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Uh, can I have a roll call please? Mayor? Pardon? Here. Vice mayor

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joiner. Here. Councillor harris? Here. Councillor ellis

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here. Councillor day here.

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I don't think she councilor. Ole

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ole here. Ole. Thank you. We

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have a quorum. Okay. Um,

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alright. Uh, sade, do you mind giving counselor stokes a phone call?

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yes.

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hello. Hi, councilor stokes. Hey.

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so this we're, the zoom hasn't started, but we are doing roll call and then we're

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gonna go into closed session. So I wanted to get your roll call.

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alright. Why is it not letting me join zoom

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so we have it in the back. He's working on getting you in the closed session.

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okay. Alright. So, councilor stokes.

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yes. Here we have a quorum. Okay.

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at this time, is there a motion to allow councilor stokes to participate remotely?

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I second. Alright. Motion's been made by councillor day and seconded

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by councilor ellis. Uh, councilor stokes. For the record, can you state,

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state where you're conducting the meeting from and why you're asking to participate

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remotely? I'm at home. I, I returned back

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home to help okay. At home for medical

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reasons. Okay. Alright. Roll call please.

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councillor harris? Yes. Mayor. Pardon? Yes.

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councilor ellis? Yes. Councilor day? Yes. Councillor

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oli? Yes. Vice mayor joiner? Yes.

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motion passes. Six to zero. Okay. Thank you. Alright.

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at this time is there a motion to go into close meeting under virginia code section 2.2

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dash 3 7 11 a three eight and 29

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to discuss the acquisition with disposition of real property, where

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a discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating

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strategy of the public body. The award of a public contract where discussion

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in an open session would adversely affect the city's bargaining position. And

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to consult with legal counsel regarding specific legal matters,

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real estate contract discussions, unsolicited offer on

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city owned real estate, and 2.2 dash 3 7 11

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a one to discuss and consider personnel matters including boarding commission

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appointments, city clerk contract, hrha and

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the beacon theater. Follow up on attorney review.

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second. Second. Okay. Um,

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one question. I, um, I just noticed this, um, mr. Bassett,

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um, um, to talk about your, um, evaluation.

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do we need to add that? No, it's in the, there's just a, there's just a, uh,

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comma missing. Okay. Alright. Alright. Uh, seeing

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no lights roll call please. Councilor harris? Yes.

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may I? Pardon? Yes. Councilor ellis? Yes. Councillor

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day? Yes. Councilor stokes? Yes. Councillor

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oli? Yes. Vice mayor joiner? Yes. Motion passes. Seven to

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zero. Okay. Okay.

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vice joiner. Is there any discussion?

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uh, counselor stokes on the phone? Okay.

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councilor harris? Yes. Mayor. Pardon?

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yes. Councillor ellis? Yes. Councillor day?

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yes. Councillor stokes. Yes. Councilor

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ley? Yes. Vice mayor joiner? Yes. Motion passes. Seven to

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zero. Okay. Uh, certification please. Certification

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pursuant to virginia code 2.2 dash 3 7 12

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d, were only public business matters. One. Lawfully exempted

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from open meeting requirements and two identified in this closed meeting.

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motion discussed in the closed meeting. Could you ask, uh, before we do up,

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can you ask, uh, councilor stokes to mute herself? 'cause we're getting a lot of feedback.

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councilor stokes, are you able to go on mute?

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I think so. Y'all hear me? Yes. So I'm gonna hang my phone up. We can't

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hear you on zoom, but you can't all that feedback.

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can you hear me? Yes. Yeah.

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can you hear me? Yes. Can, can you hear us? Hello?

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can you hear us? Can you hear now?

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councilor stokes? Can you hear us? Yeah. Okay.

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I can hear somebody. Okay. Oh, there

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you go. Alright. All right. I'm ready.

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councilor harris? Yes. Mayor I, pardon? Yes.

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counselor ellis? Yes. Councilor day? Yes.

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counselor stokes. Can you repeat the question? It's

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certification. Okay. Yes. Councilor

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oli? Yes. Vice mayor joiner? Yes.

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okay. Uh, at this time do we have a motion to appoint vice mayor joiner

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to the legislative committee and councilor oli to the crater

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planning district commission? Second. Second. So moved. Okay. Motion's

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been made by councilor stokes and seconded by, uh, councillor

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ellis. Is there any discussion seeing

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no lights roll call please. Councillor harris? Yes.

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mayor part? Yes. Councilor ellis? Yes. Councilor

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day? Yes. Councilor stokes? Yes.

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coun councilor ole? Yes. Vice mayor joiner?

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yes. Motion passes. Seven to zero. Okay. And,

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uh, before we get into our work session, uh, I'd like to, uh, introduce everybody

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to, um, our current counselor for ward seven. Um, ms.

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levia oli. Um, she comes from a background in,

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uh, hr and, um, health insurance and, uh, worked

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her way up, uh, the corporate ladder and, uh, has done exceptionally well. And we look very

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much forward to, uh, working with her, uh, during your time here. Thank

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you. Forward to learning a great deal.

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, did you want happy birthday? Yep. And then also, um,

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I'd also like to announce that I think it was his 93rd birthday. Is

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that right? Yes. Uh, a former, uh, member of city council

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and a former mayor, uh, mr. James patterson. Uh, it was his

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birthday yesterday, so we wish him a happy, healthy 93rd year

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and for many, many more. Hopefully we get him to that centurion level.

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alright. And at this time, we'll move right into our work sessions, uh, with our first

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one being from mr. Ward.

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good evening mayor by spay counsel. Um, actually, kelly davis, uh,

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deputy director of development will be presenting the your first two work sections.

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thank, thank you, kelly.

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all right. Thank you everyone. Can you hear me? Yes, ma'am. Yes. Great. Wonderful.

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alright. Our first work session for tonight is a zoning amendment request

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related to signage regulations in the city of hopewell

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zoning ordinance.

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uh, this is a brief agenda of the slide presentation. Primarily a

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background proposed changes to development standards and the b

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one district standards, and then staff recommendation. This

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zoning text amendment is proposed to clarify regulations

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in the sign ordinance and address existing inconsistencies between

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districts. But primarily it is proposed in response to requests

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that we have had from businesses and property owners for different sign,

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particularly in downtown, but also in other districts as well.

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think counsel has received some letters to this extent regarding

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the b one zoning district, and it has also come up as a result

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of a community meeting that we had with downtown

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property owners. With regards to the downtown design guidelines

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that are currently under development,

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um, I'm go moving through this briefly given the time today, but if there are any

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questions, I'll be happy to answer them. Uh, within the development

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standards section of the zoning ordinance, we are proposing changes to freestanding

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signs. The first change is to modify the sign area and

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height requirements in the b two, b three and b four

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zoning districts. The b three and b four are the most intensive

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districts that we have. And, um, the sign requirements in those districts

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are actually smaller than in b two, which is more of a neighborhood business district, like

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around broadway and, um, city point road. So

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we're making some changes to make those more consistent

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and appropriate for the districts. Uh, we've also

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had some requests along the oaklawn wood woodlawn one-way

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pair for, uh, an additional freestanding sign

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on those through lots. Council has approved some exceptions for that in the

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past, going ahead and codifying that. So if we get other businesses

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on through lots in the that corridor, we won't have to come to council for each

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of those requests. They would be subject to the same requirements as other freestanding

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signs. Um, we are also exempting small signs, four

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square feet or less from the requirement that, um, all freestanding

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signs be monument style. That's the style that looks like a

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box or a mo a monument. Um, there's an exam, two examples on this screen

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here before you basically allowing smaller signs that might be,

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um, just for a small

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business or a singular business that are smaller for wayfinding signage to be less,

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less, um, stringent requirements. There. Also,

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uh, adding additional standards for the base and

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foundation. We've had some questions as to those requirements in our

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ordinance, and so we're adding some clarifying language there. We are eliminating,

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uh, a requirement that is pretty stringent on height to width ratio,

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but instead of that, adding setbacks from the right of way to help

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drive some of the, the, um, height

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and width requirements in a different way.

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other proposed changes to general development standards for signage,

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we've started to see signs cover. This is an, this photo

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is an example where window signage covers the entire window.

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um, right now it was the, there's an exemption in the ordinance to

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exempt temporary window signs. This is really more of a

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permanent sign, so we're clarifying that that exemption, so they don't have to have a sign

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permit to have window signs, but they can only cover up

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to 25% window co, uh, 25% of the window.

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and that's really to help with public safety, being able to see into the building.

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um, and as for community appearance as well.

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and then the final change to development standards is modifying and clarifying

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the awning sign area requirements. There's some, um,

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existing potentially typos in the ordinance that are very difficult to interpret. And,

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um, so we've clarified and made that a more,

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um, made those restrictions more aligned with best practices

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for signage in the b one

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zoning district. That's our downtown zoning district, we are increasing

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the combined building signage or proposing to, these are all proposed changes

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to increase the combined building signage from 50 square,

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or I'm sorry, those are mixed up. Um, the from

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50, the current is 50 and we would be proposing to increase it to 75

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square feet. Um, projecting signs also increasing

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slightly based off of the, the linear feet of building frontage.

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um, that's in these are specific inquiries that we have had

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from multiple property owners downtown for larger projecting signs,

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um, we're also making some changes to or proposing changes to freestanding

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signage. Um, the biggest change for freestanding signs,

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although the size is changing, um, is not requiring that

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monument style standard because we'll have the added a rb

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review. Um, and this is something that has come out of those community meetings,

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um, so that folks that want a smaller sign or a blade sign like

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or example in this photo here, uh, would be allowed

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to do that subject to a rp review. And then finally, we, we

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did add flags in the last zoning ordinance amendment, but we wanted to clarify that

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the flutter flags are not per permitted in downtown. And that was something

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that a rb had requested as well. And with that

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staff recommends approval as presented tonight. And planning commission has also

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recommended approval of this. And I'll stand ready to answer any questions.

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okay. Are there any questions for ms. Davis?

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okay. None. Alright. Thank you very much. Thank you.

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any question? Go ahead and bring up the next item.

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I guess there has to be a motion.

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it's for another day. Okay. Yeah.

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okay. Uh, moving on to work session number two.

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so we're okay? Yeah.

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are you prepared for me to start? Yes, ma'am. Okay. Mm-hmm .

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um, all right. So the second request is for zoning amendment

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for to allow urban agriculture in the city

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of hopewell. Again, the agenda for tonight briefly,

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and the background here is that the city of hopewell has initiated

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this. The planning commission initiated this request and directed

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staff to research how to allow urban agriculture

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here in the city of hopewell in a buyright manner. We've started to

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see some interest in this use throughout, um, in various parcels

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throughout the city. So we wanna, um, make sure that there's a pathway

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to do this legally. Uh, it is in compliance with the

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comprehensive plan to allow, uh, better

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access to fresh fruits and ve vegetables in the city. And so

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this was proposed as a way to do that.

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there are some challenges for urban agriculture that you all should be aware of as

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you review this ordinance. It is currently not allowed as a primary use.

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so if you see a community garden, it's an, it would be an accessory use. So we do

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allow you to have residential gardens or community gardens

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accessory to another use, but it currently is not allowed as a primary use.

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other issues are related to fencing, accessory

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structures, um, water and and electric service. Also,

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um, tied to, you can't have, if you don't have a legal use

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as well as enforcement. Um, primarily the current concern

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being that someone might fence a property for urban agriculture and

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actually try to use it for more of a junkyard condition. So we wanna make

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sure we're not allowing any nuisance conditions through this use.

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so the first, uh, we conducted a lot

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of research and actually didn't find very many good examples

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in virginia, but we did find a few and, uh, came up with

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the idea of adding what market garden, which you might also hear

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as referred to as an urban farm or commercial garden. So I

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won't re review read this whole definition to you, but the thing to

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know is that this will allow, um, cultivation of

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crops for sale or donation to public or nonprofit organizations.

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um, and it would also allow accessory educational activities

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and onsite sale and distribution.

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there's some additional definitions included in that you should be

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aware of as well, or that you will see in the packet, but

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I'm not gonna go into detail on these tonight. Um, the market garden

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use would be proposed for buyright in all

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business districts, and that is the b one, b two, b three, and b

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four districts. There are also

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some significant use standards associated with that. This is an

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amendment to the development standards to add a new section,

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uh, section h, which would have use standards for these two

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uses. Um, some of the, the use

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standards shown here would be approval of a plan when they come to get

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their business zoning approval. Uh, there's limits on the buildings

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and storage that can be on site, as well as onsite limits on onsite

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sales. We have some standards related to composting soil and

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mulch storage. Again, trying to prevent the accumulation of

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large amounts of these materials to the extent that that becomes

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the primary use over the actual farm. And then

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as well, we have included standards for maintenance and operations,

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um, including that you have to keep the site main well

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maintained and no exterior onsite equipment,

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tool storage, vehicle storage, et cetera.

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the second definition, or use that is being added to the

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ordinance is an urban agriculture indoor. This is

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a best practice that we are starting to see in zoning ordinances

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to allow folks to conduct urban agriculture in buildings.

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uh, this is proposed in all of the b districts and the

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m districts. And there are also

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some use standards proposed with this related to

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indoor uses, um, exterior storage, the

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keeping of animals, the control of odors, as well as in your

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commercial and mixed use districts requiring a portion of those, those

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spaces to still include the retail services for

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walk-in customers. So you keep that, that activated storefront.

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and with that, uh, I stand ready to answer any questions. Staff

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is recommending approval and planning commission also recommended approval. And

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I do just wanna note that the full ordinance as it's

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drafted for adoption for both this and the previous work session

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are included on your, um, on the dais as well

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as in the back for the public. Thank you. Alright.

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are there any, uh, questions or comments for ms. Davis? Uh, vice mayor joyner?

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yeah, I, I do have one comment and it just relates to the buildings. Just wanna

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make sure that, that we don't have a situation and I'm sure this, you

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know, you're writing the ordinance to make sure we don't have, but, you know, a hoop house

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that mm-hmm . That is in use for a little while, and then they say, oh, well I'm not interested

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in this anymore and it looks awful, and the plastic is torn and flying all

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around. I mean, I think there are examples of that along route five,

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along any virtually any corridor in the state where people,

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you know, get, they think they're gonna have a nursery or whatever, and it doesn't work out.

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and I'm just very concerned about in the city how it can go

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wrong. Okay. Yeah. Particularly for those temporary structures,

283
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it sounds like. Yes, yes. I'm very concerned. I will definitely take a look and make

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sure that we've addressed that or, um, look at an amendment. Yeah,

285
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I'd really appreciate that. Thank you so much. Mm-hmm . Thanks.

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yeah. Um, the only comment that I have is, um, I think this is exciting. Um,

287
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this is something actually, um, that I saw a lot of when I was, um,

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out of town and, um, you know, a lot of, uh,

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small towns on the west coast and it's, um, very popular.

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um, and I think, you know, having an ordinance that allows this, you know, that

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gives good defined parameters of which, you know, they can exercise. This, I think is gonna be

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an attractive draw, um, you know, for our city. But I do agree with,

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uh, vice mayor joiner that we need to make sure that, um, you know, when

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we allow this, that, um, that we make sure that it's, it's managed

295
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properly mm-hmm . Exactly. And I, I, I do support this. I think it's great.

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it's great. I'll also just note that we did meet with, uh,

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potential urban agriculture farms here in hopewell

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to help, you know, review this and make sure that we weren't missing anything. Okay.

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so we got some good feedback through that process as well. Appreciate that. Thank you so much, kelly. Thank you. Thank you.

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okay. Uh, any other comments or questions? Okay. Seeing

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none. Alright, we're gonna move on to number three. Uh, ms. Wilson,

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uh, with the executive summary for hrha.

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good evening to mayor, vice mayor, members of council. I'm lisa wilson with

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the hopewell redevelopment and housing authority. And on behalf of our board of commissioners,

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um, thank you for having us here this evening. Uh, for this brevity of time,

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we will be providing you with an overview of hr ha's operations,

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our vision, our strategic plan, and we will end it with some development

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updates. So I'll be doing the first part of the presentation, and

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the last part will be provided by our development consultant, mr.

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vars mccoy. And I do wanna say good evening to our commissioners,

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thankful for their support. And our general counsel is here, mr. Darius davenport

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as well. So, thank you again. Um, can

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she speak up please? Yes, I certainly can. Yes. So

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if we could go back to the, uh, other, the first slide. Thank you.

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so we'll start off with hr ha's vision. It's called vision 2030,

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and it was adopted back in 2013 by our commissioners. It

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was then revised in 2018. And it is basically the driver

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for what we do at hrha. Uh, our vision statement is to

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transform lives and communities by expanding access to housing

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and empowering our residents to thrive. And so we are working to

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achieve this vision. And we have some bullets summarized on the slide.

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uh, so we're seeking to redevelop our public housing. We are wanting

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to demolish in the obsolete units that we have. We're wanting to

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enhance our resident services, and we definitely want to try to expand

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any affordable housing opportunities in the city and even beyond.

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so, um, moving on to the, uh, next slide,

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uh, with vision 2030. That's basically the framework and guiding

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principle for our strategic plan, which we have summarized

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here. So this slide highlights our strategic plan

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and what we're seeking to do over the next five years. These are

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specific milestones that we're wanting to reach, and we are definitely excited

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about working towards them. As you can see on the slide, we are looking forward

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to adding additional units to our portfolio, increasing our

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resident services enrollment. And as new units come online, we are

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hoping to see some energy savings over the next, uh, couple of years

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as we do some sustainable measures and have energy

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efficient products, um, incorporated into our development. Um,

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with this, we also recognize the importance of financial stability,

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not just looking to hud for our funding, but trying to d diversify

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our revenue sources. And we definitely wanna make sure we're maintaining

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our reserves to keep ourselves solvent. And again, we're seeking opportunities

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to grow our footprint in development. So

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we go to the next slide. I'm gonna move on through, and, um, after we're finished,

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if you have any questions, we'll be happy to answer them if, if that's okay.

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alright. So this next slide, this is our operational snapshot.

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it provides an overview of the programs we currently administer, the

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number of residents we serve, and the cost to operate our,

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uh, organization. I will say that 82% of our operating

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budget is funded by hud. The remaining portion, we

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have some state funding, tenant revenue, and other miscellaneous, uh, revenue

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that helps to support our operations. Alright,

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moving on through. Yep. So this next

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slide provides examples of our capital projects. Hud requires

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every five years that we do what's called a physical needs assessment. And that's

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how we determine our capital funding, our capital, um,

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planning, what projects we're going to work on and how we prioritize them.

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so the assessment helps us identify what, um,

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requires replacement, what requires repair, and in the order that

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we do that. Uh, the good thing about this is every year

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we provide the pha plan and we make it available to the

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public where you can make comments and provide edits and really give input

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and feedback into our capital. Um, capital structuring,

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uh, some of the examples on the slide, we we're working on modernization of our units

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roof replacement as needed. Um, we are replacing appliances

365
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now with energy efficient appliances and we are very excited about

366
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the capital plans that we have for the housing authority. Alright,

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next slide. Thank you. So this is, uh, we wanted

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to share some photos of some of the units that we're working on.

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uh, what we're doing now is we are rehabbing our thomas rolfe

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and davisville apartments because we're committed to improving the quality

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of housing for our residents. Um, with me being here in this

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capacity, I'm very intentional about wanting to replace and rehab

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units with, uh, new appliances, new countertops, new cabinets,

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new flooring, new paint. Um, so every unit as we are,

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you know, ramping up our, uh, occupancy, every unit

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will be rehab to look like what we see here. And this is

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an actual unit in thomas roth. So we are very glad that we're able

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to, to do that. Alright. Um, the next slide.

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moving on down. So this is just a bit of information

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as it relates to our operations and maintenance. We have some time

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goals here for different, um, maintenance requests, different, um,

382
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service requests that come up from our residents. And what we're doing

383
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here is we're wanting to add systems and preventative

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maintenance measures so we can improve our efforts with our maintenance services

385
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and to improve, um, our upkeep with our aging units. Our

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units are, are quite old, right? Move on to

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the next slide. And I'm just about done. Uh, this next slide

388
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maybe, is there one before that one maybe?

389
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yeah, there we go. All right. So this slide here is just laying out

390
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some initiatives we have for communications, resident engagement.

391
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we do have some opportunity here. And these are just some things that we're planning to roll

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out to improve our way of conveying important information

393
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and to improve our engagement with our residents. We're really wanting

394
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to get feedback so we can see how we can better serve our communities.

395
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um, these are just some examples here. We're doing newsletters, we're working on

396
00:29:58,005 --> 00:30:01,725
doing, um, text alerts. We're wanting to reengage

397
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our resident advisory board, having, um, biweekly, bimonthly

398
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meetings. And hopefully we'll get some really good feedback, uh, about

399
00:30:10,685 --> 00:30:14,645
resident concerns so we can address them collectively. So that's what we're

400
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looking to do. And, uh, yep, this

401
00:30:18,965 --> 00:30:22,555
slide here, uh, this is just laying out our remediation

402
00:30:23,355 --> 00:30:27,325
plan for any health and safety concerns that we are

403
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running into on our properties. Um, this ties a

404
00:30:31,485 --> 00:30:35,085
bit to what we're calling black substance. If there's anything

405
00:30:35,605 --> 00:30:39,465
identified within the units, we do have a plan in place. We

406
00:30:39,685 --> 00:30:43,445
do have a dedicated funding source to address this within our thomas

407
00:30:44,005 --> 00:30:47,905
rolfe and davisville communities. So we're very glad that we do have, uh,

408
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those resources to address that concern. Then we're coming on

409
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down to the end. Uh, just wanted to, uh, let council know,

410
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um, some real time challenges that the housing authority contends

411
00:31:00,765 --> 00:31:04,765
with on a regular basis. Um, I do believe understanding the context

412
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and the climate we're in as a housing authority is paramount to our operations

413
00:31:10,225 --> 00:31:14,205
and it really informs our direction and strategic planning as we

414
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move forward. So with hud's ever changing regulations, political

415
00:31:18,605 --> 00:31:22,265
shifts, eroding funding, aging buildings, and

416
00:31:22,765 --> 00:31:26,155
resident and landlord needs, we're making every effort to be adaptable

417
00:31:26,835 --> 00:31:30,565
forward thinking. And we definitely wanna be aligned with our stakeholders

418
00:31:31,785 --> 00:31:35,765
as we move the agency forward. So we're committed to transforming

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housing and being the catalyst for improving our communities

420
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here in hopewell, and we're seeking to do that in hopewell and beyond.

