Black Ambition B2
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VOL. 32 NO. 48
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
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Meet this week’s Personality B1
NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 2, 2023
Absence of motion?
Center City and Diamond District development proposals show little movement By Jeremy M. Lazarus
Slow going. That appears to be the situation for the two largest development projects that involve City Hall. Heading into the new year, Richmond has yet to select a developer for the $300 to $500 million, two-block Center City project in Downtown that aims to replace the vacant Coliseum with a 500-room hotel, office buildings, affordable housing and a redo of the Blues Armory. Four teams were announced as finalists in June, but the winner remains unamed, despite a city timeline suggesting that the master developer would be announced before the end of the summer. Even people who participated on the evaluation committee are puzzled over the lack of progress. “It’s very strange,” said one member of the evaluation team who spoke on condition of anonymity. “There has been no explanation for why this is not moving forward.” Meanwhile, the $2.44 billion Diamond District development to create the equivalent of a small town on 67 acres in North Side where the
Diamond District rendering
current baseball stadium stands also remains in tortoise mode. In the wake of the stinging defeat of the Richmond Grand Resort and Casino proposal, the project that was to be a joint venture of Kentucky-based Churchill Downs, the Diamond District — and the replacement of the baseball stadium — has become the top development priority for Mayor Levar M. Stoney as he approaches the start of his eighth and final year as the city’s chief executive. It is not unusual for big projects to take time. For example, Henrico County’s $2.4 billion Green City development was announced two years ago but has yet to break ground. But even aspects of the Diamond District that Mayor Stoney and his administration were supposed to have completed in 2023 remain on the to-do list. For example, in late April, City Council authorized the transfer of the city-owned property in the Diamond District to the Richmond Economic Development Authority – the city’s independent development arm. Please turn to A4
Three times the charm
Robinson triplets turn 10 By Darlene M. Johnson
A decade ago, Deirdre Harris welcomed three of her daughters, Kali’Co, Keri’Co and Koh’Co Robinson. Triplets, the girls were delivered two months prematurely by Cesarean section on Oct. 21, 2013, and required medical support. Ninety percent of triplets are born prematurely compared to 60% of twins that are born prematurely, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Over the last 20 years, multiple births have increased primarily due to one-third of women giving birth over the age of 30. Ms. Harris was 33 at the time and experienced health complications that kept her in the Please turn to A4
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
Triplets Kali’Co, Koh’Co and Keri’Co Robinson, who turned 10 on Oct. 21, are in the fourth grade at Montrose Elementary School in Henrico County.
Richmond School Board decides not to publish graduation shooting report By George Copeland Jr.
Weeks after an external investigation into operations leading up to the June graduation mass shooting in Monroe Park was provided to Richmond Public Schools leadership, the next steps for the division are still unfolding. Last week, a motion to publish the findings, which were part of an external review by the law firm Sands Anderson, failed in a 6-2 vote during the Richmond School Board’s latest meeting. The motion was introduced by 4th District Representative Jonathan Young, who believes withholding the report is a poor choice for the board, particularly given the information it provided. He and Kenya Gibson, 3rd District, voted to approve the motion. “Colleagues, we’ve been in receipt of that third-party report for two weeks now,” Mr. Young said. “The only way to fix a problem is to one, acknowledge a problem and then two, to be transparent about what that problem looks like.” In early June, Huguenot High School graduate Shawn D. Jackson and his stepfather Renzo R. Smith were shot and killed in Monroe Park by Amari Ty-Jon Pollard following Huguenot’s graduation ceremony held at the Altria Theater near Virginia Commonwealth University. The
shooting is believed to have been the result of a year-long personal conflict between Mr. Jackson and Mr. Pollard. The board reviewed Sands Anderson’s findings on the event and the circumstances around it at the time in a closed session weeks earlier. Following last week’s meeting and the earlier review of the report, Mr. Young said that any further action by the board is unclear. “We’re really kind of stuck,” Mr. Young said. “We’re at a
who voted against Mr. Young’s motion pointed to the consequences of publishing Sands Anderson’s report, which is still under attorney-client privilege, and the advice of their legal counsel as Mr. Young Ms. Gibson reason to not release place where we really can’t it at this time. “I’m not going to be mago forward, absent being able to have this kind of public dis- nipulated to vote on something course about what we believe that we’re clearly being recomcould be improved.” Please turn to A4 At the time, board members
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
Walking in rhythm Members of the Heavy Hitterz Dance Team add excitement to parade and other festivities during the third annual Armstrong Walker Football Classic Legacy Project on Saturday Nov. 25. More photos on B3.
Councilwoman hopes proposed changes to City Charter find support By Jeremy M. Lazarus
Under proposed changes to the City Charter or constitution, City Council would gain new authority over housing subsidies and real estate tax relief to residents with low to moderate incomes, in addition to setting its own compensation and modifying zoning. Fifth District Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch hopes to gain unanimous support from her eight colleagues at the Monday, Dec. 11, council meeting for the changes she has negotiated with Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s administration. If passed by the council, the package would be sent to the General Assembly for approval in the upcoming 2024 session. Many of the changes follow recommendations that a council-created Richmond City Charter Review Commission submitted Aug. Ms. Lynch 2 after a year of study. As the most significant package of charter changes proposed since the 2004 creation of a mayor elected citywide, the amendments do not address the current relationship between the council and the mayor ahead of the 2024 elections for the governing body and chief executive. The biggest proposed change could well be the tax and housing initiatives that the charter review commission did not address. The proposed Section 2.09 amendment would allow the city to defer property taxes and tax increases for qualifying low or moderate income property owners, using the definition of such individuals established by the Virginia Housing Development Authority, now known as Virginia Housing. Such a program could allow the taxes to accumulate over time to be paid off from proceeds after the property is sold. In addition, the proposed charter change would authorize the city to create a program that could help such qualifying individuals buy a home or receive rental subsidies. The city also could use state or federal funds to advance such initiatives. The charter amendment also would declare the creation of programs that could provide funds directly to individuals for housing to be “in the furtherance of a public interest” to get around state constitutional restraints. Please turn to A4
A2 November 30-December 2, 2023
Richmond Free Press
Local News
Holiday events near and dear Free Press staff report
Sing a song Dec. 1, 2023, 6 – 8 p.m., Reveille Ringers at the VMFA, Cochrane Atrium. Hear joyful sounds of the handbell choir from Reveille UMC. The Reveille Ringers will play three sets of holiday music at 6 p.m. and then again at 7 p.m. Drink specials from Best Café at 5:30 p.m. Free, no tickets required. Life’s a parade Kick off the holiday season with the 40th Annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. The parade begins at the Science Museum of Virginia at 10:15 a.m. Traveling eastbound on Broad Street, the parade will conclude at 7th Street near the Richmond Coliseum. The parade also airs LIVE on WTVR CBS6. Find joy at Jefferson Through Jan. 7 — The Jefferson Hotel, 101 W. Franklin St. will be decorated for the holidays with live poinsettias, garlands, wreaths and twinkle lights. Signature displays and more than 20 decorated trees will be placed throughout the hotel. The decorations and displays are free to view with no reservation required. For more details, please call (804) 649-4750 or visit www.jeffersonhotel.com/ holidays. Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights Nightly through Sunday, Jan. 7 — A favorite tradition of Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, 1800 Lakeside Ave. featuring lights, botanical decorations, model trains, warming fire, hot chocolate and s’mores, and more! Select nights Nov. 28-Jan. 2 will have live music performances. Santa Brunches will be on Saturdays and Sundays in December with seatings at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. GardenFest Dinners with Santa will be Dec. 17, 18 and 19 with seating at 5 p.m. Advance tickets are required and are available online only (no walk-ups). Maymont’s Merry Market Dec. 1 – Dec. 12 — Ring in the holiday season with Maymont at the Maymont Carriage House Lawn, 1700 Hampton St. Enjoy twinkling lights, evergreen garlands, cozy fire pits and live music. Grab some food and beverages to fuel your shopping in a curated local artisan market. Dates are as follows: Weekend One: Friday, Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2, 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Weekend Two: Friday, Dec. 8, 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 9, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
For more information, please call (804)525-9000 or visit www. maymont.org/calendar/merrymarket-2023. The Joy of Illumination Dec. 2, 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. — In partnership with the County of Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks, the Glen Allen Arts Center, 2880 Mountain Road, will host its free 25th annual tree lighting and illumination holiday event featuring holiday music performances, a bonfire and kids scavenger hunt. Santa will take photos with kids and light the Christmas tree at The Center’s entrance. After the tree lighting, parents can explore the holiday gift shop and festive exhibits. For more information, please call (804) 261-2787. Soul Santa at the Black History Museum Dec. 2, 9 and 16 from 1 p.m - 4 p.m. — Soul Santa is back for another year at the Black History Museum of Virginia to take photos. To register, visit www.blackhistorymuseum.org/ event/soul-santa-2023. Don’t forget your wish list! Richmond Night Market’s Annual Holiday Villages Dec. 2, 12 p.m.- 8 p.m. — The Richmond Night Market Kicks off its 3rd Annual Holiday Villages at Main Street Station Dec. from noon to 8 p.m. Shop among 75 artisans and small business owners. Hear live music by the Fuzz Band and a soundtrack by DJ J. Kirven and DJ Billy Crystal Fingers. Also, enjoy a wine lounge and a live art installation gallery. “Holiday Villages offers the premiere holiday shopping experience for our region. This extension of the Richmond Night Market has created a home for both local and visiting artisans, makers, creators and small business owners,” says Adrienne Cole Johnson, co-founder of the Richmond Night Market. “Additionally, it has served as a venue for our performing artist community to showcase their talents and provide holiday cheer. It truly makes for the perfect date, time spent with family and presents the opportunity for you to attend solo and meetup with friends.” For more details, visit richmondvanightmarket@ gmail.com. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert Dec. 3, 2023, 3101 Johnson Road, Petersburg. Enjoy the seasonal sounds of the holiday featuring Desiree Roots, James “Saxmo” Gates, and Weldon Hill in concert with the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. Naima Burrs will be the music director.
