1 A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Monday, February 6, 2017, AT 6:00 p.m. IN THE Second Floor Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Closed session as provided by Section 2.2-3712 of the Virginia Code BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY Paige Rice SECOND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM – February 6, 2017 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Ms. Galvin, Ms. Szakos, Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Fenwick, Mr. Signer. On motion by Ms. Szakos, seconded by Mr. Fenwick, Council voted, (Ayes: Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin, Mr. Signer, Mr. Fenwick; Noes: None; Absent at time of vote: Mr. Bellamy), to meet in closed session for (1) Discussion and consideration of specific individuals for appointment to boards and commissions, as authorized by Virginia Code sec. 2.2-3711 (A) (1); (2) Consideration of the acquisition of real property near Grove Road for public park purposes, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the City’s negotiating strategy, as authorized by Virginia Code sec. 2.2-3711 (A) (3); and, (3) Consultation with legal counsel regarding pending litigation with Charlottesville Parking Center, Inc., involving the Water Street Parking Garage, where such consultation in an open meeting would adversely affect the City’s litigating posture, as authorized by Virginia Code sec. 2.2-3711 (A) (7). On motion by Ms. Szakos, seconded by Mr. Fenwick, Council certified by the following vote (Ayes: Ms. Galvin, Ms. Szakos, Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Fenwick, Mr. Signer; Noes: None), that to the best of each Council Member's knowledge, only public business matters lawfully exempted from the open meeting requirements of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and identified in the motion convening the closed session were heard, discussed or considered in the closed session. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - February 6, 2017 ROLL CALL Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Bellamy, Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin, Mr. Signer, Mr. Fenwick AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Signer announced Rev. Hayes’ work and contribution to the community leading to the honorary street name. Mr. Signer invited Rev. Rufus Hayes forward to be recognized. 2 Rev. Hayes thanked the community and the listeners from his radio show. Mr. Fenwick said that city offices will be closed on February 20, 2017 for President's Day. Charlottesville Area Transit will operate full service. City trash and recycling will be collected as usual. Our offices will reopen at 8:00AM on the 21st. He also announced the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 21st. Mr. Bellamy read a proclamation in regards to Black History month. The City of Charlottesville has declared the month of February as African American History month. Mr. Bellamy invited Mr. Jerome “Swamp” Sailor to the front. Mr. Bellamy said that Mr. Sailor has dedicated his time in the Parks and Recreation department and helped the community children. Mr. Swamp thanked his family as Mr. Bellamy presented the proclamation. Mr. Swamp said that it was all about the children. Mr. Bellamy invited Mr. Damien "Snake" Banks to the front. Mr. Banks and his wife founded the Banks College Basketball Association. His efforts every summer lead to a reduction in violence. Mr. Banks thanked everyone who came out to support BCBA and their efforts. Mr. Bellamy read a resolution to recognize March 3 as "Liberation Day" in Charlottesville. Ms. Szakos announce upcoming meetings. The next meeting is the Joint City Council/ Albemarle County Board of Supervisors which will be held on Tuesday, February 14 at 10:00 a.m. at TJPDC Water Street Center. The next City Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 21 at 7:00 pm at City Hall in Council Chambers. Ms. Galvin read a portion of an article about Ms. Karen Troxel, who passed away in late January and then observed a moment of silence. She worked at Old Dominion bookstore and provided excellent customer service. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS On motion by Mr. Fenwick, seconded by Ms. Szakos, the following appointments were made to Boards and Commissions: to the Board of Architectural Review, Corey Clayborne, Breck Gastinger; to the MACAA Board, Jon Fink; to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, Marnie Allen, Llezelle Dugger, John Santoski; to the Region Ten Community Services Board, Brian Pinkston; to the RSWA and RWSA, Michael Gaffney; to the Social Services Board, Ivy Porpotage; to the Towing Advisory Board, Thomas Shull; to the Tree Commission, Michael Ronayne; to the Water Resources Protection Program Advisory Committee, Brian Becker, Morgan Butler, Dave Hirschman. (Ayes: Ms. Galvin, Ms. Szakos, Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Fenwick, Mr. Signer; Noes: None.) 3 Mr. Fenwick announced that there is one vacancy on the Region Ten Community Services Board. The Towing Advisory Board needs two more people. The CTAC needs two citizen members as they are going into a very important planning process. CITY MANAGER RESPONSE TO MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC Mr. Jones said that there were several people at the last meeting to request $75,000 in next year’s budget to support Region Ten’s new women’s treatment center. Council had discussed this item in the budget process for last year. At the time it was determined that the funds would not be needed in FY 17 and was determined to be added to the FY 18 budget. Mr. Jones said this budget recommendation has been