421
00:31:45,465 --> 00:31:49,405
so I do wanna thank you, um, thank you for allowing me to

422
00:31:49,565 --> 00:31:53,445
provide that information to you. And actually that's the last

423
00:31:53,825 --> 00:31:56,605
bit of what I have for my part of the presentation.

424
00:31:58,025 --> 00:32:01,165
um, and if we go, probably have to go down quite a bit

425
00:32:03,225 --> 00:32:07,025
all the way down to our development section and I will turn it over to mr.

426
00:32:07,315 --> 00:32:11,165
mccourt. Yep. Right there. I'll turn it over to mr. Mccoy and then

427
00:32:11,355 --> 00:32:15,125
I'll come back if you have any questions you'd like to ask at that time too. Thank you.

428
00:32:23,275 --> 00:32:27,245
alright. Good evening everybody. Good evening. Evening. Um, picking up

429
00:32:27,645 --> 00:32:31,565
where ms. Wilson left off, um, been asked to just give a

430
00:32:31,685 --> 00:32:34,885
summary of the development efforts of hopewell redevelopment and housing authority.

431
00:32:35,945 --> 00:32:39,575
um, I'll first start off by just discussing

432
00:32:40,305 --> 00:32:43,625
the, the very kind of genesis of this. Uh, a few years ago

433
00:32:44,595 --> 00:32:48,565
started working with the housing authority and the first thing that was done was really to create

434
00:32:48,805 --> 00:32:52,765
this vision of, you know, talking about vision 2030 that was

435
00:32:52,885 --> 00:32:55,685
shared. And talk about what does that mean for development.

436
00:32:56,945 --> 00:33:00,845
um, there was an understanding years ago that, you know, hud was kind of moving

437
00:33:01,025 --> 00:33:05,015
in a direction that said there wasn't more public housing money

438
00:33:05,365 --> 00:33:09,005
coming, it, it just wasn't coming. And so with that being said, the housing authority

439
00:33:09,495 --> 00:33:12,895
began to redevelop its properties, uh, using

440
00:33:13,615 --> 00:33:17,035
other funding outside of hud to do that. Uh, most

441
00:33:17,645 --> 00:33:21,535
recently, uh, piper square, which was originally built

442
00:33:22,265 --> 00:33:26,085
in the late seventies, uh, was rehabbed, uh, what we call

443
00:33:26,285 --> 00:33:29,885
a substantial rehab. It was a $23 million project, uh, which

444
00:33:31,565 --> 00:33:35,265
resulted in completely new systems within those units. So new

445
00:33:35,795 --> 00:33:39,745
hvac, new, uh, plumbing, new fixtures, new flooring, uh,

446
00:33:40,025 --> 00:33:43,605
new lighting, you name it. Uh, top to bottom really, uh, working throughout

447
00:33:44,085 --> 00:33:47,465
the buildings as well as, uh, assigning a new, uh,

448
00:33:48,205 --> 00:33:52,005
exterior to the building so that, you know, those who were to drive through piper square

449
00:33:52,215 --> 00:33:56,165
today, uh, might not recognize it as it once stood.

450
00:33:56,405 --> 00:34:00,225
in fact, we often get asked, did we tear it down and rebuild it? Uh,

451
00:34:00,445 --> 00:34:04,365
we did not. Um, and so, you know,

452
00:34:05,315 --> 00:34:08,865
next on that, uh, this council would be familiar with, uh,

453
00:34:09,505 --> 00:34:13,125
the housing authority has also, uh, been working toward development

454
00:34:14,545 --> 00:34:18,515
of, uh, the rendezvous apartments, uh, which is located in the highland park,

455
00:34:19,185 --> 00:34:23,185
uh, highland area of the city, uh, near cavalier square. Um,

456
00:34:23,635 --> 00:34:26,965
this would be a 64 unit development. And it's currently,

457
00:34:27,825 --> 00:34:31,665
uh, in the pre-development phase, uh, much of its funding has

458
00:34:31,955 --> 00:34:35,805
been secured in just looking for that, uh, last piece of the puzzle

459
00:34:36,465 --> 00:34:39,995
to get that one started. Um, other development,

460
00:34:40,745 --> 00:34:43,265
uh, is really in the early stages, um,

461
00:34:45,475 --> 00:34:49,465
development, I'll say this, sometimes when we see new developments come online,

462
00:34:50,345 --> 00:34:54,285
um, it seems like it just kind of happens overnight, uh, the physical part of it.

463
00:34:54,625 --> 00:34:58,365
but the reality is most development takes about five to 12 years,

464
00:34:59,465 --> 00:35:03,385
uh, from concept to actual completion. And, um, you

465
00:35:03,605 --> 00:35:06,685
know, I think the work that the housing authority is doing,

466
00:35:07,665 --> 00:35:11,545
uh, is very similar to that. The, the piper square project, uh, is

467
00:35:11,785 --> 00:35:14,825
one that was began in, uh, 2018,

468
00:35:16,465 --> 00:35:19,805
if I'm not mistaken. And of course it was completed in 2024.

469
00:35:21,305 --> 00:35:25,245
so I always like to give people that lens to understand that there is a lot of

470
00:35:25,605 --> 00:35:29,445
work that's happening behind the scenes to bring those developments to fruition.

471
00:35:30,585 --> 00:35:34,085
um, unless I'll say this, that the, uh, this board

472
00:35:34,595 --> 00:35:38,425
also, um, looked at, uh, the city and,

473
00:35:38,665 --> 00:35:42,635
and really is always asking a question of, you know, how can, what the housing authority

474
00:35:43,355 --> 00:35:47,065
does work well with what the city has done. And, uh,

475
00:35:47,705 --> 00:35:51,525
one of those areas is in single family. Uh, the, the board has also been looking at

476
00:35:51,745 --> 00:35:55,555
how can the housing authority, uh, work within the single family side

477
00:35:55,845 --> 00:35:59,065
of things to bring more, uh, high quality, um,

478
00:35:59,865 --> 00:36:03,765
single family housing, you know, for sale housing, uh, to the

479
00:36:03,925 --> 00:36:07,105
city as well. Um, so yeah, I'll leave it at that and,

480
00:36:09,275 --> 00:36:12,645
okay. Okay. Um, let's see.

481
00:36:14,345 --> 00:36:17,865
uh, the first person that I have for a question is, uh, counselor stokes

482
00:36:18,585 --> 00:36:22,125
and then myself, um, then vice mayor joyner? Mm-hmm .

483
00:36:22,635 --> 00:36:22,635
okay.

484
00:36:27,505 --> 00:36:31,445
uh, ms. Stokes, if you're, yep. Okay. Uh, yeah, you're on mute.

485
00:36:38,955 --> 00:36:39,565
councilor stokes.

486
00:36:44,145 --> 00:36:48,005
oh, I'm sorry. There you go. And we, are we unmuted? Yes, you are unmuted now.

487
00:36:50,115 --> 00:36:53,525
they got new stuff up here. .

488
00:36:54,365 --> 00:36:57,665
I can raise my hand. Can you see me raise my hand? Uh,

489
00:36:58,545 --> 00:36:59,765
no ma'am. Not on that screen.

490
00:37:02,725 --> 00:37:06,005
that's what I was playing with. But at any rate, um,

491
00:37:07,975 --> 00:37:08,985
from the first presentation,

492
00:37:12,005 --> 00:37:15,705
um, what are the plans for the relocation

493
00:37:18,205 --> 00:37:22,095
of davis? That

494
00:37:22,385 --> 00:37:24,585
is, what is the timeline on the relocation of davisville?

495
00:37:26,605 --> 00:37:30,545
is there any plans for that community?

496
00:37:34,205 --> 00:37:37,765
yep. That is a great question. Councillor stokes and I will say,

497
00:37:38,525 --> 00:37:42,235
um, is to be determined

498
00:37:42,655 --> 00:37:46,615
the timeframe for when things will occur with davisville. Uh,

499
00:37:46,845 --> 00:37:50,665
we're doing things kind of in a sequence, so we're working on getting

500
00:37:51,255 --> 00:37:55,115
the rendezvous online, which we're very excited about that. Um, as mr. Mccoy

501
00:37:55,835 --> 00:37:59,195
alluded to, um, you know, we're working through some, uh, pre-development

502
00:38:00,645 --> 00:38:04,475
activities once we get the rendezvous online, that will

503
00:38:04,715 --> 00:38:08,475
give us the go ahead to begin looking at our plans for thomas

504
00:38:09,075 --> 00:38:12,305
rolfe and davisville. So I don't have a timeframe,

505
00:38:13,215 --> 00:38:16,995
uh, tonight for when that will occur, but we are

506
00:38:17,435 --> 00:38:20,595
planning to have a well, uh, well thought out, well planned,

507
00:38:21,495 --> 00:38:24,715
uh, relocation plan for the davisville residents,

508
00:38:26,525 --> 00:38:30,445
but I thought some years back that had already been put

509
00:38:30,665 --> 00:38:34,615
in place and what has caused this

510
00:38:35,115 --> 00:38:38,805
slow down with davisville thomas roth court

511
00:38:39,125 --> 00:38:43,005
and then to run it mm-hmm . Yep. So I don't,

512
00:38:43,165 --> 00:38:46,605
I mean, yi mean you just, you know, a direct answer because

513
00:38:48,345 --> 00:38:52,215
the timeframe on it and where we at now don't

514
00:38:52,925 --> 00:38:55,845
match. So make it make sense.

515
00:38:57,355 --> 00:39:01,325
okay. Alright. Let's see if I can try. So, um, as mr. Mccoy

516
00:39:02,125 --> 00:39:06,105
alluded to, when you're working on development projects, um,

517
00:39:06,455 --> 00:39:09,945
there are things that come along that you hadn't planned for. And,

518
00:39:10,785 --> 00:39:14,705
you know, you have a contingency plan where you, um, may

519
00:39:14,925 --> 00:39:18,785
have to change gears, the timeframe may change, some things may

520
00:39:19,005 --> 00:39:22,565
have delays. You may have to re redirect your focus,

521
00:39:23,425 --> 00:39:27,245
you may have to change what you had initially started to do. And it's just

522
00:39:27,465 --> 00:39:31,155
in the world of development that those are the things that we contend

523
00:39:31,645 --> 00:39:35,125
with as far as the timeframe for davisville and the relocation.

524
00:39:36,265 --> 00:39:39,875
um, I don't have a definitive timeframe tonight because

525
00:39:40,735 --> 00:39:44,405
we've had series of delays and certain things that have

526
00:39:44,885 --> 00:39:48,525
impacted our development activities. So we wanna make sure

527
00:39:48,985 --> 00:39:52,925
we have, um, some clear, a clear path forward

528
00:39:53,205 --> 00:39:56,605
with the timeframe for rendezvous and thomas rolfe.

529
00:39:57,225 --> 00:40:01,205
and then we will certainly, uh, consider davisville and the

530
00:40:01,365 --> 00:40:04,905
timeframe for that. So it will kind of happen in

531
00:40:05,405 --> 00:40:09,145
tandem. Like these things will be coordinated together, but, um,

532
00:40:10,065 --> 00:40:13,595
you know, we'll definitely come back when we do have a solid definitive timeframe.

533
00:40:14,945 --> 00:40:18,905
um, I'll definitely come back and I can relay that, but just to try to,

534
00:40:19,225 --> 00:40:22,975
uh, to try to land this plane. I will say that because we've

535
00:40:23,345 --> 00:40:27,085
had unexpected and different things occur with our other

536
00:40:27,365 --> 00:40:31,245
projects, our other development, it did have an impact on the timing

537
00:40:32,305 --> 00:40:35,975
for davisville. So do you have future plans

538
00:40:37,025 --> 00:40:40,685
of making sure that the members of this city council are kept

539
00:40:41,035 --> 00:40:44,585
abreast? Like maybe a 30 to 60 day report

540
00:40:45,465 --> 00:40:49,405
on where you at, where, where you are with the development

541
00:40:49,985 --> 00:40:53,945
of those plans? So we don't have to ask these questions years later? Yes,

542
00:40:54,165 --> 00:40:58,005
ma'am. Yes. When we had a different set of expectations, and I wasn't

543
00:40:58,325 --> 00:41:01,205
on council then, but I followed as a constituent,

544
00:41:02,465 --> 00:41:05,445
and it, it gives me great concern, the changes,

545
00:41:06,785 --> 00:41:09,945
um, and you're not being definitive with the changes, but

546
00:41:11,185 --> 00:41:14,545
if you could keep us in the loop, um,

547
00:41:16,105 --> 00:41:18,765
we would be on top of what is happening. So when the constituents,

548
00:41:20,425 --> 00:41:24,145
the constituency, particularly public housing residents and

549
00:41:24,465 --> 00:41:28,285
our tax paying people wanna know what's happening. I thought they

550
00:41:28,485 --> 00:41:31,925
planned to do this, I thought this was gonna happen by this date.

551
00:41:32,865 --> 00:41:36,605
if we have reports or some more communication

552
00:41:37,045 --> 00:41:40,895
from him, we'd be able to properly answer our constituents, ma'am.

553
00:41:42,075 --> 00:41:45,825
okay. Well thank you for that feedback. And I do agree that, um,

554
00:41:46,375 --> 00:41:50,345
there should be timely and relevant communication as relates to our

555
00:41:50,565 --> 00:41:54,565
project. So we're, we're committing to keep council apprised of our

556
00:41:54,725 --> 00:41:58,565
updates and definitely keep you all in the loop because we want to continue

557
00:41:58,965 --> 00:42:02,765
building our relationship with the city so we can work on some additional projects.

558
00:42:03,385 --> 00:42:06,995
so we will be very intentional about keeping council abreast

559
00:42:07,485 --> 00:42:10,125
of what, what's going on. So that's a fair, fair comment.

560
00:42:11,705 --> 00:42:15,055
and I am your liaison so I can keep them abbra. Yes, ma'am.

561
00:42:16,495 --> 00:42:20,165
thank you. Thank you. Um, so I have,

562
00:42:20,705 --> 00:42:24,485
uh, two questions. Um, the first one is, um, you talked

563
00:42:24,725 --> 00:42:28,725
a lot about, um, you have the public side, public housing side of

564
00:42:28,845 --> 00:42:32,045
y'all's mission, but there's another side of y'all's mission

565
00:42:32,905 --> 00:42:36,825
in attracting new development and new

566
00:42:37,045 --> 00:42:40,505
housing. Yes. You know, here in the city of hopewell. Um,

567
00:42:41,265 --> 00:42:45,165
so what are your plans to, uh, take advantage of the

568
00:42:45,325 --> 00:42:49,125
second part of y'all mission? Um, and the reason

569
00:42:49,425 --> 00:42:53,365
I'm asking is because, you know, right now we are, you know, continuing

570
00:42:53,985 --> 00:42:57,825
to, um, you know, focus a lot of our decision making on

571
00:42:58,045 --> 00:43:01,985
making sure that, um, we are doing things that are making us look better and

572
00:43:02,205 --> 00:43:06,125
better and better. Mm-hmm . For our bond rating, um, for the bond rating agencies.

573
00:43:07,025 --> 00:43:10,745
and the two of the biggest, um, factors in that is,

574
00:43:11,065 --> 00:43:14,725
you know, the city's overall value. So the value of all assets within

575
00:43:15,085 --> 00:43:19,045
the city. Um, and then also looking at, you know, the housing

576
00:43:19,455 --> 00:43:23,205
stock. And then it also looks at, you know, median household

577
00:43:23,865 --> 00:43:27,665
income. Uh, what are y'all's plans for

578
00:43:28,015 --> 00:43:30,885
addressing the new housing and development piece?

579
00:43:32,435 --> 00:43:36,365
yeah, so what we're wanting to do is, like I said, you know,

580
00:43:36,485 --> 00:43:40,465
we're working through some of these current, uh, projects, but we're wanting to do is

581
00:43:40,785 --> 00:43:44,495
really, um, engage the city. Um, since

582
00:43:44,915 --> 00:43:48,675
I've joined the housing authority in this capacity, um, I would like

583
00:43:48,985 --> 00:43:52,805
to have discussions, planning sessions, identify some areas

584
00:43:53,085 --> 00:43:56,905
within the city that could be really ripe for development and

585
00:43:57,225 --> 00:44:01,145
see, you know, how we could, um, put together a project and

586
00:44:01,365 --> 00:44:04,935
deal to bring in the new housing. Uh, we do have some ideas

587
00:44:05,375 --> 00:44:08,895
we've discussed with, um, our consultant, mr. Mccoy about,

588
00:44:09,585 --> 00:44:13,265
you know, some areas where we could, um, could really build up,

589
00:44:13,785 --> 00:44:17,365
um, some really nice projects, really nice developments. And it would include,

590
00:44:17,905 --> 00:44:21,785
um, mixed use, um, possibly some retail.

591
00:44:22,865 --> 00:44:26,475
um, but we do have plans and would like to, uh, discuss

592
00:44:26,965 --> 00:44:30,845
those because, um, you know, ultimately we would need the city or want

593
00:44:31,205 --> 00:44:34,725
the city's blessing to move forward in those areas. But we certainly

594
00:44:35,385 --> 00:44:38,775
are, um, wanting to be very intentional about

595
00:44:39,405 --> 00:44:43,245
bringing new housing, new development, um, to the city to help

596
00:44:43,515 --> 00:44:47,205
with the, the value and to help bring up the, the asset value

597
00:44:47,665 --> 00:44:51,385
and, um, just the appeal and just the overall, um,

598
00:44:52,995 --> 00:44:56,985
aesthetic of the city. So we're definitely wanting to do that. We

599
00:44:57,205 --> 00:45:00,645
do have some ideas, like I said, there are some, some potential,

600
00:45:01,465 --> 00:45:04,965
um, areas and locations that we would like to,

601
00:45:05,625 --> 00:45:09,505
uh, discuss with the city, um, you know, in the near future. So.

602
00:45:10,115 --> 00:45:13,945
okay. Um, mr. Rogers, can

603
00:45:14,165 --> 00:45:18,065
you get with ms. Wilson and let's get a joint meeting between the, um,

604
00:45:18,625 --> 00:45:22,405
the hrha board and, uh, city council so we can start talking about,

605
00:45:23,105 --> 00:45:26,885
um, you know, some of these developments and these projects? Absolutely.

606
00:45:27,345 --> 00:45:30,755
and let's shoot for, you know, october timeframe. Okay.

607
00:45:32,265 --> 00:45:35,065
um, no better time than the present. Alright. Um,

608
00:45:36,315 --> 00:45:40,285
then the next question that I have is, um, yeah, I know that you guys have

609
00:45:40,445 --> 00:45:44,245
talked here, you know, about these, um, these new projects you've talked about a little bit about

610
00:45:44,865 --> 00:45:48,385
the capital and the maintenance and improving operations. Um,

611
00:45:49,465 --> 00:45:53,105
and I know that there's, you know, public safety and there's security issues, um,

612
00:45:53,665 --> 00:45:57,625
you know, within, uh, the housing communities and then, um, you

613
00:45:57,845 --> 00:46:01,825
know, issues I think also with individuals living in units, um,

614
00:46:02,275 --> 00:46:05,985
that are not on leases. Um, have you guys looked at

615
00:46:06,485 --> 00:46:10,245
bringing in or, uh, researching or considering bringing in a turnaround specialist

616
00:46:11,115 --> 00:46:14,245
that helps us specialize in, in housing authorities,

617
00:46:15,345 --> 00:46:19,185
um, to help you guys implement, um, some, you know, best practices and

618
00:46:19,405 --> 00:46:23,285
help, you know, further y'all's mission? Yeah, that's a great question.

619
00:46:23,745 --> 00:46:26,405
um, mayor. Pardon? We are actually,

620
00:46:28,495 --> 00:46:32,345
we're actually, um, in the process of procuring and bringing on

621
00:46:32,685 --> 00:46:36,395
a third party who specializes in exactly what you described okay. Unit

622
00:46:36,695 --> 00:46:39,885
terms, supporting our maintenance and really having a dedicated

623
00:46:40,925 --> 00:46:44,765
resource to get our units online faster, better, and that

624
00:46:45,005 --> 00:46:48,965
kind of thing. So to answer your question, yes, we are. Okay. Mm-hmm . Have you guys already

625
00:46:49,385 --> 00:46:53,345
issued out that rfp or have you guys uh, spoken with the state on

626
00:46:53,565 --> 00:46:57,485
who's on like their pre-approval list? I have not. Okay. And I

627
00:46:57,605 --> 00:47:01,545
can certainly do that. Okay. Um, 'cause I think that that'll end up helping, saving you

628
00:47:02,045 --> 00:47:05,765
a lot of time and a lot of vetting, um, and working with the, the pre-approved

629
00:47:06,355 --> 00:47:10,325
list. Thank you for that. And then it also, they also have, you know, very

630
00:47:10,565 --> 00:47:14,445
high standards of quality that, you know, you guarantee

631
00:47:15,005 --> 00:47:18,795
that you're gonna get good quality work from these individuals. Yeah.

632
00:47:19,245 --> 00:47:23,085
duly noted. Um, the folks we were talking to, you know, we

633
00:47:23,285 --> 00:47:27,205
were just looking around to see, um, what kind of resources there are. Mm-hmm . This one

634
00:47:27,405 --> 00:47:31,365
company, um, they work, they currently work with about four other

635
00:47:31,645 --> 00:47:35,625
housing authorities. So we were looking at how to piggyback off of, um, you

636
00:47:35,845 --> 00:47:39,845
know, the existing contract with them. But I will certainly follow up, uh, with the state.

637
00:47:40,305 --> 00:47:44,275
um, that's eva, right. Uh, I'll

638
00:47:44,565 --> 00:47:47,985
certainly follow up on that. Um, okay. Thank you. Um,

639
00:47:49,065 --> 00:47:52,285
uh, hold on one second. Uh, counsel, it's my, go ahead.

640
00:47:54,065 --> 00:47:58,005
is my question period up or I can still question? You can,

641
00:47:58,505 --> 00:48:02,245
um, it's just, you'll be on your second round, so I have to let, uh, the other folks go first

642
00:48:02,755 --> 00:48:06,685
that have their hands. Oh, okay. Dear. Thank you. Yeah, no problem.

643
00:48:07,265 --> 00:48:10,955
uh, so next is vice mayor joyner and councillor day, and then councillor harris. Yeah.

