Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Richmond City Council to hold special emergency meeting on Friday, to vote on Resolution confirming recent Richmond State of Emergency Declaration due to Hurricane Sandy

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, 31 October 2012



Richmond City Council to hold special emergency meeting on Friday, to vote on Resolution confirming recent Richmond State of Emergency Declaration due to Hurricane Sandy



Only item on the agenda for this meeting





WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- Richmond City Council will hold a special emergency meeting on Friday, November 2, 2012, at 12:30 p.m. to vote on an expedited Resolution to officially confirm the recent Richmond State of Emergency Declaration called by Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones due to potential impact of Hurricane Sandy on the city. This will be the only item on the agenda for this meeting. This meeting is free and open to the public and all Richmond Residents are invited and encouraged to attend.



The Virginia Code of Laws (1950), Section 44-146.21., as amended, provides that the Director of Emergency Management for a local jurisdiction may declare that a local emergency exists, subject to confirmation by that locality's Governing Body at its next regularly scheduled meeting or at a special meeting held within 14 days of the declaration, whichever occurs first.



Mayor Jones, acting as a Richmond Director of Emergency Management, determined that a local emergency should be declared due to the potential impact of Hurricane Sandy on the city and declared such a local emergency on Saturday afternoon, October 27. Mayor Jones lifted the declaration as of Tuesday, October 30, 2012.



A Richmond State of Emergency Declaration allows the City to activate emergency operations and mobilize city resources. It also lets the City use emergency procurement policies, as needed.





WHEN Friday, November 2, 2012

12:30-1:00 p.m.



WHERE Richmond City Council Chambers

Richmond City Hall; 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd floor; Richmond, Virginia 23219



WHO The Honorable Members of Richmond City Council



CONTACT For more information, please contact Steve Skinner, Richmond City Council Public Information Manager, at 804.646.6052; or steven.skinner@richmondgov.com





BACKGROUND

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.



OFFICIAL MEETINGS

In delivery of its official duties as the governing body of Richmond, Virginia, Richmond City Council holds an average of 12 official monthly public government meetings on behalf of Richmond residents to discuss, deliberate, and act on City laws, City Government Budget/Finances and City Government policy



Richmond City Council Official Government Meetings are typically held monthly (with the exception of August and a second Formal and Informal meeting in December) on behalf of the "body of Council" and typically include (but are not limited to) two “Council Formal” meetings, two “Council Informal” meetings, six Council Standing Committee meetings, and Council Public Hearings, Emergency Meetings and Public Information/Events held on an as-needed basis.



All Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to attend all Richmond City Council meetings and to contact the Richmond Councilmember elected for their Richmond Voter District (by phone, in person, via email, or by mail) to learn more; provide input; and/or, ask questions.



- 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.













Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Canceled: Richmond City Council Organizational Development Standing Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, November 5, 2012 has been 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

Tuesday, 30 October 2012

Canceled: Richmond City Council Organizational Development Standing Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, November 5, 2012 has been canceled



Regular meeting to resume Monday, December 3, 2012: All residents are invited and encouraged to attend



WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Richmond City Council Organizational Development Standing Committee Meeting, scheduled for Monday, November 5, 2012 (5:00-6:30 p.m.), has been canceled. The regular holding of this meeting will resume on December 3, 2012, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. This meeting is free and open to the public and all Richmond Residents are invited and encouraged to attend.



The Richmond City Council Organizational Development Standing Committee is responsible for the oversight, monitoring and updating of policy regarding Richmond City Council internal operations, Council offices and functions of Richmond City Council Standing Committees and Richmond City Council Boards, Commissions and Task Forces. The Richmond City Council Organizational Development Standing Committee typically meets the first Monday of each month from 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the Richmond City Hall - 2nd Floor Large Conference Room.



In delivery of its official duties as the governing body of Richmond, Virginia, Richmond City Council holds an average of 12 official monthly public government meetings on behalf of Richmond residents to discuss, deliberate, and act on City laws, City Government Budget/Finances and City Government policy.



