Richmond City Council: August 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold 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

Friday, August 31, 2012

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold meeting in Gateway 6th District

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 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:

AGENDA

• Panel Discussion on Strategies to Address Blighted and Derelict Properties in Richmond

Experts will be available to address various topics on this issue including receivership, policy and code enforcement.

• General information to be provided on citywide resources & events

WHEN Saturday, September 8, 2012

10:00 a.m.-Noon

WHERE Richmond Public Library - Main Branch - Auditorium

101 East Franklin Street

Richmond, Virginia 23224

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

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

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Richmond City Council invites families to attend the 2012 Richmond Northside WE CARE Festival on Saturday

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission to hold September meeting

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

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

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Thursday, 30 August 2012

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission to hold September meeting

All Richmond Residents invited and encouraged to attend

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

• Welcome

• New Business

• Updates

• Committee Reports

• Charette

• Upcoming Events

• Closing Remarks/Adjournment

WHEN Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission

2012 Regular Schedule of Meetings: Upcoming Meetings

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

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

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 (email); or visit the Richmond City Council website, at www.council.richmondva.gov

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

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Richmond City Council Official meeting schedule for September 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

Tuesday, 28 August 2012

Richmond City Council Official meeting schedule for September 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, Virginia, Richmond City Council holds an average of 12 official monthly public government meetings on behalf of Richmond residents to discuss, deliberate, and act on City laws, City Government Budget/Finances and City Government 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.

Richmond City Council Official Government Meetings are held monthly (with the exception of August and a second Formal and Informal meeting in December) on behalf of the "body of Council" and typically 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.

Richmond City Council Formal and Informal meetings are held in Richmond City Council Chambers, which is located on the second floor of Richmond City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. Public Transportation, via GRTC, and free street parking around/in the vicinity of Richmond City Hall is available.

All Richmond citizens are invited and encouraged to attend all Richmond City Council meetings and to contact the Richmond Councilmember elected for their Richmond Voter District (by phone, in person, via email, or by mail) to learn more; provide input; and/or, ask questions.

Richmond City Council also invites and encourages all Richmond residents to attend and/or access Council Formal Meetings through any of the five ways that it has established to provide and deliver public access to the Council Formal Meetings.

The five ways Richmond City Council makes Richmond City Council Formal Meetings available to the public include the following:

1. Council holds regular Richmond City Council Formal Meetings Richmond City Council maintains a regular schedule of Formal Meetings and all Richmond Resident are invited and encouraged to attend any and all Richmond City Council Formal Meetings (The meetings are held in Richmond City Council Chambers, located on the second floor of Richmond City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.)

2. Council provides Live TV Broadcasts of Council Formal Meetings Council provides live televised broadcast of Formal Meetings on PBS TV Station, WVCW

3. Council provides daily TV replays of Council Formal Meetings

Council provides televised replays Council Formal Meetings twice a day, beginning at Noon and 7:00 p.m. on Richmond Government Channel 17

4. Council provides video copies of Council Formal Meetings

Council provides video copies of Formal Meetings upon request

5. Council provides videos of Council Formal Meetings via website

Council provides videos of Formal Meetings on its website, at www.council.richmondva.gov - click Meeting Videos button.

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 (email); or visit the Richmond City Council website, at www.council.richmondva.gov

MAILING ADDRESS

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Hall

900 East Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219 U.S.A.

Richmond City Council Meeting Schedule Summary

2012 September

Monday, September 3, 2012______________________________________

LABOR DAY HOLIDAY (NO MEETINGS)

Richmond Government will observe the Labor Day Holiday and government offices and Richmond City Hall will be closed. Richmond City Council meetings regularly scheduled for that calendar day will be held the following day.

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

Richmond City Council

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE Meeting

Responsible for oversight, monitoring and updating policy regarding Richmond City Council internal operations, Council offices and functions of Richmond City Council Standing Committees and Richmond City Council Boards, Commissions and Task Forces.