644
00:48:11,385 --> 00:48:15,185
and then stokes. Okay. Ms. Wilson, thank you so much for

645
00:48:15,405 --> 00:48:18,605
your presentation. I do have a couple of questions going back to the communications

646
00:48:19,475 --> 00:48:23,125
plan that you had. Yes. Can we go back to that and look at it? Could we

647
00:48:23,705 --> 00:48:27,425
get to that slide? The communications one?

648
00:48:31,515 --> 00:48:35,425
that one right there? Mm-hmm . That one. Mm-hmm . How many of these things are

649
00:48:35,945 --> 00:48:39,785
in place right now? So right now, the first one

650
00:48:40,225 --> 00:48:44,125
we do have the newsletters. Right? Right. We do have the rad advisory

651
00:48:44,335 --> 00:48:48,325
board meetings, but they're only when we call them like, okay, we'll schedule that.

652
00:48:48,485 --> 00:48:52,225
you gonna set that up? Mm-hmm . How about the resident text alert system? Is that in place now?

653
00:48:52,905 --> 00:48:56,645
so we are working on that because, um, you know, we converted to a new erp,

654
00:48:57,105 --> 00:49:00,945
uh, it's called yardi uhhuh . And we are, we are still learning their, the

655
00:49:01,525 --> 00:49:05,205
functionality and we discovered that we have that functionality

656
00:49:05,705 --> 00:49:09,565
in our existing system. So, okay. We, we haven't done it yet, but we are certainly gonna,

657
00:49:09,865 --> 00:49:13,595
that's gonna be next on our, our list. And then we do work with food

658
00:49:14,245 --> 00:49:18,165
distribution. Um, there's a local organization that, um, you know, delivers food

659
00:49:18,365 --> 00:49:22,125
to our sites. Okay. And hrj website

660
00:49:22,565 --> 00:49:26,565
portal. We're working on our, uh, website and portal now. Okay. We did

661
00:49:26,805 --> 00:49:30,405
a fresh facelift of our website, and we're still working to improve

662
00:49:30,865 --> 00:49:33,925
the, the portal. Okay. Yeah, I, I just would just like to say, I think that that's,

663
00:49:34,875 --> 00:49:38,455
this piece is really important and I think probably leads

664
00:49:38,985 --> 00:49:42,985
to most of the customer complaints, quite frankly, the

665
00:49:43,205 --> 00:49:46,845
fact that people don't know what's going on or they, they hear they get misinformation,

666
00:49:47,565 --> 00:49:51,005
that kind of thing. So I think the sooner the, you and, and the commissioners

667
00:49:51,625 --> 00:49:55,555
can make sure that this all is in place and working would be very,

668
00:49:55,985 --> 00:49:59,705
you know, very beneficial to you. The other question that I had relates to,

669
00:50:00,025 --> 00:50:03,805
and, and, um, it might be, um, something from mr. Mccoy,

670
00:50:04,945 --> 00:50:08,285
um, with regard to the rendezvous, you mentioned that about 92%

671
00:50:09,325 --> 00:50:13,245
of the funding, you have about 92% of the funding ready, the other

672
00:50:13,405 --> 00:50:17,225
8%. How, how, what kind of dollars are we talking? And

673
00:50:17,665 --> 00:50:20,565
do you have confidence that, do you have confidence that you're gonna get that,

674
00:50:21,675 --> 00:50:25,155
that other 8%? Yeah.

675
00:50:26,745 --> 00:50:30,525
uh, yeah. I have confidence in that. I'm real, real, real glad to see you back.

676
00:50:30,965 --> 00:50:34,845
I mean, you know, because I'm happy to be, we, you know, this would, we had hoped this was gonna

677
00:50:35,045 --> 00:50:38,615
be, as I'm sure y'all did, this would've already been built

678
00:50:39,105 --> 00:50:43,085
by now if there hadn't been, you know, some waves. But we're really glad to

679
00:50:43,285 --> 00:50:47,035
have you back working on the rendezvous. Yeah, I'm happy to be back. Thank you. Good, good.

680
00:50:47,325 --> 00:50:51,325
um, and yeah, I do, I I believe the, the rest of the, um, the last mile of

681
00:50:51,525 --> 00:50:54,675
funding is on its way. Okay. Um, we, we had some really promising,

682
00:50:55,865 --> 00:50:59,525
uh, pieces that we worked on. Right. Um, the planning commission or, or the, uh,

683
00:50:59,885 --> 00:51:03,845
district planning commission has been really good. And, um, we are

684
00:51:03,925 --> 00:51:07,685
on their list. They don't get funding every year. Yeah. Uh, but they work with virginia housing

685
00:51:08,025 --> 00:51:11,945
to get I cut you off. Yeah. Um, thank you mr. Bessette for this. Um, can

686
00:51:12,165 --> 00:51:15,905
I have a motion to extend the meeting until we complete the, uh,

687
00:51:17,665 --> 00:51:21,315
public hearing? Number four. I move second. Alright.

688
00:51:22,075 --> 00:51:25,905
move. Motion's been made by councilor, uh, day, or

689
00:51:26,125 --> 00:51:29,365
excuse me, vice mayor joiner, seconded by councilor day. Uh, any discussion?

690
00:51:30,705 --> 00:51:34,545
seeing no lights roll called police count? Councillor harris? Yes.

691
00:51:35,735 --> 00:51:39,235
mayor. Pardon? Yes. Councilor ellis? Yes. Councilor

692
00:51:39,865 --> 00:51:43,065
day? Yes. Councilor stokes? Yes.

693
00:51:44,195 --> 00:51:48,185
councilor ole? Yes. Vice mayor joiner? Yes. Motion

694
00:51:48,605 --> 00:51:52,465
passes. Seven to zero. Alright. Please catch mr. Set.

695
00:51:52,735 --> 00:51:56,725
thank you, mr. Such an exciting topic. , thank, but, but I do have still have one other

696
00:51:56,965 --> 00:52:00,605
question. Okay. Talk to, talk to us. You know, all your funding,

697
00:52:01,035 --> 00:52:04,605
most of your funding comes from hud. What are you hearing

698
00:52:05,145 --> 00:52:08,635
in terms of, you know, changes

699
00:52:09,265 --> 00:52:13,125
to funding? That would be, yeah, and that's my last, this is my last

700
00:52:13,445 --> 00:52:17,005
question. Sorry. Sorry for this. I'm sorry. Thank you.

701
00:52:18,155 --> 00:52:21,965
yeah, so it's real interesting. You know, we are watching things very closely

702
00:52:23,185 --> 00:52:27,045
and you know, the thing that I watch is what's called

703
00:52:27,345 --> 00:52:31,285
the, uh, you know, hud does a proration of the funding. So every year they'll say,

704
00:52:31,445 --> 00:52:35,285
hey, you're eligible for 5 million, but I look at the proration percent

705
00:52:35,765 --> 00:52:39,545
because that's the actual amount we get. And, um, I will say

706
00:52:40,345 --> 00:52:43,465
for public housing, our prorated amount, um,

707
00:52:44,825 --> 00:52:48,725
has, has decreased. Meaning they said, we'll get this amount, but the actual

708
00:52:48,965 --> 00:52:52,205
amount we get is much less. Okay. For our section eight and housing choice voucher,

709
00:52:53,345 --> 00:52:57,285
it has been funded 100%. So that lets me know

710
00:52:57,975 --> 00:53:01,865
there is a desire and a, a wishing to

711
00:53:02,925 --> 00:53:06,645
maintain our, you know, housing choice voucher rental program. Right. But not, whereas

712
00:53:07,105 --> 00:53:10,955
public housing. Yeah. Okay. That is not desirable and that's just the truth. Yeah. Okay.

713
00:53:11,605 --> 00:53:15,415
I really, I appreciate it. I think that's good for people to hear and understand what's going on. Thank

714
00:53:15,765 --> 00:53:19,655
you so much. We appreciate you coming and thanks for the commissioners to be here. We appreciate that. Thank

715
00:53:20,005 --> 00:53:23,065
you. Uh, councilor day harris, and then stokes. Aye.

716
00:53:24,315 --> 00:53:28,185
okay. Um, so I had a question about piper square. Are

717
00:53:28,785 --> 00:53:32,405
all the security cameras now working there? Um, I know at one time

718
00:53:32,815 --> 00:53:36,805
there were some that were not, and you know, this was being brought to me by constituents

719
00:53:37,475 --> 00:53:41,325
that were concerned that, you know, some of the crime may have been related to the

720
00:53:41,485 --> 00:53:45,265
fact that, you know, these security cameras were not working and,

721
00:53:45,545 --> 00:53:49,485
you know, if they, there were crime there that maybe having the cameras

722
00:53:49,645 --> 00:53:53,155
working, you know, might have led to finding out who was, you know, causing

723
00:53:53,745 --> 00:53:57,475
the crime. So I just wondered if all of those are now functioning that

724
00:53:57,765 --> 00:54:01,605
are there. Yeah, that's a great question. It was unfortunate. We had some incidents

725
00:54:01,845 --> 00:54:05,705
there, and at the time there were some cameras that were offline. We

726
00:54:05,925 --> 00:54:09,225
had some electrical issues. We, we learned that, um,

727
00:54:10,065 --> 00:54:13,795
during the redevelopment, um, parts of our project, some

728
00:54:14,085 --> 00:54:18,045
of the wires were cut. Okay. And we had to have them repaired. So we've since had those

729
00:54:18,285 --> 00:54:22,195
repaired. Um, out of all of the piper square cameras, there's

730
00:54:22,745 --> 00:54:26,725
one camera that is still offline. And we had the manufacturer,

731
00:54:27,705 --> 00:54:31,375
you know, you know how you cry, you know how they say the squeaky wheel, right?

732
00:54:31,725 --> 00:54:35,405
yep. So, you know, after my, uh, many months of crying and all of that,

733
00:54:35,945 --> 00:54:39,305
the manufacturer came to piper square and

734
00:54:40,385 --> 00:54:44,365
the camera was defective. Okay. So we had to get it replaced. So they're

735
00:54:44,685 --> 00:54:48,445
all working now though? Well, no, still waiting on the one camera.

736
00:54:48,905 --> 00:54:52,805
oh, okay. Okay. Yeah. So, but other than that, other than that one, if we

737
00:54:52,925 --> 00:54:56,625
were to pull it up, you'd be able to see, um, the majority of the

738
00:54:57,085 --> 00:55:00,925
property. So we did have an issue, but it's since, for the most part,

739
00:55:01,125 --> 00:55:05,025
been fixed. Okay. And my last question or question and

740
00:55:05,245 --> 00:55:09,105
comment, um, I think I do think that the resident advisory board is,

741
00:55:09,465 --> 00:55:13,235
is paramount because I do, you know, a lot of the, um, comments that

742
00:55:13,565 --> 00:55:17,545
I get, you know, are just feeling like they're not being heard sometimes by

743
00:55:17,885 --> 00:55:21,865
hrha. Um, when you have these meetings, are they on

744
00:55:22,205 --> 00:55:26,085
a saturday? Are they in the evening? Like, when are you doing these, you know, to make

745
00:55:26,245 --> 00:55:30,165
sure that, you know, people are able to attend and get there. And, because I just

746
00:55:30,285 --> 00:55:34,125
think that's a, a really important piece of this communication panel that you

747
00:55:34,405 --> 00:55:38,375
have here. Yeah, I agree. So with the resident advisory board,

748
00:55:39,105 --> 00:55:42,975
and a lot of these things are hud driven. Hud required, um, there

749
00:55:43,325 --> 00:55:47,285
is an application process that a resident, like there's a formal, you know, there's a form

750
00:55:47,445 --> 00:55:51,105
you have to fill out. Right. If you're interested. Um, and certainly, you know, any

751
00:55:51,565 --> 00:55:55,285
resident is welcome to join annoying. Most of the meetings

752
00:55:55,605 --> 00:55:59,565
we've had, they've been during the day, during the week, um, during our business hours.

753
00:56:00,465 --> 00:56:04,245
um, and the residents would, would meet and discuss, um, the issues that

754
00:56:04,485 --> 00:56:08,125
were on the agenda. Um, it's a formal meeting, you know, we had, we have minutes, we record

755
00:56:08,525 --> 00:56:12,205
it and all of that. But I agree, we, and that's why we're

756
00:56:12,755 --> 00:56:16,165
wanting to, um, you know, establish a regular

757
00:56:17,355 --> 00:56:21,285
meeting schedule so that, you know, we're hearing from the residents they're getting

758
00:56:21,645 --> 00:56:25,645
together and we're having some real engagement, um, so that

759
00:56:25,845 --> 00:56:29,525
we can, um, you know, keep their trust and, you know, have that comfort.

760
00:56:30,105 --> 00:56:33,905
so. Right. I do, I do think that's, you know, very important. Agreed.

761
00:56:34,435 --> 00:56:37,445
yeah. Thank you. Uh, councillor harris,

762
00:56:39,545 --> 00:56:39,545
ms. Wilson,

763
00:56:43,875 --> 00:56:47,805
what, what is, um, your concern about the problems

764
00:56:48,395 --> 00:56:51,545
that the residents are having in regard to

765
00:56:52,965 --> 00:56:56,245
recertification, recertification?

766
00:56:58,425 --> 00:57:02,135
or are you receiving problem calls from people about

767
00:57:02,915 --> 00:57:06,845
your certification? Yeah, so, excuse me.

768
00:57:07,835 --> 00:57:11,785
that is a very good question. And for some folks, uh, recertification, that's

769
00:57:12,205 --> 00:57:16,165
just the process where our residents would, um, come in and provide us

770
00:57:16,285 --> 00:57:20,285
any updates to their, excuse me, to their income or their housing

771
00:57:20,525 --> 00:57:24,345
composition or anything like that to determine if there should be any changes in

772
00:57:24,565 --> 00:57:28,365
their rent or any of anything like that. It normally occurs on an annual

773
00:57:28,575 --> 00:57:32,365
basis. And we have had, uh, some things,

774
00:57:33,275 --> 00:57:37,025
some things to work through with the recertifications. It's tied to

775
00:57:37,725 --> 00:57:41,445
a couple things. Um, we've had transition staff, we've had

776
00:57:41,885 --> 00:57:45,045
turnover. We have the new system in place. So there's,

777
00:57:45,905 --> 00:57:49,475
um, you know, getting acquainted with the new system, getting

778
00:57:50,025 --> 00:57:52,855
our staff trained and retaining staff.

779
00:57:54,065 --> 00:57:57,085
um, and as a part of that, we've had some challenges with recertifications.

780
00:57:58,425 --> 00:58:02,115
and, um, you know, not to say I've been on an apology tour,

781
00:58:02,505 --> 00:58:06,205
but we've been making every effort to, to rectify and make it right.

782
00:58:06,825 --> 00:58:10,805
and that's, we've made some progress. Um, but, you know, we're still

783
00:58:10,965 --> 00:58:14,875
working to improve that. Well

784
00:58:16,035 --> 00:58:19,635
just want to comment, and I'm glad that you are seeking ways

785
00:58:20,065 --> 00:58:23,885
to try to, you know, to deal with that situation because,

786
00:58:25,145 --> 00:58:28,725
um, we tend to receive a lot of calls here at the council level

787
00:58:29,705 --> 00:58:33,605
in regards to recertification and other things in the, in the,

788
00:58:33,785 --> 00:58:36,985
uh, in the housing that you have now.

789
00:58:38,425 --> 00:58:42,035
and, um, and that's concern that, that

790
00:58:42,445 --> 00:58:45,845
I have myself in regards to the amount of conversation

791
00:58:46,525 --> 00:58:50,285
that I received about situations that you have in the housing right now.

792
00:58:51,945 --> 00:58:55,705
and, uh, one of them is the condition of the housing and

793
00:58:55,955 --> 00:58:59,845
there's quite a bit of comment about the condition of

794
00:59:00,045 --> 00:59:03,745
some of the housing that they're living in. And

795
00:59:04,395 --> 00:59:08,045
it's not a day that go, go back to the entire seven day week

796
00:59:08,795 --> 00:59:12,515
that I don't get a phone call from individuals outta housing talking about mold.

797
00:59:16,105 --> 00:59:19,935
and now I understand that, uh, there's been another visit

798
00:59:21,835 --> 00:59:25,195
with, uh, residents concerning mold

799
00:59:26,955 --> 00:59:30,835
in piper square, and I was wondering if you were aware

800
00:59:31,695 --> 00:59:34,995
of, uh, I just received a call just before this meeting tonight

801
00:59:36,645 --> 00:59:40,435
about mold in the buildings,

802
00:59:40,775 --> 00:59:44,425
the whole buildings from, uh, maintenance

803
00:59:45,115 --> 00:59:48,915
people. And so from our mainten, I'm sorry, from our maintenance staff

804
00:59:49,175 --> 00:59:53,075
yes. From the maintenance. And, uh, I was wondering if

805
00:59:53,195 --> 00:59:57,115
you were aware of it, you know, and I just wanted to make you aware of it,

806
00:59:57,305 --> 01:00:01,255
that that's the concern that's out there. And

807
01:00:01,475 --> 01:00:05,435
that's something I think that, you know, I think you're working to deal

808
01:00:05,595 --> 01:00:09,595
with it, you just said, I just think that we need to communicate

809
01:00:09,915 --> 01:00:13,815
a little bit better with the, uh, residents in

810
01:00:14,065 --> 01:00:17,995
regards to the fact that we are making an effort to get this thing fixed.

811
01:00:19,705 --> 01:00:23,695
because now you got individuals talking about health conditions and

812
01:00:23,915 --> 01:00:26,785
everything else that goes with if there is mold.

813
01:00:28,335 --> 01:00:31,195
and of course over there in pipe square you got a whole lot of mold experts.

814
01:00:33,455 --> 01:00:37,275
so mm-hmm. I just wanted to let you know that

815
01:00:37,475 --> 01:00:41,315
you do. And, uh, so I, I'm glad that

816
01:00:41,515 --> 01:00:44,825
you're on top of it. Yeah. Thank you for that feedback. Yeah.

817
01:00:45,655 --> 01:00:49,555
um, may I ask a question? Yes, sir. Ms. Wilson, you and I have, uh,

818
01:00:49,855 --> 01:00:52,855
worked on this situation and mm-hmm . Um,

819
01:00:54,655 --> 01:00:57,855
in particular, everything that's

820
01:00:59,205 --> 01:01:03,095
black in an apartment is

821
01:01:03,315 --> 01:01:07,315
not necessarily mold. You, you've had, uh, mold inspectors

822
01:01:07,955 --> 01:01:11,955
come out and, and, and, and in some of the

823
01:01:12,075 --> 01:01:16,035
apartments where they've looked in, uh, where people thought it was mold

824
01:01:16,235 --> 01:01:19,215
and it wasn't. Right. But let me ask

825
01:01:20,925 --> 01:01:24,595
throughout piper square or any of the areas,

826
01:01:25,455 --> 01:01:28,335
do you have retained a, um,

827
01:01:29,755 --> 01:01:33,225
a contractor that does regular

828
01:01:33,885 --> 01:01:37,535
inspection, uh, for mold because it is

829
01:01:37,915 --> 01:01:40,835
a health hazard for people who have respiratory problems?

830
01:01:42,225 --> 01:01:45,435
yeah, that's a, um, great question. And, you know, duly noted.

831
01:01:46,295 --> 01:01:49,635
so what we're doing, 'cause you know, we have piper square

832
01:01:50,735 --> 01:01:54,695
and then we have our public housing side, thomas roth davisville. So,

833
01:01:55,215 --> 01:01:59,035
um, understanding and knowing the issues in, in both

834
01:01:59,405 --> 01:02:03,275
sides, um, we're taking our courses of action for each

835
01:02:03,575 --> 01:02:06,995
one, you know, as we need to. What we are gearing up to do

836
01:02:07,695 --> 01:02:11,105
on the public housing side is we will be, um, procuring,

837
01:02:12,255 --> 01:02:15,355
um, someone to come in and do an inspection of all the units.

838
01:02:16,535 --> 01:02:20,445
um, and then we will look at any remediation plans for the

839
01:02:20,565 --> 01:02:24,445
public housing side, piper square, because it is a different,

840
01:02:25,225 --> 01:02:29,105
the, the funding and the structure is a bit different. So, um, we

841
01:02:29,325 --> 01:02:31,705
do have plans for piper square. Um,

842
01:02:33,545 --> 01:02:37,135
as of right now we're doing it on an as needed basis.

843
01:02:37,945 --> 01:02:41,845
so as we are made aware of the concerns, we immediately have someone

844
01:02:42,155 --> 01:02:46,125
come out and do testing. Um, but I do think it is a

845
01:02:46,245 --> 01:02:49,795
good idea to consider having some regular inspections,

846
01:02:50,745 --> 01:02:54,665
um, with these units. So we're looking into that. But I will say,

847
01:02:55,025 --> 01:02:58,925
um, because the, the funding is different, we do have to look at our budgetary,

848
01:02:59,905 --> 01:03:03,805
you know, our resources to see how we can best do that. But what I want council

849
01:03:04,185 --> 01:03:08,165
to know is that, um, it is very important to me, the health

850
01:03:08,365 --> 01:03:12,245
and safety of our residents. So, um, it is my hope

851
01:03:12,445 --> 01:03:16,355
that we will continue to show that we are concerned

852
01:03:16,965 --> 01:03:20,825
and want to get these issues addressed, um, as

853
01:03:21,045 --> 01:03:25,005
soon as we can, the best way we can. Um, so that our residents

854
01:03:25,465 --> 01:03:28,645
do, um, you know, they are afforded the health and safety,

855
01:03:29,585 --> 01:03:33,445
um, in their homes that they should have. So it's definitely our priority

856
01:03:33,665 --> 01:03:34,045
to do that.

857
01:03:38,995 --> 01:03:42,545
okay. Um, ms. Stokes, um,

858
01:03:43,105 --> 01:03:46,515
and I, I'd like to comment because I've experienced some,

859
01:03:47,435 --> 01:03:50,745
some, some discord on

860
01:03:52,025 --> 01:03:55,595
and, and I'm giving compliments

861
01:03:56,305 --> 01:03:59,605
to my fellow counselors 'cause you're asking some very good questions.