Richmond City Council Official Government Meetings are typically held monthly (with the exception of August and a second Formal and Informal meeting in December) on behalf of the "body of Council" and typically include (but are not limited to) two “Council Formal” meetings, two “Council Informal” meetings, six Council Standing Committee meetings, and Council Public Hearings and Public Information/Events held on an as-needed basis.



All Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to attend all Richmond City Council meetings and to contact the Richmond Councilmember elected for their Richmond Voter District (by phone, in person, via email, or by mail) to learn more; provide input; and/or, ask questions.



WHEN Canceled: Monday, November 5, 2012; 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Next Meeting: Monday, December 3, 2012 from 5:00-6:30 p.m.



WHERE Richmond City Hall - 2nd Floor Large Conference Room

Richmond City Hall; 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd floor; Richmond, Virginia 23219



WHO Richmond City Council



CONTACT For more information, please contact Alvin Anderson, City Clerk, Richmond City Council Office of the City Clerk, at 804.646.7955, or alvin.anderson@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.













Richmond City Council thanks Richmond government employees and those working for and supporting the preparation and response to Hurricane Sandy on behalf of Richmond families

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, 30 October 2012


Richmond City Council thanks Richmond government employees and those working for and supporting the preparation and response to Hurricane Sandy on behalf of Richmond families


Included: Richmond Office of the City Sheriff, Virginia Department of Health - Richmond Health District Office, American Red Cross - Greater Richmond Chapter, RRHA, GRTC and Richmond-Area News media

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) - - The members of Richmond City Council today thank and commend the work of Richmond City government departments and employees and those working for and supporting the preparation and response efforts of Hurricane Sandy on Richmond and for their ongoing protection, preparation, response and recovery efforts on behalf of Richmond families. This includes the work of the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Richmond Department of Police, Richmond Department of Public Utilities, Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, Richmond Department of Public Works, Richmond Office of Animal Care and Control, Richmond Department of Social Services, Richmond Department of Information Technology, Richmond Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, and the Richmond Mayor's Office of the Press Secretary.



Richmond City Council also commends the work and support of the Richmond Office of the City Sheriff and the Virginia Department of Health - Richmond Health District Office; and, the American Red Cross - Greater Richmond Chapter and other Richmond nonprofit organizations for their assistance and support on behalf of Richmond families.



Richmond City Council also thanks the efforts of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and GRTC Transit System: and, the Richmond-Area local news media for their coverage of the events and in helping keep families informed.



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







- 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, October 29, 2012

Richmond Office of the General Registrar open today (8am-5pm) in Richmond City Hall: Absentee Voting Open (expected to be open tomorrow also)

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, 29 October 2012



Richmond Office of the General Registrar open today (8am-5pm) in Richmond City Hall: Absentee Voting Open (expected to be open tomorrow also)



Experienced Election Officer training class scheduled for tonight from 6-8:30 p.m. also will be held (officers can call and reschedule for a class later during the week, if needed)



WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- With regard to Hurricane Sandy impacting local weather today, the Richmond Office of the General Registrar is open today(Monday, October 29, 2012.), from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Richmond City Hall (first floor). The Office is also expected to be open tomorrow. All those interested in absentee voting or needing to visit the Office of the General Registrar are invited to come into the office.



Experienced Election Officer training class scheduled for tonight from 6:00-8:30 p.m. also will be held, although officers can call and reschedule for a class later during the week if needed. Scheduled training classes are also expected to be held tomorrow night.



The Richmond Office of the General Registrar is located in Richmond City Hall; 900 East Broad Street, Room 105 (first floor); Richmond, Virginia 23219.



All Richmond Residents are reminded to vote in the upcoming election, being held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. Richmond residents can check their voter registration online, at www.sbe.virginia.gov.



CONTACT For more information, please contact the Richmond Office of the General Registrar, at 804.646.5950, or visit the Richmond Office of General Registrar, located in Richmond City Hall; 900 East Broad Street, Room 105; Richmond, Virginia 23219 http://www.richmondgov.com/Registrar/index.aspx.



