A statement from Richmond City Council Regarding COVID-19

Richmond City Council / News Release

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Tuesday, 24 March 2020

A statement from Richmond City Council

Regarding COVID-19

Richmond, Virginia – “Thank you Richmond residents for your strength and fortitude as our city works together to respond to this unprecedented world health pandemic, COVID-19, and the ever evolving associated challenges.

During this time, Richmond City Council remains committed to the continued provision of oversight, legislative action, and policies, critical to the continued operation and delivery of essential city services to help ensure the health, well-being and safety of all residents.

In light of the current situational context, Richmond City Council is currently working to delineate processes and procedures for holding electronic public meetings, and will share the meeting schedule and method for public involvement once finalized.

For your safety, please observe the cautionary measures prescribed by public health authorities, and know that Richmond City Council anticipates adopting in mid-April an ordinance extending the filing deadline for applications and certifications for tax relief for the elderly and the permanently and totally disabled to mid-May.

While critical Richmond Government services continue to be delivered, nothing about the current event is business as usual and some services will understandably be affected by efforts to help protect our communities. 

As we advance through this new normal together with changes in our daily lives and routines, thank you for your patience and understanding as Richmond endeavors to persevere.

Richmond City Council also thanks those working diligently and tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front lines, who rarely get the credit they deserve, as our community continues to navigate responsibility through this now and in the weeks ahead.

As always, Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to communicate thoughts, ideas and questions they have directly to the individual Councilmembers representing them. Please find the following helpful link for contact information, if needed: http://www.richmondgov.com/CityCouncil/contacts.aspx

And, for updated local developments, Richmond City Council encourages residents to follow reputable sources of information related to Coronavirus/COVID-19 and, in order to help maintain consistency and continuity, directs everyone to visit www.richmondgov.com/covid19.”

http://richmondvacitycouncil.blogspot.com/2020/03/a-statement-from-richmond-city-council.html

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Canceled: Richmond City Council Formal Meeting scheduled for tonight has been canceled

Richmond City Council / News Release

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Monday, 23 March 2020

Canceled: Richmond City Council Formal Meeting scheduled for tonight has been canceled

WHAT           Richmond, Virginia – In taking a leadership role on behalf of Richmond residents and with the upmost caution and responsibility with regard to the Governor’s statewide ban on gatherings of more than 10 persons and today’s announcement by the Mayor of a city employee testing positive for COVID-19, Richmond City Council has canceled its Formal Meeting scheduled for tonight. This meeting will not take place and proposed legislation on the docket will be rescheduled for a future date.

WHEN           Canceled: Monday, March 23, 2020

                    6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

WHERE         Richmond City Council Chambers

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, 2^rd Floor

Richmond, Virginia 23219

As always, Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to communicate thoughts, ideas, and questions they have regarding legislation directly to the individual Councilmember representing them.

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Canceled: Councilmember Hilbert has canceled his upcoming scheduled meeting for the Richmond Northside 3rd Voter District

Richmond City Council / News Release

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Saturday, 21 March 2020

Canceled: Councilmember Hilbert has canceled his upcoming scheduled meeting for the Richmond Northside 3rd Voter District

WHAT           Richmond, Virginia – Councilmember Chris A. Hilbert, Richmond City Council, Richmond Northside 3rd Voter District, has canceled his upcoming scheduled meeting (Thursday, March 26, 2019) for the Richmond Northside 3rd Voter District. This meeting will not be held.

WHEN           Canceled: Thursday, March 26, 2020; 6:00-7:30 p.m.                   

WHERE         Richmond Public Library - North Avenue Branch

2901 North Avenue; Richmond, Virginia

CONTACT    For more information, please contact Councilmember Chris A. Hilbert at 804.646.6055 (office tel) or chris.hilbert@richmondgov.com (email).

     Councilmember Hilbert personally holds individual meetings throughout the year that include his goals and accomplishments, topical agendas, and special guests. The meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond Northside 3rd Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend. Meeting dates, times, locations, agendas, and special guests are subject to change.

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Richmond City Council providing residents opportunity to email public comments regarding pending legislation

Richmond City Council / News Release

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Thursday, 19 March 2020

Richmond City Council providing residents opportunity to email public comments regarding pending legislation

WHAT   Richmond, Virginia – In response to the ongoing evolving circumstances related to COVID-19, Richmond City Council is providing residents the opportunity to email any public comments they may have regarding pending legislative items scheduled for its upcoming Formal Meeting - to CityClerksOffice@richmondgov.com by Noon on Monday, March 23, 2020.

Residents are asked to please include their full name with comments, which will be provided to Council, published with Council meeting minutes, and used regarding any continued legislation.

