1 NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Monday, November 19, 2018, AT 5:30 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 (Boards & Commissions; Legal Consultations; Contract Negotiations; Personnel) BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL BY Brian Wheeler SECOND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM – November 19, 2018 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Ms. Walker; Ms. Hill; Dr. Bellamy; and Ms. Galvin. Mr. Signer arrived at 5:48 p.m. Ms. Walker called the meeting to order at 5:46 p.m. On motion by Ms. Hill, seconded by Dr. Bellamy, Council voted, (Ayes: Ms. Walker; Ms. Hill; Dr. Bellamy; and Ms. Galvin. Noes: None. Absent: Mr. Signer) to meet in closed session as authorized by Va. Code Sec. 2.2-3712, specifically: As authorized by Virginia Code Sec. 2.2-3711(A)(1) for the consideration of specific candidates to be employed as Chief of Staff / Clerk of the Charlottesville City Council; and As authorized by Virginia Code Sec. 2.2-3711(A)(1) for the consideration of specific candidates to serve on the Board of Architectural Review, the Citizen’s Transportation Advisory Commission, Housing Advisory Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, Region Ten Community Services Board, City of Charlottesville Retirement Commission, Social Services Advisory Board, Towing Advisory Board, Water Resources Protection Program Advisory Committee, and the JAUNT Board of Directors; and As authorized by Virginia Code Sec. 2.2-3711(A)(7) for consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members pertaining to the litigation between the City of Charlottesville and the County of Albemarle filed April 20, 2017 concerning the Ragged Mountain Natural Area, where such consultation or briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the City; and As authorized by Virginia Code Sec. 2.2-3711(A)(8) for consultation with legal counsel employed by the public body regarding specific legal matters having to do with legal questions concerning city boards and commissions and also legal consultation regarding specific legal matters having to do with conflicts of interests. 2 On motion by Ms. Hill, seconded by Ms. Galvin, Council certified by the following vote (Ayes: Ms. Walker; Ms. Hill; Dr. Bellamy; Ms. Galvin; and Mr. Signer. Noes: None. Absent: 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. Ms. Walker adjourned the meeting at 6:23 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBER - November 19, 2018 Ms. Walker called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. ROLL CALL Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Dr. Bellamy, Ms. Hill, Ms. Walker, Mr. Signer, Ms. Galvin ANNOUNCEMENTS/PROCLAMATIONS Dr. Bellamy announced the City's participation in the National Citizen Survey: The City of Charlottesville is one of many jurisdictions in the US to participate in The National Citizen Survey™ in 2018. Starting Friday, October 19th, pre-notification postcards were mailed to a random sample of 1,800 Charlottesville households informing them that a questionnaire will follow asking for feedback on the quality and usefulness of city services. For those who did receive a postcard, you will have received two surveys by now. This is a crucial component of a healthy response rate, since about a third of the returns come from this second wave. You only need to return one so please ignore the second survey if you had already responded. The results will be included in a final report that city officials and residents will use to guide future strategic plan setting processes and budgeting decisions. The National Citizen Survey™ is sponsored by the International City/County Management Association in cooperation with National Research Center, Inc. The questionnaire and survey procedure were designed based on the experience of hundreds of local governments, ranging in size from small to large. Scientific sampling and weighting of the responses in each jurisdiction ensure accurate and reliable results. Because each city’s survey is developed using a standard template, and many cities can be surveyed at one time, The National Citizen Survey™ is a very efficient way to measure citizen opinion. Previous survey results and reports can be found at www.charlottesville.org/budget. We hope, should you receive a survey in the mail, that you return it and share your opinion. 3 Dr. Bellamy thanked community members who donated to a recent turkey and sneaker drive. He also said there would be a toy drive event on December 22, 2018. Ms. Hill announced that the Downtown Business Association of Charlottesville is spearheading a coat drive. Collection locations include the Market Street Parking Garage, the Water Street Parking Garage, Violet Crown Theater, and Joan Fenton’s pop-up store across from the Paramount Theater. Ms. Galvin announced the City of Charlottesville has been recognized at the platinum-level in the Virginia Municipal League held its 10th anniversary Go Green Challenge: The Virginia Municipal League held its 10th anniversary Go Green Challenge this year and the City of Charlottesville has been certified at the platinum-level. The challenge is a friendly competition tailored to address issues and opportunities relevant to Virginia’s local governments by recognizing policies