1 COUNCIL CHAMBERS - September 5, 2017 ROLL CALL Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Signer, Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Fenwick, Ms. Galvin, Ms. Szakos. SPECIAL REPORT/ PUBLIC HEARING: AUGUST 11/12 COMMUNITY RESPONSE AND NEXT STEPS Ms. Szakos introduced the special report. She reviewed the rules for speaking during the public hearing. She introduced Ms. Charlene Green, Director of the Office of Human Rights, who presented to attendees on the special report. Mr. Jones also presented an overview of the City's actions since August 12 and gave an overview of City programs and initiatives. On motion, Ms. Szakos opened the public hearing. Mr. Dave Ghamandi, County resident, said he was disappointed by several occurrences that have taken place since August 12. He said the City's economic recovery project is cronyism. He criticized the economic recovery team. He said the City should have a living wage for waiters and waitresses and an income tax on the wealthy. Mr. John Heyden, City resident, said if one person's freedoms are trampled on, we are all damaged. He reviewed what he believed were causes leading to August 12. Mr. Jim Baker, City resident, said the response to August 12 was disorganized, which is becoming more apparent with the release of information in the mainstream media. He said the Chief of Police should be fired or resign. He said the community needs to hear a full accounting of the mistakes made on August 12 from the City Manager. He also called on the mayor to resign. Mr. Don Gathers, City resident, offered an apology for his commentary and language that he used at the last Council meeting. He said community forums do not bring forward viable solutions. He asked the City to work with the state to enact legislation to allow the City to provide for the safety of the community. He asked for accountability and a plan for moving forward. Ms. Kate Fraleigh, City resident, distributed an article called "White Supremacy Culture", which lists characteristics of white supremacy. She says these characteristics show up in City Council. This includes a fear of open conflict, with an emphasis on being polite. Dr. David Brown, City resident, said he wished he had been here on August 12 and thanked everyone who showed up to say no to the KKK, Nazis and white supremacy. He asked that Council continue to provide opportunity for input from engaged citizens, not just on City Council's terms, but by listening to how and where people want to be heard. He listed things 2 Council needs to try to do to move forward. He asked that people take the time to learn who Councilors are individually. Dr. Rick Turner, representing the NAACP, said they advised their members not to participate in the protests this summer. However, because of these incidents, we have to consider the impact of recent protests on the African American children, youth, adults, and institutions in Charlottesville. He said it is hard to understand how Mr. Jones and Mr. Thomas are being blamed for decisions made by others. Ms. Gloria Beard, City resident, said she is still looking for answers to her questions. She said she could not understand why police did nothing while people were being attacked. She asked who opened 4th Street. She said streets in and around her neighborhood were identified and targeted according to their race, and it bothered her that people came to Garret Street. She asked what caused the airplane to crash. She asked where the hate groups are now, and what we will do if they come back. Ms. Mary Carey, City resident, said this Council is the worst she has seen. She spoke against renaming Lee Park to Emancipation Park. She said the new name needs to go because it is racist. She said black people are still dealing with the trauma of slavery. Ms. Tanesha Hudson, City resident, said residents should not have to call hotlines to do the City's job. She said not one person on the dais has said they are sorry. Councilors are blaming what happened on the Chief of Police and the City Manager when they should be taking responsibility since they knew this was coming. She discussed pricing discrepancy for affordable housing. She said she is tired of commissions and meetings. Mr. Michael Lewis, local to Virginia, discussed Confederate symbolism and gave his version of the history of the Confederacy. Meeting participants were called to order several times during Mr. Lewis's comments. Ms. Rosia Parker, City resident, said she is appalled over the actions Council did not take in light of the threats against Charlottesville's black neighborhoods, and Council should apologize to the people in those communities. She said children in those communities should not have to suffer mental health issues as a result of what happened. She said Mr. Signer should resign, and Ms. Galvin should focus on people instead of the SIA. She said Judge Moore should also take responsibility. Ms. Katrina Turner said August 12 changed her life in many ways. She said she and other groups trained for many things leading up to August 12, but they did not train for the vehicle driving into people on 4th Street. The rally should have been cancelled after the threat to children attending the Back to School Bash. She said the Virginia State Police told her they were only there to observe when she asked them for help. She asked what happened to the officer who reported the mayor ordered a stand down. She called for the mayor's resignation. 