The upcoming Richmond City Council Formal Meeting is being held on Monday, March 23, 2020 (6:00 p.m. - until) and will include public hearings on legislation included on Council’s agenda, available at: https://richmondva.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=732218&GUID=698CF179-C3C2-42D6-AA4C-B5030F669FAC&Options=info&Search=

As always, Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to communicate any thoughts, ideas, and questions they have regarding legislation directly to the individual Councilmember representing them.

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Updated: Richmond City Council schedule for establishing the Fiscal Year 2021 Richmond Government Budget

Richmond City Council / News Release

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Thursday, 19 March 2020

Updated: Richmond City Council schedule for establishing the Fiscal Year 2021 Richmond Government Budget

First three Council Budget Work Sessions canceled

WHAT   Richmond, Virginia - Richmond City Council has canceled its first three scheduled Council Budget Work Session meetings, as noted below, regarding its annual Richmond Government Budget Establishment/Public Meeting process to work on the Fiscal Year 2021 Richmond Government Budget, which begins July 1, 2020.

                In weighing the many compelling and competing budgetary needs, Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to communicate their thoughts, ideas, and questions directly to the individual Councilmember representing them.

                 Council's Richmond Government Budget Establishment/Public Meeting schedule, which is subject to updates, is as follows:

Richmond City Council Office of the Council Chief of Staff - Working DRAFT

Fiscal Year 2021 Richmond Government Budget Establishment/Public Meetings Schedule

Held in Richmond City Council Chambers; Richmond City Hall; 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd Floor; Richmond, Virginia 23219

NOTE: Schedule subject to changes/updates.

                      

Fri., Mar. 6, 2020; 3 p.m.

Council Special Meeting: DEADLINE: Mayor submits to Richmond City Council a proposed Richmond Govt. Budget

Canceled    Mon., Mar. 23, 2020; 1-3 p.m.; Council Budget Work Session 1

Canceled    Mon., Mar. 30, 2020; 1-3 p.m.; Council Budget Work Session 2

Canceled    Mon., Apr. 6, 2020; 1-3 p.m.; Council Budget Work Session 3

Mon., Apr. 13 2020; 1-3 p.m.    

Council Budget Work Session 4

Mon., Apr. 13, 2020; 6-8 p.m.   

Council Budget Public Hearing Fiscal Year 2021 Richmond Government Budget

Mon., Apr. 20, 2020; 1-3 p.m.   

Council Budget Work Session 5

Wed., Apr. 22, 2020; 1-3 p.m.   

Council Amendment Work Session 1

Mon., Apr. 27, 2020; 1-3 p.m.   

Council Amendment Work Session 2

Wed., Apr. 29, 2020; 1-3 p.m.   

Council Amendment Work Session 3

Mon., May 4, 2020; TBA  

Council Special Mtng. - Budget Amendments Intro.

Mon., May 11, 2020; 6-8 p.m.  

Council Budget Public Hearing

Richmond City Council Establishes Official

Fiscal Year 2021 Richmond Government Budget

Richmond Government Budget includes amendments; Operating Budget: General Fund, Special Funds, Enterprise Funds, Internal Service Funds, Federal, and State funds; Richmond Capital Improvement Plan; and, funds provided to Richmond Public Schools.

Fri., May 15, 2020 

DEADLINE: Council must adopt Schools budget by May 15, or within 30 days of

receipt of state school funding estimates to localities (whichever later), per

Virginia Code of Laws: Title 22.1. Education; Chapter 8. Article 1; §22.1-93

Sun., May 31, 2020

DEADLINE: Council must establish Richmond Govt. Budget by May 31 each year, per Richmond City Charter: Chapter 6. Budgets; §6.11

Wed., July 1, 2020

Fiscal Year 2021 Richmond Government Budget begins

CONTACT INFO

Helpful individual Councilmember contact information is as follows:

Richmond West End 1st Voter District

Councilmember Andreas D. Addison

804.646.5935 (office tel); andreas.addison@richmondgov.com (email)

Richmond North Central 2nd Voter District

Councilmember Kimberly B. Gray

804.646.6532 (office tel); kimberly.gray@richmondgov.com (email)

Richmond Northside 3rd Voter District

Councilmember Chris A. Hilbert (Council Vice President)   

804.646.6055 (office tel); chris.hilbert@richmondgov.com (email)

Richmond Southwest 4th Voter District

Councilmember Kristen Nye Larson

804.646.5646 (office tel); kristen.larson@richmondgov.com (email) 

Richmond Central 5th Voter District

Councilmember Stephanie A. Lynch

804.646.5724 (office tel); stephanie.lynch@richmondgov.com (email)

Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District

Councilmember Ellen F. Robertson

804.646.7964 (office tel); ellen.robertson@richmondgov.com (email)

