Richmond City Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille, East End 7th District will hold a meeting in Richmond’s East End 7th District. This will be her second individual meeting since being elected to Richmond City Council for the East End 7th District in the special local election, held Tuesday, November 3, 2009. The meeting will include the creation of an East End 7th District team to address major issues; information on her goals; and, special guests. Light refreshments will be served. The agenda and incited guests for this meeting include:
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov
COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille to hold meeting in East End 7th District
Topic: Creation of an East End 7th District Team to address major issues
WHAT Richmond City Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille, East End 7th District will hold a meeting in Richmond’s East End 7th District. This will be her second individual meeting since being elected to Richmond City Council for the East End 7th District in the special local election, held Tuesday, November 3, 2009. The meeting will include the creation of an East End 7th District team to address major issues; information on her goals; and, special guests. Light refreshments will be served. The agenda and incited guests for this meeting include:
Agenda ____________________________________________________________
The purpose of the meeting is to create a process for developing an East End 7th District Team to address major issues of the Richmond’s East End 7th District. Issues to include: education, community involvement, housing, safety and several other topics.
Invited Guest ______________________________________________________
• Presidents of Civic Association within Richmond’s East End 7th District
• Presidents of Tenant Councils within Richmond’s East End 7th District
• Representatives from Richmond Public Schools
• Business partners
• Selected providers of human services
• Faith-based leaders
WHEN Saturday, 30 January 2010
10:00 a.m. – Noon
WHERE Richmond Community Hospital
1510 North 28th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223
WHO The Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council East End 7th District
CONTACT For more information, please contact Sam Patterson, 804.646.3012; or sam.patterson@richmondgov.com
BACKGROUND ____________________________________________________________________
Cynthia I. Newbille was sworn in as Councilwoman for the Richmond City Council East End 7th District during the Richmond City Council Formal meeting on Monday, November 9, 2009. Ms. Newbille will fulfill the remaining three years of the elected term for that district, which was left vacant by the departure of Councilwoman Delores L. McQuinn in December of 2008.
Subsequent to her election to Richmond City Council in November 2008, Councilwoman McQuinn was elected in a Special State Election as 70th District Delegate to the Virginia General Assembly and resigned her Council position, as she was not legally able to hold both. (Note: The position of 70th District Delegate was left vacant by Dwight Jones as he resigned after being elected Mayor of Richmond.)
In February 2009, Richmond City Council appointed Betty L. Squire to temporarily fill in as Councilperson for the East End 7th District until the election of the new member in November.
Ms. Newbille’s term will run November 2009 to December 2012.
#####
______________________________________
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 21, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Councilman Doug Conner to hold meeting in South Central 9th District: To include 2010 Richmond Real Estate Assessments and Community dinner
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
Entire South Central 9th District invited and encouraged to attend
WHAT Richmond City Councilman Doug Conner, South Central 9th District, will hold a meeting in the South Central 9th District. This will be his first meeting held in the South Central 9th District for the year. The meeting will include a presentation on 2010 Richmond Real Estate Assessments and a free community dinner. Councilman Conner typically holds monthly meetings that include information on his goals and accomplishments, a thematic agenda of current interest, special guests, and dinner. (Meetings are typically held on the on the third Tuesday of the month.) The meeting and dinner are free and all South Central 9th District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. The agenda for this meeting will include:
AGENDA
• 2010 Richmond Real Estate Assessments
• Community Dinner
WHEN Tuesday, 26 January 2010
5:00-7:00 p.m.
SCHEDULE
5:00-6:30 p.m. - 2010 Richmond Real Estate Assessments
6:30-7:00 p.m. - Community Diner.
WHERE Southside Baptist Christian School
5515 Bryce Lane, Richmond, Virginia 23224
WHO The Honorable Doug Conner, Councilman, Richmond City Council, South Central 9th District,
CONTACT For more information, please call Councilman Doug Conner, at 804.233.8288, or email doug.conner@richmondgov.com, or via website, at www.southrichmond.org.