3 Ms. Olivia Jones, City resident, said she was afraid for her life on August 12. She saw a young man the age of her son getting beaten by a member of the KKK. She said the statue should be removed and should be the memorial site for Heather Heyer. She said she had to warn her neighbors about the threat, which is something the police should have been doing. The justice system needs to be addressed. Mr. David Rhodes, County resident, said he studied Confederate statues during his schooling. He said he supports adding to the parks and not subtracting. Ms. Danyelle Honorary, president of the NAACP at UVA, said she witnessed an aggression on a black man and reported it to an officer, who laughed. She said her ancestors built this City and the University of Virginia, and that is who paved the way for her to be here. She said the City needs to be better. Ms. Elaine Poon, Attorney at Legal Aid Justice Center, said PHAR sent a letter to the City, and there has not been a response. PHAR wants to confront issues with police relations, and she asked for concrete solutions. Emergency planning has to incorporate low income and people of color in this community. The equity fund cannot be funded by the proffer system. Ms. Yvonne Yans, City resident, said there have only been a couple of low income housing units built. The majority of the people who work for UVA have been living in low income housing their entire lives. Mr. Kenneth Jackson, City resident, said everyone on the dais is to blame for what happened. He said leaders were given the chance to move and cancel all these events, and they declined. He said he has watched the Council let down the black community for decades. Ms. Sally Williamson, City resident, said she represents both the best and the worst of Charlottesville. She listed things the City's residents have done to take care of themselves when the City did not do so. She said it is disrespectful for the mayor to absolve himself of power when he is seen as holding it in the local and national media. Mr. Brad Slocum, City resident, said he has attended many meetings and has not heard an explanation for how these hate groups were able to organize and plan the attacks on Charlottesville. He said they are planning to come back, and we need to know what we are going to do, understand the threat, and prepare for it to protect the City. Mr. Walt Heinecke, Amherst St., said it is time to protect the City and not engage in finger pointing. Racism was here before the events of this summer. He said members of the black community are afraid to call the police, and we continue to hear stop and frisk statistics that show the City targets the black community. He said the City should consider creating a $300 million bond to provide public housing. We need an equity plan before we can address form based code. Mr. Letrell Lee, Danville resident, said the City does not educate black students at UVA and leaves student groups to shoulder the burden of telling the story of Charlottesville. 4 Mr. Michael Payne said he has not heard the City government speak to why traffic was directed to 4th Street. Both 4th Street and Market Street were supposed to be closed that day, and at some point, traffic was being directed to both streets. This answer cannot wait until the end of the year or until the independent investigation has concluded. People need an apology. Ms. Joy Johnson asked who will hold UVA's president accountable. She said if her groups gathered with lit torches, they would all be arrested. She said you cannot talk about race without talking about class. Low wealth people are not in the room when community healing is discussed. She said three minutes does not give enough time for people to vent. This cannot be business as usual. We hold children and inmates more accountable than the Councilors. Ms. Nikuyah Walker shared her time with Ms. Tanesha Hudson. She said Council allows police not to confront white on white crime, but with black on black crime, the police come down hard. The white supremacists picked Charlottesville because they felt welcomed and knew the police would not do anything. Ms. Walker said we need to talk about white supremacy and white privilege. A resident tried to offer her time to Ms. Walker. Ms. Szakos asked her to be seated. Attendees erupted in disagreement. Ms. Szakos ordered a recess; however, the Council stayed on the dais. Ms. Szakos agreed to restart the meeting. Ms. Chelsea Stabler, Hinton Ave., shared her time with Ms. Nikuyah Walker. Ms. Walker referenced a social services case and said Council has participated in and perpetuated white supremacy before the events of this summer. Ms. Zhayana Bryant said using the #notmycharlottesville hash tag is not going to make everything better again. She said she does not accept Mr. Signer's apology. She said Council meetings are not accessible because people are not given the time to speak. She said she is tired of closed door meetings. She said people need to remain vigilant for the next election, because some Council candidates will not do any better. Ms. Aurora Nichols said she lives in North Downtown and was wondering what the helicopters were doing in Charlottesville's air space during July 8 and August 12. A man said Council received a lot of information about what was going to happen on July 8 and August 12, and nothing was done. He asked what would happen the next time the City is told hate groups are coming. He asked what steps will be taken to ensure the citizens of the City will be safe and secure. He said residents will police their own streets if they have to. Mr. Randall Brickman said a lot of the problems that led to August 12 are due to homogenous views on Council. An agenda has been pushed that is not the will of the community, including cultural changes and large expenditures. A public vote should happen for large decisions. 