and actions that reduce energy usage and promote sustainability. After winning 1st place in its size category the first year of the competition, the City has achieved the platinum designation each subsequent year. The challenge awards points in categories ranging from community involvement and employee engagement, energy efficiency and renewable energy, procurement, land use and transportation, environmental stewardship, waste management, and resiliency. Each year, the City identifies actions which have been done before and during the challenge and compiles a list of new and innovative actions that earn extra credit, such as: • Expanding the online CityGreen Map with the addition of a green tourism theme • Supporting and participating in Round 3 of the Better Business Challenge • Partnering with the Local Energy Alliance Program on commercial and residential energy initiatives • Collaborating though a Virginia network of energy and sustainability peers on solar strategies • …and our award winning water conservation program! Tonight Mayor Walker will present the Platinum Certification to Kristel Riddervold, the City’s Environmental Sustainability and Facilities Development Manager. Ms. Galvin announced that the Friendship Court redevelopment project was recently honored with the Inclusive Communities Virginia Housing Award at the 2018 Governor’s Housing Conference. She said the award recognizes the partnership between the Piedmont Housing Alliance and the resident-led Friendship Court Advisory Committee as they plan what will be a transformational redevelopment for the neighborhood. Ms. Walker reminded the community that the City budget process is well underway for FY 2020 and input as to how tax dollars are invested are essential to creating a budget that best serves all citizens. Ms. Walker said Council and staff invite the community to give input on service and spending priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. She encouraged residents to visit the Balancing Act web page to provide feedback on the budget at www.charlottesville.org/budget . 4 APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS On motion by Ms. Hill, seconded by Ms. Galvin, made appointments to the following Boards and Commissions: to the Board of Architectural Review: Jody Lahendro; to the Citizen’s Transportation Advisory Committee: T. Donna Chen; to JAUNT: Audrey Dannenberg; to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee: Aimee Carter, Jeffrey Fracher; to the Region Ten Community Services Board: Jaree Bell; to the Retirement Commission: David Hughes; to the Rivanna River Basin Commission: Robert Woodside; to the Social Services Advisory Board: LD Perry, Mike Signer; to the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission: Nikuyah Walker; to the Towing Advisory Board: Robert Woodside; to the Water Resources Protection Program Advisory Committee: Jacqueline Goodrum, Michael Ramsey, Trey Steigman. (Ayes: Dr. Bellamy, Ms. Hill, Ms. Walker, Mr. Signer, Ms. Galvin; Noes: None.) Mr. Signer commented on conflicts which have led to him missing meetings of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission’s Board of Directors. He said he missed three meetings in a row this year which required the TJPDC to notify Council of his absences. Mr. Signer said personal and family obligations on the night of these specific meetings had led to his absences. CONSENT AGENDA a. Minutes – November 5, 2018 Council Meeting and November 14, 2018 Work Session Minutes b. APPROPRIATION: VDOT Funding for Multi-Modal Improvements - $413,217 (2nd reading) VDOT Funding for Multi-Modal Improvements WHEREAS, a total of $413,217 in state funds for the Revenue Sharing Program requires appropriation; 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 $ 413,217 Fund: 426 WBS: P-01004 G/L Account: 430080 Expenditures $ 413,217 Fund: 426 WBS: P-01004 G/L Account: 599999 5 c. APPROPRIATION: West Main Streetscape Improvements Revenue Sharing - $3,112,413 (2nd reading) West Main Streetscape Improvements Revenue Sharing WHEREAS, a total of $3,112,413 in state funds for the Revenue Sharing Program requires appropriation; 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 $ 3,112,413 Fund: 426 WBS: P-00336 G/L Account: 430080 Expenditures $ 3,112,413 Fund: 426 WBS: P-00336 G/L Account: 599999 d. APPROPRIATION: Urban Construction Initiative Annual Meeting - $2,064.02 (Carried) Urban Construction Initiative Annual Meeting e. APPROPRIATION: Special Nutrition Program Food Grant - $32,000 (Carried) Special Nutrition Program Food Grant f. APPROPRIATION: Community Forest Grant for Land Acquisition at Ragged Mountain - $600,000 (Carried) Community Forest Grant for Land Acquisition at Ragged Mountain g. APPROPRIATION: City Schools Check and Connect Student Engagement Grant - $62,691 (Carried) City Schools Check and Connect Student Engagement Grant h. APPROPRIATION: Drug Treatment Court Administration Grant - $293,745 (Carried) Drug Treatment Court Administration Grant 6 i. APPROPRIATION: Runaway Emergency Shelter Program Grant - $209,444 (Carried) Runaway Emergency Shelter Program Grant j. APPROPRIATION: Charlottesville Affordable Housing Fund repayment of Substantial Rehab loan - $28,282 (Carried) Charlottesville Affordable Housing Fund repayment of Substantial Rehab loan