####
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
Entire South Central 9th District invited and encouraged to attend
WHAT Richmond City Councilman Doug Conner, South Central 9th District, will hold a meeting in the South Central 9th District. This will be his first meeting held in the South Central 9th District for the year. The meeting will include a presentation on 2010 Richmond Real Estate Assessments and a free community dinner. Councilman Conner typically holds monthly meetings that include information on his goals and accomplishments, a thematic agenda of current interest, special guests, and dinner. (Meetings are typically held on the on the third Tuesday of the month.) The meeting and dinner are free and all South Central 9th District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. The agenda for this meeting will include:
AGENDA
• 2010 Richmond Real Estate Assessments
• Community Dinner
WHEN Tuesday, 26 January 2010
5:00-7:00 p.m.
SCHEDULE
5:00-6:30 p.m. - 2010 Richmond Real Estate Assessments
6:30-7:00 p.m. - Community Diner.
WHERE Southside Baptist Christian School
5515 Bryce Lane, Richmond, Virginia 23224
WHO The Honorable Doug Conner, Councilman, Richmond City Council, South Central 9th District,
CONTACT For more information, please call Councilman Doug Conner, at 804.233.8288, or email doug.conner@richmondgov.com, or via website, at www.southrichmond.org.
####
Councilman Hilbert to hold Northside 3rd District Neighborhood Discussion regarding revitalization and possible uses of Richmond Public Schools A.V. Norrell/Annex buildings
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
Entire Northside 3rd District invited and encouraged to attend
WHAT Richmond City Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, Northside 3rd District, will hold a community meeting in Richmond’s Northside 3rd District to discuss the potential revitalization and possible future uses of the former Richmond Public Schools A. V. Norrell Elementary School building and Norrell Annex, which are currently vacant. The meeting is free and all Northside 3rd District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
Discussion will include:
• Community’s needs as it relates to: Recreation, Education,
Senior Citizen Programming and more
• Community Involvement
• Facility Analysis
• Programs Needed
WHEN Saturday 23 January 2010
Noon – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE Richmond Public Schools A. V. Norrell Elementary School building
219 West Graham Road
WHO The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, Northside 3rd District
CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Chris Hilbert, at 804.646.6055 or chris.hilbert@richmondgov.com.
BACKGROUND
Richmond Public Schools closed A. V. Norrell Elementary School and Norrel Annex in the 2006/2007 school year due to flooding in the Battery Park area of Richmond. The name A. V. Norrell Elementary School was momentarily kept and students were temporarily housed in the former Richmond Public Schools Patrick Henry Elementary School building, which was closed in the fall of 2006. School boundaries were then adjusted in the spring of 2007 and A.V. Norrell Elementary School students were distributed among other schools beginning in the 2007/2008 school year.
- # # # # -
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
Entire Northside 3rd District invited and encouraged to attend
WHAT Richmond City Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, Northside 3rd District, will hold a community meeting in Richmond’s Northside 3rd District to discuss the potential revitalization and possible future uses of the former Richmond Public Schools A. V. Norrell Elementary School building and Norrell Annex, which are currently vacant. The meeting is free and all Northside 3rd District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
Discussion will include:
• Community’s needs as it relates to: Recreation, Education,
Senior Citizen Programming and more
• Community Involvement
• Facility Analysis
• Programs Needed
WHEN Saturday 23 January 2010
Noon – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE Richmond Public Schools A. V. Norrell Elementary School building
219 West Graham Road
WHO The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, Northside 3rd District
CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Chris Hilbert, at 804.646.6055 or chris.hilbert@richmondgov.com.