Richmond East End 7th Voter District

Councilmember Cynthia I. Newbille (Council President)

804.646.3012 (office tel); cynthia.newbille@richmondgov.com (email)

Richmond Southside 8th Voter District

Councilmember Reva M. Trammell

804.646.6591 (office tel); 804.240.5050 (mobile tel); reva.trammell@richmondgov.com (email)

Richmond South Central 9th Voter District

Councilmember Michael J. Jones

804.646.2779 (office tel); michael.jones@richmondgov.com (email) 

FIND YOUR DISTRICT

The following helpful links can be used by residents, if needed, to further assist in identifying their particular Richmond Voter District:

·        Richmond Real Estate Property Search Database  https://apps.richmondgov.com/applications/propertysearch/Search.aspx

(note: when correct address is identified, use the Government tab to display Government Voter Districts for that location) and

·        Richmond City Council Contact Information page

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

OVERVIEW - Richmond Government Budget

Establishing the annual Richmond Government Budget represents Richmond City Council’s most fundamental responsibility as the Governing Body of Richmond and serves as the foundation and ultimate act of its policy making and stewardship over our local government on behalf of all Richmond residents.

                      

     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 some of the services we invest in include the management and delivery of such things as clean, safe water; streets, sidewalks, parks, laws and law enforcement, firefighting, emergency services/rescue; trash and sewage removal; and, our children’s education. Together, we own, operate, use, and benefit from these services on a daily basis. Funding for these services comes from state, local and federal sources, including fees and taxes.  

                      

     In order to set the investment levels we want for these services, 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 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 annually. Thus, every year a draft proposed Budget is submitted to Richmond City Council by the Mayor. Council then reviews, analyzes, and amends it to establish the official Richmond Government Budget based on the priorities of Richmond residents.

                      

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City of Richmond to close March 17 – March 20, essential services continue

City of Richmond to close March 17 – March 20, essential services continue

Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond will be closed to the public from Tuesday, March 17 to Friday, March 20. Essential personnel must report on time, and essential city services will continue.

Please check the dedicated city webpage for updated information on city services: www.richmondgov.com/covid19.

City of Richmond recommends limiting on-site service in establishments that serve food and drink within city limits; proposes amnesty on penalties and interest for most local taxes

City of Richmond recommends limiting on-site service in establishments that serve food and drink within city limits; proposes amnesty on penalties and interest for most local taxes
City also proposes postponement of application deadline for elderly tax relief program

Richmond, VA — In the interest of public health and safety, the administration of Mayor Levar Stoney recommends that all restaurants, bars and other establishments that serve food and drink within city limits eliminate bar seating, move tables at least six feet apart and limit their on-site service to 50 percent of their normal capacity.

If 50 percent of capacity exceeds the CDC-recommended limit of 50 people gathered, establishments should limit their service to 50 or fewer patrons.

The recommendation does not affect any restaurant’s capacity to offer carryout and delivery.

In order to support the residents and businesses of Richmond, the administration will introduce on March 23 an ordinance outlining a city amnesty program for all penalties and interest on most local taxes due between March 13 and June 30, 2020. This proposed program will exclude personal property taxes on vehicles, motor vehicle license taxes, and vehicle license fees, as required by ordinance.

The city is also exploring options for a program to issue small, no-interest loans to support small businesses. More information on this will be provided at a later date.

“This measure is taken in an abundance of caution and in the interest of the health of restaurant patrons and staff. I understand that this action will take a toll on small businesses. That’s why we’re providing tax relief and exploring loan program options to support this valued community,” said Mayor Stoney.

“I urge you to keep ordering takeout and delivery and consider buying gift-cards for future use.”

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City also proposes postponement of application deadline for Richmond Real Estate Tax Abatements for Seniors and People with Disabilities

At a Richmond City Council Special Meeting being held on March 16, the Stoney administration will introduce legislation to extend the deadline to apply for 2020 Richmond Real Estate Tax Abatements for Seniors and People with Disabilities from March 31 to April 30. The program is designed to serve approved low- and moderate-income Richmonders. This year, more seniors are eligible to participate than likely ever before. 

If passed by Richmond City Council, the legislation will allow more time for interested parties to apply, which is appropriate due to the logistical challenges caused by the coronavirus to seniors and those living with disabilities.

Please continue to visit the Richmond Coronavirus/COVID-19 consolidated update web page, at www.richmondgov.com/covid19, for related information updates.

Canceled: Councilmember Jones has canceled his upcoming scheduled meeting for the Richmond South Central 9th Voter District

Richmond City Council / News Release

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Friday, 13 March 2020

Canceled: Councilmember Jones has canceled his upcoming scheduled meeting for the Richmond South Central 9th Voter District

                                                                                                                        

WHAT           Richmond, Virginia – Councilmember Michael J. Jones, Richmond City Council, Richmond South Central 9th Voter District, has canceled his upcoming scheduled meeting for the Richmond South Central 9th Voter District. This meeting will not be held.

