CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORK SESSION
                            Wednesday, May 6, 2020 Minutes
                          Virtual/electronic meeting, 4:00 p.m.

       The Charlottesville City Council met in a virtual work session on Wednesday, May 6,
2020, with the following Councilors present: Mayor Nikuyah Walker, Vice Mayor Sena Magill,
Ms. Heather Hill, Mr. Michael Payne and Mr. Lloyd Snook.

        Ms. Walker called the budget work session to order at 4:07 p.m. and turned the meeting
over to City Manager Tarron Richardson.

        Dr. Richardson introduced Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Rosa Atkins, who presented
the revised Charlottesville City Schools budget proposal. Dr. Atkins shared a revenue estimates
summary, and non-discretionary and critical expenses for FY21. The total estimated City
funding request was $1,343,000.

       Councilors followed up with questions about funding for pupil transportation, vehicle
maintenance, about the use of any CARES Act funds, and about the potential losses from
decreased sales tax and lottery revenue. Budget staff and City department directors were present
to answer questions.

        Dr. Richardson presented the revised City Manager’s Proposed Budget for FY21, holding
tax rates to the same level as FY20, and projecting revenue decreases related to the COVID-19
pandemic. The presentation included:

       •   FY 2021 General Fund Expenditures
       •   FY 2021 Capital Improvement Program, with cash funded projects being deferred
           with few exceptions
       •   Vibrant Community Fund still in the information gathering phase
       •   Budget Amendments (timing based upon the economy)
       •   Budget Updates to be conducted on a monthly basis and discussed with Council; and
           internal review of revenues and expenditures to occur on a weekly basis
       •   Budget calendar

        Council discussed the Charlottesville Supplemental Rental Assistance Program with
input from Senior Budget and Management Analysts Krisy Hammill and Ryan Davidson, and
Ms. Brenda Kelley, Redevelopment Manager. There was also discussion about balancing
Council priorities.

Ms. Walker opened the floor for public comment. The following people spoke:
       Mr. Peter Krebs spoke about infrastructure for walking and biking and the importance of
exercise in fighting COVID-19.

        Mr. Brandon Collins spoke about the housing voucher program, rent relief and the need
for a coordinated housing strategy.

       Mr. Rory Stolzenberg spoke about challenges of the City’s virtual meeting platform and
the Capital Improvement Program budget, specifically regarding the proposed parking deck.

       Ms. Walker advised that she would allow additional public comments during Council
discussion should there be interest.
       Council gave direction to the City Manager to include the requested funding to City
Schools in the amount of $1,343,000.
       In discussion about the Capital Improvement Program as related to City buildings, Ms.
Walker disclosed her employment with the Department of Parks and Recreation, pursuant to
Section 2.2-3112(B)(1) of the State of Virginia and local government Conflicts of Interest Act.
        Council continued to discuss bondable and non-bondable capital projects. Mr. Payne
specifically asked that the planned project at Friendship Court be noted for future discussion. Mr.
Payne and Ms. Magill expressed dissent about the proposed building of a parking garage
downtown.
Ms. Walker asked for public comment. The following people spoke:
      Mr. Rory Stolzenberg spoke about the proposed parking deck agreement with Albemarle
County, and the Market Street Garage.
   -   Deputy City Manager Paul Oberdorfer shared background information about existing
       parking and options reviewed for the proposed parking project.
With no further speakers coming forward, Ms. Walker closed public comment.
       Mr. Payne mentioned a concern about Midway Manor. Mr. Alex Ikefuna, Director of
Neighborhood Development Services advised that Council may want to start setting aside funds
for when the low income tax credit expires in a few years
       City Attorney John Blair advised on procedure for the May 18, 2020 budget public
hearing.
       Mr. Payne advised that the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission would be
holding a public forum on May 7 with discussion about Community Development Block Grant
funds, which was discussed at the May 4th City Council meeting.
       Ms. Magill announced the May 7 School Board meeting and an online COVID-19 Town
Hall being conducted on May 8 at 3:00 p.m., with registration at www.charlottesville.gov/zoom.
       The meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m.


BY Order of City Council                                  BY Kyna Thomas, Clerk of Council