5 Ms. Elliott Brown, City resident, said we need to address systemic racism, and she would be proud to be from a City that is the capital of addressing racism. She thanked Mr. Bellamy for being present on August 12. Ms. Cary Shaeffer, City resident, said Mr. Signer told her there is not crime in Charlottesville, and he was wrong. Having no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Ms. Szakos said she apologized for any part she played in August 12. Attendees began shouting at her, and she was not able to proceed with her remarks. Mr. Bellamy said he apologized to the entire City for what happened and for not doing a good enough job. He said he is ashamed to be sitting on the dais, because Council has let people down. He said it is important to understand how white supremacy works. He said he questions whether the systems we have in place are conducive for people with his mindset to get things accomplished. He said Charlottesville will not be the same going forward. He said people need to resist when they are told to go quietly. Ms. Galvin apologized and said she is deeply sorry. She asked Council if they support asking Mr. Jones to expedite answers regarding the police. She spoke about affordable housing. Mr. Fenwick said he is sorry for what happened. He said Police Chief Al Thomas and City Manager Maurice Jones were in charge of stopping this, and they helped our City and the country with their actions. Mr. Signer said he would like the chance to apologize. He said he should have pushed the law to the brink and taken the risk. He said he has work to do as a human being, and he will try to do it as best he can. He said the people deserve the facts, and he will be working hard to listen, improve and be humble. Ms. Szakos instructed Ms. Rosia Parker to leave the meeting for refusing to stop speaking out of turn. Mr. Jones said a full report will be ready by the end of the year. He said it may be possible to get information on some pieces earlier than that. He said it is too early to say what actions may happen. Ms. Szakos called a short recess; Mr. Signer called Council back to session. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Fenwick announced that the Charlottesville Fire Department is seeking applications for full time fire fighters. Please go to www.charlottesville.org/jobs to apply; the deadline is September 19 at 5pm. 6 Mr. Bellamy announced the tip line for the investigation into this summer's protest events. Go to www.charlottesvilleindependentreview.com, or call 877-4HUNTON for more information or to submit a report. Anyone with information regarding the protest rallies is encouraged to use these resources. Mr. Bellamy announced a sign-up sheet for tutoring at South First Street / Westhaven; type in "tutor volunteer sign-up sheet" at signupgenius.com. Contact Mr. Bellamy for more information. Mr. Signer announced the open data web portal has been launched to the public. An open data boot camp will take place on September 22. Go to www.charlottesville.org/open for more information and to access the data. Ms. Szakos announced Welcoming Week from September 15-24. For a list of events and more information, visit the Welcoming Greater Charlottesville website at www.wgcville.org. Ms. Galvin announced parking changes and noted how to validate parking for Council meetings. MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC Mr. Bill Emory, 1604 E. Market St., addressed Council regarding the Woolen Mills Historic Conservation District (CV). He asked them to vote in support of the CV. Ms. Kay Slaughter, 1503 Short 18th St., representing Preservation Piedmont, asked for support for the Woolen Mills conservation district. Mr. Paul Long, 1410 Grady Ave., said he does not accept Mr. Signer's apology. He called for his resignation. Ms. Rebecca Quinn, 104 4th St., asked that the RFP for Emancipation Park include the front of the library; please integrate the two. Ms. Lyndsey Beutin, Monticello Rd., said the first step to apologizing is to address low income housing. She delivered a petition with over 1,000 signatures calling for emergency measures to promote housing stability and affordability, and calling for the voices of all Charlottesville residents to drive City policy outcomes. Ms. Jean Hiatt, 1534 Rugby Ave., asked Council to support the Woolen Mills conservation district. Mr. Michael Payne said he supports the low income housing petition and urged Council to adopt PHAR's recommendations for redevelopment. He shared statistics for homeowner rates by race. 7 Ms. Lauren Emily Goldblatt, Belmont, shared her time with Ms. Joy Johnson. Ms. Johnson said she is speaking on behalf of the Charlottesville Low Income Coalition. The shortage of available affordable housing in Charlottesville is a crisis. On Tuesday, September 12, the City- sponsored charrette at the IX building is the next opportunity to voice your opinion about low- income housing. She said former Councilor Norris spoke up for low income people at the Crossings. Having a home is a human right. Mr. Cliff Hall, 938 5th St. S.W., spoke for the Charlottesville Coalition for the Homeless. He said they are showing a movie called Remember the Titans on September 18 at the downtown library McIntire Room from 2-5pm. Ms. Tanesha Hudson recommended designating the empty hotel on the downtown mall for affordable housing. She said we need a better workforce for the people coming home from jail. She said we could be a great City if we put common sense into our policies. She said conditions of housing at Hardy Drive are not suitable; repairs will take a lot more than $2.5 million. More needs to be done to welcome African American folks to town. Mr. Louis Shultz, 1809 E. Market St., said he lives in Woolen Mills in the proposed conservation district. He spoke against the proposed conservation district. Mr. Walt Heinecke, Amherst St., spoke in support of the affordable housing coalition. He said white supremacy is living in the city code and in the market-based ways we organize zoning in the City. He said