Category Archives: government

Richmond City Council official meeting schedule for January 2011

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From COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS RELEASE:

Richmond City Council official meeting schedule for January 2011

All Richmond citizens are invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT Richmond City Council, the governing body of Richmond, holds an average of 12 official monthly public meetings to discuss, deliberate, and act on laws, finances and policy on behalf of our community.

A summary of official Richmond City Council Official Public Meetings for the upcoming month is listed below. Meeting times and dates are subject to change and more meetings may be added as needed.

All Richmond citizens are invited and encouraged to attend all Council meetings and to contact the Richmond Councilmember elected for their voting district (by phone, in person, via email, or by mail) to learn more; provide input; and/or ask questions. Meetings include (but are not limited to) two “Council Formal” Meeting Sessions, two “Council Informal” meetings, six Council Standing Committee meetings, and Council Public Hearings/ Special Events/Commission meetings held on an as-needed basis.

Mission – The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and
oversight, and approving the city budget.

Vision – Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

Parking – Free parking is available for Formal Council meetings in the lot next to Richmond City Hall on E. Broad St., between 10th and 11th Streets.

Televised – Formal Council meetings are televised live on local PBS TV Station, WVCW and replayed daily at Noon and 7:00 p.m. on Richmond Government Access TV Channel 17.

For scheduled meetings, click below
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City of Richmond Schedules Upcoming Annual “Bring one for the Chipper” Christmas Tree Recycling Program

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From City press release:

RICHMOND, VA – On Saturday, January 15, 2011, the city of Richmond is sponsoring a Christmas tree recycling program called “Bring One for the Chipper 2011.” City residents are invited to recycle their Christmas trees by having the city chip them into mulch for use in landscaping.

This is the second year for the program, which is heralded among the city’s efforts to actively participate in environmental education and to actively pursue more green initiatives.

“Bring One for the Chipper 2011” will take place at the Parker Field Annex, 1710 Robin Hood Rd., at the corner of Robin Hood Rd. and N. Boulevard across from the Arthur Ashe Center, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on January 15. Also, Christmas trees can be dropped off from December 26 through January 14 at the East Richmond Road Convenience Center, 3800 East Richmond Rd. and the Richmond Southside Transfer Station, 3520 N. Hopkins Rd.

This project is being spearheaded by the city’s Department of Public Works. For more information on city services and schedules, please visit us on line at www.RichmondGov.com.

Christmas and New Year Holiday Schedule for Solid Waste Collection

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From City press release:

RICHMOND, VA – In observance of the Christmas holiday, city offices will be closed on Thursday, December 23 and Friday, December 24. The Solid Waste Management Division will continue to operate normal trash collection routes both days.

In observance of the New Year holiday, city offices will be closed on Friday, December 31. The Solid Waste Management Division will operate normal trash collection that day.

East Richmond Road Convenience Center will open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 23 and from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, December 24. The facility will be closed on Christmas Day.

During the New Year holiday, East Richmond Road Convenience Center will open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, December 31. The facility will be closed on New Year’s Day.

The Hopkins Road Transfer Station will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

For more information on city services and schedules, please visit www.Richmondgov.com.

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‘Wreaths Across America’ To Stop At Va. War Memorial

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City press release:

Richmond to receive wreath from Wreaths Across America on behalf of departed U.S. Military Veterans

Delivered by convoy of 200 motorcycle riders, which will include Virginia State Police and Richmond Police Department Motorcycle Squad

WHAT The Honorable Reva M. Trammell, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Southside 8th District, is scheduled to accept a wreath on behalf of Richmond citizens from Wreaths Across America, honoring the service of departed United States of America Military Veterans.

Part of a national tribute sponsored by the Worchester Wreath Company (Harrington, Maine) and its Wreaths Across America initiative, wreaths will be placed on the graves of departed U. S. Military Service Veterans and at other official memorials, locations and sites nationally and worldwide.

The day’s events in Richmond include a motor convoy comprised of an estimated 200 motorcycle riders, which will include the Virginia State Police and Richmond Police Department Motorcycle Squad. An 18-wheel truck will be carrying wreaths.

This day will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia and proceed with wreaths being placed nationally and worldwide at official sites and cemeteries.

Official worldwide ceremonies will begin simultaneously at Noon, Eastern Standard Time, 1700 Zulu.

WHEN APPROXIMATE SCHEUDLE – Saturday, December 11, 2010

9:00 a.m. Convoy will muster at Cox Transportation (1044 Dow Gil Road, Ashland, Virginia). Convoy will include an 18-wheel truck, Virginia State Police and Richmond Police Department Motorcycle Squad and up to 200 motorcycle riders.

10:00 a.m. Convoy departs Ashland, Virginia (Traveling I-95 South).
Route in Richmond includes Richmond Diamond, Virginia War Memorial for presentation; Virginia Capitol Square; Richmond
City Hall for Presentation; and, then to Richmond National Cemetery.