k. APPROPRIATION: Charlottesville Affordable Housing Fund repayment of Substantial Rehab loan - $23,478.94 (Carried) Charlottesville Affordable Housing Fund repayment of Substantial Rehab loan l. ORDINANCE: Quitclaim Gas Easement in North Berkshire Road to VDOT (Carried) Quitclaim Gas Easement in North Berkshire Road to VDOT m. ORDINANCE: Quitclaim Gas Easement in Dunlora Subdivision to VDOT (Carried) Quitclaim Gas Easement in Dunlora Subdivision to VDOT n. ORDINANCE: Quitclaim Gas Easement in Hollymead Towncenter Subdivision to VDOT (Carried) Quitclaim Gas Easement in Hollymead Towncenter Subdivision to VDOT On motion by Ms. Galvin, seconded by Mr. Signer, the CONSENT AGENDA was approved. (Ayes: Dr. Bellamy, Ms. Hill, Ms. Walker, Mr. Signer, Ms. Galvin; Noes: None.) CITY MANAGER RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY MATTERS (FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS) Mr. Murphy provided responses to matters raised at the previous meeting. He reported on the trash removal schedule for the Downtown Mall which varies from 2-3 times daily and the availability of dog waste bags which exist at two locations on the Downtown Mall. Mr. Murphy said there had been a request from Ms. Katrina Parker related to a meeting between the Police Chief and Ms. Lolita Smith. He said that meeting had been scheduled but a conflict prevented it from taking place. 7 Mr. Murphy followed up on input from Ms. Nancy Carpenter related to emergency assistance to residents. Dr. Bellamy had asked for an update on the resources available for that purpose. Mr. Murphy said the City allocates $84,516 per year to a fund for emergency needs. Another $100,000 comes to the City from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for prevention efforts. Mr. Murphy said that based upon discussions with City staff, the provider community, and the quickness with which resources get exhausted, it was estimated that about three times that amount is needed from the City. Mr. Murphy said staff would be making significant updates to the City’s West Main Streetscape project website. He said he discussed with Colette Sheehy, Senior Vice President for Operations at the University of Virginia, the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding on the release of $5 million commitment in funding for the University's support of West Main Streetscape projects. Mr. Murphy responded to other issues related to the West Main Streetscape including undergrounding utilities, bus turn radius, and Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and Sacagawea statue location. The current plan is to move statue 24 feet from its current location. He advised Council that removing the statue altogether should be accompanied by further public engagement. Ms. Walker asked if UVA had been asked to increase their contribution. Mr. Murphy responded that such a request had not been communicated to UVA officials and that Council may wish to discuss that as a body if they are interested in such a request. Mr. Murphy introduced Dr. Rosa Atkins, Superintendent of Charlottesville City Schools to give a presentation on the school division's anti-bullying efforts and support mechanisms. Dr. Jim Henderson, Associate Superintendent, introduced Patrick Farrell who gave Council the presentation which covered the Charlottesville Tiered Systems of Support, including behavior and mental wellness, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Mr. Signer asked Dr. Henderson about research at UVa's Curry School on mindfulness. Dr. Henderson said the division is working with the faculty involved in that research and preparing a pilot in one elementary school. Ms. Galvin asked about the process for responding to a bullying complaint. Dr. Atkins responded with details about the process. Ms. Hill asked about other complimentary efforts that the City could pursue? Dr. Atkins noted that social media can inflame bullying situations. She said both the benefits and dangers of social media need to be explained to the public. Dr. Bellamy asked about the number of bullying incidents reported? Dr. Henderson responded that bullying events have been on the decline over the past several years and the division has recorded nine this year. 8 Dr. Bellamy asked if culturally responsive approaches are part of PBIS? Dr. Henderson said they were. Mr. Murphy invited Charlottesville Police Chief RaShall Brackney to provide an update to Council on data related to encounters leading to detentions and unwarranted search and seizures. Chief Brackney presented data for October 2018. She described the department's efforts to standardize definitions and data entry. There were 51 incidents involving detentions which involved 68 individuals and Chief Brackney shared breakouts of the types of encounters, whether they were initiated by officers, and the demographics for the individuals involved (sex/race). Chief Brackney said the format for this monthly report is something she would like to standardize and publish on the City's website with Council's input about what would be most beneficial to include. Chief Brackney said in her previous presentation she asked for input from the community as to what additional information could be provided and that she did not receive any feedback. Mr. Signer asked about alignment with the