LOCATION Richmond City Hall, 2nd Floor Large Conference Room

Richmond City Hall; 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd floor; Richmond, Virginia 23222

Frequency Typically meets the first Monday of each month; 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Monday, September 10, 2012; 3:00-5:00 p.m._______________________

Richmond City Council

INFORMAL MEETING

Responsible for reviewing information and preparing for “Formal” Council meetings. Meetings may include presentations from city administration or private entities.

LOCATION Richmond City Council Chambers

Richmond City Hall; 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd floor; Richmond, Virginia 23222

Frequency Typically meets the second and forth Monday of each month; 3:00-4:30 p.m. (With the exception of holidays and the month of August and a second meeting in December, when typically no meetings are held.)

Monday, September 10, 2012; 6:00-8:00 p.m.________________ _______

Richmond City Council

FORMAL MEETING

Responsible for deciding official Council action, which includes discussing, adopting, rejecting, and amending laws and approving the budget. Formal meetings include a time for 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; 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd floor; Richmond, Virginia 23222

Frequency Typically meets the second and forth Monday of each month; 6:00-8:00 p.m. (With the exception of holidays and the month of August and a second meeting in December, when typically no meetings are held.)

Monday, September 17, 2012; 5:00-6:30 p.m._______________________

Richmond City Council

PUBLIC SAFETY STANDING COMMITTEE Meeting

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 Department of Police Training Academy

1202 W. Graham Road (Located in Richmond’s Northside - off Brook Road)

Frequency Typically meets the third Monday of each month; 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012; 3:00-4:30 p.m.____________ ___________

Richmond City Council

LAND USE, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE Meeting

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; 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd floor; Richmond, Virginia 23222

Frequency Typically meets the Tuesday following the 3rd Monday of each month; 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012; 5:00-6:30 p.m.___________________

Richmond City Council

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE Meeting

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; 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd floor; Richmond, Virginia 23222

Frequency Typically meets the third Wednesday of each month; 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 20, 2012; 3:00-4:30 p.m.______________________

Richmond City Council

FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STANDING COMMITTEE Meeting

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; 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd floor; Richmond, Virginia 23222

Frequency Beginning February 2011 meets the third Thursday of each month; 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Monday, September 24, 2012; 3:00-5:00 p.m._______________________

Richmond City Council

INFORMAL MEETING

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; 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd floor; Richmond, Virginia 23222

Frequency Typically meets the second and forth Monday of each month; 3:00-4:30 p.m. (With the exception of holidays and the month of August and a second meeting in December, when typically no meetings are held.)

Monday, September 24, 2012; 6:00-8:00 p.m._______________________

Richmond City Council

FORMAL MEETING

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; 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd floor; Richmond, Virginia 23222

Frequency Typically meets the second and forth Monday of each month; 6:00-8:00 p.m. (With the exception of holidays and the month of August and a second meeting in December, when typically no meetings are held.)

Thursday, September 27, 2012; 5:00-6:30 p.m________________________

Richmond City Council

GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS STANDING COMMITTEE Meeting

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

Richmond City Hall; 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd floor; Richmond, Virginia 23222

Frequency Typically meets the Fourth Thursday of each month; 4:00-5:30 p.m.

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 -

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.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Richmond City Council Innovation & Excellence in Education Special Fund Official Grant Application provided to the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation to begin submission process: Special Fund includes $1.1 million

Postponed New Date: Richmond City Council invites families to attend the 2012 Richmond Northside WE CARE Festival

Richmond City Council invites families to register to attend the 2012 CAPUP Annual Community Day; "Walk Against Poverty" Slave Trail Walk to be held

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Richmond City Council Audit Committee to meet: Rescheduled meeting from July

Richmond residents reminded of September 1st application deadline for the FY 2013 Richmond Adopt-a-Tree Program: Purchase, plant and protect a Community Street Tree

Richmond City Council adding fifth way for residents to access Council Formal Meeting: Videos being added to Council website

Richmond City Council invites families to attend the 2012 Richmond Northside WE CARE Festival

Monday, August 20, 2012

1,000 Richmond Election Officers needed to work election day: Starting pay $110.00

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Richmond City Council seeks individuals to serve on Richmond Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board: Applications to be submitted by Friday, August 31, 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

Tuesday, 14 August 2012

Richmond City Council seeks individuals to serve on Richmond Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board: Applications to be submitted by Friday, August 31, 2012

Interested individuals invited and encouraged to apply

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) – Richmond City Council encourages interested persons to apply to serve as a member of the Richmond City Council Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board. Applications are to be submitted by Friday, August 31, 2012.