BACKGROUND
Richmond Public Schools closed A. V. Norrell Elementary School and Norrel Annex in the 2006/2007 school year due to flooding in the Battery Park area of Richmond. The name A. V. Norrell Elementary School was momentarily kept and students were temporarily housed in the former Richmond Public Schools Patrick Henry Elementary School building, which was closed in the fall of 2006. School boundaries were then adjusted in the spring of 2007 and A.V. Norrell Elementary School students were distributed among other schools beginning in the 2007/2008 school year.
- # # # # -
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Councilwoman Kathy Graziano to hold meeting in Southwest 4th District
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
Topics: Richmond Real Estate Assessments and 2010 United States Census
WHAT Councilwoman Kathy Graziano, Southwest 4th District, Richmond City Council will hold a meeting in Richmond’s Southwest 4th District. All Southwest 4th District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. The meeting will include:
Topics
• 2010 Richmond Real Estate Assessments
James Hester, Richmond City Assessor of Real Estate
• 2010 United States Census Information
Jeffrey M. Bourne, Assistant Chief of Staff, Richmond Office of
the Mayor
• Richmond Police Department
WHEN Wednesday, February 10, 2010
7:00-8:30 p.m.
WHERE St. Luke Lutheran Church
7757 Chippenham Parkway
Richmond, Virginia
WHO The Honorable Kathy Graziano, Councilwoman
Richmond City Council, Southwest 4th District
CONTACT For more information, please contact David Hathcock, at 804.320.2454, or david.hathcock@richmondgov.com.
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Richmond, Virginia 23219
www.council.richmondva.gov
Topics: Richmond Real Estate Assessments and 2010 United States Census
WHAT Councilwoman Kathy Graziano, Southwest 4th District, Richmond City Council will hold a meeting in Richmond’s Southwest 4th District. All Southwest 4th District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. The meeting will include:
Topics
• 2010 Richmond Real Estate Assessments
James Hester, Richmond City Assessor of Real Estate
• 2010 United States Census Information
Jeffrey M. Bourne, Assistant Chief of Staff, Richmond Office of
the Mayor
• Richmond Police Department
WHEN Wednesday, February 10, 2010
7:00-8:30 p.m.
WHERE St. Luke Lutheran Church
7757 Chippenham Parkway
Richmond, Virginia
WHO The Honorable Kathy Graziano, Councilwoman
Richmond City Council, Southwest 4th District
CONTACT For more information, please contact David Hathcock, at 804.320.2454, or david.hathcock@richmondgov.com.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold meeting in Gateway 6th District
Richmond City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, Gateway 6th District, will host a meeting in the Gateway 6th District. This is a continuation of regular meetings she typically holds on the second Saturday of each month, which include information on her Gateway 6th District goals and accomplishments; a thematic agenda of current interest; and, special guests. This is her 75th consecutive monthly meeting for citizens since being elected as a member of Richmond City Council for the first time in 2003. All Gateway 6th District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served. The Agenda for this meeting will include:
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov
PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, 8 January 2010
Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold meeting in Gateway 6th District
All Gateway 6th District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend
WHAT Richmond City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, Gateway 6th District, will host a meeting in the Gateway 6th District. This is a continuation of regular meetings she typically holds on the second Saturday of each month, which include information on her Gateway 6th District goals and accomplishments; a thematic agenda of current interest; and, special guests. This is her 75th consecutive monthly meeting for citizens since being elected as a member of Richmond City Council for the first time in 2003. All Gateway 6th District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served. The Agenda for this meeting will include:
Focus ________________________________________________________________
• Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson’s 2009 End-of-Year Report
Discussion Agenda ___________________________________________________
• Gateway 6th District Legislative Report
• Gateway 6th District Budget Report
• Gateway 6th District Projects Report
• Gateway 6th District Crime/Public Safety Report
• Gateway 6th District Citizen Service Request Report
• 2010 Gateway 6th District Goals and Objectives
• Gateway 6th District Citizens’ Survey
Refreshments _________________________________________________________
Free refreshments will be served
WHEN Saturday, January 9, 2010
10:00 a.m. – Noon
WHERE Bank of America Building, 18th floor (12th & Main Streets)
Free Parking in the James Center (Omni Hotel) Cary Street Parking Deck. (Enter on the right side of Cary Street across from Bank of America. Parking coupon provided at meeting.)
