meeting: Budget Meets with Council Staff for an Initial Budget Review Work Session Staff meetings 3rd Floor, Conference Room
Monday
March 12, 2012
2:30 p.m.
(held 30 min. early) Council Initial Budget Review
will occur during the Council Informal Meeting Well-Managed Government
• Real Estate Tax Rate for 2013 &
Fee Changes
• Major Gen. Fund Expenditure Changes
• One-time Budget Items
• Debt Service Council Informal Meeting Richmond City Council Chambers
Thursday
March 15, 2012
3:00 p.m.
Budget review begins 5:00 p.m. Council Finance Meeting begins 3:00 p.m. Council Budget Review begins 5:00 p.m. Education and Workforce Development
• Richmond Public Schools Budget
• Review of Workforce Development
Goals, Budget Items & Initiatives
• City Personnel Complement
Changes (Position Eliminations)
• Unfunded Vacant Positions Council Finance & Economic Development Standing Committee Meeting Richmond City Council Chambers
Monday
March 19, 2012
4:00 p.m.
Budget review begins 5:00 p.m. Council Public Safety Mtng. begins 4:00 p.m. Council Budget Review begins 5:00 p.m. Community Safety and Well-Being
• Police & Fire Budget Reviews
• E-911 System Update
• Constitutional Offices
• Unfunded Vacant Positions Council Public Safety Sanding Committee Meeting Richmond City Council Chambers
Tuesday
March 20, 2012
3:00 p.m.
Budget Review Begins at 6:00 p.m. Council Land Use Meeting begins 3:00 p.m.
Council Budget Review begins 6:00 p.m. Unique, Healthy and Inclusive Communities and Neighborhoods
• Non-Departmental Budget Review
• Special Revenue Funds Review Council Land Use, Housing & Transportation Standing Committee Mtng. Richmond City Council Chambers
Wednesday
March 21, 2012
4:00 p.m. Budget review begins 5:00 p.m. Council HHSE Meeting begins 4:00 p.m.
Council Budget Review begins 5:00 p.m. Unique, Healthy/Inclusive Communities & Neighborhoods & Economic Growth
• Human Services (Richmond Dept. of
Social Services, RJS, Richmond Ofic. of
Hispanic Liaison, RDCAO/HS, Library,
Parks/Rec./Community Facilities) Council Health, Human Services & Education Standing Committee Richmond City Council Chambers
Thursday
March 22, 2012
4:00 p.m.
Budget review begins 5:00 p.m. Council Gov. Ops Meeting begins 4:00 p.m.
Council Budget Review begins 5:00 p.m.. Transportation and
Sustainability and the Natural Environment
• Public Works
• Public Utilities Council Govt. Operations Standing Committee Richmond City Council Chambers
Monday
March 26, 2012
2:30 p.m.
(held 30 min. early) Council Budget Review will occur during the Council Informal Meeting Well-Managed Government
• Employee Benefits & HR Issues (Joint
Healthcare Savings Update)
• Retirement System (Need to discuss
remaining unfunded liability)
• Latest Date for Federal Funds
Consolidated Plan/Budget Intro