- end -



______________________________________

Steven R. Skinner, APR

Council Public Information Manager

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF

Richmond City Hall

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305

Richmond, Virginia 23219

804.646.6052 (office)

804.335.4054 (mobile)

804.937.1386 (home/mobile)

804.646.5468 (fax)

steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

www.council.richmondva.gov(website)

____________________________________________



MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council

is to represent citizens in creating and amending

local laws, providing government policy and

oversight, and approving the city budget.



VISION Richmond City Council is committed to

creating a vibrant community that is a great place

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



Friday, October 26, 2012

Richmond Law prohibits panhandling or solicitation from city medians

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, 26 October 2012



Richmond Law prohibits panhandling or solicitation from city medians





WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- Richmond law prohibits panhandling or solicitation on center medians. This law was established by Richmond City Council and has been in effect for nearly 15 years. Per the Richmond Code of Laws (Code of the City of Richmond), Section 66-317 part (c), it is "unlawful for any person to stand or stay on any center median for the purpose of soliciting contributions of any kind."



The full sections of relevant laws are as follows:



Sec. 66-317. - Solicitation on center median.

(a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Center median means any area in the middle of any street or highway, designed to provide a barrier to keep traffic on one side of the street from going to the other side of the street. A center median may be a raised concrete strip or a grass strip.



Selling, offering for sale, advertising, soliciting, distributing and distribute mean any such activity which involves the delivery of any document, publication or other item or the intent to deliver any document, publication or other item to any occupant of a motor vehicle located on a city street or any such activity which involves the receipt of any money or any item or the intent to receive any money or any item from the occupant of an automobile located on a city street, other than a motor vehicle parked in a designated parking space.

(b)

Purpose. Intersections that have center medians often are designed to deal with specific traffic flow problems. Any delay or distraction may interfere with traffic planning. Frequently persons stand near intersections and near traffic lights to contact drivers or passengers in cars that are passing or that are stopped temporarily due to traffic lights. The purpose of this section is to prevent dangers to persons and property, to prevent delays in vehicular and pedestrian traffic and to avoid interference with such traffic flow.

(c)

Prohibited use of center median strip. It shall be unlawful for any person to stand or stay on any center median for the purpose of soliciting contributions of any kind. It shall also be unlawful for any person to stand or stay on any center median for the purpose of selling, offering for sale or advertising any product, property or service or for the purpose of distributing any document, product, or other item.

(d)



Permitted use of center median. In addition to other pedestrian purposes, center medians may also be used under the following circumstances:

(1)

A person may be on the center median temporarily to deal with an emergency.

(2)

A pedestrian crossing a street or highway may remain on a center median until it is safe to proceed.

(3)

A person may be on that portion of a center median in a street that has been temporarily closed by a permit issued pursuant to section 90-361

(e)

Penalty. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.

(Code 1993, § 20-136)



Sec. 66-318. - Unlawful entry onto streets.

(a)

It shall be unlawful for any person to enter a street and approach a motor vehicle to:

(1)

Distribute handbills, merchandise, leaflets, bulletins, literature, advertisements, or similar material to the drivers of motor vehicles or passengers therein;

(2)

Solicit contributions of any nature from the drivers of motor vehicles or passengers therein; or

(3)

Sell any merchandise or attempt to sell merchandise to the drivers of motor vehicles or passengers therein.

(b)

Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.

(Code 1993, § 20-137)



CONTACT For more information, please contact Steve Skinner, Richmond City Council Public Information Manager, at 804.646.6052; or steven.skinner@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, October 22, 2012

Postponed: Richmond City Council Informal Meeting today to begin at 4:00 p.m. - instead of 3:00 p.m. (To hold News Conference regarding Washington Redskin's Football Team announcement)

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, 22 October 2012



Postponed: Richmond City Council Informal Meeting today to begin at 4:00 p.m. - instead of 3:00 p.m. (To hold News Conference regarding Washington Redskin's Football Team announcement)



All residents are invited and encouraged to attend



WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A. ) -- The Richmond City Council Informal Meeting, scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. today (Monday, October 22, 2012), will now begin at 4:00 p.m. today. The change of the regular meeting time is just for today's meeting and is not a permanent change. The reason for the change in time is for Council to participate in a News Conference regarding the upcoming Washington Redskin's Football Team training location in Richmond. This meeting is free and open to the public and all Richmond Residents are invited and encouraged to attend.