WHO The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District
CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, Richmond City Council Gateway6th District, at 804.646.7964 (office); or John Westbrook at john.westbrook@richmondgov.com
####
______________________________________
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
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov
PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, 8 January 2010
Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold meeting in Gateway 6th District
All Gateway 6th District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend
WHAT Richmond City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, Gateway 6th District, will host a meeting in the Gateway 6th District. This is a continuation of regular meetings she typically holds on the second Saturday of each month, which include information on her Gateway 6th District goals and accomplishments; a thematic agenda of current interest; and, special guests. This is her 75th consecutive monthly meeting for citizens since being elected as a member of Richmond City Council for the first time in 2003. All Gateway 6th District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served. The Agenda for this meeting will include:
Focus ________________________________________________________________
• Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson’s 2009 End-of-Year Report
Discussion Agenda ___________________________________________________
• Gateway 6th District Legislative Report
• Gateway 6th District Budget Report
• Gateway 6th District Projects Report
• Gateway 6th District Crime/Public Safety Report
• Gateway 6th District Citizen Service Request Report
• 2010 Gateway 6th District Goals and Objectives
• Gateway 6th District Citizens’ Survey
Refreshments _________________________________________________________
Free refreshments will be served
WHEN Saturday, January 9, 2010
10:00 a.m. – Noon
WHERE Bank of America Building, 18th floor (12th & Main Streets)
Free Parking in the James Center (Omni Hotel) Cary Street Parking Deck. (Enter on the right side of Cary Street across from Bank of America. Parking coupon provided at meeting.)
WHO The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District
CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, Richmond City Council Gateway6th District, at 804.646.7964 (office); or John Westbrook at john.westbrook@richmondgov.com
####
______________________________________
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’s Legislative Requests for the 2010 Session of the Virginia General Assembly
Richmond City Council has requested the following (summarized) legislative items for the 2010 Session of the Virginia General Assembly, which convenes at Noon on Wednesday, January 13, 2009.
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov
PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, 8 January 2010
Richmond City Council’s Legislative Requests for the 2010 Session of the Virginia General Assembly
Includes Funding Priorities and Charter Changes
WHAT Richmond City Council has requested the following (summarized) legislative items for the 2010 Session of the Virginia General Assembly, which convenes at Noon on Wednesday, January 13, 2009.
The requests are part of Richmond City Council Resolutions 2009-R 160-163 (attached) adopted November 9, 2009 and Richmond City Council Resolutions 2009-R 165-182 (attached) adopted November 23, 2009. These requests were presented to the members of the Virginia General Assembly representing Richmond at the annual Richmond-Virginia General Assembly Legislative Summit on November 18, 2009. Invited participants included members of the Virginia General Assembly representing Richmond (Richmond Delegation), members of Richmond City Council, Mayor Dwight Jones/City of Richmond Administration and members of Richmond Public Schools Board.
1. FUNDING PRIORITIES _________________________________________________________
A. Maintain the current level of state funding for pre-K through 12 public
school programs.
B. Maintain funding for State Aid to Localities with Police Departments (HB 599 funding).
C. Support the Port of Richmond’s request for $500,000 in matching funds from the Virginia Commonwealth Port Fund.
D. Continue funding the Virginia Attorney General Gang Reduction Intervention Program (GRIP).
E. Maintain state aid for critical local services and allow input from localities on where and how to implement reductions.
2. REQUESTS FOR LEGISLATION __________________________________________________
A. Request a change in the Code of Virginia in order to provide a waver on accrual of interest on payments on criminal and traffic fines while a person is incarcerated, regardless of the charge they are incarcerated for. Current law only provides an interest waiver for the specific case a person is incarcerated for.