added to the budget that will be presented to Council in March from the City Manager’s office. Ms. Szakos asked Mr. Jones about the Water Street Construction and impact on the businesses. Mr. Jones said that we are working with contractor to change the traffic flow. He said that right now it is one way and in the next couple of weeks the two way traffic will return to the area. MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC Mr. Signer requested of everyone present to behave in a civil manner. Everyone who speaks in Matters by the Public should maintain a civilized discourse. Mr. Signer introduced Officers Sprouse and Blackwell and read the rules for the community members participating in Matters by the Public. He said that at the last meeting when things got out of hand, he allowed civil disobedience. Mr. Signer reminded the audience that that he will strictly enforce the rules. Mr. Signer gave credit to Ms. Szakos; he encouraged the audience to raise their hand if they agree with someone or give a thumb’s down if they disagree. Mr. Signer reminded the audience that there are an unlimited number of spots at the end of the meeting for public comments. Jalane Schmidt, 11 Altamont Circle, said that she commended Council’s decision to declare Charlottesville as a Sanctuary city, although Charlottesville risks losing HUD funding as a result. Ms. Schmidt has noticed that many people are showing enthusiasm to the international refugee population as opposed to the plight of the black families that currently live here. She is also in support of removing the statues. Jean Hiatt, 1534 Rugby Ave., said that she would rename the park and add tall trees around the statue and add Plexiglas to that side. She suggested adding African American historical facts/visuals to the area as well. She wants Council to consider deferring the vote this evening until the public can be informed to the costs and the actual plans for re-contextualization and to hold a public hearing. Malcolm Bell, 433 1st St. N., urged Council to choose the recommendation of the Blue Ribbon Commission. He wants Council to re-contextualize the spaces. He gave his reasons for re-contextualization. 4 Mr. Rick Turner thanked Mr. Bellamy for mentioning Black History Month at the beginning of the meeting. Mr. Turner gave the history of how Black History Month came about. He said our President ran on platform of racism and in his first week tried to marginalize groups of people in US. People of color understand what Muslim Americans are going through. Savannah Lynn Misner, 1935 River Inn Ln., made comments on the removal of the statues. She and her family recently moved from Texas and name their dogs after the great generals. She said that General Lee was the best military general in the history of Virginia. Miss Misner is not in favor of removing the statue. Teresa Kay Lam, 2540 Stonebrook Ln., said that Mr. Bellamy and Ms. Szakos assaulted her on social media. Ms. Lam does not want the statues removed and believes that it is anachronistic to apply the standards of today to the people of the past. She asked why there is not a commission on statues for women and all minorities. Michael Payne, 3164 Autumn Woods Dr., said that specific policies allowed gentrification into Charlottesville and policies can get us out of the situation. If affordable housing is a priority then Council can find the resources. Mr. Payne said that if we are Democrats then we cannot just rely on words. Mr. Payne said that many people are tired of talk and need action. He is also in favor of removing the statues. Theresa Woods, 29 Woodlake Dr., gave her time to Edward Frye, Albemarle County, and he said he wants the statue to remain in the park. He is related to the sculptor, Mr. Shrady, who sculpted the Lee Statue. When he looks at the statue he sees the effort his ancestor went into making the statue as well as the sacrifice. Mr. Frye said that the DC area recognizes the importance of retaining monuments and art from our past. Kenneth Jackson, 1534 Cherry Ave., said that his great grandfather was a slave and his grandfather was the child of a freed slave. He said that there were not a lot of black people there at the meeting because they are more concerned with other civic issues. In the past you did not spend time talking about the issues like removing statues. Mr. Kenneth commented on how gentrification affected both black families and white blue collar families in the city by pushing them out of areas like Belmont. Teresa Roane, 1452 Brown Leaf Dr. Richmond, said that she wanted Council to acknowledge that removing the statue would be removing Black History. Ms. Roane listed the different dates from history supporting her position. Lori Sallade, 330 Cedar Bluff Rd., said she drove from her home in Florida to attend this meeting. She is a Jewish person who knows what it is like to be discriminated against. She gave examples of Union Generals who allowed lynching of slaves and examples of abolitionist leanings from Robert E. Lee. She said that she is fair to Civil Rights and that Robert E. Lee was not a white supremacist. 5 Darren Pace, 750 Belmont Ave, said that he supports the statues remaining with re- contextualizing the space and he supports renaming the Lee Park. He listed the reasons why the statue should remain in place. Mr. Pace said that the statues should be a reminder to teach us about history. CONSENT AGENDA a. Minutes for January 17 b. APPROPRIATION: Charlottesville City Schools (CCS) to the CCS Enhanced Entrance Security Project - $7,582.49 (2nd reading) Charlottesville City Schools (CCS) to the CCS Enhanced Entrance Security Project WHEREAS, the Charlottesville City Schools has made a supplemental contribution to the C.C.S. Enhanced Entrance Security Project in the amount of $7,582.49. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that $7,582.49 from CCS is to be appropriated in the following manner: Revenues - $7,582.49 Fund: 426 Funded Program: SC-003 G/L Account: 432085 Expenditures - $7,582.49 Fund: 426 Funded Program: SC-003 G/L Account: 599999 c. APPROPRIATION: Charlottesville-Albemarle Health Department Restroom and Service Area Renovations Request from Returned City funds - $49,034.80 (2nd reading) Charlottesville-Albemarle Health Department Restroom and Service Area Renovations RESOLUTION Authorization of Carryover for Charlottesville-Albemarle Health Department $49,034.80 WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, has received $28,099.97 from the Charlottesville-Albemarle Health Department as a settlement of fiscal year 2016 operating surplus and the Health Department has requested the use of those funds for building renovations; WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, Facilities Maintenance Department will be managing the project and the County of Albemarle is expected to contribute $20,934.83 toward the cost of the renovations; 6 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that the sum of $49,034.80 be appropriated and used to fund the renovations project at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Health Department. Revenues: $49,034.80 $ 28,099.97 Fund: 107 WBS Element: FR-052 (P-00934-02-02) G/L Account: 451999 $ 20,934.83 Fund: 209 WBS Element: FR-052 (P-00934-02-02) G/L Account: 432030 Expenditures: $49,034.80 $49,034.80 Fund: 107 WBS Element: FR-052 (P-00934-02-02) G/L Account: 599999 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that this appropriation is conditioned upon the receipt of funding in an amount that is equal to or greater than $20,934.80, and will be hereby considered as a continuing appropriation unless further altered by Council. d. APPROPRIATION: Additional Funding for Social Services Benefits Programs - $14,519 (carried) Additional Funding for Social Services Benefits Programs e. APPROPRIATION: Crisis Intervention Team Grant: Department of Criminal Justice Services - $20,000 (carried) Crisis Intervention Team Grant: Department of Criminal Justice Services f. APPROPRIATION: Check and Connect Student Engagement Continuation Grant - $147,000 (carried) Check and Connect Student Engagement Continuation Grant g. APPROPRIATION: Donations for Community Risk Reduction Initiatives - $3,246 (carried) Donations for Community Risk Reduction Initiatives h. RESOLUTION: Honorary Street Name Designation - Rev. Rufus Hayes Honorary Street Name Designation - Rev. Rufus Hayes 7 Resolution Honorary Street Name Designation – Old 5th Street-800 Block 5th Street SW WHEREAS, City Council adopted a policy for Honorary Street Name Designation; WHEREAS, City Staff has reviewed the application for appropriateness and verified the historical information; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that Old 5th Street shall be honorary named Bishop Rufus Hayes Way. i. RESOLUTION: Tax Payment Refund to Campus Investors C'Ville 1000 W Main LLC Tax Payment Refund to Campus Investors C'Ville 1000 W Main LLC RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND TO CAMPUS INVESTORS C’VILLE 1000 W MAIN ST LLC OF REAL ESTATE TAXES PAID FOR 2016 WHEREAS, the assessed value for the real property for Campus Investors C’ville 1000 W Main St LLC (the “Property”) was changed for calendar year 2016; and WHEREAS, the real property taxes for the Property for calendar year 2016 were paid on time and as billed; and WHEREAS, the City Assessor has certified that the real property tax assessment for 2016 was reduced as a result of a taxpayer appeal, and determined that Campus Investors C’ville 1000 W Main St LLC, owner of the Property, is due a refund of $16,733.37; and WHEREAS, City Code Section 30‐6(b) requires City Council approval for any tax refund exceeding $2,500.00; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council for the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that the City Council hereby authorizes the City Treasurer to issue a refund of $16,733.37, payable to Campus Investors C’ville 1000 W Main St LLC. j. RESOLUTION: Allocation of Charlottesville Affordable Housing Fund (CAHF) for Costs associated with the Purchase of 1406 Forest Ridge Road by the Thomas Jefferson Community Land Trust - $4,595 Allocation of Charlottesville Affordable Housing Fund (CAHF) 8 RESOLUTION Allocation of Charlottesville Affordable Housing Fund (CAHF) for the Thomas Jefferson Community Land Trust - $4,595 NOW, THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that the sum of $4,595 be allocated from previously appropriated funds in the Charlottesville Affordable Housing Fund to the Thomas Jefferson Community Land Trust for the purpose of administrative costs related to land acquisition on a first-time homebuyer project. Fund: 426 Project: CP-084 G/L Account: 530670 Thomas Jefferson Community Land Trust $4,595 k. ORDINANCE: Amendment to Snow Removal Ordinance (2nd reading) AMENDING AND REORDAINING SECTION 28-25 OF CHAPTER 28 OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY CODE, 1990, AS AMENDED, ALLOWING EXTENSION OF THE TIME ALLOWED PROPERTY OWNERS TO CLEAR SNOW AND ICE FROM THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY. Amendment to Snow Removal Ordinance l. ORDINANCE: CenturyLink Communications Telecommunications Franchise Renewal (carried) CenturyLink Communications Telecommunications Franchise Renewal m. ORDINANCE: FiberLight Telecommunications Franchise Renewal (carried) FiberLight Telecommunications Franchise Renewal On motion by Ms. Szakos, seconded by Mr. Bellamy, the consent agenda was approved. (Ayes: Mr. Bellamy, Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin, Mr. Signer, Mr. Fenwick; Noes: None.) PUBLIC HEARING /ORDINANCE: GRANT OF EASEMENT FOR ELECTRIC DUCT BANK UNDER EMMETT STREET, STADIUM ROAD, JEFFERSON PARK AVENUE AND MONROE LANE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (carried) Grant of Easement for Electric Duct Bank Mr. Brown, the City Attorney, presented to Council and reviewed the ordinance. On motion, Mr. Signer opened the public hearing. Mr. Charlie Hurt, from the University, said that Mr. Brown succinctly summarized and that this will be a good thing for the community. 