the form based code consultant cannot conduct meetings as though it is business as usual in Charlottesville. Ms. Nancy Carpenter, Rose Hill neighborhood, said the low income housing coalition provided good examples of what we need. She said the lower income people are the backbone of the community, and we need to look at creating a bond referendum. Mr. Bellamy closed Matters by the Public. Ms. Szakos said she is pleased the City is moving forward on affordable housing. Mr. Signer said he would like to meet with the coalition or attend the next meeting. He said he looks forward to real progress in this area. Mr. Bellamy said last week's meeting at the Jefferson School was very informative. Ms. Galvin said we need to start building affordable housing projects. We need to buy land and bank it, so that the housing authority or a developer can build affordable housing in the City. CONSENT AGENDA a. Minutes for August 21, 2017 b. APPROPRIATION: Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Employment 8 for Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF)Participants Grant - $66,667 (2nd reading) Virginia Department of Social Services WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville has received funds from the Virginia Department of Social Services in the amount of $50,000 requiring a $16,667 in local in-kind match provided by the Office of Economic Development through the Workforce Investment Fund; and WHEREAS, the funds will be used to support workforce development training programs provided by the Office of Economic Development; and WHEREAS, the grant award covers the period from June 30, 2017 and July 1, 2018; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that the sum of $66,667 is hereby appropriated in the following manner: Revenue – $50,000 $50,000 Fund: 209 IO: 1900284 G/L: 430120 State/Fed pass thru $50,000 Fund: 209 IO: 1900284 G/L: 498010 Transfers from Other Funds Expenditures - $66,667 $66,667 Fund: 209 IO: 1900284 G/L: 599999 Lump Sum Transfer To - $16,667 $16,667 Fund: 245 WBS: P-00385 G/L: 561209 Transfer to State Grants BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this appropriation is conditioned upon the receipt of $50,000 from the Virginia Department of Social Services and the matching in-kind funds from the Office of Economic Development through the Workforce Investment Fund. c. APPROPRIATION: VDOT Primary Extension Paving Project Funds - $52,085 (2nd reading) VDOT Primary Extension WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the City of Charlottesville desire to execute a standard Project Administration Agreement for two state-aided projects, referenced as Virginia Department of Transportation Project Number 6250-104-347 (UPC 111325); WHEREAS, said agreement requires that the City of Charlottesville complete the aforementioned projects before requesting reimbursement for the non-local share of projects costs; 9 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that the sum of $52,085.00 is appropriated in the following manner: Revenue - $52,085.00 Fund: 426 Internal Order: SS-009 G/L Account: 430110 Expenditures - $52,085.00 Fund: 426 Internal Order: SS-009 G/L Account: 599999 d. APPROPRIATION: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Drug Treatment Court Grant Award - $294,140 (2nd reading) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration WHEREAS, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a division of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, in the amount of $294,140 for the Charlottesville/Albemarle Drug Court Treatment Court in order to fund salaries, benefits, and operating expenses; and WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville serves as the fiscal agent for this grant program; and WHEREAS, the grant award covers the period October 1, 2017 through September 29, 2018. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that the sum of $294,140, received as a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is hereby appropriated in the following manner: Revenues $294,140 Fund: 211 Internal Order: 1900283 G/L Account: 431110 Expenditures $294,140 Fund: 211 Internal Order: 1900283 G/L Account: 530550 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this appropriation is conditioned upon the receipt of $294,140 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. e. APPROPRIATION: Charlottesville/Albemarle Adult Drug Treatment Court Grant Award - $205,000 (2nd reading) Charlottesville/Albemarle Adult Drug Treatment WHEREAS, the Supreme Court of Virginia awarded the Byrne Grant in the amount of $205,000 for the Charlottesville/Albemarle Drug Court Treatment Court in order to fund salaries, benefits, and operating expenses; and 10 WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville serves as the fiscal agent for this grant program; and WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County both have dedicated local matches to this grant, totaling $123,361; and WHEREAS, the grant award covers the period July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that the sum of $205,000, received as a grant from the Supreme Court of Virginia, is hereby appropriated in the following manner: Revenues $205,000 Fund: 209 Internal Order: 1900285 G/L Account: 430120 Expenditures $205,000 Fund: 209 Internal Order: 1900285 G/L Account: 530550 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this appropriation is conditioned upon the receipt of $205,000 from the Supreme Court of Virginia. f. APPROPRIATION: Safe Routes to School Non-Infrastructure Grant Application - $59,000 (2nd reading) Safe Routes to School Non-Infrastructure WHEREAS, the Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS) non-infrastructure grant, providing Federal payments for education, encouragement, evaluation