COVID-19 updates The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Thursday, Nov. 30, 1 to 5 p.m. - Henrico Arms Apartments, 1566 Edgelawn Circle. • Friday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Southside Women, Infants and Children Office, 509 E. Southside Plaza. Call the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for more information on testing sites, or go online at vax.rchd.com. The Virginia Department of Health also has a list of COVID-19 testing locations around the state at www.vdh.virginia.gov/ coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites. Want a COVID-19 vaccine? Those interested can schedule an appointment with RHHD by calling (804) 205-3501. Vaccines.gov also allows people to find nearby pharmacies and clinics that offer the COVID-19 vaccine, and those interested can also text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends that children between the ages of 6 months to 4 years may need multiple doses of the updated vaccines depending on their COVID-19 vaccine status and whether they had previously received Pfizer and Moderna. Waiting periods for additional vaccines can range from three to eight weeks or four to eight weeks depending on the vaccine dose previously received. Children between the ages of five to 5 years old who are unvaccinated or have received a vaccine before Sept. 12, 2023 should get one updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Those age 12 years and older who are unvaccinated should get either one updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two doses of the updated Novavax vaccine. People in that age range who received a vaccine before Sept. 12, 2023, should get one updated Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax vaccine. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine, and are encouraged to talk with their health care providers about how and when to receive them. Compiled by George Copeland Jr.
Correction Kemba Smith Pradia attended Howard University Law school for one year, but did not complete the program and receive a law degree as stated in an article published in the Nov.9-11 edition of the Free Press. This inaccuracy has been corrected for the online version. The Free Press regrets the error.
Cityscape
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
Reflections of historic and memorable businesses and residents that once occupied the Gilpin and Jackson Ward communities are featured on the exterior of the Baker Senior Apartments at 100 W. Baker St. near Downtown.
Richmond’s declared mayoral candidates include several business owners By Jeremy M. Lazarus
Richmond voters again will have multiple choices for the next mayor of Richmond when they vote in 2024. Three people have already announced they will compete for the post, with at least two others waiting in the wings to launch their campaigns and potentially more to come. The race for the city’s top elected post is wide open as Mayor Levar M. Stoney, who had seven competitors in 2016, is heading into the final year of his second term. He is barred from seeking a third term and already is pointing to a run for governor. The announced candidates are Michelle R. Mosby, a businesswoman and charity leader who previously served four years on City Council; Garrett L. Sawyer, a consultant on employment and other human resources matters; and Maurice X. Neblett, an entrepreneur. Others who have been mentioned as
candidates include 1st District Councilman Andreas D. Addison and former 3rd District City Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, though neither has announced. This will be the second bid for Ms. Mosby, who ran a distant fourth to Mayor Stoney in 2016. Ms. Mosby, 54, a hair salon owner, real estate broker and founding president and CEO of the Help Me Help You nonprofit that serves persons formerly incarcerated, has been gathering support for at least a year. She has reported raising nearly $70,000 and has garnered multiple endorsements. According to her website, she plans to focus on workforce development, improving city services and increasing workforce development in partnership with businesses. She also plans to support police efforts to arrest criminals while beefing up support for programs that offer positive alternatives for city youths. Mr. Sawyer, who has served on the
boards of the Richmond Public Library and the Anna Julia Cooper School, has reported raising nearly $27,000 for his second bid for public office. He ran unsuccessfully in 2016 for the 5th District Council seat. His policy platform calls for modernizing systems at City Hall, increasing investments in mental health and other programming to divert youths and adults from crime, increasing affordable housing and investing in public schools. Mr. Neblett, 34, owner operator of a security firm, a locksmith operation and other businesses, is making his first bid for public office. He has not reported raising any money for his bid. He said he wants to make it easier for city residents to learn how the city is spending their money, as well as improve public safety by ensuring police accountability. Mr. Neblett also wants to include social workers and community leaders in addressing violence, along with providing students access to career training and college.
Getting homes winter-ready Free Press staff report
With El Niño returning for the first time in four years, Virginia could be in for a cold, snowy winter. Chill. Help is on the way. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety encourages homeowners to assess their homes’ winter exposure and prepare for before and after winter storms. Because many older homes are more susceptible to freezing temperatures, be sure to insulate pipes near exterior walls and in hard-to-reach places like attics and crawl spaces. The IIBHS also suggests preventive maintenance for home heating systems. To keep homes cozy, caulk and seal the exterior around windows and doors, and add weatherstripping as needed. Also, ensure chimneys, fireplaces and woodstoves are cleaned yearly and in good condition to prevent fires and carbon monoxide buildup indoors. When leaving home, even for a few days, keep the heat on and over 60 degrees, said Laurie Gannon, vice president of claims for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “Around Christmas 2022, some of Virginia had bitterly cold temperatures,” Ms. Gannon said. “Many people were traveling, and they turned down their thermostats to save on heating costs. Because there wasn’t sufficient heat in the structure combined
with the cold, their pipes burst. Imagine returning home from a holiday trip and finding your home underwater!” To avoid similar scenarios consider this advice: • Outside the home, check your roof and replace loose, damaged or missing shingles. Fix any gaps or broken seals around vents, chimneys and roof corners. Avoid roof leaks and ice dams by clearing debris from gutters and drains. • Trim tree branches near or overhanging your house to prevent damage to the roof, siding and windows. Shut down sprinkler
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press file photo
systems and drain outdoor faucets, irrigation systems and hoses. • Take an inventory of your home, review your insurance policy and know what is covered, Ms. Gannon said. • Monitor weather alerts and plan accordingly. An alternate heating source like a generator is recommended for possible power outages, along with an emergency kit with water, nonperishable food and other supplies. For more winter preparation tips, check out the IIBHS’s Winter Ready Home Checklist at bit.ly/3SpDqCT.
Virginia War Memorial, Navy League commemorate Pearl Harbor Free Press staff report
The Virginia War Memorial and the Navy League of the United States, Richmond Chapter, will co-host the 82nd Commonwealth’s Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony on Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. The ceremony will be outdoors in the Memorial’s Shrine of Memory — 20th Century at 621 S. Belvidere St. The public is invited and should dress accordingly. This ceremony remembers the over 2,400 Americans killed and the over 1,100 wounded during the surprise attack by forces of Imperial Japan on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Dec.7, 1941, that brought the U.S. into World War II. Forty-one of those
killed were listed as native Virginians. Admission to the War Memorial and the event are free. Free parking is available and visitors should arrive by 10:45 a.m. for the ceremony. The ceremony will include the presentation of wreaths in memory of the Virginians who died during the attacks. “The name of each Virginian who perished on that fateful day will be read and remembered with the tolling of the ship’s bell from the guided missile cruiser USS Virginia (CGN-38), which was decommissioned in 1994,” said Dr. Adam J. “Jay” Fielder, president of the Navy League’s Richmond Council and the program’s master of ceremonies. The bell is on permanent
display at the Virginia War Memorial. The program’s keynote speaker is Commander Dennis Bussey, U.S. Navy (Ret.), the son of career Navy Chief Petty Officer Joseph Bussey, who was aboard the battleship USS California in Pearl Harbor. Commander Dennis Bussey is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. He and his wife, a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, retired to Richmond after active duty, where he founded the James River Hikers and is a noted historian. For more information about the ceremony, please call (804)786-2060 or visit www.vawarmemorial.org or www.dvs. virginia.gov.