City's Open Data Policy and how this can be shared in an open format. Ms. Hill asked if the data could be presented on a map by neighborhood area (not by specific data point locations, but by summary totals)? Mr. Murphy responded that such a presentation could be investigated by staff. Ms. Galvin noted that having data by census tract, such as that analyzed in the Orange Dot Report regarding poverty, would be helpful for comparative analysis. Ms. Walker commented on the alcohol-related incidents in October. She said the community previously had access to the Mohr Center as an alternative to jail. Chief Brackney responded that she would be willing to revisit such and approached and she shared her experience from Pittsburgh. Ms. Walker asked if Chief Brackney was tracking officer-initiated interactions over time as a trend as opposed to just a monthly snapshot? Chief Brackney responded that such data would be analyzed for trends. She said she wants to develop a culture that CPD is part of the community. COMMUNITY MATTERS Ms. Kendyl Crawford spoke on behalf of Virginia Interfaith Power and Light. She said low-income communities are disproportionally impacted by climate change. She said our dependence on fossil fuels negatively impacts these communities. She encouraged the City to continue its environmental stewardship and initiatives to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gases. 9 Ms. Laura Allen spoke on behalf of Generation 180 and Cville 100. She thanked the City for its work to engage the community on greenhouse gas emission reduction initiatives. She said the City should prioritize clean energy and renewable energy approaches. Mr. Grey McLean said he is the founder of the Charlottesville Climate Collaborative (C3) and a member of Cville 100. He encouraged the City to be a leader when setting its climate goals. He said this approach was also critical to the community's long-term economic development. He added that broad stakeholder engagement is critical to success because most positive changes will come from residents and businesses. Finally a greenhouse gas inventory should be conducted every two years. Ms. Marcia Geyer said she was secretary of 350 Central Virginia and a member of the Cville 100 Climate Coalition. She urged City Council to address the climate change emergency. She noted health issues, pollution, and mold as factors related to increased occurrence of asthma. Ms. Anna Bella Korbatov ceded her time to Mr. Richard Levy who spoke representing the Cville Renewable Energy Alliance. He encouraged a carbon reduction target of 45 percent by 2035 and full carbon offset by 2050. Ms. Carol Carter ceded her time to Mr. Caetano de Campos Lopes representing the Citizens Climate Lobby which just formed a chapter in Charlottesville. He said the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report says that by 2030 we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45 percent by 2035 and full carbon offset by 2050. Mr. Brad Slocum said the climate change risk or vulnerability assessment was also important to consider. He said the problem was well-documented with climate-related disasters. He said the City's plan should address race, income inequality and refugees as part of its planning. Ms. Joanie Freeman spoke representing the "Green Grannies" and said now is the time for action related to climate change. The "Green Grannies" sung a song for Council and encouraged immediate action to build a better future. Ms. Susan Thesenga spoke about a bullying incident involving her granddaughter at Buford Middle School. She was joined by Ms. Zeneida Howard who also responded with input on how to respond to bullying situations in City schools. Mr. Michael Payne commented on climate change and said the Mayors Climate Compact and the Paris Agreement are both inadequate in that they will allow too much of a temperature increase. He called upon Charlottesville to go way beyond that and do something unprecedented. He said we should achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 and a complete divestment from fossil fuel investments. He called for capital budget investments in climate change and support for other legislative initiatives. 10 Ms. Emily Little said as a mother it was important for her children to know unconditional love and health and safety. She said the International Panel on Climate Change report raised significant concerns for her and she called on the City to set bigger climate change goals. Ms. Galvin commented on the fusing of sustainability and equity as combined goals in the comments being made to Council and she said this was a revolutionary moment. She described how the City needs to integrate discussions of sustainability, transportation, and affordable housing issues. Mr. Quinton Harrell spoke on behalf of the New Hill Development Corporation. He thanked Council for the seed capital investment and its support of the initiative approved at the last Council meeting. Mr. Dave Redding spoke about Community Bikes and its community efforts to support alternative modes of transportation. Mr. Rob Woodside thanked Council for its work in the community. Ms. Susan Thesenga said a lot more should be done related to bullying in City schools. She said a 2013 report on bullying in Virginia outlined a number of recommendations