Council Informal Meeting Richmond City Council Chambers
April
Tuesday
April 3, 2012
5:00 p.m. Council Budget Review Capital Improvement Plan Initial Review Council Special Budget Work Session Richmond City Council Chambers
Thursday
April 5, 2012
5:00 p.m. Council Budget Review • Richmond Dept. of Finance
• Richmond Office of the Mayor
• Richmond Office of the Chief Administrative Officer
• Mayor's Proposed Budget Strategic Plan Council Special Budget Work Session Richmond City Council Chambers
Monday
April 9, 2012
2:30 p.m. Council Budget Review- To occur during Informal Mtng Unique, Healthy & Inclusive Communi-ties & Neighborhoods & Economic Growth
• Economic and Community Development
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds/Federal Funds Review Council Informal Meeting Richmond City Council Chambers
Tuesday
April 10, 2012
6:00 p.m. Public Hearing on Budget Meeting to solicit the public's input on the budget Council Special Budget Public Hearing Council Chambers
Tuesday
April 17, 2012
3:00 p.m.
Budget review begins 5:00 p.m. Council Land Use Meeting begins 3:00 p.m. Council Budget Review begins 5:00 p.m. • Presentation by the Greater Richmond Partnership (Greg Wingfield)
• Council Agency Budget Presentations
• Riverfront Plan
• Richmond Dept. of Planning and Development Review Council Land Use, Housing & Transpor-tation Standing Committee Meeting Richmond City Council Chambers
Thursday
April 19, 2012
3:00 p.m.
Budget Review begins 5:00 p.m. Council Finance Meeting begins at 3:00 p.m.
Council Budget Review begins 5:00 p.m. • Council Agency Requests
• Mayor's Richmond Public Schools Taskforce's Final Report provided to Richmond City Council Council Finance & Economic Development Standing Committee Meeting Richmond City Council Chambers
Monday
April 23, 2012
5:00 p.m. DEADLINE: Council Amendments to Council Budget Staff Councilmembers are to submit all proposed budget amendments to Council Budget Staff by 5:00 p.m. N/A N/A
Monday
April 23, 2012
6:00 p.m. Federal Funds Public Hearing
(during Formal Mtng.) Public Hearing Federal Funds Richmond City Council Formal Meeting Richmond City Council Chambers
Tuesday
April 24, 2012
5:00 p.m. Richmond Capital Improvement Plan Discussion • Richmond Capital Improvement Plan
Discussion
Council Special Meeting Richmond City Council Chambers
Wednesday
April 25, 2012
5:00 p.m. Council Budget Amendment Discussion • Council Budget Amendment Discussion Council Special Meeting Richmond City Council Chambers
Thursday
April 26 2012
5:00 p.m. Amendment Discussion • Council Budget Amendment Discussion Council Special Meeting Council Chambers
Friday
April 27, 2012
10:00 a.m. DEADLINE: Council Amendments to City Attorney Council Staff Will Provide List of Budget Amendments to City Attorney's Office N/A N/A
May
Tuesday
May 1, 2012
5:00 p.m. Council Budget Review Introduction Date for All Council Budget Amendments Council Special Budget Work Session Richmond City Council Chambers
Thursday
May 3, 2012
5:00 p.m. Council Budget Review Additional meeting if needed Council Special Budget Work Session Richmond City Council Chambers
Monday
May 14, 2012
3:00 p.m. Council Informal Mtng. (may include budget discussion) Council Informal Meeting (may include budget discussion) Council Informal Meeting Richmond City Council Chambers
Monday
May 14, 2012
6:00 p.m. Public Hearing on Amendments & Budget Adoption
(during Formal Mtng.) Adopt all Budgets (including Federal Funds) at First Council Meeting in May
Council Formal Meeting Richmond City Council Chambers
Tuesday
May 15, 2012
N/A DEADLINE:Richmond Public Schools Budget Adoption Per State Law, Richmond City Council must Adopt a Budget for Richmond Public Schools' Budget Must by May 15, 2012. N/A N/A
Tuesday
May 15, 2012
N/A Federal Funds Submission *DEADLINE* Pursuant to Federal Law, Federal Funds, Annual Plan and Budget must be submitted to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - No Later Than May 15, 2012. N/A N/A

CONTACT Residents are invited and encouraged to share their comments, questions and concerns with Richmond City Councilmember representing them, using the following contact information:

Member of the
2009–2012 RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL ________________

PRESIDENT (2011-2012)
The Honorable Kathy Graziano
Councilwoman, Richmond City Council - Southwest 4th District
804.320.2454 (office tel); 640.9594 (mobile)
kathy.graziano@richmondgov.com (email)

VICE PRESIDENT (2011-2012)
The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson
Councilwoman, Richmond City Council - Gateway 6th District
804.646.7964 (office tel); 314.7658 (mobile)
ellen.robertson@richmondgov.com (email)

West End 1st District
The Honorable Bruce W. Tyler, Councilman
Richmond City Council - West End 1st District
804.357.6007 (mobile)
bruce.tyler@richmondgov.com (email)

North Central 2nd District
The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman
Richmond City Council - North Central 2nd District
804.646.6532 (office tel); 690.0898 (mobile)
charles.samuels@richmondgov.com (email)