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Richmond Free Press
A4 November 30-December 2, 2023
News
Center City, Diamond District development proposals show little movement Continued from A1
However, that has not been accomplished, according to city real estate records. Other steps remain undone, as well. In May, Leonard Sledge, the city’s director of economic development, ticked off a list of items that were supposed to be completed by December but now will wait until next year. The list includes: • Finalizing the replacement baseball stadium’s design; • Executing lease agreements with both the Flying Squirrels and Virginia Commonwealth University; • Creating a community development authority; • Issuing bonds to finance the baseball stadium. The result has been to push back the start of the development that is to feature offices at least one new hotel and a mix of retail and restaurants and several thousand new apartments, condos and homes. The administration has remained mostly mum about the Diamond District — leaving the City Council largely in the dark about the status of the project as well and about the financing, members have told the Free Press. There have been some leaks, most notably about the sharp disagreement over the design of the new stadium between the leaders of RVA Diamond Partners LLC, the city’s chosen Diamond District master developer, and Louis J. “Lou” Dibella Jr., a well-known boxing promoter and an owner of the Flying Squirrels who has served as the team’s president and managing partner the Double A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants since 2017. RVA Diamond Partners had chosen DLR Group, a Washington-based firm, to handle the stadium design and work on that design had begun soon after the city selected the developer in September 2022. According to sources, disagreements arose with Mr. DiBella
over the size and scope of the stadium. Ready to agree to lease the stadium from the city’s EDA for $3 million a year, he wanted a stadium worthy of a Triple A team, sources have said. However, amid a rise in interest rates, that did not suit RVA Diamond Partners, which includes the significant real estate development firms, Republic Properties Corp. of Washington, D.C. and Thalhimer Realty Group of Henrico County, and Loop Capital, a Chicago-based investment bank. The sources said the partnership wanted to hold down the cost to around $80 million to ensure there would be sufficient revenues to repay the borrowing. Mr. Dibella refused to accept what he was offered once the plans became available, the Free Press has been told. Ultimately, by late September, with both sides dug in and the stadium stalled, Lincoln Saunders, the city’s chief administrative officer, settled the matter, knowledgeable individuals have told the Free Press. After consulting with Major League Baseball, Mr. Saunders handed control of the stadium design to the Flying Squirrels, tapped Odell Associates, a Charlotte, N.C., design firm, to work with the team and also provided Odell with a not-to-exceed construction cost, though the amount has not been disclosed. Odell was not chosen by happenstance. In 2014, the firm provided the city with potential designs for a replacement baseball stadium at no cost—a gift that was not forgotten. According to two city sources, the decision to change designers not only has delayed the delivery of final plans and also reduced if not eliminated RVA Diamond Partners’ responsibility for developing the stadium, which is now scheduled to be ready for the start of the 2026 baseball season. As best as can be determined, the city is still months away from creating the Community Development Authority that would sell bonds to raise the money to build the stadium. It is still unsettled as to whether the city would have to commit to repaying those bonds if the revenues fell short in order for the
Diamond District undeveloped
CDA bonds to sell. The city has agreed to issue such a pledge in order to sell the $35 million in bonds that will be used to replace the smaller Sports Backers soccer and track and field stadium. Mr. Sledge insisted that such a pledge would not be needed on the larger baseball stadium that could cost $110 million.
Robinson triplets turn 10 Continued from A1
hospital for two weeks post-birth. Complications of birthing multiples include premature births and low birth weights. Preeclampsia, or pregnancy induced hypertension, is another complication that affects half of triplet pregnancies, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Koh’Co was the first of the bunch to be born at 5:18 p.m., weighing 2.14 pounds, Ms. Harris explained in a Nov. 15, 2015, Free Press article. Kali’Co was born a minute later, weighing 2.15 pounds, followed by Keri’Co, who weighed 3.04 pounds. Triplets can all be identical, fraternal or mixed, as in the case of the Robinson triplets. Kali’Co and Keri’Co are identical, while Koh’Co is fraternal. The triplets remained in the hospital for a month before being discharged, Ms. Harris said. Despite their challenges, they overcame the odds. Today, the triplets in the fourth grade at Montrose Elementary School in Henrico County. Each one has separate classes because Ms. Harris wanted to “give them their own identities,” she said. Raising triplets as a single mother has been a blessing, but it has not been easy, said Ms. Harris, who also has a 19-year-old daughter, Kennedi. “It has been such a pleasure, however, with a challenge I should say,” Ms. Harris said. “Having three girls the same age, same grade, it’s been a lot.” The triplets are “sweet girls, very mannerable,” Ms. Harris said. They enjoy cooking, skating and dancing. The girls dance at Cedar Street Baptist Church for praise and worship and Ms. Harris is proud that they know their faith at an early age, she said. The girls also enjoy playing with makeup, girls’ days out and sometimes doing each other’s hair. Koh’Co has always been a social butterfly. She is also kindhearted and the caregiver or “mother” of the group. She makes sure everyone is on task in the morning and will check on her mother especially if she is sick or having a bad day, Ms. Harris said. Koh’Co is close with and looks up to older sister Kennedi, who graduated from Henrico High School and is pursuing a nursing career.
Koh’Co behaves similarly to how Kennedi was when she was a child. When Kennedi left home, Koh’Co “took her spot.” “Koh’Co took over because she’s the big sister now,” Ms. Harris said. Kali’Co and Keri’Co are like “Frick and Frack,” Ms. Harris said. The girls stick together and one has to make the first move to let the other know it’s safe to interact. The two are quiet observers who watch others before greeting or interacting. They both love to read. Kali’Co is in the gifted proram at Montrose Elementary School. Keri’Co likes to dance and enjoys being challenged academically, Ms. Harris said. All three girls are doing well and enjoy school. Kali’Co and Keri’Co both like math, while Koh’Co likes science. When they are older, Kali’Co wants to be a judge, Keri’Co wants to be an attorney and Koh’Co wants to follow in their big sister Kennedi’s footsteps and pursue nursing, Ms. Harris said. The girls are also running for school leadership positions at Montrose Elementary School. Koh’Co and Kali’Co are running for secretary and Keri’Co is running for vice president, Ms. Harris said. Challenges occur when classmates or others draw comparisons among the girls during school. It also can be difficult staying on top of the triplet’s various hobbies and associated costs, Ms. Harris said. She is thankful for the support the girls continue to receive. Montrose’s principal, Dr. Cassandra Willis, has “taken excellent care of the girls” during her time at the school, Ms. Harris said. Ms. Harris also finds support from her pastor at Cedar Street, Dr. Anthony Michael Chandler Sr., who helps her make the best decisions for herself and the triplets. Family, such as her mother and aunt, also pitch in to care for the triplets. The girls celebrated their 10th birthday with two parties; one with their father and another Barbie-themed brunch with their mother. And, while there will be more parties down the road, Ms. Harris looks forward to the girls eventually graduating from high school and going to college. “It will be history in the making with three girls walking across the stage at the same time,” she said.
Three kings Photos courtesy of Bill McGee
William Ford “Bill” McGee’s triplet grandsons Kameron, Jordan and Sean Crawley-McGee turned 14 on Nov. 12, nearly four weeks after Deirdre Harris’ triplet daughters Kali’Co, Keri’Co and Koh’Co Robinson turned 10. The two sets of triplets know one another, and Mr. McGee, a Richmond-based educator and trumpeter, has chronicled his grandsons’ development and growth on social media, further delighting his fan base. “One of the things that I told them is that God has a reason for all three of you to be here,” Mr. McGee told the Free Press. “When you learn to work as a team, you will be unstoppable.’”
Councilwoman hopes proposed changes to City Charter find support Continued from A1
On the salary front, the proposed change would allow the council to free itself from using the salary set by the General Assembly. The review commission recommended higher pay both for the council and mayor. If approved by the council and the legislature, the charter change would allow the council to set the compensation its members would receive for attending council and committee meetings
and undertaking other council business and also to provide for higher pay for the council president and vice president. Council already has the authority to set the pay of the mayor. Ms. Lynch said no decisions have been made on the total pay council members would receive. Currently, state law limits pay for council members to $25,000 a year, with the council president receiving $2,000 more or $27,000. She forecast that the council would consider bringing its
Richmond School Board decides not to publish graduation shooting report Continued from A1
mended to deal with in closed session,” 9th District Representative Nicole Jones said. Those who voted against the motion also pushed back against potential characterization of their actions as not valuing transparency, public accountability or community concerns about potential future violence and tragedy.
“There is an implication that if we don’t support this we don’t care,” Board Chair Stephanie Rizzi said. “Nothing could be further from the truth here.” Other board members expressed interest in publishing the information, but with specific caveats. Shonda Harris-Muhammed, who represents the 6th District, floated the idea of publishing a version of the report’s executive summary with names redacted.