9 Having no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Ms. Szakos moved to approve the ordinance. Ms. Galvin seconded. PUBLIC HEARING / ORDINANCE: CONDITIONAL RELEASE OF BIKE/PEDESTRIAN ACCESS EASEMENT ON MEADOWBROOK ROAD TO ACCOMMODATE RETAIL DEVELOPMENT AT 1200 EMMET STREET (carried) Conditional Release of Bike/Pedestrian Access Easement Mr. Brown, City Attorney, presented to Council and reviewed the ordinance. He also answered clarifying questions for Council. Ms. Galvin said she wanted to make it clear that they are not giving up the requirement for a bike/pedestrian easement on this property. She asked for confirmation from Mr. Brown as to whether Council is allowing the potential buyer to relocate that easement and not to get rid of the easement altogether. Mr. Brown said that the potential owners will redesign the lot and that the bike/pedestrian easement will still be part of the property. On motion, Mr. Signer opened the public hearing. Mr. Signer called for Demeshay Hicks, Cherry Ave, and she did not come forward, Ms. Ashley Davies, River Bend Development, wanted to make herself available to Council as she is working with River Bend Development. Mr. Signer closed the public hearing. Mr. Bellamy moved to approve the ordinance. Ms. Galvin seconded. RESOLUTION: REMOVE ROBERT E. LEE STATUE AND RE-NAME LEE PARK Remove Robert E. Lee Statue and re-name Lee Park Mr. Jones, the City Manager, presented to Council on the Blue Ribbon Commission recommendations. Mr. Jones reported that the Blue Ribbon Commission decided to keep the Jackson statue in place. He further stated that the primary discussion is surrounding the Lee statue. Ms. Szakos explained the reasons why she is in favor of moving the statues. Ms. Szakos made the following motion. 10 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Charlottesville shall remove the statue of Robert E. Lee from the park currently known as Lee Park; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the park currently known as Lee Park shall be renamed; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we hereby direct staff to bring Council a range of recommended options for moving forward with decisions on destination, design and park name within 60 days for our consideration. Mr. Bellamy seconded. Ms. Galvin offered a friendly amendment to separate the renaming of Lee Park from the proposed resolution. Ms. Szakos accepted. Mr. Fenwick thanked the members of the Blue Ribbon Commission. Mr. Fenwick explained why he supports removing the statue. Ms. Galvin said she supports transforming in place and stated her reasons. She went on to comment that all councilors agree that the status quo is the worst thing that could happen. Mr. Signer said that his vote will be to support the transforming the statues in place. He listed the reasons for not voting to move the statue. Mr. Bellamy said that he wants to make the city a better place and listed the reasons why he supports moving the statue. Mr. Signer called the question. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Charlottesville shall remove the statue of Robert E. Lee from the park currently known as Lee Park; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we hereby direct staff to bring Council a range of recommended options for moving forward with decisions on destination and design within 60 days for our consideration. The motion was approved. (Ayes: Mr. Bellamy, Ms. Szakos, Mr. Fenwick; Noes: Ms. Galvin, Mr. Signer.) Mr. Signer called for a brief recess at 9:16 pm. Mr. Signer reconvened the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Ms. Szakos made the following motion. 11 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the park currently known as Lee Park in the City of Charlottesville be renamed; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City Council hereby directs staff to bring Council a range of recommended options for moving forward a new park name within 60 days for our consideration. Ms. Galvin seconded. The motion was approved. (Ayes: Mr. Bellamy, Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin, Mr. Signer, Mr. Fenwick; Noes: None.) Mr. Signer said that he strongly supports the name change of Lee Park. Ms. Galvin made the following motion. To transform the City of Charlottesville's core public spaces in keeping with the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Race, Memorials and Public Spaces (BRC) such that a more complete history of race is told and the City's commitment to truth, freedom and equity is affirmed. WHEREAS the Charlottesville City Council made a clear commitment to reveal and tell the full story of race through our City's public spaces when it established the BRC in May 2016; and WHEREAS the BRC's Final Report acknowledged that far too often our public spaces and histories have ignored, silenced or suppressed African American history, as well as the legacy of white supremacy and the unimaginable harms done under that cause; and WHEREAS the public spaces of Charlottesville's