- m o r e -
3. REQUESTS FOR STUDIES _______________________________________________________
A. Request legislation for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to study the feasibility of equipping para-transit vehicles with stopping lights and requiring traffic to stop while loading/unloading in a manner similar to school buses.
B. Request legislation for the Virginia State Crime Commission to conduct a cost-benefit study of mental health courts and identify savings in jail operating costs that would occur by diverting eligible offenders to such programs.
4. SUPPORT AND/OR MONITOR _________________________________________________
A, Support continued financial assistance for local jail construction and oppose any adverse changes in the funding formula.
B. Support legislation directing the Virginia General Assembly Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study feasibility of creating state financial incentives for localities in developing/operating facilities and services on a multi-jurisdictional or regional basis.
C. Support legislation that would reduce state mandates when state or federal funding is reduced, so that localities are not required to spend additional local dollars to comply with those mandates.
D. Support legislation restoring voting rights to convicted felons who have completed their sentence and their probation and parole obligations.
E. Support legislation allowing local governments to prohibit or restrict the carrying of dangerous weapons in local government facilities, including city halls, recreational facilities, libraries, administration buildings, and meeting spaces where local governing bodies meet to conduct business.
F. Support legislation requiring background checks for firearm purchases at local gun shows.
G. Support legislation that would relax Virginia’s Dillon Rule by giving localities greater local autonomy.
H. Monitor any legislation and studies relating to the Virginia’s state school funding formula to make sure that Richmond’s share of funding is fair with relation to its population and needs.
I. Monitor any Virginia General Assembly action to resolve issues related to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling affecting forensic science testimony in DUI, drug, and sexual assault cases.
5. OPPOSE LEGISLATION _______________
A. Oppose any changes that would revise the composition of the Richmond Metropolitan Authority Board of Directors from its existing jurisdictional representative structure.
- m o r e -
6. CHARTER CHANGE LEGISLATION
Richmond City Council requests legislation for changes to the Richmond City Charter. The full texts of changes are included in Council Res. #2009-R165. The general purpose and summaries of changes are as follows:
A. Section 4.02. Powers.
Clarifying Council’s authority to appoint its own staff to assist with its functions/duties.
B. Section 5.03. Involvement of Mayor and Council in appointment and removals.
Clarifying Mayor/CAO’s authority to hire/fire/supervise employees applies only to Administrative Personnel, not Council staff.
C. Section 5B.01. Retirement System established
Clarifying Richmond Retirement System Staff are under the direction of the Richmond Retirement Board of Trustees/Executive Director (ED) and that Council is to “provide” for the ED and other employees, as consistent with
current Charter Sections 4.02(d) and 5A.03.
D. Section 5.05 General duties; Mayor
Increase Mayor’s legislative veto power to include any Council Ordinance; remove language regarding Council appointment of members of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (as Code of Virginia already provides governing body this duty); and, housekeeping changes replacing pronouns with the title “Mayor.”
E. Section 13.11 Implementation of stormwater utility
To allow Richmond residential property owners to receive waivers of stormwater utility charges for certain stormwater-related improvements [this would conform to Code of Virginia §15.2.2114 (B)].
CONTACT For more information regarding the legislative proposals/agenda, please contact Daisy E. Weaver, Council Chief of Staff, at 804.646.5921, or daisy.weaver@richmondgov.com
or
Jennifer Wicker, Legislative Coordinator, Office of the Mayor at 804.646.0783, or Jennifer.wicker@richmondgov.com
- 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
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov
PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, 8 January 2010
Richmond City Council’s Legislative Requests for the 2010 Session of the Virginia General Assembly
Includes Funding Priorities and Charter Changes
WHAT Richmond City Council has requested the following (summarized) legislative items for the 2010 Session of the Virginia General Assembly, which convenes at Noon on Wednesday, January 13, 2009.
