Richmond City Council: 2012

Friday, December 21, 2012

Councilman Marty Jewell will not hold previously scheduled meeting in the Central 5th Voter District

Monday, December 17, 2012

Richmond City Council on the Connecticut School Shooting

Friday, December 14, 2012

Richmond to receive wreath honoring departed U.S. Military Veterans: Part of Wreaths Across America tribute

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force meeting tonight canceled

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Richmond City Council mourns loss of Former Bishop Walter F. Sullivan

Councilman Chris A. Hilbert on behalf of the loss of Former Bishop Walter F. Sullivan

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Rescheduled: Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission meeting scheduled for tonight to be held next week

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, 6 December 2012

Rescheduled: Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission meeting scheduled for tonight to be held next week

New date: Thursday, December 13, 2012

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission meeting originally scheduled to be held tonight (Thursday, December 6, 2012) has been rescheduled to Thursday, December 13, 2012. This meeting is free and open to the public and all Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to attend.

The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission typically holds monthly meetings regarding its work and ongoing projects in helping to preserve and present the history of slavery in Richmond. These meetings are typically scheduled to be held the first Thursday of each month, beginning at 4:00 p.m., at the same location. The agenda for these meeting typically include the following:

• Welcome

• New Business

• Updates

• Committee Reports

• Charette

• Upcoming Events

• Closing Remarks/Adjournment

WHEN Thursday, December 13, 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 Voter District

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

Background ____________________________________________________________________________

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission

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

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

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

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

• 2011

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

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

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

• 2009

Development of the conceptual Richmond National Slavery Museum

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

• 2009

Development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program, Signage and

Commemorative Site: Lumpkin’s Slave Jail

• 2008

Discovery of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail historic foundation and architectural

artifacts.

• 2008 – 2009

Phase II Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment: which

included engineering and storm water engineering

• 2007

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

• 2006

Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment

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

• 2003

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

Support

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

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

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

• FY 2011- $6,000

For general Commission support

• FY 2010- $6,000

For general Commission support

• FY 2009 - $75,000

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

• FY 2008 - $370,000

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

• FY 2007 - $511,000

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

• FY 2006 - $35,000

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

• FY 2003 - $119,000

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

from the United Kingdom

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

- end -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

____________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

Monday, December 3, 2012

Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission meeting schedule

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, 3 December 2012

Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission meeting schedule

Includes information regarding work and ongoing projects

WHAT The Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission holds regular meetings regarding its work and ongoing projects. The meetings are typically held the first Wednesday of the month from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Richmond City Hall in the 2nd Floor Large Conference Room. These meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to attend.

The meeting agendas typically include the following:

• Welcome

• New Business

• Updates

• Committee Reports

• Closing Remarks/Adjournment

WHEN UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE

Wednesday, December 5, 2012: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

WHERE Richmond City Hall-2nd Floor Large Conference Room

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

Richmond, Virginia 23219 U.S.A.

WHO Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission

CONTACT For more information, please contact: 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 more than 50 official boards, task forces and commissions that it has created and that assists with providing oversight of certain projects and priorities, the Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission was established by Richmond City Council in 1980 and operates under Council guidelines and by requirements of the Sister Cities International organization, located in Washington, D.C.

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.

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.

• From August 3-8, 2012 Richmond welcomed Japanese Little League Baseball team players for the 18th Richmond City Council Sister Cities Richmond-Saitama International Junior Baseball Exchange. This exchange marked 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. During their week-long stay, the little leaguers enjoyed international cultural exchange and played baseball games with Little League in the Richmond area. The visiting Saitama team included 17 players, one City Official, four coaches and an emergency technician. The first baseball exchange began in Richmond in 1994 and rotates each year 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.

• 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 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.