WHEN           Canceled: Thursday, March 19, 2020

                    6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

CONTACT    For more information, please contact: Summer Morris, Liaison for Councilmember Michael J. Jones, Richmond City Council, Richmond South Central 9th Voter District, at 804.646.2779 (office tel), 804.456.6514 (mobile), or summer.morris@richmondgov.com (email).

     Councilmember Jones holds individual meetings that include his goals and accomplishments, topical agendas, and special guests. He invites all Richmond South Central 9th Voter District residents to attend. Free refreshments are typically served. Meeting dates, times, locations, agendas, and special guests are subject to change.

     Please use the following link to sign up to receive Councilmember Jones' personal newsletters, meeting agendas, reminders, updates, and cancelations via email: https://bit.ly/2RBCQmz

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Canceled: Councilmember Robertson has canceled her scheduled joint meeting for the Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District to discuss the Commerce Road Corridor and Richmond’s Master Plan

Richmond City Council / News Release

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Friday, 13 March 2020

Canceled: Councilmember Robertson has canceled her scheduled joint meeting for the Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District to discuss the Commerce Road Corridor and Richmond’s Master Plan

Meeting is to be rescheduled at a later date

            

WHAT           Richmond, Virginia – Councilmember Ellen F. Robertson, Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District, has canceled her upcoming joint meeting with Mark Olinger, Director, Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review, to discuss the potential future of the Commerce Road Corridor as it relates to Richmond’s city-wide Master Plan – Richmond 300: A Guide for Growth – and its effect on the Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District.  

                    This meeting is to be rescheduled at a later date.

   Richmond 300: A Guide for Growth is an outline for the future physical growth of the city as we approach the 300th anniversary of the founding of Richmond, Virginia, in 2037. Richmond 300 helps set the city’s priorities relating to land, neighborhoods, and communities. Draft maps, strategies, and other information regarding Richmond 300: A Guide for Growth can be found here: http://richmond300.com/marketingMasterPlan/draftcontent  

                   

WHEN           This meeting is to be rescheduled at a later date.

Canceled: Thursday, March 19, 2020

Not to be held: Thursday, March 12, 2020

                    6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

WHERE         Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities
Bellemeade Community Center
1800 Lynhaven Avenue; Richmond, Virginia 23224

                   

CONTACT    For more information, please contact: Tavares M. Floyd, Liaison for
The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilmember, Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District, at 804.646.7964 (tel), or tavares.floyd@richmondgov.com (email)

     Councilmember Robertson holds individual meetings that include her goals and accomplishments; topical agendas; and, special guests. She invites all Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District residents to attend. Meeting dates, times, locations, agendas, and special guests are subject to change.

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Council cancels its public meetings - March 12 through March 22

Richmond City Council / News Release

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Thursday, 12 March 2020

Council cancels its public meetings - March 12 through March 22

WHAT           Richmond, Virginia – With caution and concern for public health with respect to Coronavirus, or COVID-19, Richmond City Council has canceled its upcoming public meetings, scheduled March 12 through March 22, 2020, and will continue to provide updated information.

Richmond City Council also reminds Richmond residents to follow reputable sources of information regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19. Some suggested sources for updated information include the following websites:

·     City of Richmond http://www.richmondgov.com/covid19/

·     Virginia Dept. of Health http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus

·     U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/

Residents with questions about Coronavirus/COVID-19 are encouraged to call the Virginia Dept. of Health hotline, at 2-1-1.

Some Coronavirus Information

Coronavirus/COVID-19, is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Coronaviruses affect the respiratory system, including the lungs and airways. The virus is easily spread from person to person through sneezes, coughs, and droplets that enter the environment. Mild symptoms include runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, and shortness of breath. Severe infections can cause pneumonia, kidney failure, and death. Elderly people and those with pre-existing conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and lung disease) are most at risk for more severe symptoms.

     It can take two days to 14 days for an infected person to show symptoms after exposure. An infected person can spread the virus before they show symptoms.

If you think you may be sick with the coronavirus:

·     Contact your health care provider or local emergency health care facility before going to an office, hospital, or clinic. This helps healthcare providers to take special precautions to avoid further exposure 

·     Avoid contact with others 

·     Do not travel while sick

How to help protect yourself and your loved ones

·     Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

·     Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible

·     Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing

·     Clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces frequently

·     Stay home when you are sick

·     Avoid contact with sick people as much as possible

·     Avoid non-essential travel

·     Practice social distancing, which means remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible

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