862
01:04:01,225 --> 01:04:05,125
but one of the things that concerned me is, yes, we have to do the

863
01:04:05,325 --> 01:04:09,045
inspections and we have to do all the things

864
01:04:09,425 --> 01:04:13,055
we are supposed to do, but you just can't bring

865
01:04:13,505 --> 01:04:16,635
in an out of town inspection company

866
01:04:18,225 --> 01:04:22,185
and expect me to allow a stranger in my house from ohio. That's

867
01:04:22,605 --> 01:04:26,125
not gonna happen. And there's protocol before you even get there

868
01:04:26,835 --> 01:04:30,785
that was not met at. Alright. And it,

869
01:04:31,305 --> 01:04:34,595
the residents just as, uh, councilor day touched upon,

870
01:04:35,635 --> 01:04:39,545
have the right to communication. Thus, the

871
01:04:39,765 --> 01:04:42,485
reason hud requires the resident council,

872
01:04:43,805 --> 01:04:47,685
resident council jumps it off public hearing and we know who's coming

873
01:04:47,905 --> 01:04:51,825
in our home, but I know you gotta catch up inspections, but

874
01:04:52,065 --> 01:04:55,595
you still gotta follow protocol and rules and respect

875
01:04:57,185 --> 01:05:01,005
public housing residence and anybody else, nobody's gonna let a

876
01:05:01,245 --> 01:05:04,805
stranger in their home for, I'm not from ohio on a

877
01:05:06,345 --> 01:05:09,205
two week notice or a 30 day notice. And that's not the rule.

878
01:05:10,785 --> 01:05:14,765
so there are things I know that has to be fixed before we can get

879
01:05:14,925 --> 01:05:18,565
to where we gotta get to and the residents feel comfortable with

880
01:05:18,985 --> 01:05:22,645
our leadership. Duly not, but thank you.

881
01:05:23,865 --> 01:05:27,365
and that's my comment. Okay. Thank you. Alright, well thank you ms. Wilson.

882
01:05:28,775 --> 01:05:32,725
thank you so much. Alright. And then, uh, mr. Rogers will

883
01:05:32,885 --> 01:05:36,655
be reaching out to you on getting that, uh, joint meeting together. Yes. Thank

884
01:05:37,005 --> 01:05:40,225
you. Uh, so,

885
01:05:41,185 --> 01:05:44,475
uh, in the interest of charles, uh, for, uh, number four,

886
01:05:46,105 --> 01:05:49,835
can you condense your, your presentation? We kind of know what's what

887
01:05:50,125 --> 01:05:54,045
about we kinda go , so, and, and, and I am

888
01:05:54,205 --> 01:05:58,005
just the sponsor. Mm-hmm . Pastor collier, this here okay. From city of refuge

889
01:05:58,425 --> 01:06:02,315
to do, to do it. And, uh, so I'm just setting up the okay,

890
01:06:02,605 --> 01:06:06,425
that's fine. Present presentation for him. That's whoever wants to do whoever does the presentation. Um,

891
01:06:07,645 --> 01:06:11,485
'cause we're already at eight 15 and we haven't even gotten to the, to regular meeting. I'll be brief

892
01:06:12,005 --> 01:06:15,645
. Okay. It says every pastor before sermon starts. Right.

893
01:06:16,145 --> 01:06:19,925
pastor famous last words, . Just, just to, just

894
01:06:20,205 --> 01:06:24,005
to set this up, if you remember last city council meeting, I did a work session

895
01:06:24,395 --> 01:06:28,385
with a model from religious, uh, community services in, in new

896
01:06:28,605 --> 01:06:31,985
bern. When we came back from that trip, we have gone to,

897
01:06:32,905 --> 01:06:36,765
uh, community meetings, oc three, we've been to community center.

898
01:06:37,585 --> 01:06:41,315
and pastor callers and pastor boggs heard that presentation. They

899
01:06:41,705 --> 01:06:45,445
saw it and it resonated with them. And tonight, uh, they're here.

900
01:06:45,825 --> 01:06:49,705
um, he's here. Pastor boggs is on, uh, out of town. But, um, to

901
01:06:49,925 --> 01:06:53,865
talk about what, what they would like to propose similar in

902
01:06:54,085 --> 01:06:57,845
hopewell mm-hmm . If that's the end. Okay. I'll try to condense it as, as quick as possible.

903
01:06:58,465 --> 01:07:02,385
uh, thank you for allowing us to be here to, uh, make this, uh, brief, uh,

904
01:07:02,945 --> 01:07:06,865
you know, presentation before you obviously we're city of refuge, uh, hopewell. We run

905
01:07:07,165 --> 01:07:11,165
a, uh, recovery program for those that are struggling with addiction we've been in

906
01:07:11,285 --> 01:07:15,285
the city since 2018, and we've come before you

907
01:07:15,505 --> 01:07:19,375
to present a proposal that we have to deal with an ongoing issue

908
01:07:19,865 --> 01:07:23,855
in hopewell that's been addressed, that's been spoken of briefly, which is the homeless issue.

909
01:07:24,545 --> 01:07:28,325
so I'm trying to figure out how to move this, uh, move this cursor. Just

910
01:07:28,635 --> 01:07:32,355
tell me which one to hit. Just, just hit, hit this arrow right here. Okay. Here we go. Down.

911
01:07:32,645 --> 01:07:36,475
yep. Um, hope center missions and goals is to help

912
01:07:36,765 --> 01:07:40,725
to eradicate homelessness in hopewell. That's a, that is a, that is a quite

913
01:07:41,065 --> 01:07:44,605
the feat. Uh, you know, but, uh, you know, we have a great, uh, opportunity

914
01:07:45,345 --> 01:07:49,185
to try to, uh, uh, deal with the real issue here, and that is to arrest

915
01:07:49,625 --> 01:07:53,325
the slide into homelessness by, at risk population. We want to encourage

916
01:07:53,645 --> 01:07:57,385
those that are struggling with this issue, uh, to a place of upward

917
01:07:58,085 --> 01:08:01,445
mobility and to secure location for a point of entry where we can actually,

918
01:08:02,185 --> 01:08:05,855
uh, speak to them and, and deal with them, uh, at a personal level, level.

919
01:08:06,305 --> 01:08:09,965
and also to help to provide a personal shelter as needed.

920
01:08:10,505 --> 01:08:13,535
um, and I'm still not getting this thing piece

921
01:08:15,165 --> 01:08:18,285
I said, page down. Write this one. Okay, here we go.

922
01:08:19,515 --> 01:08:23,285
alright. Um, presently we're looking at, uh, our partners

923
01:08:23,725 --> 01:08:27,685
that help us to deal with this particular issue, which is obviously the police,

924
01:08:28,065 --> 01:08:31,045
the churches, uh, hospitals, district 19 hrha

925
01:08:32,195 --> 01:08:36,085
food pantry, and, uh, our local school system. And what we would do,

926
01:08:36,305 --> 01:08:40,205
we, we would, uh, gather clients information and, uh, assess their

927
01:08:40,485 --> 01:08:43,855
present needs and assign personal navigators to guide

928
01:08:44,535 --> 01:08:48,445
these individuals through the, the process. Uh, we would collect the information

929
01:08:48,985 --> 01:08:52,885
and report, uh, that data to, uh, those that are,

930
01:08:53,145 --> 01:08:56,845
uh, in, in a place that need to hear this information monthly. And we would

931
01:08:57,285 --> 01:09:01,285
maintain client files. Um, uh, our goal is for 25 and

932
01:09:01,485 --> 01:09:05,305
26, is to provide an overnight shelter, evening meals and

933
01:09:05,765 --> 01:09:09,565
clothing, uh, to have a, a center and, uh, of an administrative facility

934
01:09:10,195 --> 01:09:13,565
present. We're looking at city of refuge, literally moving our entire operation

935
01:09:14,505 --> 01:09:18,265
to the second floor of the st. James, uh, church educational building. Uh,

936
01:09:18,545 --> 01:09:22,045
we would provide daily food and mail, uh, meal distribution, and provide,

937
01:09:22,945 --> 01:09:26,725
uh, that with assistance from our partners. And we would have a clothing consolidated

938
01:09:27,705 --> 01:09:30,845
and to a central facility where these individuals can get the necessary

939
01:09:32,085 --> 01:09:35,895
services that they need. Um, uh, what we would look at is developing,

940
01:09:36,705 --> 01:09:40,525
uh, something similar, I think that, uh, was, uh, was seen at newburn,

941
01:09:40,925 --> 01:09:44,905
which was develop these pods that would prevent an opportunity for

942
01:09:45,125 --> 01:09:49,085
these individuals to find the services that they need to help them, uh, gather

943
01:09:49,445 --> 01:09:53,325
that upward, upward mobility. Uh, mobility. Uh, first it'd

944
01:09:53,565 --> 01:09:57,525
be an education pod, uh, which, where they could pursue a ged, an eslf,

945
01:09:58,505 --> 01:10:02,165
uh, vsu schools, continuing education. There would be legal

946
01:10:02,645 --> 01:10:06,365
services pod, which would be, uh, pro bono legal support. There would be

947
01:10:06,725 --> 01:10:10,645
judicial process. Help many of our clients that we presently deal with, with the

948
01:10:10,765 --> 01:10:14,535
center, and many that are, uh, on the, you know, on the streets are dealing with legal

949
01:10:14,945 --> 01:10:18,765
issues and, uh, need some help there. There would be a housing pod, which would

950
01:10:18,965 --> 01:10:22,645
be landlord supportive housing and rapid rehousing, financial support,

951
01:10:23,155 --> 01:10:27,045
bankers, advisors, and financial classes. This is a goal. This isn't

952
01:10:27,365 --> 01:10:31,045
presently what's in place, but that would be what we would try to pursue. And then

953
01:10:31,395 --> 01:10:35,385
obviously, we would try to find an employment pod for job training, uh,

954
01:10:36,045 --> 01:10:39,555
research, uh, and finding employee, uh, partnerships presently,

955
01:10:40,705 --> 01:10:44,625
uh, the city of refuge with community partners, uh, are

956
01:10:44,895 --> 01:10:48,635
addressing the need of, of meals, uh, that, uh, we provide

957
01:10:49,125 --> 01:10:53,015
meals, uh, four times a week, and we have 14 plus local

958
01:10:53,515 --> 01:10:57,365
cong congregations and other partners that help to provide these meals. There

959
01:10:57,685 --> 01:11:01,485
are 35 to 40 individuals that we serve in these meals, nightly with,

960
01:11:02,005 --> 01:11:05,925
uh, you know, wholesome food, food that's been prepared. Uh, we have

961
01:11:06,085 --> 01:11:09,485
partners that we, uh, have alongside that are schools, employers,

962
01:11:10,205 --> 01:11:14,045
landlords, legal firms, banks, food pantries, and churches obviously, to

963
01:11:14,245 --> 01:11:18,245
help us to meet that need. We have volunteers and professional staff that are working

964
01:11:18,805 --> 01:11:22,785
together to help to provide these services. And what the benefit of

965
01:11:23,005 --> 01:11:26,925
this, uh, service is to reduce the homelessness, to strengthen the families,

966
01:11:27,425 --> 01:11:31,205
and to lower public cost. And, um, our startup requirements,

967
01:11:31,845 --> 01:11:35,745
and I'm trying to go as quickly as possible, is to, you know, if we get

968
01:11:35,965 --> 01:11:39,865
the facility that we need, is to, you know, have these set up requirements met to

969
01:11:40,085 --> 01:11:43,915
build, uh, you know, to have a rental, utilities, uh, shelter, beds,

970
01:11:44,305 --> 01:11:48,265
linens, appliances and furniture. Uh, again, continue to provide the

971
01:11:48,515 --> 01:11:52,155
food services and clothing, set up equipment, uh, support

972
01:11:52,965 --> 01:11:56,925
toolkits, and then obviously transportation to get these individuals from

973
01:11:57,145 --> 01:12:00,725
one location to another as needed. And ultimately,

974
01:12:01,425 --> 01:12:05,205
uh, what we hope to arrive at, which would be, you know,

975
01:12:05,915 --> 01:12:09,515
joining together with the city, with the community, with churches, with

976
01:12:10,145 --> 01:12:14,005
all of their entities, is to provide a process. 'cause that's really what

977
01:12:14,245 --> 01:12:18,125
we need. I know that there's a real major concern about, you know, how do

978
01:12:18,285 --> 01:12:22,165
we address this homeless issue without giving some type of

979
01:12:22,765 --> 01:12:26,765
solution in terms of what we can do for these individuals. There's really

980
01:12:27,205 --> 01:12:31,045
no hope of moving them unless you have some sort of process to provide

981
01:12:31,545 --> 01:12:35,535
for them. Now, I know there's a lot of different issues that we're dealing with, with this population.

982
01:12:36,825 --> 01:12:40,685
uh, we deal with a similar, uh, kind of scenario as we're dealing with people that

983
01:12:40,925 --> 01:12:44,765
are struggling with addiction. So, you know, we'd have to layer that. We'd

984
01:12:44,965 --> 01:12:48,965
have to get, you know, that financial support. Obviously, when you're trying to provide, provide

985
01:12:49,725 --> 01:12:53,645
services, there is a financial need there. Uh, we need the funding, the city

986
01:12:53,845 --> 01:12:57,705
partnerships, and again, partnerships with businesses and other locations. And, and

987
01:12:57,925 --> 01:13:01,215
we need to have a more permanent solution to the housing issue.

988
01:13:02,065 --> 01:13:05,205
not just providing shelter, but also providing a transitional

989
01:13:06,345 --> 01:13:10,085
option for these individuals to move from the shelter to a more permanent

990
01:13:10,355 --> 01:13:14,345
residential support system. Um, we don't know what that looks like. We

991
01:13:14,565 --> 01:13:18,365
have a projection, we have an idea, but this is, again, the beginning of the process.

992
01:13:18,985 --> 01:13:22,765
and, uh, it's a matter of working together. And I, I guess, set all

993
01:13:23,085 --> 01:13:27,005
of that to say this. We all want solutions, but solution does not

994
01:13:27,205 --> 01:13:30,885
come from one entity. That's what we've learned in the city of refuge.

995
01:13:31,345 --> 01:13:35,125
we need partners. We need people in the city working with us. We need

996
01:13:35,395 --> 01:13:38,885
private industry working with us. We need churches and faith-based organization

997
01:13:40,035 --> 01:13:43,805
working together collectively for the need of those that we're

998
01:13:44,085 --> 01:13:47,755
trying to serve. Now, ultimately, you all know that a rising tide

999
01:13:48,655 --> 01:13:52,475
rises all boats. And so if we can help these individuals find that,

1000
01:13:53,105 --> 01:13:56,655
you know, the support that they're needed, uh, and some of 'em need mental help assistance,

1001
01:13:57,325 --> 01:14:00,885
some of 'em need job training, some of them just need an opportunity

1002
01:14:01,785 --> 01:14:05,005
to see that there is a hope beyond their present circumstances

1003
01:14:05,985 --> 01:14:09,545
and situations. We believe there's a model there that if we pursue

1004
01:14:10,635 --> 01:14:14,345
with the assistance of others coming alongside of us, that we

1005
01:14:14,665 --> 01:14:17,965
can make a difference. Uh, you know, eradicating homelessness,

1006
01:14:19,025 --> 01:14:22,905
that's a lofty goal, but we can start the process, and

1007
01:14:23,125 --> 01:14:27,075
that's what we ultimately desire. And I know this council desires as well.

1008
01:14:27,745 --> 01:14:31,725
so, uh, that's sort of in a nutshell, very quickly

1009
01:14:32,265 --> 01:14:36,105
trying to be the honoring of your time. I'm willing to, you

1010
01:14:36,325 --> 01:14:40,005
know, take any questions if you have any tonight. But thank you again for letting us

1011
01:14:40,515 --> 01:14:44,385
present this to you tonight. Thank you. Thank you. Are

1012
01:14:44,605 --> 01:14:48,265
there any questions for pastor collier? I just have comment. Mm-hmm

1013
01:14:48,725 --> 01:14:52,605
. I'm just, I'm very excited about this. Like, I, I'm really, can they see me? My,

1014
01:14:52,865 --> 01:14:56,755
I'm so excited to see something. You know, they got a raise hand button on they

1015
01:14:57,045 --> 01:15:00,985
coming together now, so this is great. Agree. Uh,

1016
01:15:01,205 --> 01:15:04,125
counselor stokes, did you have anything that you wanted to say? Oh, I,

1017
01:15:09,555 --> 01:15:11,825
okay. Can y'all hear me? Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yes.

1018
01:15:15,705 --> 01:15:19,565
do you have any comments on, on this? I,

1019
01:15:20,085 --> 01:15:23,525
I, I did. I didn't know whether I'm sitting here. ,

1020
01:15:24,485 --> 01:15:28,365
I told you this new stuff over here, but, um, sitting there trying to,

1021
01:15:30,035 --> 01:15:33,665
okay. Just let me know when I can speak now.

1022
01:15:35,065 --> 01:15:38,425
now, yes. Okay. I'm,

1023
01:15:39,505 --> 01:15:43,165
I'm impressed with what I've heard tonight. Um, I'm really

1024
01:15:43,725 --> 01:15:47,605
impressed with the coordination of the different

1025
01:15:48,165 --> 01:15:51,105
services and the landlords and the feeding and the,

1026
01:15:52,225 --> 01:15:55,625
that's very impressive. Um, and so

1027
01:15:56,645 --> 01:16:00,565
I just wanted to make that comment. Thank you, city of refuge for the work

1028
01:16:00,725 --> 01:16:04,645
you've putting in, and, um, just looking forward to

1029
01:16:04,845 --> 01:16:08,845
working with you and the different projects that you

1030
01:16:09,005 --> 01:16:12,425
have planned for this. I, this is something I'm very interested in.

1031
01:16:14,935 --> 01:16:18,825
thank you, councilor sta. Thank you. Alright. Thank you pastor callier so

1032
01:16:19,045 --> 01:16:22,785
much. Thank you very much. Thank you. Okay. Uh, our last one,

1033
01:16:23,345 --> 01:16:24,115
uh, mr. Bassett.

1034
01:16:27,495 --> 01:16:31,035
thank you, mr. Mayor. Uh, so what

1035
01:16:31,665 --> 01:16:35,475
we have here is a proposed, um, it's

1036
01:16:35,765 --> 01:16:39,415
kind of an omnibus ordinance that would

1037
01:16:40,335 --> 01:16:42,815
bring together in our code of ordinances,

1038
01:16:44,505 --> 01:16:48,315
uh, nuisance. Right now in our code, we only have

1039
01:16:49,405 --> 01:16:53,045
nuisance, uh, for the purpose of grass and weeds. Uh, otherwise

1040
01:16:53,545 --> 01:16:56,605
we don't have a public nuisance ordinance within the city of hopewell.

1041
01:16:58,065 --> 01:17:01,455
um, and you know, as I was going to draft

1042
01:17:02,235 --> 01:17:05,395
that for council's consideration, I noticed that

1043
01:17:06,595 --> 01:17:10,575
there's this whole list of related items,

1044
01:17:11,385 --> 01:17:15,015
uh, criminal blight, spotlight, derelict buildings, inoperable

1045
01:17:15,685 --> 01:17:19,265
vehicles that are all, in many cases, uh,

1046
01:17:20,905 --> 01:17:24,555
old using old fashioned language being unclear, but also

1047
01:17:24,915 --> 01:17:28,725
just existing all over in the code of ordinances. And so

1048
01:17:28,955 --> 01:17:32,545
this would, besides creating a nuisance ordinance beyond

1049
01:17:33,215 --> 01:17:37,105
grass and weeds, it would modernize the other ones and bring them all

1050
01:17:37,885 --> 01:17:41,785
together in the same place in the city code of ordinances. And the reason why

1051
01:17:42,985 --> 01:17:46,785
you would want them to all be together is that these are

1052
01:17:47,145 --> 01:17:50,775
all different ordinances, uh, tools

1053
01:17:51,275 --> 01:17:54,945
that are used by and enforced by

1054
01:17:55,435 --> 01:17:59,345
typically the same individuals. Like this is the building inspector and the, and

1055
01:17:59,565 --> 01:18:02,865
the, um, and the zoning inspector. Um,

1056
01:18:04,425 --> 01:18:08,285
and so that's why, you know, anyone looking for any

1057
01:18:08,445 --> 01:18:12,265
of these, like if, if the zoning inspector's bringing a case in

1058
01:18:12,485 --> 01:18:16,365
court, oftentimes what we're bringing is a case

1059
01:18:16,675 --> 01:18:20,635
that has a little bit of zoning violation,

1060
01:18:21,285 --> 01:18:25,235
a little bit of inoperable vehicles, a little bit of something else under this

1061
01:18:25,525 --> 01:18:29,265
ordinance. So that's the reason to, to bring them all together. I will say

1062
01:18:29,595 --> 01:18:33,515
with the nuisance ordinance as recommended

1063
01:18:34,675 --> 01:18:38,325
here in this draft, it would give the ability

1064
01:18:38,905 --> 01:18:41,975
for not only the director of public works

1065
01:18:43,065 --> 01:18:47,045
zoning, but also the building official, the chief of police and the

1066
01:18:47,235 --> 01:18:50,995
fireman to pursue nuisance uh, uh, enforcement

1067
01:18:51,685 --> 01:18:55,685
where needed. Okay. Yeah. That was just the biggest thing that

1068
01:18:55,845 --> 01:18:59,825
I just wanted to make sure, is that we are putting teeth in here where, you

1069
01:19:00,045 --> 01:19:03,685
know, we haven't really had it in the past that, you know, we can remedy

1070
01:19:04,365 --> 01:19:08,195
a lot of these issues that are chronic across the, the city. Yeah,

1071
01:19:08,685 --> 01:19:12,655
absolutely. And I mean, public nuisance is a big tool that localities

1072
01:19:13,595 --> 01:19:17,525
have mm-hmm . And, uh, it's, it's available to us here in the city

1073
01:19:17,665 --> 01:19:20,935
of hope, while we just haven't taken advantage of it. Yeah. Great.

1074
01:19:22,055 --> 01:19:25,865
thank you, mr. Bassett. Are there any questions for, uh, the city attorney? Mm-hmm.

1075
01:19:27,835 --> 01:19:31,715
okay. Seeing no lights. Thank you. Alright, now we're gonna go into

1076
01:19:32,105 --> 01:19:35,375
our regular meeting. I'm gonna go ahead and call this meeting to order.

1077
01:19:36,585 --> 01:19:37,645
uh, have a roll call, please.