“I support the community receiving a summary of information from our report,” Ms. Harris-Muhammed, who abstained from the vote, said. “I just feel very strongly that the titles and positions are enough.” The Sands Anderson report is one of multiple investigations into the shooting and its potential causes that have been conducted so far, including one by the RPS Administration and another by the Richmond Police Department.
pay closer to the compensation that members of the governing bodies or boards of supervisors receive in neighboring counties. Chesterfield currently pays elected supervisors $41,000 a year, with a $5,000 supplement for the board’s chair, while Henrico pays its supervisors almost $60,000 a year, with a nearly $9,000 supplement for the board’s chair. The proposed charter change also would eliminate a provision that requires seven members of council to vote for a zoning change if at least 20% of the residents submit an opposition petition. The proposed changes would allow a majority of the council to approve such zoning changes. Another big proposed change would allow the mayor to submit a budget plan for the next fiscal year on May 1 instead of in March. Ms. Lynch said that the goal is to create a more collaborative government when it comes to budget making. She said that changing the date would allow the council to have two to three months to work with the administration on budget proposals that individual members or the full council want included before the spending plan “would be baked.” Ms. Lynch noted that currently council members submit their proposals by Oct. 1 and rarely have more than a week or two to lobby the administration. And she noted the council rarely makes substantial changes to the mayor’s published budget proposal once it is released in March to outline spending plans for the next fiscal year that begins July 1.
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November 30-December 2, 2023 A5
Richmond Free Press Fallen foliage in the West End Editorial Page
A6
November 30-December 2, 2023
Walking trail sidetracks GRTC’s speed GRTC is creating a 10-year strategic plan for improved service across the Richmond region. A draft of that plan is in place, and the bus company asks you to visit https://grtctsp-fitp.hub. arcgis.com, check out the proposals for each route and provide some feedback. We did. And we can tell you the plan includes good ideas for upgrading service, proposals for extended bus operating hours, and the creation of an express run between Richmond’s Downtown and the airport. But the bottom line is that the plan is limited on resolving a key problem: speed. Based on our review, the plan leaves GRTC as a slow means of travel on most of its regular bus routes, despite a significant fraction of the population that relies on it for travel—primarily to get to work—but also for shopping and visits to the doctor. The plan indicates that most routes will offer service every 30 to 60 minutes. Depending on where you are going, it can be faster to walk or ride a bike than wait for a bus. People who ride buses must plan. If you have your own vehicle, 30 minutes is about the max you have to ride to a destination. But it can take an hour to two hours to reach a destination using a bus, particularly if you have to transfer, and just as much time to get back. As is the case today, the strategic plan calls for the fastest service to be provided through Pulse, the bus rapid-transit line that currently runs between Rocketts Landing and Willow Lawn Shopping Center. The plan calls for improving service so that Pulse buses would arrive at any given station every 10 to 15 minutes, day and night. If the plan pans out, Pulse also would be improved. The current east-west line on Broad Street would be extended west to Parham Road and a new north-south Pulse line would be added to run from North Side on Azalea Avenue to a location to be determined on Midlothian Turnpike. But the rest of the lines would have more limited service. GRTC is aware of the speed problem. On its RideGRTC.com website, you can now track buses in real time so that your wait at a bus stop isn’t too long. Another tool helps you determine which buses to take to get to your destination. GRTC also allows impatient riders to call two times a day to get a free Uber ride from one bus stop to another. In addition, GRTC has just launched a pilot micro-transit program in the Washington ParkAzalea area that allows riders to call and get a free ride to a bus stop or other destination within the program’s service area. The program soon will expand to Ashland, North Chesterfield and other suburbs where a regular bus route is not feasible and the draft plan spotlights several areas of the city such as Fulton that are proposed for micro-transit districts. But if transit is really to be useful, every line needs to have the same service as Pulse, with buses arriving every 10 minutes at peak periods and every 15 minutes at non-peak times. Of course, that means more resources. One key reason that will not happen is that a major portion of a stream of revenue aimed at improving transportation in this area is being diverted. You may not know this, but in the Richmond area, you pay a higher sales tax and gas tax to fund transit improvements. The Central Virginia Transit Authority was a created to divvy up the money the extra tax generates in this region. GRTC is projected to receive $30 million a year, with $20 million going to support current operations and $10 million earmarked for transit improvements. But it could be so much more. Elected officials in Richmond and other local governments who sit on the board of the CVTA, including those from Henrico, Hanover and Chesterfield counties, have decided the highest priority is not transit, but the creation of a 43-mile walking trail between Ashland and Petersburg. That trail is projected to cost $266 million, but with inflation it could top $300 million when it is complete in 10 years. Some of that money will come from the state, but a major share will come from the CVTA, which already has earmarked more than $100 million for trail development and could see its share rise to more than $150 million. What if, instead of spending millions of dollars on a trail, elected leaders invested in a first-class transit system that is fast and reliable? Why not put that money toward seriously improving service? An excellent transit system is a necessity, not just for those who have to ride, but for all of us. Speedier service could induce many of us to park our cars and ride an energy-efficient bus to work or other places. GRTC has a need for speed, but those in power apparently have no interest in making that happen.
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
How to normalize an insurrection Well, it took long enough. House Speaker Mike Johnson has finally started releasing 44,000 hours of security footage from the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol assault that many, including me, hoped would shed more light on what really happened on that chaotic day. Unfortunately, it took barely more than a nanosecond for former President Donald Tr u m p a n d his allies to pounce on the new evidence and touch off a new wave of conspiracy theories, most of which appear to be a rehash of the old evidence in a feeble attempt to promote an alternative history. For example, Republican lawmakers including Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas have called for an investigation into the earlier House Committee’s investigation. They cite footage of Mr. Trump’s supporters walking peacefully past Capitol Police officers, which sounds like the security video that conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, then of Fox News, cited in a selectively edited attempt to recast the riot as a peaceful protest — or, as Rep. Andrew
Clyde of Georgia famously described the insurrectionists, “a normal tourist visit.” One wonders what Capitol he was in. Five people were fatally injured during the riot and more than 100 officers were injured, including a Capitol Police officer who was assaulted with bear spray, suffered multiple strokes and died a day later — of natural
Clarence Page causes, as it turned out. Of course, there’s video that’s, shall we say, less peaceful. Insurrectionists are seen smashing windows and committing other violent acts as they overran the Capitol building. More than 1,200 defendants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia have been charged in connection with the Capitol attack, according to the Justice Department. But Sen. Lee and Rep. Greene are notable, too, for a baseless conspiracy theory they promoted on X, formerly Twitter, suggesting one Jan. 6 participant was an undercover federal agent after he was allegedly “caught” on camera flashing a badge. Efforts in conservative media to rewrite the historical narrative by pinning the riot on undercover police, FBI agents, so-called antifa or Black Lives Matter activists also were rife. But all such accounts lacked niceties such as witnesses and
evidence. By the way, as I’ve said before, can you imagine how quickly the riot would have been put down if it really had been Black Lives Matter activists causing it? In reality, the “badge” in Rep. Greene’s case turned out to be a vape and the “agent” turned out to be Kevin Lyons, who stole a photo from thenSpeaker Nancy Pelosi’s office. He later was sentenced to four years in prison. Then-Rep. Liz Cheney, Republican vice chair of the Jan. 6 committee, pushed back against the online propaganda by tweeting out a compilation of proTrump rioters caught by cameras violently assaulting police. Though her work on the committee earned praise from many truth-seekers in both parties, the Republican National Committee voted to censure both her and then-Rep. Adam Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican, for participating in what the GOP called “persecution of ordinary citizens engaged in legitimate political discourse.” Ah, spin. But anger at the two didn’t stop there. Both left office under pressure from constituents back home, who apparently thought accountability is a virtue, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of the party’s quest for more seats — and more power. (Rep. Cheney was voted out; Rep. Kinzinger opted
Let’s get children back outside Last week, after a restful Thanksgiving, my family made a deliberate choice to #OptOutside on Friday. #OptOutside is a growing movement in which participating organizations and companies close their doors on Black Friday, give their employees a paid day off, and encourage all of us to embrace the serenity of nature instead of succumbing to the frenzy of Black Friday shopping. I’m an outdoors enthusiast, from a long line of outdoors enthusiasts. As a dad, I try to instill a strong love of nature in my children and make sure they reap the vast benefits of spending time outside in and among nature. However, I’m aware that my family’s ability to enjoy the outdoors is a blessing that’s been denied to far too many other Black families. Like pollution and climate change, inadequate access to nature is not a crisis shouldered equally. Sadly, it won’t surprise you that it falls hardest on people of color and low-income communities. A study of park accessibility by the Trust for Public Land concluded that “systemic racism and redlining have led to chronic disinvestment in parks and recreational facilities in marginalized communities.” The result is one that perpetuates a cycle of inequality: “too few parks as well as parks marred by cracked asphalt, barren fields, and broken play equipment.” All people, and especially children,
need easy access to safe, clean outside spaces for healthy bodies and minds. Yet one-third of all Americans – among them, 28 million children – don’t have any sort of park or natural space within a 10-minute walk of their home. According to analysis of 2017 demographic data by Conservation Science Partners, people of color were three times more likely than white people to live in an area that is
Ben Jealous considered nature deprived, with people who identified as Black or African-American being the group most likely to live in one of these areas. Sixty-eight percent of people who identified as Black or African-American lived in a nature deprived area. Seventy percent of low-income people did. And a whopping 76% of low-income people of color lived in a nature deprived area. Lack of nature access is not only an issue of one’s physical proximity to a park or green space. People of color, especially Black people, have an unfortunate history in this country of segregation and exclusion from public lands and natural places. We’ve been met with threats and violence while in nature. And for too long we were even excluded from the conservation movement fighting to protect natural lands. The consequences of this are still felt today. What does this nature gap and nature deficit mean for our children? Years of studies have shown that children who spend less time outdoors are more
likely to deal with physical health problems, ranging from childhood obesity to vitamin D deficiency, as well as reduced motor skills development and higher rates of emotional illnesses like anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, we also know that when children spend time in nature, besides the general benefits of exercise, it helps build confidence, reduce stress, and promote creativity. So, closing the nature gap, as a goal, should be a priority to all of us who have fought long and hard to close the opportunity gaps faced by our kids and our communities. That’s why I’m glad that this week marks a broad, rejuvenated push for Congress to pass the bipartisan Outside For All Act, which would increase access to nature and opportunities for outdoor recreation in urban and low-income communities. By codifying the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program into federal law, the Outdoors For All Act would make the immense benefits of local parks more equitable and accessible to all. Those benefits, according to the office of U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, one of the bill’s sponsors, include job creation, shade and tree cover, and clean air, as well as “new trails, green spaces, playgrounds, cultural gathering spaces, and more.” It all adds up to healthier bodies and minds for our children, and building more of a shared understanding, for all of us, of why spending time outdoors and protecting nature are so critical to our well-being. The writer is executive director of the Sierra Club.