10:45 a.m. Branch of convoy proceeds to Richmond City Hall (900 E. Broad Street) 9th Street Entrance – to present wreath

Noon Ceremony at Richmond National Cemetery (1701 Williamsburg Road, Richmond, Virginia)

WHERE Richmond City Hall, 9th Street Entrance (900 E. Broad Street)

WHO The Honorable Reva M. Trammell, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Southside 8th District

CONTACT For more information, please contact Rev. Rocky Angone, at 804.586.5060 (tel); or rjangone@yahoo.com (email) Wreaths Across America,

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Charter Schools Forum To Feature Henderson

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From announcement:

Charter Schools in Virginia: Panel Discussion and Public Forum
Thursday, December 9th, 6pm to 8pm
VCU student Commons 907 Floyd Avenue Richmond Salon I
Sponsored by Teachers for Social Justice in conjunction with Richmond REA and VCU’s Department of Foundations of Education

While at both the national and state level the charter school movement is gaining momentum, there is heated debate about the effectiveness of charter schools and the long term impact of this reform movement on public education. The goal of this forum is to bring together a panel of speakers representing a diversity of well-informed perspectives on this issue to present their views, engage in a productive dialogue, and answer questions from the public. The hope is that this forum leads to a better understanding of the careful steps we must take as we move forward to improve the quality of education in our state.

Confirmed Panelists
Kitty Boitnott, president of the Virginia Education Association
Senator Henry Marsh, representing Virginia’s 16th district
Maurice Henderson, 5th District Richmond School Board Representative
Jesse Senechal, Teachers for Social Justice
A representative of Patrick Henry Charter School

Keep The Wreath Green

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From bulletin:

The Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services is once again conducting the “Keep the Wreath Green” program. Each Richmond fire station has placed a wreath lit With green bulbs in front of their fire station. If there are no structure fires in that fire district during the holiday season, the wreath will remain green. If a structure fire does occur, then one of the green bulbs will be replaced with a red bulb. By simply looking at the wreath, everyone will know how successful the community has been at being fire safe. While the fire department is anticipating a successful program, we are asking the public to remain diligent.

The significance of this year’s program is the department has seen a sharp rise in structure fires over last year. Fire Marshal David Creasy says it is not uncommon to see an upswing in fire calls during this time. Heating related fires usually increase in the fall however the recent increase is not associated with just those types of calls. “The causes have been varied” says a concerned Fire Marshal Creasy. “It shows that the public needs to be more vigilant with all types of fire causes. I would encourage that everyone take a few minutes to conduct a home safety survey of their home. An easy to follow guideline is available on the department’s website (www.rfdva.com) or give us a call on the Richmond Fire Safety Hotline (1-888-537-5967) and we will schedule a fire company to come to your house and conduct the survey with you” says Creasy.

January CAPS meeting scheduled

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From announcement:

Fourth Precinct

.The Community Assisted Public Safety (CAPS) meeting will be held:

. Date: Thursday, January 20, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: Linwood Holton Elementary School
1600 W Laburnum Avenue

We will not hold a December meeting. May each of you have a blessed Holiday season.

Thank you

Jacki Page
Sr. Customer Services Representative
804-646-4150

Instead of Another Monroe Park Question, Another Controversy

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From Oregon Hill resident Todd Woodson:

In 2008 a Monroe Park Master Plan was adopted by the City to make much needed improvements to the City’s oldest Park. Among the many improvements are to restore the dilapidated concrete sidewalks on its perimeter from cracked and perished concrete slab to brick pavers with substantial green growing strips to plant new street trees. The benefits are many- brick pavers are porous so runoff wont be sent into the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the planting strips promote healthier street trees, repairs can be made in small areas should anything happen and they are historic and look great.

So I was pleasantly surprised to see a big part of the sidewalk on Laurel street across from the Landmark Theatre pulled up yesterday for renovation. Upon speaking with the contractor and a city worker, my worst fears were realized: VCU had requested the sidewalks be replaced as they were dangerous to their students and the City, in its haste to obey, contracted the entire sidewalk- from Franklin to Main, to be demolished and replaced with- no not brick pavers and trees as the Master Plan dictates, but concrete slabs- which would be ripped up for the correct fix in the next few years. Surely the sidewalks need replacing but they haven’t changed in the last 25+ years, so what’s with the haste?
One should ask “Was VCU NOT aware of the Monroe Park master plan before their request?”. The answer is not only is VCU aware of it, but they participated in its creation.
I measured the area today and it is 860 feet long by 15 feet wide comprising a square footage of 12,900. At an estimated $5 a square foot to pour the concrete, the bill for this two year fix is $64,500.00 and with the second demolition, this boondoggle could swell to well over 100 grand. That’s YOUR taxpayer dollars wasted, Richmond friends.
Hoping to stem off this waste, I contacted the interim Director of Public Works, the auditor Umesh Dalal and many other denizens of the city payroll a day before the pouring and advised them of the conflict. Still, the trucks showed up today and a section of the sidewalk was poured and screed- INCONSISTENT to the Master Plan. I think most of City Hall has gone home for the holiday, leaving their mistakes to burn us in their absence.
I respectfully request that the City of Richmond and its contractors, cease all non conforming repair work on Monroe Park sidewalks and deliberate once you return to work and proceed with fixing the sidewalks RIGHT the FIRST TIME and stop WASTING our money. You are aware of the Master Plan.