1078
01:19:41,175 --> 01:19:44,875
mayor, I part, mayor I pardon? Here. Vice mayor joiner. Here.

1079
01:19:45,755 --> 01:19:49,475
councilor harris. Here. Councilor ellis. Here. Councilor

1080
01:19:50,105 --> 01:19:51,665
day. Here. Councilor stokes.

1081
01:19:54,715 --> 01:19:58,605
here. Councilor oli. Here we have a

1082
01:19:58,725 --> 01:20:02,715
quorum. Okay. At this time, uh, we'll have the prayer by pastor collier,

1083
01:20:03,545 --> 01:20:06,165
uh, followed by the pledge of allegiance, by myself. Please rise.

1084
01:20:09,815 --> 01:20:13,645
let's bow our heads. Father in heaven, we just come before you

1085
01:20:13,855 --> 01:20:17,785
today in need of your guidance and your wisdom and direction. We

1086
01:20:18,005 --> 01:20:21,885
thank you for the city council and for the work that they're putting in, lord, to help

1087
01:20:22,045 --> 01:20:25,925
this city. We pray, god, grant them wisdom, grant 'em

1088
01:20:26,165 --> 01:20:30,165
guidance and discernment on the things they should do. And upon those

1089
01:20:30,365 --> 01:20:34,125
things, they should not. And I pray, god, that you would bring unity to this council,

1090
01:20:35,095 --> 01:20:38,945
bring unity to this city so that those that they serve, god

1091
01:20:39,165 --> 01:20:42,915
would be able to receive all that they have need of. We ask your blessings upon this time,

1092
01:20:43,865 --> 01:20:46,885
and we ask it in christ name. Amen. Amen. Amen.

1093
01:20:48,645 --> 01:20:51,405
a pledge flag of the united states of america

1094
01:20:53,345 --> 01:20:56,565
and to the republic for which it stands, one nation

1095
01:20:57,375 --> 01:21:01,325
under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

1096
01:21:04,675 --> 01:21:08,265
okay. Uh, is there a motion to amend the regular meeting agenda

1097
01:21:09,065 --> 01:21:12,965
to move the city manager report, uh, to in front

1098
01:21:13,305 --> 01:21:16,915
of the information presentation section? So moved. Second. Okay.

1099
01:21:17,385 --> 01:21:21,145
uh, motions made by vice mayor joiner and seconded by councilor ellis. Is

1100
01:21:21,485 --> 01:21:24,925
there any discussion? Seeing no lights? Roll call please.

1101
01:21:25,675 --> 01:21:29,555
councilor harris? Yes. Mayor. Pardon? Yes. Councilor

1102
01:21:30,405 --> 01:21:33,845
ellis? Yes. Councilor day? Yes. Councilor stoke?

1103
01:21:35,225 --> 01:21:39,145
yes. Councilor oli? Yes. Vice mayor joiner? Yes.

1104
01:21:39,505 --> 01:21:43,385
motion passes. Seven to zero. Okay. At this time, is there a motion to

1105
01:21:43,605 --> 01:21:47,505
adopt the consent agenda? I'll second it.

1106
01:21:49,065 --> 01:21:52,365
any discussion? Seeing none. Roll call please.

1107
01:21:55,135 --> 01:21:58,505
councillor harris? Yes. May I part? Yes.

1108
01:21:59,355 --> 01:22:02,955
councilor ellis. Yes. Councilor day? Yes. Councillor

1109
01:22:03,645 --> 01:22:07,525
stokes. Yes. Councilor ole? Yes.

1110
01:22:08,135 --> 01:22:11,695
vice mayor joiner? Yes. Motion passes. Seven to zero. Okay,

1111
01:22:12,765 --> 01:22:16,515
mr. Rogers, the floor is yours. Okay. Chief

1112
01:22:16,865 --> 01:22:18,925
taylor has his, uh, monthly report.

1113
01:22:23,015 --> 01:22:26,745
good evening, mr. Mayor. Good afternoon, madam vice mayor,

1114
01:22:27,025 --> 01:22:30,985
members of city council. I'm here to give you the september crime summary.

1115
01:22:32,605 --> 01:22:36,465
and our first slide, uh, is, uh, crime stats. And these

1116
01:22:36,955 --> 01:22:40,605
stats are through august the 31st. And,

1117
01:22:41,085 --> 01:22:43,745
uh, uh, murder, rape, robing, aggravated assaults.

1118
01:22:45,245 --> 01:22:49,085
um, we had 63 in 2024. We

1119
01:22:49,305 --> 01:22:52,795
had 60 in this year, so forth. So we're minus three,

1120
01:22:53,515 --> 01:22:56,625
which were violent crime right now with damn minus 5%.

1121
01:22:58,485 --> 01:23:02,415
but let's go back to, uh, I wanna talk about the murders.

1122
01:23:03,965 --> 01:23:07,785
and then you see in 2024, we have four. And

1123
01:23:08,105 --> 01:23:11,915
on your slide tonight, it's showing five. But since this

1124
01:23:12,425 --> 01:23:15,415
report was done, we had an additional homicide, which

1125
01:23:16,895 --> 01:23:19,705
takes our total to six. And the

1126
01:23:21,935 --> 01:23:25,645
800 block of chestnut is still under investigation.

1127
01:23:26,785 --> 01:23:30,785
uh, we're looking at, it was not a random act. Uh, we're getting all

1128
01:23:31,005 --> 01:23:34,225
the facts together to hopefully we can, uh,

1129
01:23:35,055 --> 01:23:38,665
bring whoever was responsible for justice. Uh,

1130
01:23:39,105 --> 01:23:42,365
the recent, uh, homicide on raleigh street,

1131
01:23:43,705 --> 01:23:47,165
uh, fortunately we was able to make an arrest

1132
01:23:47,785 --> 01:23:51,125
in that incident within 24 hours of it, of it being reported.

1133
01:23:52,255 --> 01:23:56,035
uh, so overall we have sex, but we have made tremendous

1134
01:23:56,945 --> 01:24:00,555
strides and making arrest on the persons responsible

1135
01:24:01,235 --> 01:24:04,615
for these homicides. The other, uh,

1136
01:24:05,535 --> 01:24:09,155
one that I want to focus on was the robberies, where you see in 2024,

1137
01:24:09,795 --> 01:24:12,995
we had three. In 2025 we had 12.

1138
01:24:13,975 --> 01:24:16,335
and as I reported previously, these, uh, uh,

1139
01:24:18,005 --> 01:24:21,955
there is no individual patterns or group or individuals. These are individual

1140
01:24:23,265 --> 01:24:27,175
robberies that things are being stolen from bikes to

1141
01:24:27,395 --> 01:24:31,165
phones. And we had an incident where a juvenile even, uh, stole

1142
01:24:31,595 --> 01:24:35,555
a car from a neighbor, and he was caught and arrested for it. So we are, we are

1143
01:24:35,705 --> 01:24:39,335
looking into these individual robberies, uh,

1144
01:24:39,935 --> 01:24:43,575
and, um, doing what we can to, to solve 'em. Um,

1145
01:24:44,095 --> 01:24:48,035
I'm here to report, you know, in the past the aggravated assaults had been going

1146
01:24:48,275 --> 01:24:51,915
up, um, reported that we at a minus 22% in aggravated

1147
01:24:52,305 --> 01:24:55,915
reports, aggravated assaults. I'm sorry. So that's good news.

1148
01:24:56,935 --> 01:24:59,935
and going to, uh, arson, burglary, larson, motor vehicle thefts,

1149
01:25:01,055 --> 01:25:04,955
um, property crime, I mean, at the

1150
01:25:05,205 --> 01:25:09,175
total, uh, property crimes, uh, it was, uh,

1151
01:25:09,795 --> 01:25:13,515
a total that we are down, uh, minus 26%,

1152
01:25:15,375 --> 01:25:18,555
uh, arson, we had three, it still remains at three.

1153
01:25:19,635 --> 01:25:23,415
reakfast we had 22 we're down 18 minus 18%. Uh,

1154
01:25:23,835 --> 01:25:25,795
larcenies was 201 and twenty twenty four, a hundred and seventy four,

1155
01:25:28,475 --> 01:25:32,315
and 2025, which is minus 12%. So we're minus 12%

1156
01:25:32,915 --> 01:25:36,795
in, in also on the larcenies. And a good thing to report is

1157
01:25:36,995 --> 01:25:40,855
the motor vehicle thefts. 'cause that was one of the major issues that we had in the past. And I'm

1158
01:25:41,075 --> 01:25:44,635
happy to report that motor vehicle thefts overall are down minus 65%.

1159
01:25:46,495 --> 01:25:49,275
uh, our property crime, crime total, uh, minus 23%

1160
01:25:50,655 --> 01:25:52,955
and total major crime is minus 23%.

1161
01:26:00,135 --> 01:26:02,495
moving on to my next slide, uh,

1162
01:26:04,545 --> 01:26:07,445
the opiate overdoses. I'm still happy to report

1163
01:26:08,635 --> 01:26:12,525
that since we started reporting these, uh, incidents and

1164
01:26:12,685 --> 01:26:16,685
from 2020 through 2025 we're in the lowest,

1165
01:26:17,145 --> 01:26:21,125
uh, opiate failed or non-fatal, uh, incidents that

1166
01:26:21,745 --> 01:26:24,445
we, when we, we started reporting this. So that's a good thing.

1167
01:26:28,985 --> 01:26:32,965
uh, verified shots fired. Uh, 2024, we

1168
01:26:33,165 --> 01:26:36,945
had 33 and 2025, we had 39. As

1169
01:26:37,725 --> 01:26:41,385
I continue to reiterate that, once we

1170
01:26:42,145 --> 01:26:46,005
get these calls of verified shops fired, we go back in the area, we knock on

1171
01:26:46,205 --> 01:26:50,015
doors, uh, the next day we do outdoor roll calls, uh, knock

1172
01:26:50,385 --> 01:26:54,065
and try to get as much information we can from neighbors to find out who,

1173
01:26:55,065 --> 01:26:58,445
uh, is responsible for them and also any forensic

1174
01:26:59,405 --> 01:27:03,185
evidence that we can, uh, collect. So we, uh,

1175
01:27:04,435 --> 01:27:07,895
always looking at how we can reduce these verified shot calls,

1176
01:27:13,035 --> 01:27:16,855
our neighborhood watch meetings. Uh, I'm gonna want to talk about these because I want

1177
01:27:17,295 --> 01:27:21,215
to talk about national night out. And I want to talk about, you know, we

1178
01:27:21,375 --> 01:27:24,975
got, uh, we got city point, we got farmingdale, we got cobblestone, we got ,

1179
01:27:25,395 --> 01:27:29,255
we got ward seven, uh, ward three, ward two, and ward four.

1180
01:27:29,915 --> 01:27:33,815
and the reason why I mentioned these, 'cause I'm gonna talk about national night out because I want,

1181
01:27:34,455 --> 01:27:38,375
'cause we, we gonna have this at the community center, and I want to get the information out that all

1182
01:27:38,575 --> 01:27:41,915
these groups that are, that I'm just reporting that they show up

1183
01:27:42,755 --> 01:27:46,255
and we want to get the information out that they come out for national night of.

1184
01:27:47,475 --> 01:27:51,365
and my next slide on hiring recruitment. Uh, currently we have 12 vacancies,

1185
01:27:52,275 --> 01:27:55,955
uh, and two dispatch vacancies. The two dispatch vacancies was,

1186
01:27:56,515 --> 01:28:00,375
uh, because we, uh, in, uh, increased staffing to increase it

1187
01:28:00,535 --> 01:28:04,475
to two additional dispatch positions that we're trying to fill. Uh,

1188
01:28:05,845 --> 01:28:09,295
four uncertified recruits are still in the academy. They started july the seventh,

1189
01:28:09,955 --> 01:28:12,955
and they will be graduating december the 19th. Uh,

1190
01:28:14,205 --> 01:28:17,855
hopefully we'll all forward will graduate. Uh, the group recruitment

1191
01:28:18,535 --> 01:28:21,375
team will be going to bright point community college on september 17th,

1192
01:28:23,075 --> 01:28:26,935
and they also will be going to virginia state university for safety there

1193
01:28:27,215 --> 01:28:30,875
on september 17th as well. And under the background invest

1194
01:28:31,665 --> 01:28:35,485
background investigation, we had 13 applicants, including one pre-certified

1195
01:28:37,155 --> 01:28:40,995
and two dispatch applicants are in the process and all.

1196
01:28:41,215 --> 01:28:45,135
officer 30th, we had a all day testing event that was held at credit academy.

1197
01:28:45,595 --> 01:28:49,565
we had 12, uh, candidates that participated and five

1198
01:28:49,905 --> 01:28:50,595
candidates passed.

1199
01:28:55,885 --> 01:28:56,175
next slide.

1200
01:29:00,155 --> 01:29:04,005
and then you can go to the next slide. Uh, downtown

1201
01:29:04,245 --> 01:29:07,825
community engagement. Uh, we're continuing our foot patrols downtown. Our

1202
01:29:08,485 --> 01:29:12,405
business checks downtown, uh, continue to interact with our ci

1203
01:29:13,045 --> 01:29:16,745
citizens and business owners downtown. Uh, the beacon theater overtime, uh,

1204
01:29:17,435 --> 01:29:21,325
that we had was scheduled for september the fifth. We're continuing traffic

1205
01:29:21,725 --> 01:29:25,725
enforcement on east randolph road and, uh, also on app street. And that's

1206
01:29:26,005 --> 01:29:29,595
continued by the police and sheriff's department. And, uh, bike patrols,

1207
01:29:30,265 --> 01:29:34,185
uh, are scheduled. We had, uh, some scheduled for the month of september, but

1208
01:29:34,405 --> 01:29:38,245
after this month, uh, we were discontinue the bike patrols because that

1209
01:29:38,445 --> 01:29:42,445
was, uh, focused on the spring and summer months. And we will do bike

1210
01:29:42,795 --> 01:29:46,605
patrols, uh, during special events and on special occasions

1211
01:29:46,895 --> 01:29:47,725
until spring and summer.

1212
01:29:53,785 --> 01:29:57,425
uh, community engagement officers, uh, we continue to have him, uh, attend

1213
01:29:57,845 --> 01:30:01,555
the hr ha commissioner's meetings every monthly meetings that he, he attends

1214
01:30:02,065 --> 01:30:05,925
and share information with hr ha staff, uh, national night

1215
01:30:06,165 --> 01:30:10,025
out, back again, october 7th from 5:00 pm to eight. And

1216
01:30:10,245 --> 01:30:14,035
we're gonna have it at the community center. Uh, the police department will

1217
01:30:14,325 --> 01:30:18,305
be, uh, having the grill out. We'll be, uh, cooking hot dogs. Uh,

1218
01:30:18,545 --> 01:30:22,505
we will have our booth set up. We'll be giving information, giveaways and,

1219
01:30:22,865 --> 01:30:25,845
uh, other items there for our citizens.

1220
01:30:26,985 --> 01:30:30,925
uh, also this, uh, event, uh, we

1221
01:30:31,085 --> 01:30:34,945
are working on, uh, getting this out on facebook. Uh, we have a flyer out, uh,

1222
01:30:35,165 --> 01:30:38,825
this week. And my focus is I'm

1223
01:30:39,315 --> 01:30:43,075
want to get out, get with my community engagement officers to talk once

1224
01:30:43,415 --> 01:30:47,185
again to the block captains to make sure they are

1225
01:30:47,745 --> 01:30:51,205
inform of the date and time and, and get a gauge of how many,

1226
01:30:51,865 --> 01:30:54,085
uh, citizens and their awards will be participated.

1227
01:30:56,585 --> 01:31:00,565
and in, uh, with, in the beginning stage of a, a

1228
01:31:01,565 --> 01:31:04,765
business watch group. And, uh, community engagement officer

1229
01:31:05,585 --> 01:31:08,965
has been working with city staff and they started out in the west side of the city.

1230
01:31:09,905 --> 01:31:13,225
and they, uh, went to the local, uh, hotels

1231
01:31:14,025 --> 01:31:17,625
to discuss their concerns and partnership and

1232
01:31:18,245 --> 01:31:21,355
communicating with, with the, uh, business districts in the west side.

1233
01:31:26,555 --> 01:31:30,545
traffic concerns, uh, speed bumps. Um, mr. Mayor, you

1234
01:31:30,765 --> 01:31:34,745
brought this up at our last city council meeting, I did some research and

1235
01:31:35,125 --> 01:31:38,725
I also reached out to our public works director and our fire department

1236
01:31:39,525 --> 01:31:43,355
director. And for the sake of time, I'm not gonna go into all the details, but, uh, the, from

1237
01:31:43,645 --> 01:31:47,565
the public works standpoint, uh, they were not

1238
01:31:47,745 --> 01:31:50,885
in favor of the speed bumps. And if we go to section 33 14

1239
01:31:52,325 --> 01:31:56,145
obstructing the street with gate chains, et cetera, right now,

1240
01:31:56,625 --> 01:32:00,365
as the ordinance read, we would have to pass a ordinance to authorize,

1241
01:32:01,465 --> 01:32:05,285
uh, speed bumps in residential because it reads right now council may authorize

1242
01:32:05,685 --> 01:32:09,215
speed bumps and parks, playgrounds, and other recreational areas.

1243
01:32:12,065 --> 01:32:16,025
my next slide was, uh, concerns from the fire chief that he's here. I'm

1244
01:32:16,245 --> 01:32:20,235
not gonna read all the details, but his concerns was, uh, move

1245
01:32:20,525 --> 01:32:24,165
with extreme caution, uh, concern about the response times

1246
01:32:25,505 --> 01:32:29,125
and, uh, equipment, uh, worse maintenance issues.

1247
01:32:30,425 --> 01:32:34,325
and we talked about, uh, he talked about some, uh, maybe some recommendations

1248
01:32:35,305 --> 01:32:39,075
on narrowing the streets. And, um, once

1249
01:32:39,415 --> 01:32:43,385
again, uh, the issue was response time and response time is

1250
01:32:43,885 --> 01:32:47,685
critical. So that's a matter that, uh, city manager

1251
01:32:48,305 --> 01:32:51,955
can discuss further, if so, desires with the directors and yeah.

1252
01:32:52,545 --> 01:32:55,515
see, can we come together and, and, and make a decision? Yeah.

1253
01:32:59,025 --> 01:33:03,025
uh, truck route. Uh, councilor harris, you brought that up at our

1254
01:33:03,275 --> 01:33:06,905
last, uh, meeting and I looked into that. Sorry for the delay, sir.

1255
01:33:07,745 --> 01:33:11,525
uh, the concern was the 18 wheeler utilizing the street as a cut through

1256
01:33:12,345 --> 01:33:15,985
on, uh, reverend cw harris street. And what has

1257
01:33:16,405 --> 01:33:20,285
happened. I worked with the director of public works and new signs have been

1258
01:33:20,445 --> 01:33:23,445
posted on, uh, e on randolph road east and westbound

1259
01:33:24,505 --> 01:33:28,445
at randolph road and reverend cw harris street. And if you look at it, I do have

1260
01:33:28,645 --> 01:33:32,315
some photographs of the pictures on here. And also,

1261
01:33:32,825 --> 01:33:36,525
uh, new signs were posted if you, on reverend curtis harris

1262
01:33:36,885 --> 01:33:40,805
street for the businesses, uh, the power plant, the lawn care

1263
01:33:41,115 --> 01:33:45,065
that if they making that left turn onto reverend cw harris street is

1264
01:33:45,285 --> 01:33:49,265
sign is a sign that says no truck route. No, no through traffic there, no

1265
01:33:49,485 --> 01:33:53,395
truck traffic. So they, they, they are informed that

1266
01:33:53,685 --> 01:33:56,485
they can't make their left turn. They need to make the right and go down winston churchill.

1267
01:33:58,225 --> 01:34:01,995
and also, we did post this on, uh, facebook, this

1268
01:34:02,315 --> 01:34:06,265
updated information and my last slide on

1269
01:34:06,515 --> 01:34:10,295
solutions, uh, about the speed bumps. My recommendation was amend

1270
01:34:10,645 --> 01:34:14,565
the ordinance to allow speed bumps on city streets. Uh, if you

1271
01:34:14,825 --> 01:34:18,685
so desire, uh, for currently or in the future considerations.

1272
01:34:19,585 --> 01:34:23,405
uh, we, we'll be doing direct patrols in the location where speeding is reoccurring

1273
01:34:24,105 --> 01:34:27,845
in enforce the speed limit. Uh, we are utilizing

1274
01:34:28,405 --> 01:34:32,385
our speed trail with radar to show motors there. Speed to

1275
01:34:32,635 --> 01:34:36,275
tell 'em they need to slow down. Uh, we we'll have,

1276
01:34:36,855 --> 01:34:40,715
uh, several special operations will be held throughout the year, uh, focused

1277
01:34:40,995 --> 01:34:44,875
on speeding violations and, and holding these

1278
01:34:45,195 --> 01:34:48,695
speeders account. And our future goal, um,

1279
01:34:49,665 --> 01:34:53,435
it's a goal is, uh, to have a traffic safety enforcement unit

1280
01:34:54,335 --> 01:34:57,685
to enforce the traffic laws and, and educate the citizen, the hopewell.

1281
01:34:59,185 --> 01:35:02,825
and lastly, we, we talked about ski speed cameras and

1282
01:35:03,235 --> 01:35:07,075
unfortunately speed cameras, uh, on the virginia code, uh, only

1283
01:35:07,365 --> 01:35:10,965
allowed in work zones or in high traffic fatality

1284
01:35:11,935 --> 01:35:15,475
areas in, in the state. So unfortunately

1285
01:35:16,385 --> 01:35:20,155
we won't be able to do move forward with speed cameras because against

1286
01:35:20,885 --> 01:35:24,745
virginia code. That, uh, concludes my presentation and

1287
01:35:24,985 --> 01:35:28,715
I'm here to answer any questions that you may have of me. Okay.

1288
01:35:29,145 --> 01:35:33,045
uh, vice mayor joiner, and then myself. You just answered one of my questions 'cause

1289
01:35:33,165 --> 01:35:37,045
I was asking about the, uh, traffic safety division, you know, the traffic division.

1290
01:35:37,555 --> 01:35:41,365
that, that my question kind of goes back. Can, can you go back to

1291
01:35:41,565 --> 01:35:45,465
the, um, I'm just confused about the vacancies and

1292
01:35:46,095 --> 01:35:49,965
where we stand with the p you know, people that are in the pipeline and

1293
01:35:50,165 --> 01:35:53,605
that kind of thing. Can you just, I mean, I, can you clarify for me?