Those interested in serving are invited to use the application, located online at, http://www.richmondgov.com/CityCouncil/CouncilBoardsCommissions.aspx or http://eservices.ci.richmond.va.us/applications/boardscommissions/index.aspx

Established by Richmond City Council on July 23, 2012 by Richmond City Council Ordinance number 2012-156-125, the purpose of the Richmond Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board is to submit a report containing the Board's advice and recommendations concerning appropriateness of such regulations, operational policies and procedures for using the Richmond Affordable Housing Trust Fund, with respect to the following:

1. The ways in which the City may ensure the sustainability and proper use of the Fund over time and any conditions under which the Council should establish an oversight board or board of trustees to administer the Fund.

2. Potential dedicated revenue sources for the Fund.

3. The ratio of grants to loans to be disbursed from the Fund.

4. In accordance with the advice of the City Attorney or the designee thereof, the ways in which the City may lawfully encourage recipients of disbursements from the Fund to employ individuals of low and moderate income households in the projects for which funds are expended in accordance with the purposes of the Fund.

5. In accordance with the advice of the City Attorney or the designee thereof, the ways in which the City may lawfully encourage minority business enterprises, as defined in Chapter 74 of the Code of the City of Richmond (2004), as amended, to participate in the City’s efforts to accomplish the purposes set forth in section 58-101 of the Code of the City of Richmond (2004), as amended.

6. Any other factors or considerations, as the Board may identify, affecting the City’s ability to achieve the purposes of the Fund.

The Richmond Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board shall consist of 13 members appointed by Richmond City Council. Seven members are to be nominated by Richmond City Council and six members are to be nominated by the Mayor.

Richmond City Council shall select one member from each of the following categories:

1. A licensed and practicing attorney with experience in structuring mixed-finance transactions in support of the construction of mixed-income residential development.

2. A real estate finance professional with experience in administering, or overseeing the administration of, programs designed to facilitate the development of affordable multi-family housing and multiple units of affordable single-family detached housing.

3. A real estate professional, builder or developer with experience in affordable housing and community development.

4. A person experienced in managing affordable or mixed-income multi-family residential properties.

5. A representative of an organization the primary mission of which is to promote fair housing standards.

6. A representative of an organization or community group the primary mission of which is to advocate on behalf of low-income residents.

7. A tenant of residential property located in the city of low and moderate income and who resides in the city.

The Mayor shall recommend one member from each of the following:

1. A real estate finance professional with experience in administering, or overseeing the administration of, programs designed to facilitate the development of affordable multi-family housing and multiple units of affordable single-family detached housing.

2. A real estate professional, builder or developer with experience in affordable housing and community development.

3. A representative of an organization or community group the primary mission of which is to advocate on behalf of low-income residents.

4. A representative of a national organization with multi-jurisdictional experience in establishing or advising, either or both, those who operate affordable housing trust funds.

5. A representative of a corporation that employs residents of the city, or a nonprofit organization that operates within and serves the residents of the city, and is actively engaged in civic and philanthropic endeavors.

6. A homeowner of property located in the city of low and moderate income and who resides in the city.

CONTACT For more information about how to apply for appointment to the Richmond City Council Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board or to any other Richmond City Council board, commission, committee or task force, please call 804.646.7955; or visit

http://www.richmondgov.com/CityCouncil/CouncilBoardsCommissions.aspx

BACKGROUND ______________________________________________________________________

Richmond City Council Boards, Commissions, Committees and Task Forces

Critical to the foundation of our citizen-run government, Richmond City Council regularly establishes and/or appoints members to serve on local Richmond and regional government boards, commissions, committees and task forces to assist with providing oversight on various topics, programs and services.