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not to run.) In the end, the attempts to whitewash the Capitol riot offer a textbook example of how to normalize an insurrection. Now the fate of Donald Trump moves to the courts where among 91 felony counts are charges tied to fomenting an insurrection. High on his agenda is the concentration of legal and regulatory power in his office affecting elections, immigration, free speech, and plenty more that until now he could only threaten to pursue. The idea, for example, of giving this past-and-possiblyfuture president the chance to exert more regulatory power over the media, which he likes to call “the enemy of the people,” does not fill my heart with joy this holiday season. Not long from now, we are likely to see how our fellow Americans feel about it. The writer is a Chicago Tribune syndicated columnist.
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Richmond Free Press
November 30-December 2, 2023 A7
Letter to the Editor/News
Gary Flowers mum on facts, says Paul Goldman
A recent Free Press commentary by Gary Flowers highlights the fundamental political choice facing Richmond. Mr. Flowers used his Urban One radio show to be the cheerleader for the proposed Richmond Grand Resort and Casino. His side lost the 2021 referendum by 2%. This November they lost by 24%, doing worse in every neighborhood. Yet he persists in blaming the racism of the opposition for the defeat. I ran the “No” campaign. Yes, Mr. Flowers, I am white. Indeed in 1986, Richmond Free Press founder Ray Boone told me: “Paul, because you were the only white person willing to run
Doug’s campaign is not going to matter to certain people.” During the 2023 casino referendum, developer Kathy Hughes allowed her Urban One station to be used to call me vile “antisemitic” J-words. She also promoted “racist” N-word attacks against other casino opponents including pastors and their congregations. Mr. Flowers’ column is conveniently silent on these facts. So according to Mr. Flowers his side used racist tactics, but it was my supposed racism that caused his landslide defeat! Get real man. The Free Press recently discussed my 2024
charter change proposal aimed at making Richmond the best place to raise a child in America. We must reject the old politics of division and instead embrace a new politics of inclusion. The casino backers went with Gary Flowers. Doug Wilder chose me. They got crushed. He made history. It’s your choice Richmond. Paul Goldman Richmond
Many voters weary about a Biden-Trump rematch in 2024 Third parties hope they can fill the gap
By Jonathan Cooper The Associated Press
PHOENIX The 2024 presidential election is drawing an unusually robust field of independent, third party and long shot candidates hoping to capitalize on Americans’ ambivalence and frustration over a likely rematch between Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump. Those looking to blaze a new path to the White House range from members of Congress to a prominent academic and a scion of one of the country’s most prominent political families. Their odds are exceedingly long. George Washington was the only person to win the presidency without a party affiliation. An incumbent hasn’t lost his party’s presidential nomination since Democrats passed over Franklin Pierce in 1856. Abraham Lincoln’s election in 1860 marked the last time someone from a new party — in his case, the Republican Party — won the White House. But with the United States deeply divided and somewhat anxious about the prospect of another Biden-Trump campaign, third party candidates insist voters are restless enough to defy history. “This is really fertile ground now for independent politics,” Jill Stein, the Green Party nominee in 2012 and 2016, said in an interview. “There’s so much hunger for a principled politics, a politics of integrity, and for options outside of the two zom-
bie candidates that are being forced down our throats, and the two zombie political parties.” Little-known candidates with no chance of Sen. Manchin Mr. Kennedy Rep. Phlllips Dr. Stein victory run every year and sometimes piece against Mr. Trump, 77, who has challenging President Biden in together enough votes to make a been indicted four times and is the Democratic primary. Rep. difference in close races, even if facing trial next year. Dean Phillips of Minnesota says they don’t win. But the activity Nearly 80% said Mr. Biden Democrats are sleepwalking this fall has been notable. is too old to be effective for into disaster with their march Dr. Stein, a physician and en- four more years. About half toward renominating an unpopvironmental activist, announced of Americans approved of the ular president who is the oldest this month that she will make Justice Department indicting Mr. person to hold the office. her third bid for the presidency Trump over his efforts to remain “I’m just saying the quiet part in 2024, reversing course from in office after losing the 2020 out loud,” Rep. Phillips said in her earlier decision to remain election to President Biden. an interview in South Carolina. on the sidelines next year and Conscious of their candi- “Everybody else is still staying support Cornel West, a scholar dates’ middling approval rat- in line, shushing up, sitting down and progressive activist with a ings, Democrats and Republi- and doing what you do to make loyal following on the left. Dr. cans are watching the third party sure you get the money for your West announced last month that campaigns with wariness. next election.” he no longer was running under Many Democrats blame Dr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., last the Green Party banner, but as Stein for Mr. Trump’s victory month ended his Democratic an independent. over Democrat Hillary Clinton primary challenge to President Dr. Stein said she has felt in 2016. Dr. Stein won 1.5 mil- Biden and is running instead dissatisfaction with the major lion votes as Mr. Trump defeated as an independent. Mr. Kenparties growing steadily since Mrs. Clinton by the slimmest of nedy, an environmental lawyer her first presidential campaign margins in a few swing states. and anti-vaccine activist, has and “it’s off the charts now.” Democrats assume that many of higher approval ratings among Seventy-five percent of voters supporting a progressive Republicans than Democrats Americans think President environmental activist would despite his deep familial ties Biden should not run for presi- likely have chosen Mrs. Clinton to the Democratic Party. Mr. dent again, and 69% think Mr. if forced to choose between the Kennedy’s uncle was the Trump should not, according to major parties. President John F. Kennedy and an August poll from The AssoDr. Stein takes umbrage at his father was Sen. Robert F. ciated Press-NORC Center for the suggestion that votes can Kennedy. Public Affairs Research. be “stolen” from the major Mr. Kennedy has developed Americans think President parties. close relationships with far-right Biden, 81, is too old and they are Meanwhile, a little-known figures and has a kinship with divided about criminal charges Minnesota congressman is some conservatives drawn to his
fringe views, including his vocal distrust of COVID19 vaccines, which studies have shown are safe and effective Dr. West against severe disease and death. His anti-vaccine organization, Children’s Health Defense, currently has a lawsuit pending against a number of news organizations, among them The Associated Press, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by taking action to identify misinformation, including about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. Mr. Kennedy took leave from the group when he announced his run for president but is listed as one of its attorneys in the lawsuit. No Labels, a well-funded group that is laying the groundwork for a possible bipartisan ticket, is working toward ballot access in all 50 states, with more than a dozen already approved. The plan has caused increasing anxiety among Democrats who its support will come primarily from would-be President Biden voters, easing Mr. Trump’s path back to the White House. If the group managed to win one or more states, it could result in no candidate receiving a majority of the Electoral College votes and the election being decided by the House of Representatives. No Labels has said little
about how it will choose a candidate. The party planned to release a selection process in October, but the timeline slipped to November and it appears to be slipping further. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W. Va., announced this month he will not run for re-election next year but will travel the country to consider an independent presidential campaign. At the same time, a new group emerged calling for Sen. Manchin and Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, the GOP presidential nominee in 2012, to run under the No Labels ticket. The group is raising money for polling to test the viability of a bipartisan ticket with the two retiring senators, starting in Arizona and Michigan, according to Jennifer Franks, chairman of the Draft Romney/Manchin Committee. Sen. Romney considered running for president but abandoned the effort after concluding it would help Mr. Trump, according to a Sen. Romney biography by journalist McKay Coppins published last month. Sen. Manchin said he will seek to invigorate centrists who feel left out of the political system and he will consider running if no one emerges to represent their interests in the presidential campaign. He insists he’s “not going to be anybody’s spoiler.” “I’m not going out there running,” Sen. Manchin told reporters in West Virginia this month. “I’m going out there with the mission to bring Americans together.”
