Richmond City Council

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

RESCHEDULED: Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille to hold meeting in the East End 7th Voter District

Friday, January 25, 2013

Councilwoman Michelle R. Mosby to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in South Central 9th 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

Friday, January 25, 2013

Councilwoman Michelle R. Mosby to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in South Central 9th Voter District: Public Input needed

All South Central 9th Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Michelle R. Mosby, Richmond City Council, South Central 9th Voter District, will hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting in the South Central 9th Voter District. The meeting will include Byron C. Marshall, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer. The meeting is free and open to the public and all South Central 9th 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 South Central 9th Voter District residents for their neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. The current 2013 Fiscal Year Richmond Government Budget is $1,429,628,466.

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 Thursday, February 7, 2013

6:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE Richmond Public Schools

E.S.H. Greene Elementary School

1745 Catalina Drive

Richmond, Virginia 23224

WHO The Honorable Michelle R. Mosby, Richmond City Council

South Central 9th Voter District

Byron C. Marshall, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilwoman Michelle R. Mosby, Richmond City Council, South Central 9th Voter District, at 804.646.5497 (tel); or michelle.mosby@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.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Time Change for upcoming Richmond City Council Public Safety Standing Committee meeting

Councilman Parker C. Agelasto to hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in the Central 5th 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

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Councilman Parker C. Agelasto to hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in the Central 5th Voter District: Public Input needed

All Central 5th Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Parker C. Agelasto, Councilman, Richmond City Council, Central 5th Voter District will hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting in the Central 5th Voter District. The meeting will include Byron C. Marshall, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer. The meeting is free and open to the public and all Central 5th 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 Central 5th Voter District residents for their neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. The current 2013 Fiscal Year Richmond Government Budget is $1,429,628,466.

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 Wednesday, February 6, 2013

6:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE Virginia War Memorial

621 South Belvidere Street

Richmond, Virginia 23220

WHO The Honorable Parker C. Agelasto, Councilman

Richmond City Council, Central 5th Voter District

Byron C. Marshall, Richmond Chief Administrative Officer

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Parker C. Agelasto, Richmond City Council, Central 5th Voter District, at 804.646.6050 (tel), or parker.agelasto@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.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Councilman Charles R. Samuels to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in North Central 2nd Voter District 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

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Councilman Charles R. Samuels to hold Richmond Government Budget Planning Session in North Central 2nd Voter District with Mayor: Public Input needed

All North Central 2nd Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd Voter District, will hold a Richmond Government Budget Planning Session meeting in the North Central 2nd Voter District that will Include Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones. The meeting is free and open to the public and all North Central 2nd 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 North Central 2nd Voter District residents for their neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. The current 2013 Fiscal Year Richmond Government Budget is $1,429,628,466.

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 Wednesday, January 30, 2013

6:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE Science Museum of Virginia

2500 West Broad Street - Richmond, Virginia

WHO The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd Voter District

The Honorable Dwight C. Jones, Mayor of Richmond, Virginia

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Charles R. Samuels, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd Voter District, at 804.646.6532; or by email, at charles.samuels@richmondgov.com.

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.

A statement by The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson Regarding the safety of Richmond Public Schools Norrell Elementary School

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, 23 January 2013

A statement by

The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson

Councilwoman, Gateway 6th Voter District

Regarding the safety of Richmond Public Schools Norrell Elementary School

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- "Norrell Elementary School is safe. We base our trust that it is safe on extensive testing, studies, reports and results documented by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Department of Health, the Richmond Department of Public Utilities, the Richmond Department of Public Works, and an independent environmental consultant (France Environmental).

We asked that Norrell Elementary School be tested and it was, thoroughly. It passed all the tests for safety and there are no environmental hazards at the school, none whatsoever. We have reams of documented proof from nearly every respected environmental agency that Norrell is safe.

Throughout this process, our parents and children have come to the table, asked questions, and have received factual information regarding the safety of the school in order to help guide their decisions regarding its use. There are, however, some out there who are neither parents nor that have children attending the school who are expressing concern. I invite those individuals to come to the table, become informed, review the reports, and get the facts.

Since the children attending Norrell Elementary School are members of our families living the Northside 6th District, I will be holding a special meeting for any concerned citizens in order for them to be informed on the facts as they take up their special charge of advising our children in the Gateway 6th District. We want our community dialogue to be open and honest and for our parents and children to have factual information and not be told what is not true.

If the community determines it wants to make decisions based on perception and false fears, rather than factual information, then we shall say so. If we desire closing schools where testing has been done, then let's do that. But please, let's not make claims that are unfounded or make decisions that are not based on facts.

By all information sources, Norrell Elementary School is safe.

CONTACT For more information, please contact The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th Voter District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or ellen.robertson@richmondgov.com;

- E N D -