that have not been implemented by City schools. She said her granddaughter would be leaving Buford Middle School because of bullying. Mr. Melvin Burrus said he was a member of the board of the New Hill Development Corporation. He said it would be a device to uplift and empower people of color. He said it will enable creation of new businesses and affordable housing. It will uplift the economically disadvantaged and support growing a new middle class. Ms. Walker spoke about the New Hill Development Corporation and her vote in opposition to the initiative at the previous meeting. She said she had been clear about her call for fiscal responsibility for everyone coming before Council. She said she was also a proponent of transparency and public engagement and neither was done sufficiently in this case. Ms. Walker said there were numerous issues that needed further attention including the way the City has conducted past Small Area Plans. She reiterated that her critique was about the process and not the idea or goals for the project. She said she hoped what New Hill Development Corporation plans to do will happen and be successful. Ms. Galvin commented on feedback received by Council via email from Ms. Mary Carey regarding Ms. Galvin's comments on November 5, 2018 in support of the New Hill Development Corporation initiative. Ms. Galvin described how the land encompassing the historic Vinegar Hill neighborhood was split after urban renewal between today's Starr Hill and the North Downtown neighborhoods. At the meeting Ms. Galvin only referenced Starr Hill as the location of the historic Vinegar Hill neighborhood. She described why she is a passionate supporter of the New Hill Development Corporation initiative. 11 RESOLUTION: 2019 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMS - CITY AND THOMAS JEFFERSON PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION 2019 Legislative Programs - City and Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission Mr. John Blair, the City Attorney, invited David Blount, legislative liaison for the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, to present the regional legislative package that has been prepared for the 2019 session of the Virginia General Assembly. He said all other localities had already approved the legislative agenda. Mr. Blair reviewed specific additions and position statements requested by Council and the Human Rights Commission. He said four specific bills had been requested by Council members on a variety of topics related to inclusionary zoning, statues, weapons in public spaces, and automated speed cameras. Mr. Blair invited Council to discuss and vote on the two legislative programs separate from the proposed charter amendments. On motion by Ms. Galvin, seconded by Ms. Hill, to Approve the 2019 Legislative Program of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission. (Ayes: Dr. Bellamy, Ms. Hill, Ms. Walker, Mr. Signer, Ms. Galvin; Noes: None.) On motion by Ms. Galvin, seconded by Ms. Hill, to Approve the 2019 Legislative Program of the City of Charlottesville. (Ayes: Dr. Bellamy, Ms. Hill, Ms. Walker, Mr. Signer, Ms. Galvin; Noes: None.) Mr. Signer said he was opposed to speed cameras but he would still vote in favor of the package. Ms. Walker said she supported items 1, 2 and 4. Mr. Blair then introduced the two charter amendment proposals requested by members of Council. He said if they receive support, there would need to be a public hearing at the Council meeting on December 3, 2018. Mr. Blair said the first charter amendment, requested by Dr. Bellamy, would allow the direct election of the Mayor as happens in Roanoke, VA. Ms. Hill asked if the Mayor would be elected to a four-year term? Mr. Blair said that Roanoke's Mayor has a four-year term. Dr. Bellamy said he would be open to a two-year term for an elected Mayor. Mr. Blair added that Dr. Bellamy's proposal envisions the Vice Mayor being the person who receives the most votes in the general at-large elections held every two years. Mr. Blair added that part of a cleanup needed in the City Charter in general, to ensure conformity with state law, updates are needed to the section referring to special elections and the 12 filling of a vacancy on Council. These changes would be requested at the same time from the General Assembly. Ms. Hill asked for more feedback from staff and the public about other alternatives and potential changes, for example a move to a ward system. Dr. Bellamy said changes would be criticized by some regardless of the specifics. He said the Roanoke model is the most comprehensive "weak-Mayor" model he has seen in Virginia. Ms. Hill pointed out that some great talent could be lost if multiple qualified people vie for the Mayor's position in an election as the loser would be unable to serve on Council. Ms. Galvin asked Dr. Bellamy to make the case for this change. Dr. Bellamy said he had received a lot of public feedback that citizens would like to have more involvement selecting the Council's leadership. Ms. Galvin responded that the Mayor will have no additional powers and as a result that might be misleading and create an illusion of power. Mr. Signer said that when this was first raised earlier in the year there was agreement by Council to have a lot of community engagement. He