Historic North Downtown and Court Square Districts contain the Robert E. Lee statue in Lee Park, the Stonewall Jackson statue in Jackson Park, the slave auction block and the Reconstruction era's Freedman's Bureau; BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Charlottesville directs staff to: . In consultation with those members of the PLACE Design Task Force, the Human Rights Commission and the Historic Resources Committee who were also members of the BRC, write and issue (within 90 days of the adoption of this Resolution) a Request for Proposal (RFP) for professional design services to create a Master Plan for the Historic North Downtown and Court Square Districts that would; o Redesign and transform Jackson Park through the addition of a new memorial to Charlottesville's enslaved population while retaining its ability to function as a community gathering space, o Redesign Lee Park, independent of the Lee statue while retaining its ability to function as a community gathering space, o Replace (as possible) the current plaque at the slave auction block with one that is legible, o Identify and acknowledge the site of the Freedman's Bureau. 12 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all submissions through the RFP process shall: . Provide at least two preliminary Master Plan options of the above inclusive of new site plans, elevations and sections, 3D visualizations, and specifications for signage, commemorative plaques, lighting and landscape elements as appropriate throughout this historic precinct so as to create a coherent narrative. . Engage the community at large, as well as the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) the Historic Resources Commission, the Human Rights Commission, the PLACE Design Task Force, Planning Commission and City Council. . Provide preliminary cost estimates on all options. . Establish a timeline to be completed within 12 months of contract signing. . Allow for the development, design and implementation of a final Master Plan as adopted by City Council, through a total project budget not to exceed $1,000,000.00* BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of Charlottesville, Virginia, supports re-naming Jackson Park and hereby directs staff to bring Council a range of options on how and what to rename the park within 60 days of the adoption of this Resolution for its consideration. *NOTE: Should the fabrication and installation of a new memorial for Charlottesville's enslaved population exceed the established budget, additional grants and private funds shall be raised to supplement the City's contribution. Mr. Signer seconded. Ms. Szakos said that since Council received the motion this afternoon, she prefers to have a motion and a second tonight. She asked that Council vote on the motion at the next meeting. Ms. Szakos offered a friendly amendment to include the BRC representatives from the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center among the representatives that would work with staff on the RFP. Ms. Szakos pointed out that the BRC representatives from the PLACE Design Task Force, the Human Rights Commission and the Historic Resource Committee were primarily the white members of the BRC. Ms. Szakos also pointed out that since the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center is not one of the Council committees, Council cannot task them with anything. Ms. Szakos said that Council will have to ask the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center to participate. Ms. Galvin said that she appreciated Councilor Szakos’ point. She emphasized that she included the BRC members from the committees that could provide the technical assistance for the proposal. She said that the point was well taken and that she welcomed amendments. Ms. Galvin said she would be ok to vote tonight and/or later with amendments. However, Ms. Galvin said she wants to send a strong message to the community. She asked for the thoughts of the Council on the resolution and if they would entertain the resolution with amendments and vote tonight to avoid delays. Ms. Galvin accepted Ms. Szakos’ amendments. Mr. Signer and Ms. Szakos suggested an amendment: In consultation with community organizations and stakeholder groups chosen at the discretion of the City Manager such as the 13 Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, the PLACE Design Task Force, the Human Rights Commission and the Historic Resources Commission. Mr. Bellamy offered a friendly amendment that would insure the input from the marginalized communities in this process. Mr. Bellamy wanted to make sure that the best mechanisms would be used to include the input from people from underrepresented groups. Ms. Galvin said that there were two parts to the resolution. One part is writing the RFP and the second part is the community engagement. She said the resolution does not go into detail on how to conduct the community engagement. However, Ms. Galvin said, that the community engagement would be staff driven. Mr. Signer asked if there was additional language that would make him feel more comfortable with the resolution. Mr. Signer suggested adding the following language: “to ensure that those underrepresented communities were fully included in the process”. The motion was approved as amended. (Ayes: Mr. Bellamy, Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin, Mr. Signer, Mr. Fenwick; Noes: None.) Ms. Galvin said that having this resolution will move the community forward because there will be a delay with moving the statue. Ms. Szakos also said that would like to add an asterisk to Ms. Galvin’s resolution that would refer to the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue so any RFP would not include the presence of the Robert E. Lee statue. Ms. Galvin agreed to the friendly amendment. Ms. Szakos said that she is concerned about the million dollar budget. Ms. Galvin stressed that the million dollar budget is not the design fee, but rather the budget for design and implementation of monuments in public spaces. Mr. Signer said that it is not a budget item but rather it is the specifics about the scoping of the design options. City had committed half of the amount last year for memorials. The landscape designers and staff need to know the scope of the project, which is the one million dollars. Mr. Jones said that the million dollar budget in the RFP would be establishing the ceiling for the agreement and it would not be an allocation of funds. He said that until the design process is finished, a year from now, we will not have an understanding of the costs. Council would have to come back and vote on the appropriation of funds for this project. 14 Ms. Szakos suggested a friendly amendment on the wording in regards to the budget. She suggested using the following phrase: with a projected estimated budget not to exceed $1 million. Ms. Galvin accepted the amendment. Mr. Signer seconded all friendly amendments. RESOLUTION TO REMOVE THE STATUE OF ROBERT E. LEE FROM LEE PARK BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Charlottesville shall remove the statue of Robert E. Lee from the park currently known as Lee Park; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Council hereby directs staff to bring Council a range of recommended options for moving forward with decisions on destination and design within 60 days for Council consideration. RESOLUTION TO RE-NAME LEE PARK BE IT RESOLVED that the park currently known as Lee Park in the City of Charlottesville shall be renamed; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that City Council hereby directs staff to bring Council a range of recommended options, within 60 days for our consideration, for a new park name. RESOLUTION BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION PUBLIC SPACES RECOMMENDATIONS WHEREAS to transform the City of Charlottesville’s core public spaces in keeping with the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Race, Memorials and Public Spaces (BRC) such that a more complete history of race is told and the City’s commitment to truth, freedom and equity is affirmed; and WHEREAS the Charlottesville City Council made a clear commitment to reveal and tell the full story of race through our City’s public spaces when it established the BRC in August 2016; and WHEREAS the BRC’s Final Report acknowledged that far too often our public spaces and histories have ignored, silenced or suppressed African American history, as well as the legacy of white supremacy and the unimaginable harms done under that cause; and WHEREAS the public spaces of Charlottesville’s Historic North Downtown and Court Square Districts contain the Robert E. Lee statue in Lee Park*, the Stonewall Jackson statue in Jackson Park, the slave auction block and the Reconstruction era’s Freedman’s Bureau; 15 BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Charlottesville directs staff to: • In consultation with community and stakeholder groups chosen at the discretion of the City Manager such as the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, the PLACE Design Task Force, the Human Rights Commission and the Historic Resources Commission to write and issue (within 90 days of the adoption of this Resolution) a Request for Proposal (RFP) for professional design services to create a Master Plan for the Historic North Downtown and Court Square Districts that would; o Redesign and transform Jackson Park through the addition of a new memorial to Charlottesville’s enslaved population while retaining its ability to function as a community gathering space, o Redesign Lee Park, independent of the Lee statue while retaining its ability to function as a community gathering space, o Replace the current plaque at the slave auction block with one that is legible, o Identify and acknowledge the site of the Freedman’s Bureau. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all submissions through the RFP process shall: • Provide at least two preliminary Master Plan options of the above inclusive of new site plans, elevations and sections, 3D visualizations, and specifications for signage, commemorative plaques, lighting and landscape elements as appropriate throughout this historic precinct so as to create a coherent narrative. • Engage the community at large in a manner that ensures that those underrepresented communities are fully included in the process, as well as the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) the Historic Resources Commission, the Human Rights Commission, the PLACE Design Task Force, Planning Commission and City Council. • Provide preliminary cost estimates on all options. • Establish a timeline to be completed within 12 months of contract signing. • Allow for the development, design and implementation of a final Master Plan as adopted by City Council, with a projected estimated budget not to exceed $1,000,000.00** • BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of Charlottesville, Virginia, supports re-naming Jackson Park and hereby directs staff to bring Council a range of options on how and what to rename the park within 60 days of the adoption of this Resolution for its consideration. * The City Council voted to relocate the Robert E. Lee statue per a majority vote taken on February 6, 2017. ** Should the fabrication and installation of a new memorial for Charlottesville’s enslaved population