The requests are part of Richmond City Council Resolutions 2009-R 160-163 (attached) adopted November 9, 2009 and Richmond City Council Resolutions 2009-R 165-182 (attached) adopted November 23, 2009. These requests were presented to the members of the Virginia General Assembly representing Richmond at the annual Richmond-Virginia General Assembly Legislative Summit on November 18, 2009. Invited participants included members of the Virginia General Assembly representing Richmond (Richmond Delegation), members of Richmond City Council, Mayor Dwight Jones/City of Richmond Administration and members of Richmond Public Schools Board.
1. FUNDING PRIORITIES _________________________________________________________
A. Maintain the current level of state funding for pre-K through 12 public
school programs.
B. Maintain funding for State Aid to Localities with Police Departments (HB 599 funding).
C. Support the Port of Richmond’s request for $500,000 in matching funds from the Virginia Commonwealth Port Fund.
D. Continue funding the Virginia Attorney General Gang Reduction Intervention Program (GRIP).
E. Maintain state aid for critical local services and allow input from localities on where and how to implement reductions.
2. REQUESTS FOR LEGISLATION __________________________________________________
A. Request a change in the Code of Virginia in order to provide a waver on accrual of interest on payments on criminal and traffic fines while a person is incarcerated, regardless of the charge they are incarcerated for. Current law only provides an interest waiver for the specific case a person is incarcerated for.
- m o r e -
3. REQUESTS FOR STUDIES _______________________________________________________
A. Request legislation for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to study the feasibility of equipping para-transit vehicles with stopping lights and requiring traffic to stop while loading/unloading in a manner similar to school buses.
B. Request legislation for the Virginia State Crime Commission to conduct a cost-benefit study of mental health courts and identify savings in jail operating costs that would occur by diverting eligible offenders to such programs.
4. SUPPORT AND/OR MONITOR _________________________________________________
A, Support continued financial assistance for local jail construction and oppose any adverse changes in the funding formula.
B. Support legislation directing the Virginia General Assembly Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study feasibility of creating state financial incentives for localities in developing/operating facilities and services on a multi-jurisdictional or regional basis.
C. Support legislation that would reduce state mandates when state or federal funding is reduced, so that localities are not required to spend additional local dollars to comply with those mandates.
D. Support legislation restoring voting rights to convicted felons who have completed their sentence and their probation and parole obligations.
E. Support legislation allowing local governments to prohibit or restrict the carrying of dangerous weapons in local government facilities, including city halls, recreational facilities, libraries, administration buildings, and meeting spaces where local governing bodies meet to conduct business.
F. Support legislation requiring background checks for firearm purchases at local gun shows.
G. Support legislation that would relax Virginia’s Dillon Rule by giving localities greater local autonomy.
H. Monitor any legislation and studies relating to the Virginia’s state school funding formula to make sure that Richmond’s share of funding is fair with relation to its population and needs.
I. Monitor any Virginia General Assembly action to resolve issues related to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling affecting forensic science testimony in DUI, drug, and sexual assault cases.
5. OPPOSE LEGISLATION _______________
A. Oppose any changes that would revise the composition of the Richmond Metropolitan Authority Board of Directors from its existing jurisdictional representative structure.
- m o r e -
6. CHARTER CHANGE LEGISLATION
Richmond City Council requests legislation for changes to the Richmond City Charter. The full texts of changes are included in Council Res. #2009-R165. The general purpose and summaries of changes are as follows:
A. Section 4.02. Powers.
Clarifying Council’s authority to appoint its own staff to assist with its functions/duties.
B. Section 5.03. Involvement of Mayor and Council in appointment and removals.
Clarifying Mayor/CAO’s authority to hire/fire/supervise employees applies only to Administrative Personnel, not Council staff.
C. Section 5B.01. Retirement System established
Clarifying Richmond Retirement System Staff are under the direction of the Richmond Retirement Board of Trustees/Executive Director (ED) and that Council is to “provide” for the ED and other employees, as consistent with
current Charter Sections 4.02(d) and 5A.03.
