CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL May 4, 2020 Minutes Virtual/electronic meeting 5:30 PM CLOSED MEETING The Charlottesville City Council met in a virtual/electronic meeting on Monday, May 4, 2020, at 5:30 p.m., as permitted during the COVID-19 Declaration of Emergency. The meeting was called to order at 5:33 p.m. with the following members present: Mayor Nikuyah Walker, Vice Mayor Sena Magill, Ms. Heather Hill, Mr. Michael Payne and Mr. Lloyd Snook. On motion by Ms. Hill, seconded by Ms. Magill, Council voted 5-0 (Ayes: Hill, Magill, Payne, Snook, Walker. Noes: none) to meet in closed session as authorized by Virginia Code Sections 2.2-3711 and 2.2-3712, specifically: - as authorized by Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) for discussion of the performance of the Charlottesville City Manager. On motion by Ms. Hill, seconded by Mr. Snook, Council certified by the following vote: 5-0 (Ayes: Hill, Magill, Payne, Snook, Walker. 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. The meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m. 6:30 PM REGULAR MEETING The Charlottesville City Council held a virtual meeting for its regular session on May 4, 2020, in an effort to comply with social distancing requirements surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic Declaration of Emergency. Ms. Walker called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. with the following members in attendance: Mayor Nikuyah Walker, Vice Mayor Sena Magill, Ms. Heather Hill, Mr. Michael Payne and Mr. Lloyd Snook. On motion by Mr. Snook, seconded by Ms. Hill, Council unanimously approved the meeting agenda. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ms. Hill announced the Wednesday, May 6th budget work session. Ms. Walker added information about the community feedback portion of the work session. Ms. Walker announced that there was a successful Coronavirus testing event at Crescent Halls on May 1st, a collaborative effort. CONSENT AGENDA: Clerk of Council Kyna Thomas read the following Consent Agenda items into the record: a. MINUTES: April 20 Regular meeting, April 28 Work Session b. APPROPRIATION: Domestic Violence Services Coordinator Grant - $49,336 (2nd reading) APPROPRIATION Domestic Violence Services Coordinator Grant - $49,336 WHEREAS, The City of Charlottesville, through the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, has received the Domestic Violence Services Coordinator Grant from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services in the amount of $38,336 in Federal pass-thru funds, Albemarle County is to contribute an additional $6,000 in local cash match, and the City Commonwealth Attorney’s Office will contribute up to $5,000 cash match, as needed to meet salary and benefit expenses. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that the sum of $49,336 is hereby appropriated in the following manner: Revenues $38,336 Fund: 209 Cost Center: 1414002000 G/L Account: 430120 $ 6,000 Fund: 209 Cost Center: 1414002000 G/L Account: 432030 $ 5,000 Fund: 209 Cost Center: 1414002000 G/L Account: 498010 Expenditures $49,336 Fund: 209 Cost Center: 1414002000 G/L Account: 519999 Transfer $ 5,000 Fund: 105 Cost Center: 1401001000 G/L Account: 561209 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this appropriation is conditioned upon the receipt of $38,336 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, and $6,000 from the County of Albemarle, Virginia. c. APPROPRIATION: Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) Supplemental Appropriation of FY 2020 Transit Grants - $2,021,606 (2nd reading) APPROPRIATION Transit Division Project Funds - $2,021,606 WHEREAS, State Operating Grants of $2,154,920 and Federal Operating Grant of $2,011,141 have been awarded to the City of Charlottesville, the combined amounts of operating grants are $582,576 more than previously budgeted; and WHEREAS, a Federal Capital Grant of $584,500 and a State Capital Grant of $106,400 have been awarded to the City of Charlottesville; and WHEREAS, a Federal Grant has been awarded to JAUNT in the amount of $669,030 and these funds must pass through the City of Charlottesville; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that the following is hereby appropriated in the following manner, contingent upon receipt of the grant funds: Revenue (Operating) (12,056) Fund: 245 Cost Center: 2801003000 G/L: 430080 State Assistance $221,227 Fund: 245 Cost Center: 2801001000 G/L: 430080 State Assistance (2200037 Internal Order Number) $373,405 Fund: 245 Cost Center: 2801003000 G/L: 431010 Federal Assistance Expenditures (Operating) $582,576 Fund: 245 Cost Center: 2801003000 G/L: 599999 Lump Sum Revenue (Capital) $106,400 Fund: 245 Cost Center: 2804001000 G/L: 430110 St Grants $584,500 Fund: 245 Cost Center: 2804001000 G/L: 431110 Fed Grants Expenditures (Capital) $770,000 Fund: 245 Cost Center: 2804001000 G/L: 541040 Acq. Com-Veh. Revenue (JAUNT) $669,030 Fund: 245 Cost Center: 2821002000 G/L: 431010 Fed Assistance Expenditures (JAUNT) $669,030 Fund: 245 Cost Center: 2821002000 G/L: 540365 JAUNT Payment BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this appropriation is conditioned upon the receipt of $2,261,320 from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and $3,264,671 from the Federal Transit Administration. d. APPROPRIATION: Appropriation of CARES Act relief fund payment for the Fire Department - $58,201.02 (carried) e. RESOLUTION: Approving retroactive funding for administration of the Charlottesville Supplemental Rental Assistance Program (CSRAP) - $79,255.94 RESOLUTION APPROVING RETROACTIVE FUNDING FOR ADMINISTRATION OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE SUPPLEMENTAL RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CSRAP) WHEREAS, on June 19, 2017 the City of Charlottesville approved the creation of a City-funded Supplemental Rental Assistance Program (“CSRAP”), which will be administered by Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (“CRHA”); and WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, City Council approved an amendment to the CSRAP program to allow a portion of the approved program funding, allocated by the city for this program, to be used to cover administrative costs incurred by CRHA to administer this program; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, that fees for administration of the program between January 2018 and December 2019 shall be paid to CRHA from the funds previously appropriated to the CSRAP program. Expense $79,255.94 Fund: 426 WBS Element: P-01019 GL Code: 599999 f. ORDINANCE: Rental Relief Program application deadline extension pursuant to City Code Section 25-59 (1 reading requiring 4/5 vote) ORDINANCE EXTENDING DEADLINE FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED INDIVIDUALS TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS PURSUANT TO CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY CODE SECTION 25-59 CITY MANAGER RESPONSETO COMMUNITY MATTERS: City Manager Tarron Richardson shared updates for the following items: 1. Regarding a concern from Ms. Nancy Carpenter about housing initiatives to help the homeless, he advised that Kaki Dimock, Director of Human Services, would continue to provide updates on any CARES Act, FEMA or HUD funding that may become available to help in the effort to provide housing for the homeless. He advised that those funds would be combined with funds already in the City budget for this initiative. 2. Regarding a concern from Ms. Tanesha Hudson about the extension of housing vouchers, he advised that the voucher program is managed by the Housing Authority and Council has provided funding. He advised that the program would be discussed on Friday, May 8th with CRHA at a regularly scheduled meeting. COMMUNITY MATTERS: Ms. Walker opened public comment. Ms. Tanesha Hudson thanked staff member Brenda Kelley for follow-up on the housing voucher program. Mr. Brandon Collins spoke about having a coordinated response and approach to housing during the pandemic. Mr. Chris Meyer, of Fry’s Spring neighborhood, spoke about recent employment decisions by UVA Health System and the University of Virginia, advising that funds saved by salary cuts and furloughs could be used for low income residents. Ms. Nancy Carpenter spoke about the new City website and made suggestions for navigation. She also spoke about a strategic use of resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Jay James, City resident and Assistant Director of the Bridge Ministry, spoke about the opportunity for the City to support formerly incarcerated individuals with City funds versus continuing to incarcerate non-violent offenders. - Ms. Walker responded to Mr. Meyer’s comment about the impact of furlough and salary reductions at the University of Virginia and UVA Health System, and advised that the City is unable to take any action regarding the funds related to those decisions. ACTION ITEMS: PUBLIC HEARING/ RESOLUTION*: FY20-21 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)/Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) Action Plan: (1 reading) Ms. Erin Atak, Grants Coordinator, presented the proposed Action Plan, advising of requirements, community engagement, and public comment period. She also reviewed information about the Ridge Street priority neighborhood and the priority neighborhood program history. Council asked clarifying questions. Ms. Walker opened the public hearing. The following speakers participated: • Mr. Brandon Collins • Ms. Joy Johnson • Mr. Don Gathers • Ms. Tanesha Hudson • Ms. Emily Dreyfus Ms. Walker closed the public hearing. Council discussion ensued regarding the following items related to CDBG. RESOLUTION*: Action Plan CDBG-CV Covid Amendment - $246,699 On motion by Ms. Hill, seconded by Ms. Magill, Council by the following vote APPROVED the resolution amending the City of Charlottesville FY20-21 CDBG Annual Action Plan to include $246,699 in CDBG-CV funding: 5-0 (Ayes: Hill, Magill, Payne, Snook, Walker. Noes: none). RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE’S FY 20-21 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville must submit Annual Action Plans to the Department of Housing and Urban Development describing the use of Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment funds; BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that the FY 20-21 Annual Action Plan be amended as follows: FY 20-21 Action Plan - CDBG-CV funds totaling $246,699 will be awarded to activities