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HealthKeepers, Inc. is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in HealthKeepers, Inc. depends on contract renewal. HealthKeepers, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serves all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. Translation services are available; please contact the health plan or your agent. This policy has exclusions, limitations, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of coverage, please contact your agent or the health plan. Other Providers are available in our network. Anthem HealthKeepers does not discriminate, exclude people, or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities. Y0114_24_3006477_0000_U_M CMS Accepted 10/15/2023 VA Richmond Free Press In-home 11-30 11 x 10 r1a.indd 1
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Richmond Free Press
A8 November 30-December 2, 2023
Sports
VALOTTERY.COM/ TUESDAY Stories by Fred Jeter
Harding’s leading man status For three seasons, Tahj Harding sat on the runway, with engines revved, at Virginia Union University. This year he’s taken off and his only limit is the sky. The 6-foot-5 redshirt junior with strong VUU family connections has been the leading light for Coach Jay Butler’s remodeled Panthers. “Tahj has always been a talented player,” said VUU Coach Jay Butler. “He just needed to buy into the system, and it took time.” After seven games, Harding leads all Panthers with 18 points per game while hitting 39% (13-for-33) from outside the arc and 64% (21-for-33) at the foul line. He’s also averaged 4.6 rebounds with 12 steals and 13 assists and is a defensive catalyst in VUU’s signature “circle zone.” VUU lost three headliners (leading scorer Rob Osborne, top rebounder Raemaad Wright and 3-point shooter Keleaf Tate) off last year’s 24-8 squad. “I like to think of myself as an all-around ballplayer,” Harding said. “I’d like score like Rob, rebound like Raemaad and shoot from outside like Keleaf,” he said. “Whatever Coach Butler wants, that’s what I’ll try and give it to the team.” Harding, who grew up in Southern Ohio but went to Newport High in Northern Kentucky, has maroon and steel colors in his ancestry. His father, Todd Harding, played two seasons
of VUU football in the late 1980s. His great uncle, Ralph Hunter, was a standout basketball player at VUU under Coach Tom Harris. Hunter was team captain for the 1974-1975 season. There’s an abundance of athleticism on both sides of Harding’s family. Mother Tonya Bedford starred in track and field, volleyball and basketball at Newport High and is in the school’s Hall of Fame. Harding’s Newport team was 25-9 in 2019 with a star-studded cast. Me’Kell Burries (Lincoln Memorial, Tenn.), Donnie Miller (Midland, Ky.) and Makhi McGuire (Lee, Tenn.) are all the leading scorers on their college teams, along with Harding at VUU. Harding was directed to VUU by Newport Coach Rod Snapp, who was friends with VUU Assistant Coach Fred Burroughs. “I came to the school and played in open gym at Barco Stevens,” Harding recalls of his recruiting visit. “I went against the older players and kind of held my own.” He quickly became a Panther, but not an overnight success. His true freshman season, in 2020-2021, was wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021-2022, he averaged 11.3 minutes and 5.4 points. Last season he was at 14.5 minutes and 6.2 points. This year’s he’s gone up to 30 minutes and 18 points. “I felt last year I went from being about the 11th man to sometimes the second option on
Juan McCall
Tahj Harding
offense (behind Osborne),” he said. He will receive his undergraduate degree in special education in the spring and still have another season of eligibility in 2024-25, when he will take graduate classes. Despite just a so-so résumé, Harding was selected to the preseason All-CIAA team in a
vote of conference coaches, who had seen his talent, even if in small sample sizes. “It’s nice to get that honor,” he said. “But all preseason shows are what people think you might do. “Being postseason All-CIAA is what counts. It means you got the job done,”
MEAC title in tow, Bisons Wildcats claw nearly to the finish line heading to ATL bowl game Armstrong’s loss to Brentsville comes
This has been a football season to remember in Washington D.C. No, not for the struggling NFL Washington Commanders, but for Howard University’s Bison, who have won the MEAC title and will play in the Dec. 16 Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. Coach Larry Scott’s Bison got plenty of help from former Richmond area standouts Jamel Stewart and Christian White. Earning AllMEAC honors, Stewart is a 6-foot-2, 275pound junior Jamel Stewart defensive tackle from Thomas Jefferson High. With 45 tackles at linebacker, White is a 5-foot-11, 200-pound graduate student from Highland Springs High. Howard battled through a choppy early season but finished fast with a 6-5 overall and 4-1 MEAC mark. The key was a 50-20 rout of North Carolina Central in what amounted to the MEAC title game. Central was then chosen for the
NCAA/FCS playoffs where it lost 4927 at the University of Richmond on Nov. 25. Howard shared the 2022 title with Central, with the Eagles advancing to the Celebration Bowl, where they defeated Jackson State. This marks Howard’s first outright MEAC title since 1993, long before the Celebration Bowl was established to crown “The Nation’s HBCUChampion.” The Bison will play the SouthChristian White western Athletic Conference (SWAC) champion in the Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and in front of a national TV audience. Under former Coach Mike London, Howard made history on Sept. 2, 2017, by stunning FBS Nevada-Las Vegas, a 45.5-point favorite, in an upset for the ages. It remains the largest point-spread ever overcome by in a game involving at FBS school.
Showing up and showing out
during Coach Pruitt’s absence
Armstrong High’s most illustrious football season in more than 70 years came up a smidgen short Nov. 24 in the Class 3, Region B finals. The Wildcats lost, 30-28, at Brentsville District (near Manassas) when, with seven seconds left, the hosts scored on a short pass from Nico Orlando to Tyler Owens. Finishing 9-4, Armstrong played without Coach Jeremy Pruitt who was suspended by the Virginia High School League for what it ruled as inappropriate social media comments. Coach Pruitt, a former All-CIAA linebacker at Virginia State, has put the East End school back on the football map in his three seasons on Cool Lane. Under Coach Pruitt, the Wildcats have improved from two wins in 2021, to four in 2022 and nine wins this season. The bold-letter victory was against previously undefeated Thomas Jefferson in the region semifinals. Against Brentsville, senior quarterback Tony Allen closed his career in style, running 14 yards for one
touchdown and passing for three others – two to A.J. Byrd and another to Nekhi Cherry. In all, Allen was 11 for 19 in the air for 212 Jeremy Pruitt yards. Allen might have had another TD if not for fumbling near the goal line. The loose ball rolled out of the end zone, giving Brentsville possession. Ahead by seven late in the game, Armstrong faced a fourth-and-long situation inside its own 10. The Wildcats chose to take an intentional safety (giving Brentsville two points) and reducing its lead to five. This was the furthest Armstrong has gone in a football season since the start of the VHSL playoffs in the late 1960s. In 1947, Armstrong won the State VIA title. (The VIA was the governing body for Black schools prior to merging with the VHSL.)
VCU’s global ballers
The “C” in VCU might stand for Nigerian Jennifer Ezeh, HBCU football attracted continents. who averages 6.3 points Coach Beth O’Boyle’s worldly Rams and 4.9 rebounds, while more fans this season hail from five continents – North America, hitting 54% from the South America, Asia, Europe and Africa floor.
Football attendance was way up this season at Norfolk State University and Hampton University. Despite disappointing seasons on the gridiron, NSU averaged 15,656 fans for its four home games at Dick Price Stadium, while HU averaged 7,431 in five dates at Armstrong Stadium. NSU, a member of the MEAC, improved from 9,571 in 2022 while HU, affiliated with the Coastal Athletic Association, increased its crowds from 2,956 the prior season. The attendance statistics for all HBCU programs competing in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) were released by HEROSports.com. HERO did not report attendance from NCAA Division II programs such as Virginia Union and Virginia State. Both NSU and HU saw huge boosts from their homecoming games. NSU drew 24,976 for homecoming against Morgan State. HU drew 13,811 for homecoming against North Carolina A&T. NSU also benefitted from an opening night crowd of 21,640 against Virginia State. Jackson State again led all HBCUs in attendance with 30,060 per game, followed by Florida A&M (17,616), Southern, La. (17,465), Alabama State (17,385) and NSU. On the field, NSU was 3-8 overall and 1-4 in the MEAC while HU was 5-6 overall and 3-5 in the CAA.