Appointed public bodies provide additional intellectual assistance on subjects that shape the quality of our lives, neighborhoods and city and increase our government openness, inclusion and transparency. Richmond citizens are invited and encouraged to serve.

Service on these entities provides residents with additional opportunities to participate in and learn more about their government and to provide their education, experience, skills and abilities in service of their community. Time commitments vary from a few hours a year, up to 20 hours a month. Appointments are made throughout the year as vacancies occur and new entities are created and meeting times, dates, locations and frequency are scheduled as needed. Individual requirements for appointment consideration are different for each entity, which range from advisory to policy to governing.

Richmond City Council currently appoints members to 56 local and regional public bodies; most of which are volunteer/non-paid positions. In addition, Council appoints members to five (5) non-governmental organizations and one (1) federal government entity; for an estimated 61 entities (as of 3.1.2012/please check for updated entities). Oversight is provided by one of the six Richmond City Council Standing Committees an entity is assigned to.

Appointed terms include project-oriented ones that exist for a few months and more long-term ones that last up to three years (unless otherwise specified and/or service may be longer if a new appointment has not been made and the incumbent is willing to continue service until that time.) Incumbents may be considered for reappointment (as appropriate/allowed) at the conclusion of their term and generally may serve up to two successive full terms. (Note: It is possible for a person to be appointed to serve to fill a remainder of a partial unexpired term then be appointed twice more to serve two subsequent successive terms).

Some relevant laws covering appointments include the following:

Code of the City of Richmond (2004), as amended (Richmond Code of Laws):

Section 2-836 Eligibility of members to succeed themselves;

terms of members.

(a) Notwithstanding any possible section in this Code to the contrary, no citizen member of a board or commission, other than persons appointed by the council to serve as members of the Capital Region Airport Commission (chapter 380, Acts of Assembly 1980) or the Greater Richmond Transit Company, shall be appointed to more than two successive full terms on a board or commission; provided, however, the members of the Monroe Park Advisory council and the Highway Safety Commission may serve up to three successive full terms and provided, however, a person appointed to fill a vacancy (that is, an unexpired term) may serve two successive full terms upon completion of the unexpired term for which the person has been appointed. However, this subsection shall not apply to governmental authorities created by the city.

(b) Unless otherwise specified by general law, ordinance or resolution, the term of office for the members of any board, commission, or committee the members of which are appointed by the council shall be three years.

Citizens interested in being appointed to serve as a member of a local Richmond or regional public government body or non-government organization (a general list of which follows below), that Richmond City Council appoints members to, are invited to review the descriptions, purposes and individual membership requirements and vacancies and apply online at: http://www.richmondgov.com/CityCouncil/CouncilBoardsCommissions.aspx or http://eservices.ci.richmond.va.us/applications/boardscommissions/index.aspx

CONTACT For more information and/or updated list, please call the Richmond City Council Office of the City Clerk, at 804.646.7955; or visit - http://www.richmondgov.com/CityCouncil/CouncilBoardsCommissions.aspx

Richmond City Council Appointments

Richmond Council appoints members to the following (please check for updated entities) Governmental Public Bodies and Non-Governmental Organizations. In accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, as functioning government entities, all meetings of Local and Regional Governmental Public Bodies are open to the public. Some of these entities include the following (note new ones are added as needed and might not be on this list). Please refer to the database for the most current updates, at:

http://www.richmondgov.com/CityCouncil/CouncilBoardsCommissions.aspx or http://eservices.ci.richmond.va.us/applications/boardscommissions/index.aspx

Richmond Local Government Public Bodies (40) _____________________________________