Richmond City Council Informal Meetings are typically held just prior to Richmond City Council Formal Meetings for reviewing information and preparing for “Formal” Council meetings. Meetings may include presentations from city administration or private entities. These meetings are typically held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, from 3:00-4:30 p.m. (With the exception of holidays and the month of August and a second meeting in December, when typically no meetings are held).



In delivery of its official duties as the governing body of Richmond, Virginia, Richmond City Council holds an average of 12 official monthly public government meetings on behalf of Richmond residents to discuss, deliberate, and act on City laws, City Government Budget/Finances and City Government policy.



Richmond City Council Official Government Meetings are typically held monthly (with the exception of August and a second Formal and Informal meeting in December) on behalf of the "body of Council" and typically include (but are not limited to) two “Council Formal” meetings, two “Council Informal” meetings, six Council Standing Committee meetings, and Council Public Hearings and Public Information/Events held on an as-needed basis.



All Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to attend all Richmond City Council meetings and to contact the Richmond Councilmember elected for their Richmond Voter District (by phone, in person, via email, or by mail) to learn more; provide input; and/or, ask questions.



WHEN Postponed: Monday, October 22, 2012; 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Being Held: Monday, October 22, 2012; 4:00-5:30 p.m.



WHERE Richmond City Council Chambers

Richmond City Hall; 900 E. Broad Street, 2nd floor; Richmond, Virginia 23219



WHO Richmond City Council



CONTACT For more information, please contact Steve Skinner, Richmond City Council Public Information Manager, at 804.646.6052; or steven.skinner@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.













Thursday, October 18, 2012

Councilwoman Robertson encourages residents to attend the 4th Annual Hull Street Festival

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, 18 October 2012



Councilwoman Robertson encourages residents to attend the 4th Annual Hull Street Festival



Event is free and open to the public



WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, encourages residents to attend the 4th Annual Hull Street Festival. This successful event is hosted by the Hull Street Merchants Association and is free and open to the public. All Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to attend.



The 2012 Hull Street Festival will include:



• Music

• Food

• Free Wine Tasting

• Vendors

• Youth Area



The schedule of performances includes the following:



Time Performers

11-11:15 a.m. 1st Baptist Church Choir - On Stage

11: 25 -11:40 a.m. Family of Praise - On Stage

11:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m. P.M. JT Logan - On Stage

12:15 -12: 30 p.m. Devine Dimension Group - On Stage

12:40-12:55 p.m. Ethiopian Dance Show - On Stage

1:00-1:15 p.m. Belly Dancer - On Stage & Ground

1:30-1:45 p.m. RVA Hoop Lovers - On Stage & Ground

1:47-1:57 p.m. KICK the Festival

Milton Vice, President, Hull Street Merchants Association

2:00-2:20 p.m. The Sacred Heart Folkloric Dance Group

2:30-3:00 p.m. Sound Storm Band - On Stage

3:15-4:15 p.m. Hull Street Models Ltd. FASHION SHOW - On Ground

4:30-6:00 p.m. Chicken Grease Band - On Stage

6:10-6: 15 p.m. DJ PLAYING MUSIC - ENDING FESTIVAL

6: 30-7:00 p.m. Street Reopen - DJ playing Ending Festival



WHEN Saturday, October 20, 2012

11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.



WHERE Hull Street (Between 13th Street and Cowardin Avenue)

Richmond, Virginia



CONTACT For more information, please contact Cybelle O’Sullivan-McDaniels, Richmond

City Council, Gateway 6th District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or cybelle.o’sullivan@richmondgov.com; www.ellenrobertson.com (website)

or

Milton Vice, President, Hull Street Merchants Association, at 804.837.0340, or milton.vice@hullstreetmerchants.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.