and enforcement programs to promote safe walking and bicycling to school has been awarded the City of Charlottesville, in the amount of $59,000; WHEREAS, the SRTS program is a 100% reimbursement program requiring the City to meet all federal guidelines to qualify; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that the following is hereby appropriated in the following manner: Revenues $59,000 Fund: 209 Cost Center: 3901008000 G/L Account: 430120 Expenses $26,000 Fund: 209 Cost Center: 3901008000 G/L Account: 519999 $33,000 Fund: 209 Cost Center: 3901008000 G/L Account: 599999 11 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this appropriation is conditioned upon the receipt of $59,000 from the Virginia Department of Transportation. g. APPROPRIATION: Juvenile Accountability Block Grant - One-Time Special Fund Family Check Up and Everyday Parenting Training Grant - $20,000 (2nd reading) Juvenile Accountability Block Grant WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville has been awarded $18,000 in Federal Funds from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, and $2,000 in Matching Funds from the Charlottesville Department of Human Services for a total award of $20,000 to provide Family Check Up and Everyday Parenting training; and WHEREAS, the grant award covers the period from July 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that the sum of $20,000 is hereby appropriated in the following manner: Revenue $ 18,000 Fund: 209 Order: 1900288 G/L Account: 430120 $ 2,000 Fund: 209 Order: 1900288 G/L Account: 498010 Expenditures $ 20,000 Fund: 209 Order: 1900288 G/L Account: 599999 Transfer $ 2,000 Fund: 213 Cost Center: 3411001000 G/L Account: 561209 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this appropriation is conditioned upon the receipt of $18,000 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. h. APPROPRIATION: Greenstone on 5th Corporation Sponsorship Agreement for Enhanced Police Coverage - $82,184 (2nd reading) Greenstone on 5th Corporation Sponsorship Agreement WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville has entered into an agreement with Greenstone on 5th Corporation to fund enhanced police coverage for the area of Greenstone on 5th Apartments, including salary, equipment, technology and related administrative expenses associated with provisions of such enhanced coverage. NOW, THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, 12 Virginia, that the sum of $82,184, to be received as a donation from Greenstone on 5th Corporation. Revenues - $82,184 $82,184 Fund: 105 Internal Order: 2000113 G/L Account: 451999 Expenditures - $82,184 $75,197 Fund: 105 Internal Order: 2000113 G/L Account: 510060 $ 6,987 Fund: 105 Internal Order: 2000113 G/L Account: 599999 i. APPROPRIATION: Albemarle County Reimbursement for the Central Library Water Infiltration Project - $22,789.83 (2nd reading) Albemarle County Reimbursement WHEREAS, Albemarle County was billed by the City of Charlottesville in the amount of $22,789.83. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that $22,789.83 from Albemarle County is to be appropriated in the following manner: Revenues - $22,789.83 Fund: 107 Funded Program: FR-001 (P-00900) G/L Account: 432030 Expenditures - $22,789.83 Fund: 107 Funded Program: FR-001 (P-00900) G/L Account: 599999 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this appropriation is conditioned upon the receipt of reimbursement funds from Albemarle County; and that any future capital project reimbursements from Albemarle County to the Facilities Repair Fund (107), above what was originally appropriated, shall automatically appropriate upon receipt of funds. j. APPROPRIATION: Emergency Medical Services System Improvement Strategy and Cost Recovery Program (2nd reading) Emergency Medical Services System Improvement WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville, in collaboration with the Charlottesville Albemarle Rescue Squad (CARS) will implement an Emergency Medical Services System Improvement Strategy; and WHEREAS, a Memorandum of Understanding has been developed between the City of Charlottesville and CARS detailing program responsibilities; and WHEREAS, the City Council of Charlottesville, Virginia will implement an Emergency 13 Medical Services Cost Recovery program to help offset the costs of said strategy; BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that the sum of $752,391 is hereby appropriated in the following manner: Revenues - EMS Cost Recovery $720,000 Fund: 105 Cost Center: 3201007000 Expenditures –EMS Operations $752,391 Fund: 105 Cost Center: 3201007000 Salaries and Benefits – $388,288 Other Expenses – $17,292 City Contribution to CARS – $346,811 k. APPROPRIATION: Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) 2017-2018 Certified Local Government Grant Funding for Rose Hill Neighborhood Historic Survey - $24,000 (carried) Virginia Department of Historic Resources l. APPROPRIATION: Victim Witness Assistance Program Grant - $250,902 (carried) Victim Witness Assistance Program Grant m. RESOLUTION: Pollocks Branch Bridge - Design and Installation - $250,000 Pollocks Branch Bridge RESOLUTION Pollocks Branch Bridge – Design and Installation - $250,000 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that previously appropriated SIA Implementation funding of up to $250,000 is authorized to be used to fund the Pollocks Branch Bridge – Design and Installation project. n. RESOLUTION: Parking Spaces Proposal Authorization Parking Spaces Proposal Authorization RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SOLICITATIONOF BIDS FOR THE LEASE OF 75 CITY-OWNED PARKING SPACES IN THE WATER STREET PARKING GARAGE 14 BE IT RESOLVED by the Council for the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that