supporting economic development and public service projects in response to coronavirus. CDBG-CV funds will be divided into three broad categories: economic development activities, public service activities, and administrative/planning support. RESOLUTION: CDBG/HOME FY20-21 Action Plan resolution On motion by Ms. Hill, seconded by Mr. Snook, Council by the following vote APPROVED the resolution approving the City of Charlottesville FY20-21 CDBG Annual Action Plan: 4-1 (Ayes: Hill, Magill, Payne, Snook. Noes: Walker). RESOLUTION Approval of FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, hereby approves the FY 2020 - 2021 Action Plan of the 2018-2022 Consolidated Plan as presented at the May 4, 2020, City Council meeting. All CDBG and HOME project estimates shall be increased or reduced at the same pro-rated percentage of actual entitlement. No agency’s EN amount will increase more than their initial funding request. RESOLUTION: FY20-21 Priority Neighborhood fund allocations resolution On motion by Ms. Magill, seconded by Mr. Payne, Council by the following vote APPROVED the resolution approving Ridge Street as the priority neighborhood for FY20-21 funding: 5-0 (Ayes: Hill, Magill, Payne, Snook, Walker. Noes: none). RESOLUTION PRIORITY NEIGHBORHOOD FUNDS FOR RIDGE FY 20-21 WHEREAS, on September 16, 2019, City Council of the City of Charlottesville recommended Ridge as the priority neighborhood for FY 20-21; BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia that the funds for FY 20-21 shall be allocated as follows: - The allocation for FY 20-21 shall be allocated to Ridge. - The allocation for Ridge Street shall be allocated simultaneously for FY 21-22 and FY 2022- 2023. In total, each neighborhood (Belmont and Ridge) will receive a total of three years of funding respectively. APPROPRIATION: Approval and Appropriation of CDBG and HOME Budget Allocations for FY 2020-2021 (carried to May 18 Regular Agenda) a. Appropriation of funds for the City of Charlottesville 2020-2021 CDBG - $419,367 b. Appropriation of funds for the City of Charlottesville’s 2020-2021 HOME funds - $127,210.56 c. Appropriation amendment to CDBG account reprogramming of funds for FY 20-21 - $13,324 OTHER BUSINESS 1. Ms. Hill asked for an update on the budget process, heading into the Wednesday, May 6 Council Budget Work Session. Dr. Richardson provided an overview. Ms. Walker shared parameters for the public work session. Council and the Budget Management staff discussed next steps and budget details related to Schools, the Capital Improvement Program, and potential impacts to equity, revenues and shortfalls. Ms. Kimberly Powell, Assistant Superintendent for Charlottesville City Schools shared information about school funding, advising that sales tax and lottery revenues have been negatively impacted. Additional financial information was shared by Deputy City Manager Letitia Shelton. Dr. Rosa Atkins, Superintendent for Charlottesville City Schools, shared information about CARES Act funding and cuts to the City Schools budget. Ms. Walker left the meeting at 9:17 p.m. Vice Mayor Magill recessed the meeting at 9:17 p.m. Vice Mayor Magill reconvened the meeting at 9:28 p.m. Council and Dr. Atkins continued the School budget discussion. Mr. Blair provided clarification to City Council on procedures for budget amendments leading up to adoption of the City Budget for FY 2021, and potential actions following adoption. Council gave guidance to the Budget Management Department for advertising the City Manager’s Proposed Budget. Dr. Richardson gave a brief presentation on the City Manager’s Proposed FY 2021 Budget. 2. Ms. Hill began a conversation about future meetings of City Boards and Commissions. Dr. Richardson shared information about next steps in gathering information for further input to Council. Councilors discussed information received from boards and commissions related to any pending issues that require urgent attention, and any concerns that they wished to share with City Council and the City Manager. Mr. Payne advised that the consultants working on the City Comprehensive Plan were working along their same timeline. Council discussed the need to replace a representative of the PLACE Committee and Mr. Alex Ikefuna, Director of Neighborhood Development Services, advised that it would not be necessary at this time to appoint a new member. MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC Ms. Magill opened the floor for public comment. Mr. Walt Heinecke asked about the public being able to view the City Budget prior to the work session on May 6. He asked if budget decisions could be made with an equity lens for lower income residents. Mr. Sean Tubbs of the Piedmont Environmental Council spoke about boards and commissions meetings and advised of other locality boards moving forward with meetings regarding land use. Ms. Joy Johnson, City resident, spoke about the Housing Advisory Committee and the intent of CDBG funds to be used for social components and infrastructure. Ms. Tanesha Hudson spoke about sidewalks and the use of CDBG funds. She suggested that Council talk to the residents about their needs. Ms. Magill closed public comment. The meeting adjourned at 10:36 p.m. BY Order of City Council BY Kyna Thomas, Clerk of Council