Richmond City Council: February 2013

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Councilman Parker C. Agelasto to hold Joint Richmond Central 5th Voter District meeting with Schools Trustee Mamie L. Taylor: Richmond Public Schools Agenda

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Councilwoman Michelle R. Mosby to hold meeting in South Central 9th Voter District

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Canceled: Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force meeting canceled

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

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

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Wednesday, 13 February 2013

Canceled: Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force meeting canceled

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force has canceled its meeting that was scheduled to be held Tomorrow, Thursday, February 14, 2103. The purpose of the Task Force is to make recommendations to Richmond City Council with regard to enhancing mass transit in the Metro-Richmond area and the efficiency and effectiveness of the GRTC Transit System.

WHEN CANCELED Thursday, February 14, 2013: 4:00-6:00 p.m.

WHERE CANCELED

Richmond Department of Economic Development

Richmond Main Street Train Station - 3rd Floor Conference Room

1500 East Main Street; Richmond, Virginia 23219

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

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

or marianne.pitts@richmondgov.com.

Background ____________________________________________________________________________

Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force

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

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

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

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

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

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

- E N D -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

____________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

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

Friday, February 8, 2013

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

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

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

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

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

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Tuesday, 5 February 2013

A statement by

The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert

Councilman, Northside 3rd Voter District

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) – "I appreciate the forum being held this evening at the Science Museum of Virginia to begin to develop a plan for a park adjacent to the Redskins Training Facility. However, in light of recent events regarding the decimation of healthy trees, I believe that the Training Project needs additional oversight in the form of a board being established to help ensure transparency along with checks and balances."

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

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

- E N D -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

____________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

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

Monday, February 4, 2013

Councilman Jonathan T. Baliles to hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in the West End 1st Voter District: Public Input needed

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

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

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Monday, 4 February 2013

Councilman Jonathan T. Baliles to hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in the West End 1st Voter District: Public Input needed

All West End 1st Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Jonathan T. Baliles, Councilman, Richmond City Council, West End 1st Voter District will hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting in the West End 1st Voter District. The meeting will include Byron C. Marshall, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer. The meeting is free and open to the public and all West End 1st Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend.

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

This Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting is very important in helping to identify which Richmond Government programs and services are important to West End 1st Voter District residents for their neighborhoods, and the city as a whole.

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

Operation Service Priorities

• Streets and sidewalks in your Neighborhood

• Public Transportation

• Recycling Opportunities

Police and Safety Priorities

• Police Protection in your Neighborhood

• Quality of Animal Care and Control

Human Service Priorities

• Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities in your neighborhood

• Social Services

• Public Health Services

• Public Education

Economic Development

• Employment Opportunities in your neighborhood

• New Businesses

WHEN Tuesday, February 5, 2013

6:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE Richmond Public Schools

Albert Hill Middle School

3400 Patterson Avenue

Richmond, Virginia 23221

WHO The Honorable Jonathan T. Baliles, Councilman

Richmond City Council, West End 1st Voter District

Byron C. Marshall, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Jonathan T. Baliles, Councilman, Richmond City Council, West End 1st Voter District, at 804.646.5349 (tel), or jonathan.baliles@richmondgov.com (email)

Background - Richmond Government Budget ________________________________________

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BACKGROUND - RICHMOND REAL ESTATE TAXES _______________________________________

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

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

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

Richmond City Council ______________________________________________________________

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

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

- E N D -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

Office of the Chief of Staff

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

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

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

______________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

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

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

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

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

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED

Monday, 4 February 2013

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

All residents are invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force will hold a meeting. The purpose of the Task Force is to make recommendations to Richmond City Council with regard to enhancing mass transit in the Metro-Richmond area and the efficiency and effectiveness of the GRTC Transit System. The meeting is free and open to the public and all residents are invited and encouraged to attend.

WHEN Thursday, February 14, 2013

4:00-6:00 p.m.

WHERE Richmond Department of Economic Development

Richmond Main Street Train Station - 3rd Floor Conference Room

1500 East Main Street; Richmond, Virginia 23219

(PARKING: Free street parking is available nearby and in the lot on the west side of the building. Passes are now required for lot parking. Those wishing to park in lot are requested to please contact Ms. Marianne Pitts, at 804.646.3179 (tel); or marianne.pitts@richmondgov.com (email), two to three days before the event to arrange for a pass. The lot is accessible by using the Franklin Street Entrance and using the lot below the Interstate. When facing the Train Station from the Franklin Street Entrance, make a right and park towards the Clock Tower end. When facing the building from the parking lot, the entrance door to the Richmond Department of Economic Development is located on the right of the building.)

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

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

or marianne.pitts@richmondgov.com.

Background ____________________________________________________________________________

Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force

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

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

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

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

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

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

- E N D -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

____________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

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

Friday, February 1, 2013

Richmond City Council commemorates the Presidential signing of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Banning Slavery in the United States of America

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, February 1, 2013

Richmond City Council commemorates the Presidential signing of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Banning Slavery in the United States of America

Richmond Residents invited and encouraged to join in remembrance

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- Richmond City Council today commemorates the Presidential signing of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America to ban the institution of slavery in America.

Approved by the United States Congress on January 31, 1865, the Amendment was signed and approved by President Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865. The Constitutional Amendment was then sent to state legislatures for ratification and, on December 18, 1865, was officially ratified, therefore officially abolishing slavery in the United States of America.

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 people living in slavery in the 10 states, then in rebellion against the United States of America.

The 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America reads as follows:

Amendment XIII

Section 1.

Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Richmond City Council invites and encourages all Richmond Residents to join in remembrance of this important historic date.

CONTACT For more information, please contact The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, President, Richmond City Council, Councilman, North Central 2nd Voter District, at 804.646.6532 (tel); charles.samuels@richmondgov.com (email)

- E N D -

______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

Office of the Chief of Staff

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

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

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

______________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

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