exceed the established budget, additional grants and private funds shall be raised to supplement the City’s contribution. REPORT: CHARLOTTESVILLE ALBEMARLE AIRPORT UPDATE Charlottesville Albemarle Airport Update 16 Ms. Melinda Crawford, Charlottesville Albemarle Airport Executive Director, presented to Council. She gave an update on the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport and answered clarifying questions for Council. Ms. Galvin thanked the presenter and asked about the possibility of a direct flight to Boston due to the growing bio-technology industry in the area. Ms. Crawford said that she would have to take a flight away from another airport to get a direct flight from Charlottesville to Boston. She said that they look at the number of passengers departing each way. The CHO airport has to show the airlines that they can support the flight. Jason Birch, Director of Service Development, said that a direct flight to Boston is not a focus for CHO Airport. He said that on the best day they only have 13-14 people who fly to Boston daily each way from CHO. The threshold to get a direct flight to Boston is having 20-22 who fly to Boston daily each way from CHO. Mr. Birch said that they are monitoring the situation closely. Ms. Crawford mentioned that airlines do not like you to go over hubs like Philadelphia. The airlines want planes to connect to their hubs. She also said that it is very hard to get a direct flight to Boston when there are airports in Richmond and DC. Ms. Crawford said that we have a wonderful market. For CHO to continue to grow speaks volume for the market and the people that come to CHO. Especially since many airports lost flights in 2008 and never gained the flights back. REPORT: YMCA BUS SERVICE YMCA Bus Service Mr. Juwhan Lee, Assistant Transit Manager, gave a presentation and answered clarifying questions for Council. Mr. Fenwick asked about the demographics of the intended riders for the new service to the YMCA. Mr. Lee said that they were not sure who would be riding on the new line. Mr. Lee confirmed that they would do surveys and hold public hearings to gather that information. Ms. Szakos asked if there were more or fewer connections with other buses with the proposed bus routes. Mr. Lee said that they believe that Route Nine has a low ridership because it serves the hospital and does not go downtown. He said that it is a great line between Fashion Square and the hospital. The route ends at the hospital and people could transfer there as well, but it does not go directly to downtown. Mr. Lee said that they believe by adding YMCA to Route Nine that they can boost the ridership. 17 Mr. Lee said that they would lose Fashion Square and Greenbrier and the ridership is low in those areas currently. Ms. Szakos said that she has been hearing support of a route to the YMCA from the CAT Advisory Committee which she is currently on as a member; she said that she supports it. Ms. Galvin said that she supports this especially since the YMCA supports all income levels. She supports the YMCA bus route and since lower income families use public transportation this route which will help them get to the YMCA. Mr. Signer said he supports this as well. The YMCA is less expensive and intentionally available for low income people. Since the facility is so far away providing public transportation makes sense. Mr. Bellamy asked if the Walker/ UVA option was going to be cut. Mr. Lee said that two options retain the Rose Hill to UVA and Downtown sections of the route while one route cuts out the Rose Hill to UVA access. Mr. Lee said that they will get public feedback and he pointed out that only one option cuts out UVA while the other options retain it and would be adding downtown as well. Ms. Szakos said that there are probably a couple of people in Greenbrier who have grown to depend on the bus. She asked Mr. Lee to explain the on call possibilities. Mr. Lee said that prior to 2014 they used to have an on call service for the Greenbrier area. Since it existed before it would be easy to bring back, with additional funding. Ms. Szakos said that she would like to keep the on call service in the mix as they go through this process. Mr. Lee also said that the reason that the three options presented have some cuts or additions to the bus route is due to the time limit of one bus running every hour. Mr. Lee said that they will get feedback from that area. Mr. Bellamy asked if the city has transit to all city recreation centers. Mr. Lee said that we have transit to Key Recreation and Smith Aquatic Center but there is no bus service to the Jefferson School. Mr. Bellamy wanted the council to think about having a bus that goes to the YMCA in the city while there is no bus service to the Jefferson School. REPORT: RETIREMENT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS Retirement Commission Recommendations Mr. Jones, the City Manager, presented recommendations and answered clarifying questions for Council. 18 Mr. Signer thanked Mr. Jones for his fiscal management. He commented on how this is a big issue that threatens local government. Mr. Signer said he is inclined to defer to staff recommendation. Ms. Galvin said that Mr. Jones had done an enormous amount of work and she was impressed. She said that she will defer to his recommendation. Ms. Szakos asked Mr. Fenwick as Council’s representative on the Retirement Commission if he was comfortable with scenario two and Mr. Fenwick said that he is comfortable with scenario two. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Bellamy asked about the Blue Ribbon Commission recommendations that they did not touch on. He asked if Council will have another opportunity to review the other recommendations. Ms. Szakos said it would be good to have a on the Blue Ribbon Commission items and the status of each item. Ms. Galvin suggested that Mr. Jones keep track of the Blue Ribbon Commission recommendations and give Council statue updates on the items that they have approved and which recommendations need further action. Mr. Jones agreed and said that most of the recommendations are in the budget and they are keeping track. He said that they can provide an update to Council and the public. Mr. Signer said that last week over 500 people showed up for an event concerned about the executive orders that was meant to divide immigrant families and refugees. He said that he knew that our current policies have created local equitable environment. However, Mr. Signer wanted to follow through on an idea to ask the City Manager to review the legal options for public safety and public policy on refugees and immigrants. He said that it may be that the city only needs to restate those principles. Ms. Szakos said that on March 12th she will be at a meeting in Washington DC with the National League of Cities. She said that part of the agenda is talking about this issue. Ms. Szakos suggested waiting until March 20th so that she can communicate the advice from the meeting. Mr. Signer agreed with her recommendation. Mr. Fenwick suggested that it may be beneficial to the community to have a five minute presentation from IRC or other similar groups. This would allow the organizations to let the community know their services and contact information. 19 Ms. Szakos said that she is the Council member who sits on the Refugee Community Committee that meets with nonprofits and refugee community representatives. She said that she could convey the information as well. Mr. Fenwick said that he would benefit from the organizations coming to Council to present. MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC Mr. Ashton Ryan, 404 Elliot Ave, said that he is a 16 year old CHS student on the Youth Council and he has an idea on the Lee statue. He asked Council if the statue is moved somewhere else, wouldn't if offend the people at the new location? He suggested renaming the park as City Park and he requested donations of other monuments and make the new monuments be a part of the history in our town. Mr. Lewis Martin III, 923 Marshal St., said that what concerns him is that the Blue Ribbon Committee was not diverse. The chairman was not in Charlottesville for more than three years. What would you think of the recommendations of a BRC with a committee made up of five republicans? Mr. Martin said that the native community was shut out. Mr. Derek Bond, owner of the Melting Pot, discussed the construction on Water Street. He spent eight months getting valet parking approved and was an extremely difficult process. Mr. Bond said that the construction has messed up the valet parking. He was told that the one lane would be closed for two weeks. Mr. Bond later found out that it would be nine months of one lane traffic. He spoke to Mr. Jones and was told that the second lane would be open by February 3rd. Mr. Bond said that the city should not accept excuses from the contractor. Mr. David Karen, 308 Carlton Rd., said that there is violence in the city. He reported that his friend was shot last night on a street. He said that Jay Shifflett and Floyd Austin are the last two men who were shot and killed in Charlottesville. Mr. Karen reported that Jay's killer has not been found and that there is no justice. He said that it is important to recognize these people. Those men were not famous but they were important contributors to the community and should be remembered. Ms. Laurie Saladay, 336 Cedar Bluff Rd., said that she is going to ask questions since they already voted on removing the statue. She asked why was there not a referendum on the ballot in regards to moving the statues when many people could have had the chance to vote on the issue. She also asked how Council expects to get past existing regulations on removing the statue. Mr. Michael Lucas said that he worked in several local museums. He said we have been propagandizing our history to use it for political purposes. Mr. Lucas noted that this is a national issue. He said that when you are looking at an action through a moral lens you need to look at the content. Mr. Lucas pointed out that the ‘Save the Monument’ poster focuses on saving the statue because it is loved. He pointed out that the opposing poster focuses on removal and hate. Ms. Galvin said that she cannot wait to the next meeting to address Mr. Bond's issue. She wanted to make sure that there is some resolution. 20 Ms. Szakos invited Mr. Bond back to the microphone. Mr. Bond said that there is no way to get into his front door legally due to the signage. Mr. Signer asked if there was support from this body to help with resolving the issue. Mr. Jones said that they are already in the process to resolve Mr. Bond’s issue. Mr. Bond acknowledged that Mr. Jones has done a good job in responding to him. Mr. Bond said that when a contractor comes in to do a job for the city that is a private job and the contractor should be held to strict regulations. Mr. Jones said that one of the problems is that there is no way to penalize the contractor if they go beyond their deadline on the project. It is difficult for the city to say to shut the project down if the road is torn. Ms. Galvin said that she thinks that Council needs to be an advocate for business in this kind of situation. Mr. Signer noted that there is a broader policy issue than just this instance and project. Meeting adjourned at 11:11 pm. Approved by Council February 21, 2017