City Cold Weather Overflow Shelter Open Tonight

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I usually just forward these announcements to the neighborhood email list, but given the spirited conversation regarding the Monroe Park controversy, I figured I would post on the site today:

From the City’s press release:

Richmond, VA – The city’s Cold Weather Overflow Shelter will open tonight, November 19, as overnight temperatures are forecasted to remain at or below 35 degrees. The Cold Weather Overflow Shelter is located at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church, 14 West Duval Street. The Cold Weather Overflow Shelter will open today at 7 p.m. and close Saturday, November 20 at 6 a.m. Food will not be provided and pets are not allowed. The city’s Cold Weather Overflow Shelter will be closed Saturday and Sunday, November 20 and 21 as overnight temperatures are forecasted to remain above 35 degrees.

Residents in need of overnight shelter are asked to report to Commonwealth Catholic Charities Central Intake by 3 p.m. today for a comprehensive intake and referral to the appropriate shelter. Commonwealth Catholic Charities Central Intake is located at the Freedom House Conrad Center, 1400 Oliver Hill Way, next to Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and Richmond City Jail. A referral to the Cold Weather Overflow Shelter will be provided to individuals who are not eligible for an existing shelter or if all available beds have been filled.

The city’s Department of Social Services (DSS) will accept Crisis Assistance applications now through March 15 at 900 East Marshall Street, Monday through Friday; from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can also call the Fuel Line at (804) 646-7046. DSS also provides emergency assistance with gas and electric disconnection notices for residents who qualify.

Elderly or disabled residents can also contact Senior Connections for assistance at (804) 343-3000, Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Richmond Honored for Sustainability Achievements

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From the City’s Department of Community Development newsletter:

The city of Richmond was honored recently with two important awards in recognition of its commitment to and achievements in climate protection and sustainability.

The city received a Silver Award in the 2010 Virginia Municipal League (VML) Green Government Challengeand recognized for completing its Baseline Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, which completes Milestone One of a Five Milestone process.

The Green Government Challenge is a friendly competition among local governments to encourage the implementation of specific environmental policies and practical actions that reduce carbon emissions.

Richmond earned its award by (1) hiring its’ first Energy Manager to develop a comprehensive Energy Management Program that includes improving the energy performance of all city agencies; (2) retrofitting traffic signals with LED lights at 220 intersections, The Department of Public Works will convert 220 intersections by the end of 2010 that will save more than $108,000 in annual energy costs and, (3) the city also created the first two Green Alleys in the city to reduce stormwater pollution by using permeable pavers which allow water to soak through rather than run off.

Check out Chicago’s Green Alley program by clicking here. I am not sure where Oregon Hill alleys fall in with the City of Richmond’s Green Alley initiative, but I am looking forward to seeing more permeable pavers.

It’s important to note that while some citizens may not be happy with the stormwater utility fees, the City of Richmond is LEADING the counties in addressing the stormwater problem and deserves praise for doing so. Let’s see if the counties rise to the challenge like the City has, for they will need to deal with their own stormwater sooner than later.

I was reminded of this when I attended a Virginia Department of Environmental Quality James River TDML meeting last night:

TMDL Background:

Virginia agencies developed a study to identify sources of the bacterial contamination in the waters of the James River and it’s tributaries in the following jurisdictions:

Stream
County/City
Length (mi.)
Impairment
Bernards Creek
Chesterfield, Powhatan
6.95
Bacteria
(Primary Contact Use)
Powhite Creek
Chesterfield, Richmond City
8.13
Reedy Creek
Richmond City
3.69
James River
Richmond City
2.99
Gillie Creek
Richmond City, Henrico
5.75
Almond Creek
Henrico
2.08
Goode Creek
Richmond City
1.22
Falling Creek
Chesterfield
3.10
No Name Creek
Chesterfield
2.07
James River
Chesterfield, Henrico, Richmond City
6.75

These streams are impaired for failure to meet the Primary Contact (Recreational) designated use due to bacteria standard violations. The study reported sources of bacterial contamination and recommended total maximum daily loads, or TMDLs, for the impaired waters. A TMDL is the total amount of a pollutant a water body can contain and still meet water quality standards. To restore water quality, bacterial levels have to be reduced to the TMDL amount. The report, which was submitted to EPA on 9/30/10, is available on the DEQ website: http://www.deq.virginia.gov/tmdl/drftmdls/jamesg3.pdf. A TMDL study is meant to address “what” the problem is and how much of the pollutant must be reduced to meet water quality standards. The TMDL is then followed by Implementation Planning, which addresses “how” we meet the reductions identified in the TMDL study in order to meet water quality standards.