said that community engagement has not yet happened and other ideas might be worth discussing. Mr. Signer said, for example, he had proposed other alternatives such as electing the City Manager, something he said was done in Maryland. Another proposal, he had suggested he said, was to retitle the Mayor's position as Chair to better reflect its role. Mr. Signer said he wanted to hear more input from the public. Ms. Walker said she would like to hear from the public in a public hearing and that if the Charter changes do not have a hearing next month then such a change could not be considered again by the General Assembly until 2021. Ms. Hill and Ms. Galvin expressed concern about a specific Charter amendment proposal moving forward without additional community engagement. Ms. Galvin called for a work session in spring 2019. Mr. Blount said that charter change bills are required to be submitted on the first day of the General Assembly session, or by January 9, 2019. Charter bills a two-thirds majority vote in favor by each chamber to be approved and the changes would take effect July 1, 2019. To have an emergency clause put on a bill, such that the charter changes would take effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature, would require a four-fifths majority vote to approve. Ms. Walker reiterated she was interested in hearing from the public on this topic at a future public hearing. Mr. Blair said Council would not be obligated to send the Charter amendment on to the General Assembly just because they scheduled a public hearing for December 3, 2018. Other topics could also be included in the public hearing related to the form of government, he said. 13 A motion by Dr. Bellamy, seconded by Ms. Walker, to hold a public hearing on a Charter amendment for directly electing the mayor FAILED. (Ayes: Dr. Bellamy, Ms. Walker. Noes: Mr. Signer, Ms. Hill, Ms. Galvin.) Mr. Blair introduced the second Charter amendment requested by Ms. Walker related to the setting of Council salaries. Ms. Hill said the workload and low salaries were a barrier to many people serving on City Council. She said it is a fulltime job today and the role needs to be recalibrated and made more manageable in the future. She said she heard concerns from the community about Council salaries being tied to the City manager's compensation in some way. She said she supports finding ways to get more people involved in local government service. Ms. Walker said she expected this level of intensity in the work by Council to continue. Mr. Blair said Charlottesville is already at the maximum salaries allowed by the state for Council and the Mayor unless the Charter is changed to override state law. Ms. Galvin said the proposal to have the Office of Council and a Chief of Staff, policy analyst, community outreach coordinator, and assistant clerk were all intended to reduce the workload on members of Council. Ms. Walker said we live in a community that expects a high level of engagement by Council. She said if we want diversity on Council, then we have to adjust the compensation for its members. Mr. Signer recommended we think carefully about changes to the City's form of government. He said the model in Virginia is designed to be, in effect, a board of directors working part-time with a full-time chief executive in the City Manager. He noted this proposal comes at a time when Council is hiring a new City Manager who will be focused on execution and implementation of Council and community priorities. Ms. Walker responded further about the salary level being proposed for Council, which will not be close to the area median income. Ms. Galvin also shared a concern about the salaries being tied to the City Manager's salary (on a percentage basis). Dr. Bellamy said there would have to be a different level of compensation if we want to attract people with different backgrounds to serve on Council. Dr. Bellamy asked if the connection to the City Manager's salary could be removed from the proposal? Mr. Blair said a charter change could be done that was short and declarative on the matter of Council having authority to set its salaries in general. 14 A motion by Ms. Galvin, seconded by Ms. Hill, to authorize a public hearing on December 3, 2018 to change the City charter to enable Charlottesville City Council to set its own salaries without being constrained by state law was APPROVED. (Ayes: Dr. Bellamy, Ms. Hill, Ms. Walker, Ms. Galvin; Noes: Mr. Signer.) CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE POSITION STATEMENTS FOR THE 2019 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION APPROPRIATION: WATER STREET PARKING GARAGE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION - $977,155 (Carried) Water Street Parking Garage Supplemental Appropriation Chris Engel, the City's director of economic development, gave a staff report on the appropriation related to the Water Street Parking Garage. Council reached consensus to carry this forward to December 3, 2018 consent agenda. REPORT: DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF CHARLOTTESVILLE (DBAC) MARKETING UPDATE Downtown Business Association of Charlottesville (DBAC) Marketing Update Mr. Jason Ness with the City's office of economic development, provided an update on Council's $75,000 grant to the Downtown Business