For more information regarding the Richmond City Council Sister Cities Commission, please visit its website, at http://www.richmondgov.com/CommissionSisterCities/index.aspx

- 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 Robertson to hold annual Gateway 6th District Community Celebration and Awards Breakfast

Councilwoman Reva Trammell to hold a meeting in Richmond’s Southside 8th District

Friday, November 30, 2012

Richmond City Council and Mayor Dwight C. Jones to hold community Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meetings to receive public input on budget priorities in creating the upcoming 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

Friday, 30 November 2012

Richmond City Council and Mayor Dwight C. Jones to hold community Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meetings to receive public input on budget priorities in creating the upcoming Richmond Government Budget

The FY 2014/2015 Richmond Biennial Government Budget 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

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- Richmond City Council and Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones will be holding community Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meetings to receive public input on budget priorities in creating the upcoming Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Richmond Government Budget, which will be established in May of 2013. The current Fiscal Year 2013 Richmond Government Budget is $1,429,628,466.

These meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond Residents are invited and highly encouraged to attend and participate.

These Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meetings are very important in helping to identify which Richmond Government programs and services are important to Richmond residents for their neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. The meetings will include presentations, discussions and input in the following areas:

Operation Service Priorities

• Streets and sidewalks in your Neighborhood

• Public Transportation

• Recycling Opportunities

Police and Safety Priorities

• Police Protection in your Neighborhood

• Quality of Animal Care and Control

Human Service Priorities

• Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities in your neighborhood

• Social Services

• Public Health Services

• Public Education

Economic Development

• Employment Opportunities in your neighborhood

• New Businesses

WHEN/ Tuesday, December 4, 2012; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

WHERE Richmond Public Schools - Southampton Elementary School

3333 Cheverly Road; Richmond, Virginia 23225

Tuesday, December 11, 2012; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Richmond Public Library - Main Library

101 E. Franklin Street; Richmond, Virginia 23219

Wednesday, December 12, 2012; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Richmond Public Schools - George Mason Elementary School

813 N. 28th Street; Richmond, Virginia 23223

Thursday, December 13, 2012; 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Richmond Public Schools - Linwood Holton Elementary School

1600 W. Laburnum Avenue; Richmond, Virginia 23227

WHO The Honorable Members of Richmond City Council

The Honorable Dwight C. Jones, Mayor of Richmond

CONTACT For more information, please contact Steve Skinner, Council Public Information Manger, at 804.646.6052 (office); 804.335.4054 (mobile); 804.937.1386 (home/mobile); or skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email)

Background - Richmond Government Budget ________________________________________

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BACKGROUND - RICHMOND REAL ESTATE TAXES _______________________________________

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

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

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

Richmond City Council ______________________________________________________________

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

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

- E N D -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

Office of the Chief of Staff

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

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

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

______________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

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

Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force to hold meeting

Councilman Charles Samuels invites residents to join the Richmond Tree Stewards and register now for classes that begin in January 2013

Councilman Chris Hilbert invites everyone to attend the Ginter Park Library Advisory Board 5th Annual Holiday Fête fundraiser at the Ginter Park Library

Councilman Chris Hilbert to hold meeting in Northside 3rd District: Richmond Government Budget Planning Session with Mayor, Public input needed

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

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

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Friday, 30 November 2012

Councilman Chris Hilbert to hold meeting in Northside 3rd District: Richmond Government Budget Planning Session with Mayor, Public input needed

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

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, Richmond City Council Northside 3rd Voter District, will hold a meeting in the Northside 3rd Voter District. This will be a community Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting with Mayor Dwight C. Jones to receive public input on budget priorities in creating the upcoming Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Richmond Government Budget, which will be established in May of 2013. The current Fiscal Year 2013 Richmond Government Budget is $1,429,628,466.

This Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting is very important in helping to identify which Richmond Government programs and services are important to Richmond Northside 3rd Voter District residents for their neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. The meeting will include presentations, discussions and input in the following areas:

Operation Service Priorities

• Streets and sidewalks in your Neighborhood

• Public Transportation

• Recycling Opportunities

Police and Safety Priorities

• Police Protection in your Neighborhood

• Quality of Animal Care and Control

Human Service Priorities

• Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities in your neighborhood

• Social Services

• Public Health Services

• Public Education

Economic Development

• Employment Opportunities in your neighborhood

• New Businesses

Councilman Hilbert holds individual meetings in Richmond's Northside 3rd Voter District throughout the year that include information on his goals and accomplishments; a topical agenda; and, special guests. These meetings are free and all Richmond Northside 3rd Voter District Residents are invited and highly encouraged to attend and participate.

WHEN Thursday, December 13, 2012

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

WHERE Richmond Public Schools - Linwood Holton Elementary School

1600 W. Laburnum Avenue

Richmond, Virginia 23227

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

Background - Richmond Government Budget ________________________________________

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BACKGROUND - RICHMOND REAL ESTATE TAXES _______________________________________

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

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

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

Richmond City Council ______________________________________________________________

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

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

- E N D -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

Office of the Chief of Staff

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

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

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

______________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

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

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Richmond City Council Special Meeting on December 3 to also include introduction of legislation unrelated to Washington Redskins

Richmond City Council to hold Special Meeting to introduce additional legislation related to the Washington Redskins Football Training Camp site and Bon Secours Regional Health System Project

Monday, November 26, 2012

Richmond City Council Official Swearing-In Ceremony and election of Council President and Vice President to be held

Free Guided Richmond Slave Trail Tour to be held for public

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

Monday, 26 November 2012

Free Guided Richmond Slave Trail Tour to be held for public

Free Public Event: Everyone invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission will hold a free guided tour of the Richmond Slave Trail on Saturday, December 1, 2012.

Interested participants are to meet at the Lumpkin's Slave Jail Archeological Site at 1500 E. Franklin Street in Shockoe Bottom (Located in the west side parking lot of Richmond Main Street Train Station). Signs for parking and information will be up for the event. From the parking lot, attendees will travel in vans (provided free) to the beginning of the Richmond Slave Trail, which starts at Ancarrow Landing Boat Slip, located on the eastern side of the James River.

The Richmond Slave Trail Tour is expected to last approximately two hours and will be led by Rev. Sylvester Turner, Member, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission.

The Richmond Slave Trail is approximately 3 miles in length and includes terrain along the river bank, a mulch path, nature trails and paved surfaces, which may be difficult to maneuver by persons experiencing ambulatory or respiratory challenges.

This is a free public tour and everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.

WHEN Saturday, December 1, 2012

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

WHERE Park/Meet

1500 E. Franklin Street at the Lumpkin's Slave Jail Archeological Site

(Located in the western parking lot side of Richmond Main Street Train Station in Shockoe Bottom)

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

Rev. Sylvester Turner, Member, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission

CONTACT For more information regarding the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission, please contact Mr. Keith Westbrook, Legislative Liaison to The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Chairman, Richmond Slave Trail Commission (Member, Virginia House of Delegates -70th Voter District) at 804.698.1070 (tel); 804.301.0671 (mobile) or deldmcquinn@house.virginia.gov (email)

Background ____________________________________________________________________________

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission

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

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

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

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

• 2011

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

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

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

• 2009

Development of the conceptual Richmond National Slavery Museum

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

• 2009

Development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program, Signage and

Commemorative Site: Lumpkin’s Slave Jail

• 2008

Discovery of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail historic foundation and architectural

artifacts.

• 2008 – 2009

Phase II Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment: which

included engineering and storm water engineering

• 2007

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

• 2006

Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment

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

• 2003

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

Support

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

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

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

• FY 2011- $6,000

For general Commission support

• FY 2010- $6,000

For general Commission support

• FY 2009 - $75,000

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

• FY 2008 - $370,000

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

• FY 2007 - $511,000

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

• FY 2006 - $35,000

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

• FY 2003 - $119,000

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

from the United Kingdom

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

- end -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

____________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place