City staff is hereby directed to have published in the newspaper an advertisement soliciting bids for the lease of 75 City-owned parking spaces in the Water Street Parking Garage for a term of 40 years, with said advertisement to be in accordance with the requirements of Virginia Code §15.2- 2101. o. ORDINANCE: Solar Energy Systems Zoning Text Amendment (2nd reading) pulled Ms. Galvin made a comment about item m. and called attention to the hard work of Ms. Brenda Kelley, who pulled together people in the community and was able to get everyone to agree. Ms. Szakos removed item o. from the agenda and moved to adopt the remainder of the consent agenda. Ms. Galvin seconded the motion. The consent agenda passed. (Ayes: Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin, Mr. Signer, Mr. Fenwick, Mr. Bellamy; Noes: None.) ORDINANCE: WOOLEN MILLS VILLAGE HISTORIC CONSERVATION DISTRICT (2nd reading) Woolen Mills Village Ms. Mary Joy Scala, Preservation & Design Planner, presented to Council. Ms. Galvin thanked Ms. Scala for her report and called for a vote to approve the district. Councilors reviewed their reasoning for support of the district. The vote passed. (Ayes: Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin, Mr. Signer, Mr. Fenwick, Mr. Bellamy; Noes: None.) AMENDING AND REORDAINING SECTION 34-337 OF CHAPTER 34 (ZONING) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE (1990), AS AMENDED, TO ADD A NEW ZONING OVERLAY DISTRICT TO BE KNOWN AS THE WOOLEN MILLS VILLAGE HISTORIC CONSERVATION DISTRICT Council took a brief recess and returned to session at 11:09 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING / ORDINANCE: STONEFIELD GAS EASEMENT (carried) Stonefield Gas Easement Ms. Lauren Hildebrand, Director of Utilities, presented to Council. Mr. Signer opened the public hearing. Mr. Earl Motley, Albemarle resident, gave a brief background of the easement and the request. 15 Having no further speakers, the hearing was closed. Ms. Galvin moved to adopt the ordinance; Mr. Bellamy seconded. The ordinance carried. RESOLUTION: ROBERT E. LEE AND THOMAS "STONEWALL" JACKSON STATUES; DOWNTOWN REDESIGN MASTER PLAN Lee and "Stonewall" Jackson Statues; Downtown Redesign Master Plan Mr. Maurice Jones, City Manager, presented to Council and answered clarifying questions. Mr. Bellamy read a revision to the posted motion: NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the City Council of Charlottesville, Virginia, order the removal of the statue of Stonewall Jackson from Justice Park as soon as possible, pending the successful resolution of the current court case in favor of the City; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon the successful resolution of the current court case in favor of the City and until successful bids are accepted, pending successful resolution of the current court case, both statues will be moved to a storage location pending final disposition, and successful bidders will be required to reimburse the cost of removal. Ms. Szakos offered a friendly amendment to add "or Stonewall Jackson" into the paragraph about Robert E. Lee. Mr. Bellamy accepted the amendment. Ms. Szakos seconded the motion for the resolution as amended. Mr. Fenwick said these statues belong in a museum. This is not destroying history or a work of art; it is simply time for them to be moved to a proper location. Ms. Szakos reiterated that the court case has to be resolved until we can move the statue. She said this should have been done long ago. Ms. Galvin said there was a moment when we could have added memorials to our parks, but since the beginning of the year, the assaults on our City created an environment where the statues present a clear and present danger, and they have to go. Mr. Signer said the statues clearly became magnets of evil. He said his colleagues have been national leaders in the movement across the country to remove Confederate statues. Mr. Signer called for the vote. The resolution passed as amended. (Ayes: Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin, Mr. Signer, Mr. Fenwick, Mr. Bellamy; Noes: None.) RESOLUTION (AMENDED) 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 16 Ms. Galvin presented her motion on the master planning for the parks. She thanked Ms. Beth Meyer, UVA faculty member, for her input on the resolution's amendments. The additional amendments included adding UVA as a group that would advise Mr. Jones throughout the execution of the resolution and incorporates the work of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). The final amendment has to do with how to execute and select the winning consultant group. She asked to add that “it would be reviewed and rated by a community selection committee appointed by the City Manager with representation from, including but not limited to, all of the above sited groups as well as external experts.” She also reviewed a change recommended by the City Attorney under the first ‘Be It Resolved’: “Remove the Robert E. Lee and "Stonewall" Jackson statues from Emancipation and Justice Parks, pending the successful resolution of the current court case in favor of the City.” Ms. Szakos asked Ms. Galvin if she was amenable to adding the front of the library as part of the RFP. Ms. Galvin said she was. Ms. Szakos asked to add "begin a process of working with the necessary parties to include the library as part of this plan ". Ms. Galvin accepted the amendment. Ms. Szakos seconded the motion. Mr. Fenwick asked for clarification on what would happen if the statue could not be removed from the park. Ms. Galvin explained that this contingency is built into the RFP. The resolution passed. (Ayes: Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin, Mr. Signer, Mr. Fenwick, Mr. Bellamy; Noes: None.) RESOLUTION