Northside 3rd District
The Honorable Christopher A. Hilbert, Councilman
Richmond City Council - Northside 3rd District
804.646.6055 (office tel) 306.0875 (mobile)
chris.hilbert@richmondgov.com (email)

Central 5th District
The Honorable E. Martin Jewell, Councilman
Richmond City Council - Central 5th District
804.646.5724 (office tel); 332.3654 (mobile)
marty.jewell@richmondgov.com (email)

East End 7th District
The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman*
Richmond City Council - East End 7th District
804.646.3012 (office tel); 241.7544 (mobile)
cynthia.newbille@richmondgov.com (email)
*Elected November 3, 2009 in special local election

Southside 8th District
The Honorable Reva M. Trammell, Councilwoman
Richmond City Council - Southside 8th District
804.646.6591 (office tel); 240.5050 (mobile); 233.7382 (home)
reva.trammell@richmondgov.com (email)

South Central 9th District
The Honorable Douglas G. Conner, Jr., Councilman
Richmond City Council - South Central 9th District
804.646.5497 (office tel); 363.3443 (mobile)
doug.conner@richmondgov.com (email)
_____________________________________________________________

For updated meeting information, please contact the Richmond City Council Office of the City Clerk, at 804.646.7955.

For more information regarding Richmond City Council, please contact Steve Skinner, Council Public Information Manager, Richmond City Council Office of the Council Chief of Staff, at 804.646.6052 (o); or, steven.skinner@richmondgov.com


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.

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

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold Gateway 6th District Community meeting with the Unity Day Celebration Event

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, 10 March 2012

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold Gateway 6th District Community meeting with the Unity Day Celebration Event

All Gateway 6th District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, will host a community meeting and Unity Day Celebration in the Gateway 6th District. This is part of the regular meetings she typically holds on the second Saturday of each month, which include information on her Gateway 6th District goals and accomplishments; a thematic agenda of current interest; and, special guests. All Gateway 6th District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. Free refreshments will be served. Parking is Free. The planned agenda for this meeting will include:

• Unity Day Celebration
- Children's Activities
- Creative Dancing
- Music
- Poetry
- Food
- More

• Councilwoman Robertson's Gateway 6th District Information Table and Announcements

WHEN Saturday, April 14, 2012
2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

WHERE 1800 Harwood Street

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

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

For more information on the Unity Celebration, please contact Mr. Don Reich, at 703.216.7758 or Ms. Janie Walker, at 804.306.8665.



- 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.

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold Eastview Neighborhood Master Plan Meeting in Gateway 6th 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, 10 April 2012

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold Eastview Neighborhood Master Plan Meeting in Gateway 6th District

Residents invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, will hold an Eastview Neighborhood Master Plan Meeting in the Gateway 6th District. All Eastview Neighborhood citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. Free refreshments will be served. Parking is Free. The planned agenda for this meeting will include:

The agenda will include:
• Budget appropriation
• Justice Center
• Conrad Center
• Oliver Hill Way
• Services for youth

This meeting is in addition to the regular meetings she typically holds on the second Saturday of each month, which include information on her Gateway 6th District goals and accomplishments; a thematic agenda of current interest; and, special guests. All Gateway 6th District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. Free refreshments will be served. Parking is Free.

WHEN Saturday, April 14, 2012
10:00 a.m.-Noon

WHERE Conrad Center
1400 Oliver Hill Way
Richmond, Virginia 23219

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

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



- 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.

Updated: Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission 2012 Regular Schedule of Meetings

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
Thursday, 5 April 2012

Updated: Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission 2012 Regular Schedule of Meetings

July Meeting date changed to following week to avoid Independence Day Holiday week: All Citizens invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT 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. (NOTE: The July Meeting date was changed to the following week to avoid the Independence Day (July 4) Holiday week.)

The meetings are 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 citizens 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 Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission
2012 Regular Schedule of Meetings

Thursday, April 5, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 3, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 7, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 12, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m.
(changed from July 5, 2012)

Thursday, August 2, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 6, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 4, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 1, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 6, 2012; 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 District,

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

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

Background _________________________________________________________________________

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission
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