D. Section 5.05 General duties; Mayor
Increase Mayor’s legislative veto power to include any Council Ordinance; remove language regarding Council appointment of members of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (as Code of Virginia already provides governing body this duty); and, housekeeping changes replacing pronouns with the title “Mayor.”
E. Section 13.11 Implementation of stormwater utility
To allow Richmond residential property owners to receive waivers of stormwater utility charges for certain stormwater-related improvements [this would conform to Code of Virginia §15.2.2114 (B)].
CONTACT For more information regarding the legislative proposals/agenda, please contact Daisy E. Weaver, Council Chief of Staff, at 804.646.5921, or daisy.weaver@richmondgov.com
or
Jennifer Wicker, Legislative Coordinator, Office of the Mayor at 804.646.0783, or Jennifer.wicker@richmondgov.com
- 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 6, 2010
Richmond Slave Trail Commission Public News Conference Canceled
The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission public news conference that was scheduled for today has been canceled.
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 www.council.richmondva.gov
COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Richmond Slave Trail Commission Public News Conference Canceled
WHAT The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission public news conference that was scheduled for today has been canceled.
WHEN CANCELED
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
11:30 a.m. - Noon
WHERE Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue Plaza
15th and Main Streets – (In Richmond’s Historic Shockoe Bottom)
WHO The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates 70th District, Chairman, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission
CONTACT For more information, please contact Beverly Crawford, at 804.698.1070, or deldmcquinn@house.virginia.gov
BACKGROUND ___________________________________________________________________
Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission
The Commission was established by Richmond City Council in 1998 to help promote awareness of the history and legacy of slavery in Richmond. Recent projects have included:
• Richmond Slave Trail formally designated as Historic Landmark
• Richmond Night Walk established along the Richmond Slave Trail
• 2003 Acquisition of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute
• 2006 Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment
• 2007 Richmond International Unveiling of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue, erected in 2007 at 15th and E. Main Streets. Included design and construction of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute plaza and erection of the statue.
• 2008 – 2009 Phase II Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment: which included engineering and storm water engineering
• 2008 Discovery of foundation and architectural artifacts in 2008.
• 2009 Development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program, Signage and Commemorative Site: Lumpkin’s Slave Jail
• 2009 Development of the conceptual Richmond National Slavery Museum
# # # #
______________________________________
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
Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 www.council.richmondva.gov
COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Richmond Slave Trail Commission Public News Conference Canceled
WHAT The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission public news conference that was scheduled for today has been canceled.
WHEN CANCELED
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
11:30 a.m. - Noon
WHERE Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue Plaza
15th and Main Streets – (In Richmond’s Historic Shockoe Bottom)
WHO The Honorable Delores L. McQuinn, Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates 70th District, Chairman, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission
CONTACT For more information, please contact Beverly Crawford, at 804.698.1070, or deldmcquinn@house.virginia.gov
BACKGROUND ___________________________________________________________________
Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission
The Commission was established by Richmond City Council in 1998 to help promote awareness of the history and legacy of slavery in Richmond. Recent projects have included:
• Richmond Slave Trail formally designated as Historic Landmark
• Richmond Night Walk established along the Richmond Slave Trail
• 2003 Acquisition of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute
• 2006 Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment
• 2007 Richmond International Unveiling of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue, erected in 2007 at 15th and E. Main Streets. Included design and construction of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute plaza and erection of the statue.
• 2008 – 2009 Phase II Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment: which included engineering and storm water engineering
• 2008 Discovery of foundation and architectural artifacts in 2008.
• 2009 Development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program, Signage and Commemorative Site: Lumpkin’s Slave Jail
• 2009 Development of the conceptual Richmond National Slavery Museum
# # # #
______________________________________
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.
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