Armstrong also had an undefeated season in the 1970s, but was unable to go to the playoffs due to the late date with Maggie Walker. Regarding Coach Pruitt’s suspension from veteran AHS Activities Director Glenn Anderson: “I’d just like to say that although we would have loved to have Coach Pruitt on the sidelines, he prepared his coaches (Henry Jean and Andre Rawls) to operate the team as if he was there, and they did a great job. “We are very proud of what Coach Pruitt and his team accomplished this year and we are excited about the future of Wildcats football. “I would especially like to thank the more than 200 fans who traveled from Richmond to support us.” Asked about any long-range ramifications from the VHSL suspension, Anderson said: “I believe Coach Pruitt has fulfilled his responsibility as far as discipline is concerned.”
and seven countries outside the U.S. The multicultural young athletes, a combination of Rams’ returnees, transfers and freshmen, have molded well this season as VCU bolted to its first 3-0 start in 14 years before a loss to James Madison. The most productive arrival is guard Sarah Te-Biasu from Montreal, Canada. The 5-foot-5 senior has played on several Canadian international teams. For VCU, she leads in scoring with 15.3 points per game, while adding three assists and 29-for-33 accuracy at the foul line. Te-Biasu, wearing jersey No. 0, passed the 1,000-career scoring mark earlier this season. Another Canadian, 5-foot-7 sophomore Mary-Anna Asare is second in scoring at 10.4. The tallest Rams at 6-foot-2 are Elze Motekaityte from Lithuania and bouncy
Ezeh, a red-shirt se- Sarah Te-Biasu Jennifer Ezeh Mary-Anna Asare nior, previously played at Missouri State and Duke. She has National Team. been a member of the Nigerian Youth Befitting a team with worldly connection, the Rams went 3-0 over Thanksgiving Weekend in the Discover Puerto Rico World Class Rams Classic in San Juan. The victories came VCU women’s basketball against St. John’s, Sacred Heart and Puerto players from other countries: Rico-Mayaguez. Now 6-1, the Rams’ next game is Sarah Te-Biasu, Montreal, Canada Saturday, Dec. 2, against Charlotte at the Mahalia Harrison, Vancouver, Canada Siegel Center. Tipoff is 1 p.m. with ESPN+ Mary-Anna Asare, Pickering, Canada coverage. Valentina Ojeda, Punta Arenes, Chile u Natalia Tondi, Buenos Airies, Argentina VCU’s men’s team boasts an internaDeniz Torgut, Izmir, Turkey tional cast as well. Jennifer Ezeh, Nibo, Nigeria Coach Ryan Odom’s squad features Elze Motekaityte, Klaipeda, Lithuania Tobi Lawal and Michael Belle from Samantha Robinson, Bradford, Canada England, Max Shulga from Ukraine and Lucia Sotelo Miguez, Ourense, Spain Kuany Kuany and Sean Bairstow from Australia.
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Happenings Richmond native successfully pitches at Black Ambition By Debora Timms
For Leslie Winston III, it was a case of the third time is the charm when his company, Monocle, was named HBCU Grand Prize Winner at the 3rd Annual Black Ambition Demo Day on Nov. 9 at Spring Studios in New York. It was a win that earned the company $200,000 in funding. Black Ambition is a nonprofit initiative founded in 2020 by record producer, singer/songwriter and Virginia native Pharrell Williams to empower and support Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. To date, it has mentored nearly 1,000 entrepreneurs and given $10 million in funding to over 100 prize winners. “I knew about Black Ambition because I am a big fan of Pharrell Williams and N.E.R.D.,” Mr. Winston said in a recent telephone interview. “I saw the posts on social media when he launched it three years ago and I entered the first time partially for the chance to meet Pharrell.” The idea for Monocle—a social e-reading app that would allow any reader’s thoughts to be embedded within any book—occurred to him the previous year during the pandemic. Everyone was reading more said Mr. Winston, including himself. His read was “History of the Black Dollar” by Angel Rich. “It was right after George Floyd was murdered and there was what seemed to be a collective effort to understand policing in America, race in America and people were very openly sharing their thoughts and reactions,” Mr. Winston shared. As he read, he came to a page about Black Codes, laws enacted in D.C. and other states after emancipation that governed the conduct of Black people and severely limited their rights, and decided to share it with his thoughts on Instagram to engage friends in conversation. “People post so often online that it was really only relevant for like 30 minutes before people moved on to the next thing on their timeline,” Mr. Winston explained.
Photos courtesy of Black Ambition
Richmond native Leslie Winston III and his company, Monocle, was the HBCU Grand Prize Winner at the 3rd Annual Black Ambition Demo Day on Nov. 9 in New York. He accepts his prize from entrepreneur, musician and philanthropist Pharrell Williams, whose Black Ambition nonprofit initiative was founded in 2020, and Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition.
But while his post only garnered a few comments, it was the impetus for Monocle. He designed a quick prototype, asked friends and family for their reaction, and was thrilled when they shared his excitement for the idea. The graduate of North Carolina A&T State University was buoyed further when he was selected in March 2021 to participate in Nex Cubed’s inaugural HBCU Founder’s Summer Acceleration Program, an initiative that helped him to develop his idea and provided him with $10,000 in capital. When his application to Black Ambition didn’t advance in 2021, Mr. Winston tried again the following year with the same result. For this year, the Richmond native and current Brook-
Ellis Henderson II
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
Together once more An alumni celebration, tailgating, vendors, and a game played by Richmond Community Center 10U players that represented the past rivalry between Armstrong and Maggie Walker high schools were among the Nov. 24-25 weekend highlights during the 3rd Annual Armstrong-Walker Football Classic Legacy Project. The six-week celebration kicked off in October with an exhibit at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. “The Legacy and Soul of Our Community: 40 Years of the Armstrong Walker Classic” featured memorabilia and artifacts from the legendary, long-standing local high school football rivalry (1938 – 1978) between Armstrong and Maggie Walker high schools.
Artifacts on loan for the exhibit included photos and films that span the 40-year history of the rivalry between the two schools, which broke attendance records with crowds of upward of 40,000 people at City Stadium, according to organizers. Other weekend events included a dedication of the Lou Anderson Stadium at John Marshall High School, a reception at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, the Armstrong-Walker Hall of Fame Banquet at Armstrong High School and an Hour of Power Sunday service in the Armstrong High School auditorium. Top right, Richmond Public Schools Board Chair Stephanie Rizzi and Vice Chair Cheryl Burke enjoyed the ArmstrongWalker parade celebration. Right, Creighton
VSU Marching Band named top divisional band by ESPN Free Press staff report
Virginia State University’s Trojan Explosion Marching Band has been named the top Division II HBCU band in the country in 2023, according to ESPN the university has announced. The band next will compete against Florida Memorial for the title of HBCU Band of the Year in the Division II/NAIA category on Dec. 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The performance will be broadcast live on ESPN3 and ESPN Plus at 6 p.m. “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized as one of the best HBCU bands in the country,” said Dr. Taylor Whitehead, VSU director of marching and pep bands. “The band has worked incredibly hard and has had some amazing performances over the past year. When we take the stage at ESPN’s first Band of the Year competition, it will be a great opportunity for our students to show the whole country that ‘Greater Happens at VSU.’” The Trojan Explosion Marching Band was selected after finishing in the top two of ESPN’s Band of the Year rankings. VSU ranked third on the first list released in September and then climbed to the No. 2 spot on the final list released in November. Only the top two bands in the Division I and Division II/NAIA categories were invited to the competition. Important band components such as auxiliaries, drum majors, musicality, percussion, and drill/marching/maneuvering were used to select the finalists. Judges scored individual performances based on these specified areas. At different points, VSU ranked first in the nation in drum majors, auxiliary, and percussion. “We could not be prouder of our band and our Department of Music for this outstanding achievement,” said Dr. Tia A. Minnis, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “These students have continued to show off their remarkable talent, not just as musicians but as academic scholars as well. They will have the support of the entire Trojan community when they take the stage in Atlanta.”
lynite said his thoughts of entering for the third time were “on the back burner,” but he submitted his application at the last minute, becoming one of more than 2,000 to apply. He advanced through the competition, eventually being selected as one of the top eight finalists who were invited to present their pitches on Demo Day, supported in spirit by his family. “It was great. I shared a livestream link with them and they watched the whole program,” Mr. Winston said, adding with a laugh, “We were texting throughout and they told me my presentation was the best so far, even though I pitched second.” Back in Henrico County, his parents, Leslie and Betty Winston, were watching on the edge of their seats. While younger brother Daniel and older sister Lauren weren’t able to be at the house, his eldest sibling Christopher also was there cheering for his brother. Calling her son a “natural born engineer,” Mrs. Winston said by phone that he would “break apart the vacuum and then put it back together,” and loved building with LEGO growing up. “When the emcee said he’d be announcing the HBCU winner, I just had the feeling Leslie was going to win so I videotaped it on my phone,” she added. “We’re just so proud of him, of his app and of the way he pitched. He’s just a wonderful human being.” Mr. Winston said the success Monocle had at Black Ambition earned the company more than double what had been raised in funding thus far. “This win is just a huge signal to me and my team that there’s something real here that deserves our time and attention,” he added. Now the team is working on updates and improvements identified by a private Beta testing group earlier in the year. Mr. Winston hopes to have Monocle ready for a public launch next year and dreams of a platform where people can go for meaningful human connection and conversation that can help improve their own life and the lives of those around them. “I think books are the most compelling piece of content we look to to shape the world,” Mr. Winston said. “If books can be the foundation of connection, I think we can appreciate learning more about each other and the world.”