1294
01:35:54,345 --> 01:35:58,175
um, let's see. Okay. Right here. So we've

1295
01:35:58,525 --> 01:36:02,445
got 12 sworn vacancies, but we've got four recruits. So if

1296
01:36:02,565 --> 01:36:06,445
those four recruits come in, will they fill the 12? No, ma'am. No, no ma'am.

1297
01:36:06,685 --> 01:36:10,105
okay. It's 12 current vacancies we have. Okay. So,

1298
01:36:11,475 --> 01:36:15,465
okay. So the, but we, we've got people, we've got, um,

1299
01:36:16,055 --> 01:36:19,845
folks that are in background checks and that kind of thing. Yes. Those could potentially fill

1300
01:36:20,125 --> 01:36:23,945
that. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Alright. And, uh, we just had a, a final, uh,

1301
01:36:25,345 --> 01:36:29,125
uh, meeting with one of our, uh, applicants and

1302
01:36:29,645 --> 01:36:33,585
we will be offering him, uh, the, the job tomorrow.

1303
01:36:34,215 --> 01:36:38,215
okay. And hopefully he'll he will accept. Okay. And, um, yeah,

1304
01:36:38,705 --> 01:36:42,045
'cause I, you know, petersburg is up to, they've, they're fully staffed now, or

1305
01:36:42,745 --> 01:36:46,665
I think I saw some things there was fully staffed. I just would love to see us get a

1306
01:36:46,785 --> 01:36:50,685
little bit above that 12. And I know you have the same goals. I mean, it's, it's not that we

1307
01:36:50,905 --> 01:36:54,825
have different things we wanna get accomplished, I was just kind of confused about where we

1308
01:36:55,025 --> 01:36:58,605
stood on the, you know, who was in the pipeline, who wasn't. Um,

1309
01:36:59,445 --> 01:37:03,345
and, um, that's, that's basically it. Thank you so much. Thanks for, thanks

1310
01:37:03,585 --> 01:37:07,205
for, and thank you for, um, you know, for following up

1311
01:37:08,045 --> 01:37:12,025
in such a, in, in such a thorough manner with regard to the speed

1312
01:37:12,225 --> 01:37:16,065
bumps and that sort of thing. I do have one thing that does relate to traffic and that

1313
01:37:16,405 --> 01:37:20,065
is maplewood avenue. I thought we talked about

1314
01:37:20,705 --> 01:37:24,125
a while back about making, you know, that a one way street

1315
01:37:24,725 --> 01:37:28,065
and that kind of thing. You can barely, I could, I can barely get through.

1316
01:37:29,345 --> 01:37:33,265
I mean, with a car and I don't know how a safety vehicle can get down there.

1317
01:37:33,385 --> 01:37:37,215
we've talked about this, we have no, not made, there's nothing happening. There's

1318
01:37:37,705 --> 01:37:41,585
been, I don't see any action being taken. Well, and I, that's maybe not your alleyway,

1319
01:37:42,145 --> 01:37:45,985
but, well, uh, I, I, I want, we had a concerned

1320
01:37:46,385 --> 01:37:50,225
citizen, a concern about the, uh, stop sign violation and the

1321
01:37:50,505 --> 01:37:54,205
speeding. So that has been a focus for the last, uh,

1322
01:37:55,465 --> 01:37:59,055
sub couple, about a week, week and a half. Well, I know, I know. Which, I know exactly which,

1323
01:37:59,725 --> 01:38:03,645
I know which intersection you're talking about. And we are, thank you very much by the way. We have been focusing

1324
01:38:03,825 --> 01:38:07,355
on that maplewood and, uh, brown avenue and also

1325
01:38:08,035 --> 01:38:11,785
will, uh, those crepe myrtles. That, that, that on.

1326
01:38:12,065 --> 01:38:15,565
uh, I think, I think, yeah, I think there might,

1327
01:38:16,085 --> 01:38:19,965
I know either brown, cedar level, whatever. I know, but I think they, they had 'em cut back so we can see that

1328
01:38:20,165 --> 01:38:24,085
stop sign a little bit better. Exactly. Exactly. You get that right on maplewood. Yeah. But the maplewood,

1329
01:38:24,485 --> 01:38:28,045
you know, maplewood is just a real problem. Once you get with the parking on both sides, you just can't

1330
01:38:29,025 --> 01:38:33,005
barely get a piece. We still, uh, are looking at that. We'll focus in on that. Alright.

1331
01:38:33,405 --> 01:38:37,245
and we'll, working with public works on, appreciate that on some ideas and how we can

1332
01:38:37,595 --> 01:38:41,525
make that treated better. I know. Thank you so much. I know it's a, it's, I know, it's a

1333
01:38:41,645 --> 01:38:45,245
tough one. Thank you very much, chief. I appreciate it. I note that we will have that discussion

1334
01:38:45,765 --> 01:38:49,455
internally okay. Okay. To try to sub down a solution. Thank

1335
01:38:49,805 --> 01:38:53,765
you. Thank you so much. Um, first question that

1336
01:38:53,965 --> 01:38:57,965
I have is, um, I understand the concerns, um, you know,

1337
01:38:58,045 --> 01:39:01,825
from public works and from, uh, police, excuse me, from fire, um,

1338
01:39:02,095 --> 01:39:05,785
about the speed bumps. Um, but what analysis was done to find out

1339
01:39:06,545 --> 01:39:10,445
how these other localities, um, especially in northern virginia

1340
01:39:10,665 --> 01:39:14,425
and the richmond, uh, pretty much, well richmond itself are

1341
01:39:14,675 --> 01:39:18,385
putting these speed bumps or speed humps, whatever they're calling 'em these days. Um,

1342
01:39:19,585 --> 01:39:22,865
and they're not impacting their response time, or

1343
01:39:23,625 --> 01:39:27,515
is it really impacting their response time and they're accepting that risk?

1344
01:39:28,665 --> 01:39:32,435
um, that that's a free for all for anyone? Um, well,

1345
01:39:32,765 --> 01:39:36,665
I, I would've to do a little bit more research and work with the fire chief to get more, uh,

1346
01:39:36,885 --> 01:39:40,885
information and get back with you unless, uh, fire chief

1347
01:39:41,305 --> 01:39:45,165
can or public court can answer that. He's just excited that he has

1348
01:39:45,325 --> 01:39:48,385
a question that's not waste. No, I'm good to stay in my seat. . Um,

1349
01:39:49,425 --> 01:39:53,325
so speed, humps, speed tables, speed bumps, they all have different application

1350
01:39:53,925 --> 01:39:57,745
mm-hmm . Right? Um, not every situation is the same. They don't have the

1351
01:39:57,965 --> 01:40:01,885
same warrant. So, um, it's something that a traffic engineer can look into.

1352
01:40:02,595 --> 01:40:06,525
they all represent compromises to response times for the

1353
01:40:06,605 --> 01:40:10,265
fire chief, for police, um, that that's

1354
01:40:10,685 --> 01:40:14,405
something for counsel to consider. Mm-hmm . Um, relative to speed bumps, they're

1355
01:40:14,725 --> 01:40:18,645
probably the most abrupt, um, chief hits one, he's gonna know it, and then I'm

1356
01:40:18,845 --> 01:40:22,685
gonna know it 'cause his truck's gonna be in my shop. So, um, and people

1357
01:40:22,915 --> 01:40:26,905
will know it. They're loud. They're, they're meant, they do their job and they do it well. Um,

1358
01:40:27,305 --> 01:40:31,285
the other problem with, um, traffic calming measures like that, they

1359
01:40:31,565 --> 01:40:35,405
present challenges during snow, snow duty. Um, they tend to get ripped

1360
01:40:35,605 --> 01:40:39,075
right off the asphalt from the get-go. Um, so they present maintenance and replacement

1361
01:40:40,045 --> 01:40:43,565
challenges. Um, but that's what I know about traffic calming measures.

1362
01:40:44,145 --> 01:40:47,915
um, chief, do you have anything else? Yeah,

1363
01:40:48,205 --> 01:40:51,945
the only thing that I would add is that, you know, the nfpa, you know, the national standard on

1364
01:40:52,345 --> 01:40:56,205
on that just absolutely, um, recommends that they're not used

1365
01:40:56,405 --> 01:41:00,405
whatsoever, um, because of the impact. I mean, it's, there's been a number of studies done on

1366
01:41:00,605 --> 01:41:04,545
the impact to response times, whether or not other jurisdictions have decided to ignore

1367
01:41:04,965 --> 01:41:08,685
that data and, and choose instead to have those traffic calling measures. Apparently they, that's

1368
01:41:09,085 --> 01:41:13,045
what they've decided to do. But the nfp standard, you know, forbids them to

1369
01:41:13,245 --> 01:41:17,165
be used, uh, in regular streets, um, because of the impact to response times. And

1370
01:41:17,365 --> 01:41:21,205
that is based on studies and data. So, um, I'd have to go back and get all that pulled

1371
01:41:21,625 --> 01:41:25,305
all that for you from nfpa, but, but that definitely is the case. Um,

1372
01:41:25,745 --> 01:41:29,725
and, and obviously, you know, the impact to our apparatus, you know, we've, we've

1373
01:41:30,005 --> 01:41:33,985
had, um, axles come out from underneath an engine, uh, just because of the, the

1374
01:41:34,205 --> 01:41:38,185
impact of all the railroad tracks that we have in the city and everything else. So this would just add

1375
01:41:38,405 --> 01:41:42,045
to that problem that we have as far as just the, the, the, the condition. You know,

1376
01:41:42,915 --> 01:41:46,555
certainly the railroad tracks are one of the, the most, uh, impactful, I guess to our apparatus.

1377
01:41:47,165 --> 01:41:50,845
but this would just add something else that would again, you know, cause a maintenance issue

1378
01:41:51,185 --> 01:41:55,125
and, and challenges for us. That's all I had to add. Okay. I just, I'd like

1379
01:41:55,285 --> 01:41:59,245
to know, you know, how the, the other localities and, you know, and maybe what it is, is they're

1380
01:41:59,525 --> 01:42:02,735
just accepting the risk, you know, I mean, that that's a perfectly legitimate,

1381
01:42:03,585 --> 01:42:07,365
you know, um, argument or whatever that they're,

1382
01:42:07,825 --> 01:42:11,765
or position that they're willing to take. But I would just be really curious to see, you know,

1383
01:42:11,845 --> 01:42:15,845
especially, you know, alexandria, arlington, um, you know, richmond, what they've

1384
01:42:16,205 --> 01:42:20,195
just done. Um, and either, you know, just

1385
01:42:20,485 --> 01:42:24,445
accepting the risk or if it's something that they have found a way to work around it

1386
01:42:25,005 --> 01:42:28,925
without compromising, uh, their response times. I mean, I, I just, I think it's

1387
01:42:29,165 --> 01:42:32,995
worth, you know, the time to go through that level of analysis and research just

1388
01:42:33,285 --> 01:42:37,025
to find out what they're doing. I agree. I think this would be a good question for,

1389
01:42:37,585 --> 01:42:41,495
uh, the virginia municipal league. Mm-hmm . At the parole's board board

1390
01:42:41,865 --> 01:42:45,525
to, to ask, uh, to pose the question and see what other communities

1391
01:42:46,045 --> 01:42:49,985
are doing in state. Excellent. Yeah. So we will do that. Okay. Perfect. Thank you. Great. Um,

1392
01:42:50,975 --> 01:42:54,925
other question is, I know on here we talked a little bit about speed cameras and I know that they're allowed

1393
01:42:55,045 --> 01:42:59,045
to be put in school zones. Um, like what we have, um, can, you know, the localities

1394
01:43:00,355 --> 01:43:04,275
designate more school zones, so if there is a well established,

1395
01:43:05,625 --> 01:43:09,165
um, like a private school, like a western christian school

1396
01:43:09,865 --> 01:43:13,835
or a broadway baptist that are on very, um, busy. Very,

1397
01:43:14,125 --> 01:43:18,025
yeah, busy. Thank you. Busy visible high traffic roads, you

1398
01:43:18,245 --> 01:43:22,015
know, can we create a school zone there and then allow

1399
01:43:22,385 --> 01:43:26,165
for, you know, cameras to go in, because I mean, we have some, you know, a lot of issues,

1400
01:43:26,985 --> 01:43:30,945
um, up and down 15th avenue, um, I think that's what a cut through on

1401
01:43:31,165 --> 01:43:34,965
17th or 20th, somewhere right there mm-hmm . Mm-hmm . And then of course, you know, on, on broadway.

1402
01:43:35,225 --> 01:43:39,205
and, um, I know, you know, personally, you know, several folks that have

1403
01:43:39,565 --> 01:43:43,115
had accidents, uh, where 15th and broadway come together and they're either shotgunning

1404
01:43:43,805 --> 01:43:47,725
through 15th to go straight, or they're shotgunning broadway

1405
01:43:48,055 --> 01:43:51,925
going straight through. Okay. Well, chief, I don't mean to steal your thunder,

1406
01:43:52,185 --> 01:43:56,085
but I think I have an answer okay. For you, mr. Mayor. Um, so it doesn't matter whether

1407
01:43:56,555 --> 01:44:00,405
it's a private or a public school mm-hmm . Uh, the restriction on the use of speed

1408
01:44:00,645 --> 01:44:04,045
cameras is just to, it has to be a intersection

1409
01:44:04,725 --> 01:44:08,555
that has a marked crosswalk and is within a thousand feet

1410
01:44:09,145 --> 01:44:12,925
of a school property. Okay. Okay. So a private school

1411
01:44:13,465 --> 01:44:16,715
is, yeah, a private school would, would be eligible. Okay.

1412
01:44:17,895 --> 01:44:21,805
there, um, you know, me per, I would love for this to

1413
01:44:22,005 --> 01:44:25,885
be brought back to city council. Absolutely. Um, and, you know, not just the,

1414
01:44:26,045 --> 01:44:29,325
you know, for these two, but let's, I look in, you know, holistically across the city

1415
01:44:30,105 --> 01:44:33,605
and, you know, see where, you know, there are schools that are in high traffic

1416
01:44:34,135 --> 01:44:37,825
areas that we know have problems with speeding, and that we can, uh,

1417
01:44:38,185 --> 01:44:41,565
you know, implement, uh, this. Okay. Excellent.

1418
01:44:42,585 --> 01:44:46,525
and I think that'll give some, uh, cause of relief for some speeding issues for the fire

1419
01:44:46,695 --> 01:44:49,045
chief and, uh, public works director,

1420
01:44:51,345 --> 01:44:55,345
but not totally yet. I still wanna see the analysis. . Um,

1421
01:44:56,475 --> 01:44:58,445
okay. Uh, anyone else have any, uh, questions?

1422
01:45:00,635 --> 01:45:04,465
okay. See you. None. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, chief. You're welcome. May I, uh, couple

1423
01:45:04,945 --> 01:45:08,705
of, couple of points mm-hmm . On the city manager's report, um,

1424
01:45:09,245 --> 01:45:13,005
hopewell was, uh, very pleased to sponsor or host rather,

1425
01:45:13,605 --> 01:45:17,215
a round table with senator warner on water

1426
01:45:17,665 --> 01:45:21,485
and wastewater infrastructure needs in the region. Among those

1427
01:45:21,795 --> 01:45:25,405
present, the mayors of richmond and petersburg, as well as

1428
01:45:26,015 --> 01:45:29,545
leadership from chesterfield and henrico county, uh,

1429
01:45:30,085 --> 01:45:33,795
congresswoman mcclellan, senator ed, and delegate coya,

1430
01:45:34,105 --> 01:45:38,005
who were, uh, were present, uh, along with 50 plus other leaders

1431
01:45:38,505 --> 01:45:42,385
and, and experts from around, uh, from the region. The

1432
01:45:42,635 --> 01:45:46,285
principal discussion was, uh, the current state of water

1433
01:45:47,145 --> 01:45:50,675
and wastewater infrastructure, uh, in the region, principally

1434
01:45:51,415 --> 01:45:55,305
about hopewell, the hopewell water renewal. Uh,

1435
01:45:55,545 --> 01:45:59,385
the senator suggested that leaders continue the discussion and,

1436
01:45:59,985 --> 01:46:03,845
uh, come back within 60 days, uh, with, uh, some

1437
01:46:04,135 --> 01:46:08,125
ideas of how we could work together to, uh, approach,

1438
01:46:08,545 --> 01:46:12,375
uh, state and federal agencies for additional water

1439
01:46:13,005 --> 01:46:16,905
resources. You and the vice mayor were, were present and part of that discussion. And,

1440
01:46:17,625 --> 01:46:21,305
and, uh, since that meeting, the mayor has,

1441
01:46:21,745 --> 01:46:25,665
um, uh, picked up on senator, uh, warner's, uh,

1442
01:46:25,895 --> 01:46:29,785
suggestion and has in, uh, reached out to the other mayors

1443
01:46:30,745 --> 01:46:34,435
and other leaders about, uh, coming together to explore

1444
01:46:35,825 --> 01:46:39,725
our collective options as a region. And so, apparently,

1445
01:46:40,715 --> 01:46:44,505
hopefully in the next couple of weeks, we will get together and, and see

1446
01:46:44,725 --> 01:46:48,605
how far we can go with that. Yeah, we, um, our, uh, lobbyist

1447
01:46:49,205 --> 01:46:53,095
firm, dbs, um, you know, they're taking the lead of, you know, coordinating and organizing,

1448
01:46:54,065 --> 01:46:58,045
um, you know, these folks, these subject matter experts that are going to be,

1449
01:46:58,585 --> 01:47:02,505
um, a part of this working group. Um, we've already got representatives, uh,

1450
01:47:02,725 --> 01:47:05,965
from petersburg, uh, from prince george hopewell,

1451
01:47:07,265 --> 01:47:10,085
um, let's see, colonial heights.

1452
01:47:11,505 --> 01:47:15,465
no, no. Um, we, we did, we got a representative from the capital region,

1453
01:47:16,035 --> 01:47:19,485
capital area regional military alliance, which, you know,

1454
01:47:20,485 --> 01:47:24,365
represents, um, you know, some of fort lee's interests. Um, we've also got,

1455
01:47:24,745 --> 01:47:28,605
um, some subject matter experts, uh, from the state, um, as well

1456
01:47:28,865 --> 01:47:32,105
as from the private sector. Um, we got a lot of, uh,

1457
01:47:33,105 --> 01:47:37,085
pe engineers, which is very exciting. Um, so, you know, they're

1458
01:47:37,365 --> 01:47:40,865
working on getting their first meeting, which is going to be kind of like a organization, get to know you,

1459
01:47:41,545 --> 01:47:45,045
uh, who you're gonna, you know, be working with. And then they're going to, you know, transition

1460
01:47:45,675 --> 01:47:49,485
over, uh, into, you know, a lot of virtual meetings and coming

1461
01:47:49,785 --> 01:47:53,725
up with those, uh, federal and state policy, um, proposals and recommendations

1462
01:47:54,675 --> 01:47:58,285
that we can give to, uh, delegate coyer, uh, senator ad. And then also,

1463
01:47:58,785 --> 01:48:02,365
um, more importantly, uh, senator warner and congresswoman mcclellan.

1464
01:48:03,105 --> 01:48:07,005
uh, so this is very exciting stuff, um, very, very, uh, exciting.

1465
01:48:07,745 --> 01:48:11,585
um, and it, like mr. Rogers said, it was a great, um,

1466
01:48:12,095 --> 01:48:16,005
round table discussion that we had. Excellent. Um, and, you know, we

1467
01:48:16,125 --> 01:48:20,045
got a lot of great compliments, um, forward, you know, the city putting their best

1468
01:48:20,205 --> 01:48:24,185
foot forward and, um, you know, bringing a lot of these folks together. Um, so

1469
01:48:24,535 --> 01:48:28,405
thank you, mr. Rogers, uh, and your, your staff for, you know, pulling

1470
01:48:28,645 --> 01:48:32,635
this off and, uh, you know, really shine a good light on hopewell. Okay. Next

1471
01:48:32,925 --> 01:48:36,725
point. Next week is our council retreat. Mm-hmm .

1472
01:48:37,545 --> 01:48:41,445
and, uh, our executive assistant has been in contact with you

1473
01:48:41,825 --> 01:48:45,595
to work out logistics. If there's anything remaining, feel

1474
01:48:45,885 --> 01:48:48,865
free to call her. But we will start on monday

1475
01:48:50,065 --> 01:48:53,885
at 11, um, am uh, at the hilton doubletree

1476
01:48:54,445 --> 01:48:58,275
andn in and in williamsburg. So we've, we've been in contact with

1477
01:48:58,685 --> 01:49:01,245
each of you about transportation arrangements,

1478
01:49:02,905 --> 01:49:06,725
and, uh, you also have some assignments, at least

1479
01:49:06,945 --> 01:49:10,885
one to read the book that we have given you, uh, which will be

1480
01:49:11,475 --> 01:49:15,385
discussed as a part of our, our team building, uh, at, at the,

1481
01:49:17,075 --> 01:49:20,925
it's a great book so far. Don't ruin the ending for me. I got 25% more to go.

1482
01:49:21,675 --> 01:49:25,645
okay. It's a great read, this great book. Terrific. And, um, you guys have

1483
01:49:25,845 --> 01:49:29,445
gotten, uh, councilor oli? The yes. The book? Yes. Excellent. Great.

1484
01:49:29,985 --> 01:49:33,825
yes. Mm-hmm . Uh, council and directors have been invited to

1485
01:49:34,205 --> 01:49:37,885
a senior leader's workshop for emergency preparedness,

1486
01:49:39,225 --> 01:49:40,765
uh, training on september 23rd,

1487
01:49:43,505 --> 01:49:47,445
uh, and by being hosted by fema and will be conducted

1488
01:49:47,845 --> 01:49:50,315
by fema, uh, our emergency

1489
01:49:52,395 --> 01:49:54,625
fema federal emergency management agency.