WHEREAS the monuments of Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson that sit in Charlottesville’s Emancipation and Justice Parks were erected not as war memorials after the Civil War, but as 20th Century testaments to a fictionalized, glorified narrative of the rightness of the Southern cause in that war, when the actual cause was an insurrection against the United States of America promoting the right of southern states to perpetuate the institution of slavery; and WHEREAS the continued presence of these monuments conveys the visual message that Charlottesville supports the cause for which these generals fought; and WHEREAS the Monuments of Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson have become flashpoints for white supremacist violence throughout the summer of 2017, with white nationalist and Ku Klux Klan rallies at the Jackson monument and culminating in the armed invasion of Charlottesville during the “Unite the Right” rally “defending” the Lee monument; and 17 WHEREAS the continued presence of these monuments in Charlottesville’s historic downtown district constitute a clear and continuing threat to public safety, both from continuing white supremacist defense of their presence and from anti-racist activists who may feel motivated to vandalize them; and WHEREAS City Council voted on February 6, 2017, to remove the statue of Robert E. Lee from the park formerly known as Lee Park, and to change the name of the park; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the City Council of Charlottesville, Virginia , order the removal of the statue of Stonewall Jackson from Justice Park as soon as possible, pending following the successful resolution of the current court case in favor of the City; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon the successful resolution of the current court case in favor of the City and until successful bids are accepted, pending successful resolution of the current court case, both statues will be moved to a storage location pending final disposition, and successful bidders will be required to reimburse the cost of removal. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if no responsive proposals are received, Council may consider donation of the statue to an appropriate venue; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Charlottesville will issue a Request for Bids for disposition of the statue, and will advertise this RFB widely, including to organizations responsible for sites with historic or academic connection to Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson or the Civil War, with the following criteria for award: • The statue will not be displayed to express support for a particular ideology. • The successful applicant will pay for or take responsibility for removal and transportation. • The removal and transportation will be carried out in a manner that preserves the integrity of the sculpture. • The display of the statue will preferably be in an educational, historic or artistic context. • The purchaser will pay for any repair for any damage to the park incurred as a result of the removal. • Some preference will be given to proposals that include a plan for maintenance of the statue’s National Register of Historic Places listing REPORT: COMMUNITY REMEMBRANCE PROJECT WITH THE EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE Community Remembrance Project Mr. Mike Murphy presented the recommendation of staff and the Blue Ribbon Commission regarding the Equal Justice Initiative community remembrance project and requested direction from Council. 18 On motion by Ms. Galvin, seconded by Mr. Bellamy, Council recommended that the placement of the historical marker and lynching memorial be included in the scope of work for the Downtown Parks Master Plan. Council directed staff to work to find the most appropriate location for the soil sample from the community remembrance project. Ms. Szakos added to the motion, "incorporate and work with EJI for placement of the soil sample there and a column here." Mr. Signer thanked Ms. Jalane Schmidt for her advocacy work on this. The resolution passed. (Ayes: Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin, Mr. Signer, Mr. Fenwick, Mr. Bellamy; Noes: None.) RESOLUTION: LIBERATION DAY Liberation Day Mr. Mike Murphy, Assistant City Manager, presented to Council. Mr. Bellamy explained his intent for the resolution and made a motion to pass the resolution. Mr. Murphy said there are conflicting reports as to whether a citizen said the burning of the bridge may have been accidental. Ms. Szakos seconded the motion. The resolution passed. (Ayes: Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin, Mr. Signer, Mr. Fenwick, Mr. Bellamy; Noes: None.) RESOLUTION WHEREAS more than half of the population of Charlottesville and of Albemarle County at the time of the Civil War was enslaved; and WHEREAS this historical fact remained little-known until the recent salutary work of the Charlottesville Blue Ribbon Commission on Race, Monuments, and Public Spaces, which promoted public knowledge of this important aspect of the history of our City and county; and WHEREAS the City of Charlottesville endeavors to "change the narrative on race" by recognizing and celebrating African American history as an important constituent of the City's collective history; and WHEREAS 14,000 members of our community, having struggled for generations in bondage, began to be freed on March the 3rd, 1865, owing to the arrival of Union forces under the command of Generals Custer and Sheridan, who enforced the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation; and WHEREAS the values of freedom and justice are universal, and are thus rightly celebrated by everyone; 19 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by