Richmond City Council Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board

Richmond Ambulance Authority Board

Richmond Architectural Review Commission

Richmond Architectural Review Commission Task Force

Richmond Arts and Cultural Funding Consortium Board

Richmond Assessment of Towing Fees and the Storage of Vehicles Advisory Board

Richmond City Council Audit Committee

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority Board

Richmond Broad Street Community Development Authority Board

Richmond Building Code Appeals Board - Building Related Mechanical Division

Richmond Building Code Appeals Board - Electrical Division

Richmond Building Code Appeals Board - General Division

Richmond Building Code Appeals Board - Plumbing Division

Richmond City Council Career and Technical Education Commission

Richmond City Council Carillon Advisory Committee

Richmond City Council Richmond City Charter Review Commission

Richmond City Council Richmond Clean City Commission

Richmond Community Criminal Justice Board

Richmond Community Policy and Management Team

Richmond Disability Services Board

Richmond Economic Development Authority Board

Richmond Fire Appeals Board

Richmond City Council Green City Commission

Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force

Richmond Health Advisory Board

Richmond Highway Safety Commission

Richmond Maritime Commerce Advisory Board

Richmond Minority Business Advisory Board

Richmond City Council Monroe Park Advisory Council

Richmond Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Advisory Board

Richmond City Council Personnel Board

Richmond Planning Commission

Richmond City Council Richmond Public Library Board

Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board

Richmond Retirement System Board

Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission

Richmond Social Services Advisory Board

Richmond Urban Design Committee

Richmond Urban Forestry Commission

Regional Governmental and Quazi-Governmental Public Bodies (15) _________________

Central Virginia Waste Management Authority Board

Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority Board

Greater Richmond Lead Planning Organization Board

Greater Richmond Partnership Board

Greater Richmond Transit Company Transit System Board

Peumansend Creek Regional Jail Authority Board

Richmond Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Board

Richmond Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee

Richmond Metropolitan Authority Board

Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau Board

Richmond Regional Competitiveness Committee

Richmond Regional Planning District Commission

Virginia Capital Area Alcohol Safety Action Program Policy Advisory Board

Virginia Capital Region Airport Commission

Virginia Community Colleges Board J. Sargent Reynolds Community College Board

Federal Governmental Public Body (1) ______________________________________________

U.S. Federal Combined Sewer Overflow Partnership Board

Richmond City Council appoints members to the following Non-Government Organizations

Non-Governmental Organizations (5) _______________________________________________

J. Fulmer Bright Memorial Foundation Board

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Board

Maymont Foundation Board

Richmond Capital Area Agency on Aging

Richmond Capital Area Partnership Uplifting People

Appointment Process

The Richmond City Council appointment process for local or regional public government bodies or non-government organizations includes the following:

1. Application is completed by interested applicant and it is submitted to Richmond City Council Office of the City Clerk.

2. Richmond City Council Office of the City Clerk provides application to the Richmond City Council Standing Committee providing oversight over that entity/appointment reviews application and makes recommendation.

3. Application recommendation is forwarded to Richmond City Council Organizational

Development Standing Committee.

4. Richmond City Council Organizational Development Standing Committee makes recommendation to appoint or not appoint.

5. Richmond City Council Organizational Standing Committee has Richmond City Council Resolution for Appointment prepared for chosen appointment.

6. Applicant is invited to attend Richmond City Council Formal Meeting where Council Resolution will be considered for official approval.

7. Richmond City Council holds Formal Meeting, which includes a public hearing, and votes on Resolution of Appointment (applicant must be in attendance).

8. Applicants that are approved by Richmond City Council Resolution of Appointment are sworn in.

9. Member’s service begins.

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.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force Services Subcommittee to hold meeting: GRTC Transit System CARE Van Service System to be discussed

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Richmond City Council and Richmond City Auditor invite residents to download Free New Richmond Fraud Squad Mobile Smart Phone Application to report and fight fraud, waste and abuse

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Richmond to welcome 17 Japanese Little League Baseball team players for 18th Richmond City Council Sister Cities Richmond-Saitama International Junior Baseball Exchange: Return to games for first time since 2010 - As 2011 canceled due to tragic earthquake and tsunami

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

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

VIDEO/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Thursday, 2 August 2012

Richmond to welcome 17 Japanese Little League Baseball team players for 18th Richmond City Council Sister Cities Richmond-Saitama International Junior Baseball Exchange: Return to games for first time since 2010 - As 2011 canceled due to tragic earthquake and tsunami

Entire community invited and encouraged to attend events

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) --The Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission welcomes the Saitama, Japan Junior Baseball Team to Richmond for the 18th Richmond-Saitama International Baseball Exchange. This exchange marks the return to the exchange for the first time since 2010, as the 2011 events were canceled due to tragic earthquake and tsunami that severely impacted Japan. The events are free and open to the public and the entire community is invited and encouraged to attend.