1490
01:49:56,585 --> 01:50:00,045
um, and, uh, robert, uh, williams,

1491
01:50:00,625 --> 01:50:04,605
our emergency, uh, preparedness coordinator, will reach out

1492
01:50:04,805 --> 01:50:08,645
to council members to facilitate your registration if you have not done

1493
01:50:08,925 --> 01:50:11,825
so already. I've done that already, and we would appreciate your, uh,

1494
01:50:12,985 --> 01:50:16,365
uh, your participation. And for department directors,

1495
01:50:18,105 --> 01:50:21,975
the message is, sign up plain

1496
01:50:22,325 --> 01:50:26,145
and simple. Okay. Wanna see you there. Uh, and,

1497
01:50:26,585 --> 01:50:30,505
um, I'll be there. And, uh, I, I think this is very important, uh,

1498
01:50:30,725 --> 01:50:34,065
seminar, uh, with respect to national night out.

1499
01:50:34,785 --> 01:50:38,255
um, it's always, uh, one of my favorite activities

1500
01:50:38,985 --> 01:50:41,705
for a city to do, and I hope that, uh,

1501
01:50:43,145 --> 01:50:47,085
uh, most of us can, can attend and be present. I

1502
01:50:47,205 --> 01:50:51,105
will encourage department directors as well to, to show up

1503
01:50:51,465 --> 01:50:55,465
and, and, uh, be present. Not much to do. Just be

1504
01:50:55,685 --> 01:50:59,605
available, you know, we're not doing a dog and pony pony show or anything like

1505
01:50:59,805 --> 01:51:03,565
that, but I think it's good for, for government to meet the citizens,

1506
01:51:04,345 --> 01:51:08,085
at least on that night, and, and, uh, learn a lot about what's

1507
01:51:08,445 --> 01:51:11,265
going on in the community and, and, uh, um,

1508
01:51:12,815 --> 01:51:16,665
focus on one hope. Well, moving forward. So,

1509
01:51:16,985 --> 01:51:20,765
uh, I hope you will attend. That's all I have. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

1510
01:51:22,875 --> 01:51:26,665
okay. Uh, moving on to, uh, information presentations. Uh,

1511
01:51:26,905 --> 01:51:30,805
mr. Passeth, mr. Mayor,

1512
01:51:31,085 --> 01:51:34,765
members of council, as you know, staff conducted a talent search for city clerk.

1513
01:51:35,345 --> 01:51:37,925
the city received 79 applications,

1514
01:51:39,715 --> 01:51:43,565
interviewed seven of those applicants, and shortlisted two of them for counsel

1515
01:51:44,025 --> 01:51:47,585
to conduct interviews with one of those candidates. Uh, ms.

1516
01:51:48,125 --> 01:51:51,605
michelle, alicia howard is here with us tonight for counsel's consideration for appointment.

1517
01:51:52,595 --> 01:51:56,285
okay. Alright. At this time, do I have a motion,

1518
01:51:57,065 --> 01:52:00,825
uh, to approve or to appoint, uh, ms. Va

1519
01:52:01,105 --> 01:52:04,645
sheila howard to be the city clerk for the city of hopewell.

1520
01:52:05,145 --> 01:52:09,145
so moved. Oh, man, you goes passed. Um, motion

1521
01:52:09,585 --> 01:52:13,525
was made by vice mayor joiner and seconded by councilor day. Is there any

1522
01:52:13,725 --> 01:52:16,925
discussion seeing no lights? Roll call, please.

1523
01:52:18,075 --> 01:52:21,975
councilor harris? Yes. Mayor. Pardon? Yes. Councillor

1524
01:52:22,885 --> 01:52:26,305
ellis? Yes. Councillor day? Yes. Councillor stokes.

1525
01:52:30,185 --> 01:52:31,525
you're, you're muted. Councilor stokes.

1526
01:52:38,235 --> 01:52:41,965
counselor ole? Yes. Vice mayor

1527
01:52:42,265 --> 01:52:46,105
joyner? Yes. Alright. Motion passes. Six

1528
01:52:46,325 --> 01:52:50,185
to zero. Congratulations ms. Howard, welcome to the team. Yes. And,

1529
01:52:50,425 --> 01:52:54,365
uh, we look forward

1530
01:52:54,605 --> 01:52:58,605
to having you up here on the d in two weeks. Yes. Looking forward to it.

1531
01:52:58,725 --> 01:53:02,475
thank you all so much. All thank you. And I'm looking so forward to working with

1532
01:53:02,765 --> 01:53:06,515
all of you. Thank you. Same here. Thanks. Same. Mm-hmm . Okay.

1533
01:53:08,265 --> 01:53:12,095
moving on to, uh, communications from citizens. Um, madam

1534
01:53:12,445 --> 01:53:16,245
clerk, do you mind reading the statement, please? A communication from

1535
01:53:16,845 --> 01:53:20,845
citizens period limited in total time to 30 minutes is part of the order

1536
01:53:21,105 --> 01:53:25,085
of business. At each regular council meeting, all persons addressing the

1537
01:53:25,285 --> 01:53:29,045
council shall approach the microphone, give their name, and if they reside

1538
01:53:29,405 --> 01:53:32,645
in, hopewell, their ward number and limit comments to three minutes.

1539
01:53:33,545 --> 01:53:37,285
no one is permitted to speak on any item scheduled for consideration

1540
01:53:37,645 --> 01:53:40,835
on the regular agenda of the meeting. All remarks presiding

1541
01:53:42,105 --> 01:53:46,025
all remarks shall be addressed to the counsel as a body. Any

1542
01:53:46,445 --> 01:53:49,665
questions must be asked through the presiding officer. Any person

1543
01:53:50,465 --> 01:53:54,005
who makes personal impertinent abusive or slanderous

1544
01:53:55,135 --> 01:53:58,725
statements or incites disorderly conduct and counsel chambers

1545
01:53:59,625 --> 01:54:03,605
may be barred by the mayor from a further audience before council and removed,

1546
01:54:04,275 --> 01:54:07,635
subject to appeal to a majority of council c rules, 4 0 5

1547
01:54:08,385 --> 01:54:12,365
and 4 0 6. Okay. Uh, the only person that I

1548
01:54:12,485 --> 01:54:15,055
have signed up for tonight is ms. April jones. Tyler,

1549
01:54:28,915 --> 01:54:32,225
good evening. My name is april jones. Tyler, I'm in ward two.

1550
01:54:32,985 --> 01:54:36,745
um, so first I would like to address you all with a question, um,

1551
01:54:37,065 --> 01:54:40,585
of concern. So, uh, the first question is, uh,

1552
01:54:41,155 --> 01:54:44,755
I've been trying to do a follow up, um, conversation with the city manager.

1553
01:54:45,905 --> 01:54:49,845
um, unfortunately, uh, through the secretary, I'm unable to do a

1554
01:54:49,965 --> 01:54:53,885
follow up. So, um, my question for you all tonight is, uh, what is the process

1555
01:54:54,665 --> 01:54:58,405
to do a follow up when I contact the city manager's office?

1556
01:54:59,785 --> 01:55:03,605
and, um, also, um, my issues

1557
01:55:03,925 --> 01:55:07,385
that I would like to discuss tonight is with public housing. Um,

1558
01:55:08,305 --> 01:55:12,265
so the first issue is I, me and my two children, um,

1559
01:55:13,475 --> 01:55:17,345
ages are, uh, three and four. Sorry, I'm a little nervous. Um,

1560
01:55:18,215 --> 01:55:21,875
three and four. Um, we have been moved into

1561
01:55:22,765 --> 01:55:26,705
a home that was never inspected. Um, also my lease contract was

1562
01:55:26,925 --> 01:55:30,805
breached. It was, um, the year dated 2024. I

1563
01:55:31,125 --> 01:55:35,045
received a, um, tenants rights and responsibilities until the year of

1564
01:55:35,165 --> 01:55:38,645
2025. Um, their ified information on the calculation

1565
01:55:39,245 --> 01:55:42,465
worksheet, all zeros. Um, I have passed

1566
01:55:43,285 --> 01:55:47,085
cockroaches, spiders, paint, pulling off the wall as of today. Um, there's been water leaks,

1567
01:55:47,405 --> 01:55:50,745
water leaks in my ceiling, no proper air ventilation, um,

1568
01:55:54,075 --> 01:55:57,505
with me. Um, there's mold in mildew present. Um,

1569
01:55:58,745 --> 01:56:02,665
in my bathroom, uh, my son's teacher, a nurse, uh,

1570
01:56:02,885 --> 01:56:06,685
wrote a letter regarding webb's bug bikes on his arms. Other tenants have been faced with

1571
01:56:06,995 --> 01:56:10,965
rats, ceiling falling on their couch. Similar issues. I'm also speaking up for other tenants as

1572
01:56:11,085 --> 01:56:14,965
well. Um, I've been trapped in my screen door a total of

1573
01:56:15,125 --> 01:56:19,125
six times. Um, to me this is a safety hazard. I have attended

1574
01:56:19,325 --> 01:56:22,565
a total of four board meetings. Nothing resolved,

1575
01:56:23,745 --> 01:56:27,685
um, to add, um, they will not provide me with

1576
01:56:27,925 --> 01:56:31,845
my project based voucher information. Um, the recertification, they had me

1577
01:56:31,985 --> 01:56:35,955
do, uh, required information from my kids. Daddy does not live with me. Um, also

1578
01:56:36,245 --> 01:56:39,225
I requested for my recertification information, um,

1579
01:56:40,665 --> 01:56:44,405
if I could have that in writing, that was refused to me by, um, the housing

1580
01:56:45,035 --> 01:56:48,945
authority. Um, I'm supposed to be transferred. Um,

1581
01:56:49,545 --> 01:56:53,505
and the housing authority will not provide me this information. I'm needing this information to, uh,

1582
01:56:53,725 --> 01:56:57,445
provide to my gss worker. They need this in order to have me,

1583
01:56:58,185 --> 01:57:02,045
um, transferred. And that's, um, that is all

1584
01:57:02,205 --> 01:57:06,185
that I have to share with you all tonight. Thank you. Okay. Um, get

1585
01:57:06,405 --> 01:57:10,365
our name? Yeah. We got your, your phone number here. Um, yes, sir. I'm gonna pass

1586
01:57:10,525 --> 01:57:14,105
this along to mr. Rogers at the end of the meeting. And I'm gonna ask him, um,

1587
01:57:14,705 --> 01:57:18,645
you know, to give you a call yes, sir. Or to have, uh, or to, you know, make sure

1588
01:57:18,845 --> 01:57:22,485
that you know someone with, um, the hopewell redevelopment housing authority

1589
01:57:23,275 --> 01:57:27,245
addresses all of your issues. Thank you. And I also, excuse me, I didn't mean to I'm sorry. Go

1590
01:57:27,365 --> 01:57:31,305
ahead. I'm sorry. Um, and I also have other at tenant information. Um, if by

1591
01:57:31,625 --> 01:57:35,365
any chance can I pass that along to him? Yes. As well. Mm-hmm . Um, because

1592
01:57:35,765 --> 01:57:39,645
they're afraid of retaliation, so I told 'em I will, you know, speak up on their behalf as

1593
01:57:39,845 --> 01:57:42,685
well tonight. Okay. Thank you much for your, thank you. Thank you.

1594
01:57:44,995 --> 01:57:48,765
okay. Uh, that's all that I had signed up for tonight. Uh, moving

1595
01:57:49,305 --> 01:57:51,565
on to our public hearings.

1596
01:57:53,775 --> 01:57:57,725
point of order, mayor. Okay. I

1597
01:57:57,845 --> 01:58:01,525
didn't get to vote regarding the clerk or make a discussion 'cause I had technical

1598
01:58:02,405 --> 01:58:05,915
difficulties. What is the process?

1599
01:58:07,005 --> 01:58:10,825
'cause I don't want, I want my vote and

1600
01:58:11,045 --> 01:58:14,355
comment recorded appropriately. Okay.

1601
01:58:15,125 --> 01:58:19,045
I mean, you can make, and we can just add it to the record. When do

1602
01:58:19,205 --> 01:58:21,925
I make it? Yeah, just go ahead and make it now.

1603
01:58:23,715 --> 01:58:27,245
okay. Um, on the vote for the city clerk,

1604
01:58:28,785 --> 01:58:31,625
my comment would've been, um,

1605
01:58:34,525 --> 01:58:38,075
I did not like the due process that was done

1606
01:58:38,905 --> 01:58:42,375
during the selection. Um, other city clerk,

1607
01:58:43,725 --> 01:58:46,905
I think we should have considered more, uh,

1608
01:58:47,745 --> 01:58:50,185
of the applications and

1609
01:58:51,775 --> 01:58:54,885
given some preference to our tax paying residents.

1610
01:58:56,185 --> 01:59:00,065
um, so my vote was no. Okay. And I wanted it

1611
01:59:00,565 --> 01:59:04,545
recorded as such. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Mm-hmm . Um, and,

1612
01:59:04,985 --> 01:59:08,945
uh, sade, please, uh, have my comment, uh, you know, added to

1613
01:59:09,165 --> 01:59:12,685
the official minutes, um, that, you know, this process,

1614
01:59:13,625 --> 01:59:16,905
uh, was a very thorough process in which we utilized our,

1615
01:59:17,665 --> 01:59:21,605
um, staff and our subject matter experts, uh, to make sure that we

1616
01:59:21,765 --> 01:59:24,685
were getting the best of the best. And, uh, we were not

1617
01:59:25,805 --> 01:59:29,805
allowing any, uh, personal, uh, conflicts of interest, uh, to

1618
01:59:30,005 --> 01:59:33,915
cloud our judgment. Thank you. You're welcome. Okay.

1619
01:59:35,585 --> 01:59:39,445
uh, let's see here. Moving on. Um, well, we do have, uh, some

1620
01:59:39,685 --> 01:59:43,585
folks sign up on public hearings. Did, uh, these, this is, uh,

1621
01:59:45,365 --> 01:59:49,325
pauletta. Jarret. Yes, sir. Did you wanna talk during

1622
01:59:49,805 --> 01:59:52,785
communications from citizens or the actual public hearing? Um,

1623
01:59:54,105 --> 01:59:58,065
I'm gonna pass her right now and I apologize. I'll speak with you later. Um,

1624
01:59:58,755 --> 02:00:02,555
jared's wife. Oh, okay. Okay. Mm-hmm . Okay.

1625
02:00:03,025 --> 02:00:03,025
um,

1626
02:00:08,035 --> 02:00:09,985
calm, I guess it's maybe commissioner jones harris,

1627
02:00:14,485 --> 02:00:18,345
I think. Okay. They were hr check. Alright. Um,

1628
02:00:18,785 --> 02:00:19,385
and then a mr. Michael mayo.

1629
02:00:23,355 --> 02:00:27,285
okay. Did you wanna speak on the public hearing or communications from, or, or communications

1630
02:00:27,565 --> 02:00:31,245
from citizens? Mr. Mayo's an applicant.

1631
02:00:32,145 --> 02:00:35,405
oh, he's an applicant. Okay. Alright. Public hearing. Okay. Just wanna make sure. Alright.

1632
02:00:36,315 --> 02:00:40,165
alright. We're gonna move back on to our public

1633
02:00:40,405 --> 02:00:44,045
hearings now. Uh, madam clerk, will you please, uh, read the statement

1634
02:00:44,575 --> 02:00:46,365
while mr. Rupert comes up to the mic?

1635
02:00:51,145 --> 02:00:55,005
oh, I'm sorry. I'll read it for you since I got it here. Uh, each person

1636
02:00:55,245 --> 02:00:59,005
addressing the counsel shall step to the microphone, give their name, locality

1637
02:00:59,525 --> 02:01:03,205
and phone number, and limit, limit comments to three minutes or less.

1638
02:01:03,865 --> 02:01:07,805
no person shall be permitted to address counsel a second time until all others have

1639
02:01:08,085 --> 02:01:11,925
been heard once. And no one shall speak more than twice on any subject in any

1640
02:01:12,125 --> 02:01:16,125
one meeting. All remarks shall be addressed to council as the body and not any member

1641
02:01:16,995 --> 02:01:20,885
thereof. No person other than the council and the person

1642
02:01:21,045 --> 02:01:24,805
having the floor shall enter into any discussion, either directly or through

1643
02:01:25,245 --> 02:01:28,785
a member of council without permission of the mayor, uh, no

1644
02:01:29,365 --> 02:01:32,525
question shall be asked of a council member, including the administration,

1645
02:01:33,585 --> 02:01:36,545
except through the presiding officer, mr. Roofer,

1646
02:01:38,145 --> 02:01:42,125
uh, mr. Mayor, vice mayor, members of council. Um, as you know,

1647
02:01:42,515 --> 02:01:46,065
back in july, I brought to you a presentation about, uh, an

1648
02:01:46,525 --> 02:01:50,425
increase in our, uh, ems fees. Um, as

1649
02:01:50,725 --> 02:01:54,485
I discussed then, our ems fees are, are far behind all of our neighbors

1650
02:01:54,845 --> 02:01:58,785
surrounding us. And, um, this would bring us, uh, uh,

1651
02:01:59,115 --> 02:02:03,105
back into, uh, up to a, a level that would, um, allow us to

1652
02:02:03,325 --> 02:02:06,645
get additional revenue, um, to support our operations in the fire department.

1653
02:02:07,585 --> 02:02:11,585
um, basically, as you can see in our draft ordinance that, um,

1654
02:02:12,305 --> 02:02:16,285
uh, the city attorney, uh, helped us draft, you can see that we're basically,

1655
02:02:17,105 --> 02:02:20,775
um, increasing it to 135% of me medicare allowables.

1656
02:02:21,785 --> 02:02:25,685
um, so that allows that rate to basically be adjusted each year as medicare

1657
02:02:25,875 --> 02:02:29,835
adjusts their rate. Um, we also discussed, um, uh, some

1658
02:02:30,235 --> 02:02:34,105
options for relief for our citizens. Uh, they can, uh, do an

1659
02:02:34,365 --> 02:02:38,285
annual subscription for $69 that allow them to not see a bill from us if they

1660
02:02:38,445 --> 02:02:42,385
are them or any of their household are transported, uh, on an ambulance. As

1661
02:02:42,605 --> 02:02:46,545
well as, uh, some relief given to them as well if, uh,

1662
02:02:46,765 --> 02:02:50,765
they apply for, um, uh, reduced rate. Uh, and that's based

1663
02:02:50,965 --> 02:02:54,765
on the poverty level that's published every year also by, uh, health and human

1664
02:02:55,165 --> 02:02:58,885
services. And so, uh, we, uh, that is what is presented

1665
02:02:59,405 --> 02:03:03,065
tonight. Um, if you'd like, I can go back through that presentation or that's

1666
02:03:03,485 --> 02:03:07,445
alright. Okay. Okay. Uh, we're gonna

1667
02:03:07,565 --> 02:03:11,565
go ahead. Well first, uh, are there any questions for mr. Rupert or chief rupert before we

1668
02:03:11,805 --> 02:03:15,745
open up the public hearing? Seeing no

1669
02:03:15,965 --> 02:03:19,925
lights? Alright, I'm gonna go ahead and open up the public hearing. I do not have anyone signed

1670
02:03:20,285 --> 02:03:23,165
up on this. Uh, is there anyone in the audience that would like to speak on this?

1671
02:03:25,465 --> 02:03:28,525
no. Okay. Public hearing is now closed.

1672
02:03:30,345 --> 02:03:34,265
uh, is there a motion, uh, to approve the fee change, uh,

1673
02:03:34,485 --> 02:03:38,365
ordinance, uh, for fire ems as presented tonight? So, move.

1674
02:03:38,915 --> 02:03:42,845
okay. Motions made by vice mayor joiner and seconded by councillor day. Is there any

1675
02:03:43,005 --> 02:03:46,525
discussion? See no lights. Roll call please. Councill

1676
02:03:47,085 --> 02:03:50,725
harris, may I pardon?

1677
02:03:51,265 --> 02:03:55,265
yes. Councillor ellis? Yes. Councillor day? Yes.

1678
02:03:56,135 --> 02:04:00,025
councillor stokes? Yes. Council oli?

1679
02:04:00,465 --> 02:04:04,305
yes. Vice mayor joiner? Yes. Motion passes. Six to

1680
02:04:04,525 --> 02:04:08,325
zero. Okay. Uh, moving

1681
02:04:08,865 --> 02:04:12,155
on to public hearing number two. Uh, ms. English.

1682
02:04:21,995 --> 02:04:25,725
good evening. Good evening. Evening. Janelle english, director of finance for the school

1683
02:04:26,205 --> 02:04:30,105
division. I'm here for, um, dr. Hackney. Um, we

1684
02:04:30,325 --> 02:04:34,315
have a public hearing tonight for a supplemental appropriation to amend the fiscal year

1685
02:04:34,605 --> 02:04:38,205
26 budget school's budget, um, by the amount of $778,650,

1686
02:04:41,095 --> 02:04:43,825
which is additional state and local funding. Um,

1687
02:04:45,105 --> 02:04:48,325
the school division's original budget was approved by city council on april 22nd, 2025.

1688
02:04:50,425 --> 02:04:53,805
and since then we've received an additional state grant in the amount of $40,650

1689
02:04:55,785 --> 02:04:59,725
for a, um, it's a school security officer grant and we must

1690
02:04:59,925 --> 02:05:03,205
carry over state and local funds that we've received in fiscal year 25

1691
02:05:04,235 --> 02:05:08,005
that were reserved to provide a retention bonus to our employees in the amount of $738,000.

1692
02:05:10,105 --> 02:05:13,965
so these funds will increase the total, um, school operating

1693
02:05:14,595 --> 02:05:15,525
fund to $72,574,676.

1694
02:05:21,265 --> 02:05:25,165
that's it. Okay. Alright. Are there any questions, uh, for ms. English

1695
02:05:25,725 --> 02:05:29,685
before we open the public hearing? Seeing no lights?

1696
02:05:30,595 --> 02:05:33,585
alright, we're gonna go ahead and open up a public hearing. Um,

1697
02:05:36,025 --> 02:05:39,555
ms. Jart, this is your opportunity if you wanna speak. Well

1698
02:05:41,865 --> 02:05:45,845
on this topic. I mean, like on the, on this topic? Yeah. On the

1699
02:05:46,045 --> 02:05:49,965
school? Yeah. On the school system. No, I don't have, all my children are, are out of the house.

1700
02:05:50,435 --> 02:05:54,345
okay. So this is my first time being here, so now I, I'm getting a feel of it. I'm

1701
02:05:54,565 --> 02:05:57,845
gonna start being more visible, um, because I just

1702
02:05:58,675 --> 02:06:02,405
need to be more visible. Okay. Alright. Thank you. Thank you. Mm-hmm .