Association of Charlottesville. He said DBAC focused its work on a marketing campaign and website. Mr. Ness said over 60 percent of funds had been drawn down at this time and DBAC had raised a match exceeding Council's requirements. Mr. Signer asked about how to measure success of the initiative. Mr. Ness pointed out the website launched in September. He said his office will monitor tax revenues and parking garage usage. Ms. Bruce Williamson of DBAC shared the new website, www.downtowncharlottesville.com with Council. Mr. Roy Van Doorn said the website was a significant advancement. He noted the website metrics would be just one indicator of the campaign's success. REPORT: PROGRESS UPDATE ON THE CITY'S COMMITMENT TO THE GLOBAL COMPACT OF MAYORS Progress Update on the City's Commitment to the Global Compact of Mayors Ms. Susan Elliott, the City's Climate Protection Program Manager, provided a staff report and presentation on progress related to the Global Compact of Mayors endorsed in June 2017. 15 Ms. Elliott said the City had submitted the inventory of city-wide greenhouse gas emissions for Phase I of the Compact's objectives. Ms. Elliott's staff report described the impact that fuel sources, such as choices to switch from coal to natural gas by Dominion Energy's power plants, and new technology play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She said the next phase of the Mayor's Compact will involve determining specific greenhouse gas reduction targets for the City overall. In June 2019, staff will present a greenhouse gas reduction target to Council for approval. Ms. Galvin said the report was excellent. She recommended staff inform other decisions being made about such initiatives as affordable housing, regional transit and the comprehensive plan's zoning changes. Ms. Elliott said there would be interest in speaking with the groups working in those areas, as well as the nonprofit groups in the community. Mr. Signer suggested there may be a mandate needed from Council to coordinate this work within the City and with Albemarle County given the level of urgency identified in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. REPORT: LIGHTING STUDY FOLLOW UP Lighting Study Follow Up Mr. Tony Edwards, Neighborhood Development Services Manager provided an update to Council on the September 2016 Pedestrian Lighting Study Improvement Plan. He said two priority areas for lighting improvements are around the Downtown Mall (Area A) and around The Corner near the University of Virginia (Area B). Mr. Edwards said the study team is focusing on improvements like LED street lighting for the top-10 streets in the study areas. Ms. Galvin asked if the University of Virginia was participating in the funding since they were involved in the study. Mr. Edwards said the University is contributing to other projects such as the Emmett Street corridor. He said staff could initiate this conversation with the University. Ms. Walker asked about the locations identified as having a greater number of crimes and the suitability of lighting in those areas? Mr Murphy pointed out the crime data was for all 24 hours of a day and not just during darkness. REPORT: WEST MAIN INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE (BIKE/PEDESTRIAN AND ADA) West Main Infrastructure Update (Bike/Pedestrian and ADA) 16 Brennen Duncan, the City's Traffic Engineer, provided a six-month update to Council on West Main infrastructure issues with respect to traffic enforcement, and bike/pedestrian accommodations related to permits for street and sidewalk closures. Captain Tito Durrette, Charlottesville Police Department, described his unit's traffic enforcement activities from the Downtown Mall through the West Main Street corridor. Mr. Duncan said enforcement of street and sidewalk closures by the Department of Neighborhood Development Services were now more stringent. He described actions taken in response to citizen feedback at the Standard development to facilitate safe pedestrian crossings. Ms. Galvin asked why there were many fewer complaints with the Quirk and Blue Moon development projects on West Main as compared to The Standard? Mr. Duncan said staff had worked closely with the developers and the City required alternate pedestrian routes be in place up front. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Hill mentioned the citizen concerns around a right-of-way issue on Second Street NE and Council reached consensus to bring recommendations back to a future meeting. Ms. Hill will share assessment from the City Attorney's office with concerned citizens. Dr. Bellamy read a statement related to an initiative to create 4,000 units of affordable housing in the community. He said a preliminary model indicates there will be a significant cost for redevelopment. He asked Council to discuss this further at next week's housing work session. He wants the analysis forwarded to the Housing Advisory Committee for their feedback. MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC Ms. Nancy Carpenter asked how so many speakers in the earlier public comment period were focused on climate change? She said she thinks it is unusual that the random lottery ended up with this outcome. Mr. Tony Wash wished Council a Happy Thanksgiving. Ms. Walker adjourned the meeting at 12:05 a.m.