declaration of the Charlottesville City Council, that March the 3rd shall henceforth be officially recognized by the City, and celebrated as "Liberation Day." REPORT: VINEGAR HILL MONUMENT Vinegar Hill Monument Mr. Murphy presented to Council. He asked Council for direction on whether the Council wants to put public dollars towards the Vinegar Hill monument. Ms. Szakos reviewed minutes from the December 2011 Council meeting regarding the Vinegar Hill monument. She said she supports participation in the design but not in the funding. The design process was not conducted in public. Ms. Galvin agreed that it would not be appropriate to pay for the memorial since it has not been a public process. Mr. Bellamy asked if it would be appropriate to open it to a public process. Ms. Szakos said that is a decision they would have to make. Mr. Bellamy said there was a large amount of public input for this process. Mr. Signer said he is compelled by the actions of the Council in 2011. Ms. Galvin said this is outside of Council's budget process. Ms. Szakos polled Council on whether they support a substantial contribution to the Vinegar Hill monument. Mr. Bellamy said he would support Ms. Szakos’ motion, but requested removing "substantial", and adding a commitment for an additional $25,000 as well as the $18,000 already committed, when they move forward with actually building the monument. Mr. Murphy said staff would encumber that amount on this year's budget for the Council priority funds and carry it over until the creation of the monument. Ms. Galvin said this should not be encumbered indefinitely. This has not followed the process Council usually abides by for committing funds. Mr. Jones said Council can sunset the encumbrance. Ms. Galvin said she supports a two year sunset. Mr. Fenwick recommended waiting until after the parks RFP has been completed. He suggested adding, “upon completion of the redesign of the parks or dedication of the parks." Ms. Galvin said Council needs to come back with a revised resolution, with input from staff. Council agreed. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Fenwick requested that Council expedite an RFP for the Tonsler Park field house. In response to an inquiry from Ms. Szakos, Mr. Jones said completed funding will be available in two fiscal years. Design is planned to commence towards the end of this fiscal year. Ms. Szakos 20 said she is comfortable with the present time table. Council supported adding the Tonsler Field House to the next agenda. Ms. Galvin presented draft principles for a creative, equitable, place-based economy in preparation for the joint meeting with the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors in mid- September. Mr. Bellamy said he would work with Ms. Galvin on the resolution. Ms. Szakos asked to add a resolution supporting action from Congress on DACA in light of today's announcement from the current president. Council supported this. Ms. Szakos also asked for an equity scan / equity impact report to be able to use a tool that we can use to look at our own policies, such as zoning, etc., for their equity impact on race and disability. She invited the Human Rights Commission to make a presentation. Mr. Bellamy requested that Council examine how we recognize Columbus Day and change it to Indigenous People Day. Ms. Szakos said she supports this. Ms. Galvin asked about the request from WTJU to commit Council as a sponsor at $2,000 for the Black Business Expo. She asked if Ms. Beauregard can examine this request. She is not adverse to providing sponsorship, but it is a bad precedent to give out money without ensuring we are being good stewards of public money. Ms. Szakos supported on voting on the sponsorship tonight due to the urgent nature of the request, pending approval with the condition that Ms. Beauregard review the request and evaluate the financial appropriateness. Ms. Galvin seconded the motion. The motion passed. (Ayes: Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin, Mr. Signer, Mr. Fenwick, Mr. Bellamy; Noes: None.) MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC Mr. Fenwick invited speakers for Matters by the Public. Ms. Lavita Jones, City resident, said there have been a lot of complaints about apartments on Hardy Drive, especially the mold and air conditioning systems. She asked Council to keep this in mind when they rebuild. She asked why flowers were being planted outside, but nothing is being done inside. She said bugs and rodents are inside at Crescent Halls. Mr. Michael Lucas, Virginia resident, read a letter written by Robert E. Lee to his wife showing he had concern for freeing his slaves. Mr. Louis Nelson, 700 North Ave., said in 1906 there was an account in the Daily Progress of a failed lynching that occurred in Courthouse Square adjacent to the jail. Mr. Randall Patrick Kirkman, 1100 Elliott Ave., said to save money on the parks, the parks could be designed with or without the monuments, but the overall plan would be the same. He asked for a statue to the Virginia founding fathers in Justice Park, and for a statue honoring soldiers on both sides and the emancipation of the slaves in the Emancipation Park. He said the 21 shrouds should be removed after one year, and a plaque should be placed instead if the statues are not able to be removed. Ms. Jalane Schmidt, City resident, said research shows a direct link between the Jackson Statue and the start of the process of gentrification to displace African American neighbors. The best way to make recompense is to build more affordable housing. Ms. Szakos said if half a story is told, then it is not the whole truth. R.E. Lee was ordered to free his slaves by a court. He also implored that statues to the Confederacy not be erected. Meeting adjourned at 12:47 a.m.