1703
02:06:03,195 --> 02:06:07,045
okay. Uh, I don't have anyone else signed up. Is there anyone the audience would like to speak on this

1704
02:06:07,245 --> 02:06:10,715
public hearing? Okay. Seeing none,

1705
02:06:12,145 --> 02:06:15,945
I'm go ahead and close the public hearing. Uh, is there a motion to

1706
02:06:16,235 --> 02:06:20,125
approve the resolution to amend the fiscal year 2026 hopewell

1707
02:06:20,685 --> 02:06:23,485
public school supplemental budget appropriation as presented tonight?

1708
02:06:25,025 --> 02:06:28,925
so move, I'll second it. Uh, motions made by vice mayor joiner

1709
02:06:29,325 --> 02:06:32,945
and seconded by myself. Any discussion? Seeing

1710
02:06:33,365 --> 02:06:37,165
none. Roll call please. Mayor. Pardon? Yes. Councilor ellis?

1711
02:06:37,465 --> 02:06:40,305
yes. Councillor day? Yes. Councillor stokes?

1712
02:06:41,505 --> 02:06:45,465
yes. Councilor oli? Yes. Vice mayor joiner? Yes.

1713
02:06:45,905 --> 02:06:49,685
motion passes. Six to zero. Okay. Moving on to public hearing

1714
02:06:49,965 --> 02:06:50,205
number three.

1715
02:07:10,155 --> 02:07:14,085
good evening again. Uh, tonight we have a conditional

1716
02:07:14,585 --> 02:07:18,525
use permit request to construct single family dwelling on

1717
02:07:18,685 --> 02:07:22,115
non-conforming lot actually consists of two, two parcels,

1718
02:07:23,625 --> 02:07:26,845
excuse me. Uh, 0 1 3 1 5 9 5 and 0 1 3 1 6 0 0

1719
02:07:30,115 --> 02:07:33,565
also identified, uh, or actually located on south 19th avenue.

1720
02:07:34,825 --> 02:07:38,805
the applicant is vets housing llc. This property's located

1721
02:07:39,165 --> 02:07:41,545
in ward five and zoned r two.

1722
02:07:44,145 --> 02:07:48,045
uh, the nonconformities with this particular, uh, lot are both in the

1723
02:07:48,165 --> 02:07:51,245
width and the total square footage. Uh, it's just smaller on both

1724
02:07:52,785 --> 02:07:56,495
the applicant's proposing to build a one story single family dwelling. Three

1725
02:07:56,845 --> 02:07:59,995
bedroom, two bath, 1,352 square foot.

1726
02:08:01,205 --> 02:08:04,975
a single family home, oops, lemme

1727
02:08:05,325 --> 02:08:09,205
back up. Just got some elevations here of

1728
02:08:09,365 --> 02:08:13,205
what the proposed house will look like. Uh, front and rear,

1729
02:08:14,395 --> 02:08:18,325
left and right. The applicant is proposing

1730
02:08:18,945 --> 02:08:22,845
to construct, uh, this dwelling, which is larger than the average single family

1731
02:08:23,165 --> 02:08:26,585
dwelling in that neighborhood. And that average size is 1075

1732
02:08:27,845 --> 02:08:31,725
square feet. Applicant's proposing vinyl siding, uh, it's

1733
02:08:32,005 --> 02:08:35,965
consistent with other homes in the neighborhood and as required by the

1734
02:08:36,085 --> 02:08:39,125
ordinance, the dwelling will meet all district setbacks.

1735
02:08:41,255 --> 02:08:45,045
staff is recommending approval of the conditional use permitt application with the following conditions

1736
02:08:46,035 --> 02:08:50,005
that the two lots will be combined through the administrative re subdivision process.

1737
02:08:51,705 --> 02:08:54,735
uh, 12 inch minimum eaves along all roof edges,

1738
02:08:56,945 --> 02:09:00,675
uh, 20% tree canopy, driveway of asphalt

1739
02:09:01,165 --> 02:09:05,085
or concrete brick or stone foundation on all four sides

1740
02:09:05,405 --> 02:09:08,705
along with front foundation plantings. And essentially that the

1741
02:09:09,435 --> 02:09:13,045
applicant will construct the home as presented to you. This evening

1742
02:09:14,445 --> 02:09:18,045
planning commission, uh, agreed with staff's conditions.

1743
02:09:18,515 --> 02:09:21,565
they recommended approval three to zero at their public hearing.

1744
02:09:23,905 --> 02:09:27,715
uh, the department has not received any comments and no comments were

1745
02:09:28,005 --> 02:09:31,905
presented at the planning commission, public hearing either. I'm

1746
02:09:32,125 --> 02:09:36,005
available for any questions that you may have about this application and the applicant

1747
02:09:36,585 --> 02:09:40,355
is also here this evening. Uh, mr. Mayo. Okay.

1748
02:09:41,385 --> 02:09:45,305
are there any questions for, uh, mr. Ward before we open up the, uh,

1749
02:09:45,525 --> 02:09:49,265
public hearing? Okay. Seeing none? Yes.

1750
02:09:49,545 --> 02:09:53,365
oh, I'm sorry. Yes, ma'am. I pressed it twice. Sorry, because that didn't

1751
02:09:53,605 --> 02:09:57,525
work. Okay. Am I done off? Hold it, that's what it is. Gotta hold it. Okay. Yeah. Can you hold

1752
02:09:57,685 --> 02:10:01,515
it for me? Make sure it's working okay. Now it came up okay. Okay.

1753
02:10:01,925 --> 02:10:05,785
I just pressed it. I didn't hold it. That's okay. Yeah, if it doesn't come, we'll just wave me down. New

1754
02:10:06,005 --> 02:10:09,165
person. Sorry, , I apologize. Yep. Yes, ma'am.

1755
02:10:10,105 --> 02:10:13,925
um, so I'm concerned about a real

1756
02:10:14,315 --> 02:10:17,715
lack of privacy and room

1757
02:10:18,665 --> 02:10:22,445
for the person who's gonna live in this house.

1758
02:10:22,805 --> 02:10:26,045
I, I want them to be happy because when you buy a home, there's an expectation

1759
02:10:27,595 --> 02:10:30,645
that you have some privacy, some safety,

1760
02:10:31,905 --> 02:10:35,155
uh, security, and some room to entertain

1761
02:10:36,465 --> 02:10:40,325
in your yard and not be interrupting other neighbors. I,

1762
02:10:40,585 --> 02:10:44,425
I'm just trying to understand why we

1763
02:10:44,645 --> 02:10:48,345
think this exception should be approved because of those reasons. That's

1764
02:10:48,765 --> 02:10:52,575
why the rule is there to begin with, is to provide more space

1765
02:10:53,145 --> 02:10:57,025
for people. So our ordinance allows

1766
02:10:57,745 --> 02:11:01,625
for the construction of homes, single family homes on

1767
02:11:01,845 --> 02:11:05,205
non-conforming lots. It's in our ordinance and it's a provision that,

1768
02:11:06,225 --> 02:11:09,405
uh, states essentially you can construct a house on these

1769
02:11:10,605 --> 02:11:14,485
somewhat smaller lots. They may not be as wide as the minimum standards or they

1770
02:11:14,705 --> 02:11:18,625
may be, uh, not meeting the total square footage. And

1771
02:11:18,905 --> 02:11:22,805
the ordinance allows to go through this process so that you as a

1772
02:11:22,925 --> 02:11:26,505
city council can attach certain conditions to the approval. Um,

1773
02:11:27,015 --> 02:11:30,625
these are, these conditions here that are listed at the end.

1774
02:11:31,865 --> 02:11:35,605
um, everybody up here is probably really tired of seeing

1775
02:11:36,045 --> 02:11:39,925
'em 'cause they come through on every single application. Um, this is pretty

1776
02:11:40,085 --> 02:11:44,045
much the standard that, uh, staff and, and I would assume counsel

1777
02:11:44,505 --> 02:11:48,505
has agreed upon as, as preferred conditions for approval. So,

1778
02:11:49,465 --> 02:11:53,405
um, I'm not sure if that really answered your question a

1779
02:11:53,525 --> 02:11:57,295
hundred percent, but as the way staff

1780
02:11:57,965 --> 02:12:01,725
perceives it is, as long as an applicant is meeting the requirements,

1781
02:12:02,665 --> 02:12:06,315
we are going to recommend approval. And in this particular case,

1782
02:12:06,995 --> 02:12:10,685
this applicant is meeting the requirements set forth in the orders,

1783
02:12:11,195 --> 02:12:14,745
they're required to meet the district setbacks, even though it might be a little shorter or

1784
02:12:15,405 --> 02:12:17,685
narrower a lot, they still have to meet setbacks.

1785
02:12:19,835 --> 02:12:20,905
does that answer your question or?

1786
02:12:23,905 --> 02:12:27,845
um, I'll, I'll do some more research and follow up as we have other

1787
02:12:28,185 --> 02:12:31,445
issues. I personally, in my neighborhood and others,

1788
02:12:32,495 --> 02:12:35,225
mcing houses just on,

1789
02:12:37,025 --> 02:12:40,755
on very small postage lots. And I, I post to stamp lots

1790
02:12:41,045 --> 02:12:44,585
and I, I'm not in favor of that as a whole. And

1791
02:12:45,585 --> 02:12:48,865
we talk about it's, it could be a first home for,

1792
02:12:49,625 --> 02:12:53,445
uh, a starter family home and this kind of thing. Mm-hmm

1793
02:12:53,725 --> 02:12:57,425
. But they turn into to rental property almost

1794
02:12:57,845 --> 02:13:01,845
always their rental property. They're not, it's not like we're

1795
02:13:02,085 --> 02:13:05,865
housing somebody who has a hardship and, and couldn't otherwise afford

1796
02:13:06,365 --> 02:13:10,185
a larger home or a larger space. We're turning it into rental property and,

1797
02:13:10,505 --> 02:13:14,285
and I, I don't like the fact that we continuously do this.

1798
02:13:14,625 --> 02:13:18,565
so, but thank you for explaining that you have some protocols that you've used

1799
02:13:18,745 --> 02:13:22,645
in the past and that this meets the standard for your protocol.

1800
02:13:23,405 --> 02:13:27,345
absolutely. And we can, we can discuss this further offline too, if, you know, at a later time if

1801
02:13:27,565 --> 02:13:31,465
you'd like more information. I would. Absolutely. Okay. Are

1802
02:13:31,685 --> 02:13:35,645
there any other questions or comments? Okay. I'm go

1803
02:13:35,805 --> 02:13:38,825
ahead and open up the full hearing. Um, mr. Mayo.

1804
02:13:46,315 --> 02:13:50,245
good evening. My name is michael mayo. I'm the director of vet's housing. Uh, what

1805
02:13:50,525 --> 02:13:54,465
our mission is, is we aim to provide subsidized housing for

1806
02:13:54,685 --> 02:13:58,565
our veterans and affordable housing for the public. And we believe this

1807
02:13:58,805 --> 02:14:02,765
project will be, um, the perfect opportunity to provide, um, a single

1808
02:14:02,925 --> 02:14:06,805
family home at an affordable price point for like a,

1809
02:14:07,245 --> 02:14:11,185
a new family, um, or a, um, someone that's looking to

1810
02:14:11,405 --> 02:14:15,065
retire and downsize. Um, this particular one, we are not looking to,

1811
02:14:15,625 --> 02:14:19,505
um, rent out in any way. Um, we typically only rent, uh,

1812
02:14:19,825 --> 02:14:23,625
our multifamily new construction projects 'cause we're able to capitalize on, on

1813
02:14:23,845 --> 02:14:27,225
our, uh, scale, uh, to get the price down. Um,

1814
02:14:28,015 --> 02:14:31,925
other than that though, we think this would be, you know, a great opportunity for a family to

1815
02:14:32,125 --> 02:14:35,245
get a home at affordable price and for the city to collect additional

1816
02:14:36,155 --> 02:14:39,645
revenue. Um, if you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer.

1817
02:14:40,395 --> 02:14:44,205
okay. Uh, are there any questions for the applicant? Uh, yes ma'am.

1818
02:14:45,905 --> 02:14:49,595
can you tell me more about your veteran program? 'cause I'm very pro veteran

1819
02:14:50,585 --> 02:14:54,445
and so I'd like a little bit to know a little bit more about your veteran program

1820
02:14:54,915 --> 02:14:58,195
that you're offering. Yeah, so we're, we've partnered with, um, housing

1821
02:14:58,965 --> 02:15:02,645
redevelopment, you know, to, um, provide housing with their,

1822
02:15:03,145 --> 02:15:06,465
you know, utilizing the, the hud vash program. So,

1823
02:15:07,185 --> 02:15:11,045
um, we focus on with that program to capitalize on economies

1824
02:15:11,525 --> 02:15:15,365
of scale. We typically will only do multifamily, um, so that we can get our price down

1825
02:15:15,605 --> 02:15:19,525
to be able to afford to do it. Um, so on this one, since it's a single family home, just

1826
02:15:19,965 --> 02:15:23,445
a single lot, we're just looking to provide an affordable home for people.

1827
02:15:26,555 --> 02:15:30,435
okay. Uh, vice mayor jordan. Yeah, I guess my question is then

1828
02:15:30,875 --> 02:15:34,225
your company name seems a little bit,

1829
02:15:35,105 --> 02:15:39,025
so you really aren't focused on veterans at all? Not

1830
02:15:39,245 --> 02:15:43,045
really. I, well we are, um, that is our focus

1831
02:15:43,425 --> 02:15:47,385
on this particular lot. Um, we were able to get, you know, at a, um,

1832
02:15:47,605 --> 02:15:51,485
really great price. Um, so we went ahead, we wanted to go ahead

1833
02:15:51,685 --> 02:15:55,565
and develop it and, um, provide a, a nice home for someone. So, so, but you're

1834
02:15:55,805 --> 02:15:59,675
not working directly with any veterans groups? I mean, like, so this, this

1835
02:15:59,965 --> 02:16:03,785
house is not slated for a, a veteran to, you

1836
02:16:04,005 --> 02:16:07,165
know, a veteran to purchase or anything like that. And your multi-family

1837
02:16:08,365 --> 02:16:12,065
businesses, I mean, are, are you focused on, on

1838
02:16:12,565 --> 02:16:16,475
veterans? I mean, what, what veterans group do you partner with? Well,

1839
02:16:16,765 --> 02:16:20,685
we work with the, with the hud vash program. So they're the ones that provide the, the

1840
02:16:20,845 --> 02:16:24,765
housing vouchers, um, for, for veterans. Okay. And we are fairly

1841
02:16:25,305 --> 02:16:29,165
new. Our company just started this year, so we are up and coming, getting off the

1842
02:16:29,325 --> 02:16:33,195
ground, but we did just secure, um, a five acre, um, development

1843
02:16:33,945 --> 02:16:37,485
on the south side of richmond that we are gonna do all multifamily and provide

1844
02:16:38,085 --> 02:16:40,235
I see. Solely to veterans. Okay.

1845
02:16:42,875 --> 02:16:45,965
alright. Okay. Um, are there any other questions?

1846
02:16:48,665 --> 02:16:52,525
all right. Seeing no lights. Thank you sir. Thank you. Is there anyone else in the

1847
02:16:52,845 --> 02:16:54,885
audience, uh, that would like to speak on this public hearing tonight?

1848
02:16:57,235 --> 02:17:00,125
none. Okay. I'm, go ahead and, uh, close the public hearing.

1849
02:17:01,465 --> 02:17:04,625
um, I think, uh, yeah, out of respect for,

1850
02:17:05,505 --> 02:17:09,465
uh, councilor ley for just starting, um, and if

1851
02:17:09,685 --> 02:17:13,605
you're amenable to this, um, is everyone okay with just tabling this item?

1852
02:17:13,905 --> 02:17:17,845
so then that way, you know, you could be, you know, spun up or you do your, I have questions

1853
02:17:18,045 --> 02:17:21,405
too, research that you'd like to do and we can, uh, put it as our unfinished

1854
02:17:22,325 --> 02:17:26,285
business item at the next meeting. Thank you. Okay. Anyone stay with that s yeah.

1855
02:17:26,995 --> 02:17:30,905
yeah. Okay. Alright. Um, uh,

1856
02:17:31,145 --> 02:17:34,685
mr. Bassett, do we need a motion for that or is that good enough?

1857
02:17:35,345 --> 02:17:39,075
no, no. You don't need a motion to carry it over to another okay. Another meeting. Okay.

1858
02:17:40,435 --> 02:17:44,365
alright. So we'll do that as our first time of unfinished business at the next

1859
02:17:44,485 --> 02:17:46,445
meeting. Uh, public hearing number four,

1860
02:17:54,565 --> 02:17:58,505
I need you to drive this one. Thank you. Uh,

1861
02:17:58,725 --> 02:18:02,645
mayor, vice member members, members of council, thank you for this opportunity to speak on this public

1862
02:18:02,845 --> 02:18:06,785
hearing. Um, I'm here tonight to, um,

1863
02:18:07,835 --> 02:18:11,225
hold a public hearing for the sale of 6 33 epps street.

1864
02:18:12,345 --> 02:18:16,245
and this is, uh, this is a conforming lot, but it's a

1865
02:18:16,365 --> 02:18:20,045
little interesting story. So, uh, this is in b village.

1866
02:18:20,575 --> 02:18:24,225
there was a, a house here in the past and

1867
02:18:24,715 --> 02:18:28,665
through some circumstances that I'm not, uh, fully up to speed on

1868
02:18:28,885 --> 02:18:32,725
what happened, I believe it was a blight situation. Based on some

1869
02:18:32,965 --> 02:18:36,625
of the records I was able to find, the city acquired this lot, um,

1870
02:18:37,625 --> 02:18:41,065
lot 6 3 2 a and they, um,

1871
02:18:42,275 --> 02:18:46,265
they acquired this lot. And then also there's a, there's a right of way beside

1872
02:18:46,705 --> 02:18:50,635
it that's shown here in this picture in your calf, in your, um, your,

1873
02:18:51,025 --> 02:18:55,025
um, action form there, counsel action form and, uh,

1874
02:18:55,645 --> 02:18:59,545
incorporated that in 2017, uh,

1875
02:19:00,475 --> 02:19:04,165
into a larger, uh, property, this was done around the time

1876
02:19:05,115 --> 02:19:08,845
that the stream restoration project was done. Mm-hmm . On riverside.

1877
02:19:09,445 --> 02:19:13,115
and I believe that some of the acquisition of these lots was associated with that. Okay.

1878
02:19:14,105 --> 02:19:18,005
so one of the things that we do in economic development and tourism is, is we try to

1879
02:19:18,275 --> 02:19:22,105
find, um, land the city has in surplus that's not producing tax

1880
02:19:22,325 --> 02:19:26,145
revenue. And we, and we, uh, open that up for people to

1881
02:19:26,605 --> 02:19:30,205
purchase. This was, uh, actually an unsolicited offer. We, we were not

1882
02:19:30,645 --> 02:19:33,705
advertising this, um, but, um, mr. Nathan davenport

1883
02:19:35,245 --> 02:19:39,215
and his company, um, made us an unsolicited offer, which,

1884
02:19:39,625 --> 02:19:43,345
um, we, um, reviewed, enclosed session and

1885
02:19:43,745 --> 02:19:47,665
I'm here tonight to have the public hearing, uh, for the

1886
02:19:48,165 --> 02:19:51,755
contract approval, uh, that you have in your package. Uh, this

1887
02:19:52,225 --> 02:19:55,795
is for $13,000 and the applicant,

1888
02:19:56,705 --> 02:20:00,685
um, who will be if, if approved tonight by this public hearing,

1889
02:20:01,305 --> 02:20:05,005
uh, they will be working with the city attorney's office

1890
02:20:05,505 --> 02:20:08,945
and planning and zoning essentially to reestablish that lot

1891
02:20:09,635 --> 02:20:12,485
that you see there. That was, uh, incorporated in 2017

1892
02:20:14,155 --> 02:20:17,735
into a larger parcel. His intent is to build

1893
02:20:18,525 --> 02:20:22,505
a single family home for sale. And as I said, it, it

1894
02:20:22,725 --> 02:20:25,955
will be a conforming lot basically as it was before 5,200

1895
02:20:27,005 --> 02:20:31,005
square feet in b village at the end of up street. So, a little bit

1896
02:20:31,125 --> 02:20:35,025
of a long story, but at the end of the day, what the city's gonna get is a house back on

1897
02:20:35,245 --> 02:20:39,065
the lot, uh, that was torn down and a family in

1898
02:20:39,285 --> 02:20:43,025
there paying taxes and eating at waves and

1899
02:20:44,075 --> 02:20:47,085
getting coffee from the coffee shop. And there you go.

1900
02:20:48,145 --> 02:20:51,555
so I'm, I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have. Okay.

1901
02:20:52,385 --> 02:20:56,315
are there any questions for, uh, mr. Bennett? Okay.

1902
02:20:56,665 --> 02:21:00,085
seeing no lights when we go ahead and open up the public hearing,

1903
02:21:00,985 --> 02:21:04,805
um, I don't have anyone signed up for this one. Is there anyone in the audience that would like to speak

1904
02:21:05,005 --> 02:21:07,875
on this? Alright. Seeing none

1905
02:21:09,105 --> 02:21:12,585
public hearing's now closed. Alright. Is there a motion to,

1906
02:21:13,705 --> 02:21:17,585
um, approve the contract sale? Uh,

1907
02:21:17,985 --> 02:21:21,435
parcel slash tax id number 0 6 6 0 6 2 5 2

1908
02:21:25,645 --> 02:21:28,645
mfk properties llc as presented tonight.

1909
02:21:30,305 --> 02:21:34,065
so move second. Alright. Motion's been made by vice mayor joiner and second by,

1910
02:21:34,785 --> 02:21:38,605
uh, councilor ellis. Is there any discussion seeing no

1911
02:21:38,805 --> 02:21:42,605
lights roll call please. Councillor harris? Yes. Mayor. Pardon?

1912
02:21:43,305 --> 02:21:47,255
yes. Councillor ellis? Yes. Councillor day? Yes. Councillor

1913
02:21:47,925 --> 02:21:51,345
stoke? Yes. Councillor oli? Yes.

1914
02:21:52,035 --> 02:21:55,285
vice mayor joyner? Yes. Motion passes. Seven to zero.

1915
02:21:56,275 --> 02:22:00,125
okay. With that our meeting automatically adjourns. Thank you very much.