During their week-long stay, the little leaguers will enjoy international cultural exchange and play baseball games with Little League in the Richmond area. The visiting Saitama team will include 17 players, one City Official, four coaches and an emergency technician.

The first baseball exchange began in Richmond in 1994 and rotates each year (missing 2011 due to the tragic earthquake and tsunami that severely impacted Japan) from Richmond to Saitama. The visit, games and friendships fostered during the little leaguers’ visit to Richmond are sterling examples of the partnership and collaboration between Richmond and Saitama, one of Richmond’s six international Sister City relationships.

WHEN/ Public Schedule

WHERE

Friday, August 3, 2010 - Official Richmond Welcome

Richmond City Council Chambers, Richmond City Hall, 2nd floor;

900 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia

• 9:00 a.m. Richmond Welcome Ceremony and Tour

Richmond, Virginia - Participants

• The Honorable Bruce W. Tyler, Councilman, Richmond City Council, West End 1st Voter District

• The Honorable Marty Jewell, Councilman, Richmond City Council, Central 5th Voter District

• Suzette Denslow, Mayor's Chief of Staff, Richmond Mayor's Office

Saitama, Japan Delegation

• Delegation Head - Yoshio Oomori

• Chief Instructor - Haruo Shimizu

• Coach - Akihiro Machida

• Coach - Akio Mizunuma

• Team Manager - Yoshio Hayashi

• Emergency Life Saving Technician - Tadaomi Kikugawa

• 17 Baseball team members

• 10:00 a.m. Tour of Virginia State Capitol and Old City Hall

• 11:30 a.m. Lunch on Richmond City Hall Observation Deck

• 12:30 p.m. Depart for Rockville Ball Field, Pouncy Track Rd. for game

Monday, August 6, 2012 – Baseball Game

Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Byrd Park Field; 600 S. Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia

• 10:00 a.m. Baseball Game

• 1:00 p.m. Baseball Game

Tuesday, August 7, 2012 – Baseball Game

Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Byrd Park Field; 600 S. Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia

• 10:00 a.m. Baseball Game

• 1:00 p.m. Baseball Game

Wednesday, August 8, 2012 – St. Christopher's School Community Garden

Dedication Ceremony

Dedication of plaque for trees donated by Saitama to St. Christopher's School Community Garden

St. Christopher's School, 711 St. Christopher's Road, Richmond, Virginia 23226

WHO Richmond City Council

Richmond Office of the Mayor

Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission

Saitama, Japan Junior Baseball Team

CONTACT For more event information, please contact: Miss Catherine E. Nexsen, Chairman, Saitama, Japan-Richmond Committee, Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission, at 804.355.2780 (tel), or saitamajapanrichmondvirginia@yahoo.com (email); or Susan Nolan, Chairman, Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission, at 804.690.3473 (mobile), or susannolan@verizon.net (email).

BACKGROUND __________________________________________________________________________

One of Richmond City Council's 55 official boards, task forces and commissions that assist it with providing oversight of certain projects and priorities, the Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission was established by Council in 1980 and operates under Council guidelines and by requirements of the Sister Cities International organization, located in Washington, D.C.

An early champion of international relations, Richmond began a relationship with its namesake, Richmond Upon Thames, England, in 1930. In 1956 a formal Sister City concept was established in the United States of America by U. S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. President Eisenhower's idea called for exchanges between Americans and people in other countries, with a goal of fostering peace, understanding and harmony.

The term “Sister City” is used to express a closeness that is engendered through commonalities between communities. Formal friendships are then established to promote cultural understanding and educational and economic prosperity.

For example, cities linked with Richmond are generally capital cities with comparable populations, notable points of historic interest, and potential opportunities for economic development and trade.

Globally, there are more than 2,400 Sister City partnerships in 134 countries. Nineteen Virginia cities represent approximately 50 of those partnerships. This includes seven in Richmond.

Richmond Sister City Relationships

Richmond currently maintains the following Sister City relationships:

1. Richmond upon Thames, England (Europe)

2. Saitama City, Japan (Asia)

3. Olsztyn, Poland (Eastern Europe)

4. Uijeongbu, South Korea (Asia)

5. Windhoek, Namibia (Africa)

6. Zhengzhou, China (Asia)

7. Segou, Republic of Mali (Africa)

Interest

Throughout the year, Richmond City Council receives requests from citizens and interested cities regarding its Sister Cities Program, which are shared with the Commission.

Recent Sister Cities Activities _____________________________________________________________

Republic of Mali

Richmond’s partnership with Segou is Richmond's city’s newest Sister City relationship. Richmond and Segou became Sister Cities in 2009 following the adoption of Richmond City Council Resolution 2009-R99-109, adopted July 27, 2009 that invited Segou to be a formal Sister City of Richmond, and the formalization of the relationship in Richmond on October 12, 2009 with a visiting delegation of dignitaries from Segou.

In April 2010 Richmond was awarded a $115,000 grant from Sister Cities International for a two-year African Sustainability Project that will be used to assist with performing projects in Segou that will assist with addressing sanitation, health, and water issues. On May 10, 2010 Richmond City Council received and welcomed a visiting delegation from the Republic of Mali. The delegation included six members of the country’s government who were in Richmond for the day as part of a government training program sponsored by the Institute for Global Training, USAID in Washington D.C. and were being show state and local government by the University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center’s Virginia Institute of Government.

On October 6, 2010 the Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission and members of Richmond City Council and the Richmond Government Administration welcomed The Honorable Ousmane K. Simaga, Mayor of Segou, Republic of Mali (Africa); The Honorable Madani Sissoko, Councilman, Segou, Republic of Mali (Africa), President of the Segou Sister City Commission; and, a number of additional dignitaries from Segou, Republic of Mali (Africa), during its monthly meeting.

Richmond upon Thames

2008 visit from the Mayor and Councilmember's to Richmond; 2007 visit of Mayor and Councilmembers. Coordinated planning and events leading up to Virginia’s 400th-year celebration in 2007.

Zhenghou, China

Continue supporting teacher exchanges and exchanges of art and culture through museums, economic trips to China (conducted by Governor of Virginia with representation from Richmond). A book collection was presented to Richmond citizens from Zhengzhou citizens, which is displayed at the City’s Main Library.

Saitama, Japan

Annual student, academic, sports and cultural exchange programs.

On June 23, 2012, three educators visited Richmond from Saitama, Japan for two weeks as part of Richmond Sister Cities Commission Educational Exchange program. That marks the 13th year of this successful educational exchange program which began in 1998.

In March of this 2012, 10 high school students and two teachers from Urawa Municipal High School in Saitama, Japan visited Richmond to as part of a week-long Richmond Sister Cities Commission Educational Exchange program.

Windhoek, Namibia

August 2007: the U.S. State Department brought a camera crew to Richmond from Windhoek coordinated events. July 2003: Richmond donated a Fire Truck to Windhoek.

Uijeongbu, South Korea

Includes relationships with the Richmond Korean community and business exchange as well as educational and cultural programs.

The Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission consists of 13 members, of whom at least one is a Councilmember. Commission members are appointed by Richmond City Council for a term consisting of three years and no person appointed is eligible to serve more than two successive terms, although persons appointed to fill vacancies may serve two additional successive terms. Members appointed to the Commission are required to either reside or work in the City of Richmond. Originally comprised of 19 members, in 2009 membership was lowered to 13.

- 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.