Court Community Center cheerleaders representing Armstrong High School give a shout.
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Happenings Personality: Sharon Walton Darby Spotlight on board chair for Greater Richmond Fit4Kids As Richmond area children continue to grow and learn in school and beyond, Sharon Darby helps to foster a healthier, better environment and experience for them every day. The board chair of Greater Richmond Fit4Kids since 2022, Ms. Darby helps the nonprofit improve children’s health through physical activities, healthy eating and other programs provided through schools and the community. A retired health professional who worked as a pediatric nurse and health care executive for children’s services in Richmond, Ms. Darby became involved with Fit4Kids in 2017. Leslie Wyatt, a friend and mentor, introduced her to Fit4Kids CEO Mary Dunne Stewart. “My move to chairing the Fit4Kids board seemed like a natural progression,” Ms. Darby says. “I have spent my career advocating for children and continue to do so in this role.” Ms. Wyatt believed Fit4Kids was an organization worth working with — and that Ms. Darby should be a part of that work. Ms. Darby since has served as a volunteer and chair of the board’s governance committee. “I was and continue to be so impressed with the quality of programming, commitment to collaborating with community and school partners to promote healthy eating and activity,” Ms. Darby says. As board chair, Ms. Darby has centered her three-year term on providing guidance to the Fit4Kids staff to ensure the organization’s health and sustainability through various resources. Schools are the largest focus of all of Fit4Kids’ collaborations in the Richmond region, according to Ms. Darby. More than 6,000 students are served every year through programs such as school gardens, active classrooms and after-school activities. And while Fit4Kids has a central office near Willow Lawn, its daily work in 42 partner schools across the region is where members spend most
of their time, especially given how much time children spend in classroom settings. “Since children spend so many hours at school, this environment provides an opportunity to disrupt health inequities and promote healthy, fun choices,” Ms. Darby says. Having seen firsthand how Fit4Kids responds to changes in the community’s well-being, Ms. Darby cites the COVID-19 pandemic as a setback for community health, but one that is adaptable. When isolation and virtual instruction led to greater interest in getting students outside, and in the group’s school gardens, Fit4Kids provided home garden kits for children unable to participate in school-based community gardens and other ways to engage in activities. They’re now working to grow their school garden efforts even more, as part of a larger planned expansion to reach more children in general. “We need to be current on the needs of students and the challenges they face in school,” Ms. Darby says. “It can be collaborating with the school system to address safe routes to school, working with teachers to provide activities in the classroom or advocating for universal school meals.” Meet a leading part of improving health and wellness for Richmond’s children and this week’s Personality, Sharon Darby: Volunteer position: Board chair for Greater Richmond Fit4Kids. Occupation: Retired health care executive. Date and place of birth: Aug. 8 in Richmond. Where I live now: Forest Hill area of Richmond. Education: Bachelor’s degree in nursing, master’s degree in health administration and a doctorate in nursing practice. Family: Three adult children, Anna, Alexander and Adam, one granddaughter, Darby. Greater Richmond Fit4Kids is: A nonprofit organization
dedicated to improving children’s health and wellness in Richmond. We do this by offering innovative programs that promote physical activity and healthy eating in schools, community organizations, and beyond. When, why and who founded: 2010 by Sports Backers — especially their CEO Jon Lugbill and Tom Byrd, a community volunteer. Mission: Fit4Kids mission is to improve children’s health and wellness through physical activity and healthy eating. Greater Richmond Fit4Kids serves: More than 6,000 students every year through our programs such as school gardens, active classrooms and afterschool physical activity programs. We are located: While we have a “central office” near Willow Lawn, our work is done daily in 42 schools across the region. School systems we support: Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, Hopewell, Petersburg and Prince George. Greater Richmond Fit4Kids is funded by: Fit4Kids is fortunate to be the recipient of generous contributions of time, money, and connections from community members, foundations, corporations and partner
organizations. Greater Richmond Fit4Kids partners with: Collaboration and relationships are the backbone of Fit4Kids work. Fit4Kids partners with 42 schools across the region, building connections with students, families, teachers, administrators, and school nutrition professionals. Since children spend so many hours at school, this environment provides an opportunity to disrupt health inequities and promote healthy, fun choices. We also partner with other nonprofit organizations, local businesses, policy makers, health systems, and more! I initially got involved with Fit4Kids: A friend and mentor introduced me to Mary Dunne Stewart, Fit4Kids CEO, because she thought Fit4Kids was a worthwhile organization and that I should volunteer for them. No. 1 goal or project as board chair: To provide guidance to the Fit4Kids staff to ensure the organization is healthy and sustainable. Strategy for achieving goals: Providing a governing board that is knowledgeable and engaged in the mission and values of Fit4Kids. No. 1 challenge: Meeting the needs of the children in the communities we serve with the resources available and developing strategies to expand our reach to more children. No. 1 joy I have witnessed through my work with Fit4Kids: Through our programs we are able to make a difference in a child’s life and empower them to lead a healthier life.
Upcoming events: In February, we plant thousands of veggies, herbs and flower seeds to grow seedlings for our 24 school gardens and to donate to families, community gardens, and other organizations. We have weekly volunteer opportunities in our greenhouse in Eastern Henrico! Fit4Kids also is a charity partner for the Virginia Credit Union River City Half and 5K on March 9. Community members can fundraise for Fit4Kids while reaching a personal fitness goal! Ways to become involved: Volunteer with us! We have several volunteer opportunities — especially in our greenhouse and in our school gardens. If you have a corporate, church, or friend group looking for a project, email us at info@ grfit4kids.org or visit our website at: https://grfit4kids. org/volunteer/ How I start the day: I like to start my day outside — walking the dog or exercising— this sets my intention for the day to be a “good one.” The three words that best describe me: Caring, driven, curious. If I had 10 extra minutes in the day: Read more. My dream dinner party guest would be: My dad — he passed away a few years ago and I would love to have the chance to talk with him one more time. Best late-night snack: Not a late night snacker but I enjoy a fudgesicle as a treat and have an addiction to animal crackers (think it is a holdover from childhood!). The music I listen to most is: I listen to music throughout the day — from old school rock-nroll to easy listening acoustic music. Michael Jackson is my
all-time favorite! Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I have completed more than 30 half marathons, 1 ultramarathon, and am a twotime Ironman 140.6 Triathlon Finisher. A quote that inspires me: I have so many that inspire me but right now as I enter retirement it is — “Sit back and enjoy the ride” — which is also my mantra when I run. At the top of my “to-do” list: Learn new things — skills and knowledge. Would like to learn to speak Spanish. The best thing my parents ever taught me: That hard work can pay off. The person who influenced me the most: I have been influenced by a number of strong and impactful women both personally and professionally throughout my life. As a pediatric nurse I was inspired by the power of women in caring for their children and the resiliency they show in navigating life. Book that influenced me the most: No singular book but I recently read “People of the Book” by Geraldine Brooks. It is a fictional (and real historical past) story of the Sarajevo Haggadah, one of the oldest surviving Jewish illuminated texts. This was very impactful with our current world events. What I’m reading now: “This Tender Land,” by William Kent Krueger. The value of perseverance when faced with extreme adversity. Next goal: To find an opportunity in the community to continue to be impactful — after I paint the inside of my house.
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B4 November 30-December 2, 2023
Faith News/Directory
Staying the course while steadying church’s finances is Rev. James’ mission By Jeremy M. Lazarus
The Rev. A. Lincoln James Jr. still isn’t ready to use the “R” word. Rev. James still has a spring to his step, an energetic approach and plenty of words to share with the Trinity Baptist Church congregation he has led for 43 years, or most of his 53-year ministry career. But at 78, Rev. James, Trinity’s fifth minister since
congregations, has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the form of reduced membership and giving, he said. The church lists 1,000 members on its rolls, but records suggest that only about 600 are active, far fewer than during the church’s peak when the numbers were nearly double. The Barton Heights area surrounding the church also has undergone dramatic change
Jeremy M. Lazarus/Richmond Free Press
The Rev. A. Lincoln James Jr. reviews a document as the Rev. Wendy Bullock, deputy minister and minister of Christian education, looks on.
church’s monthly income, Rev. James said, is directed toward paying off the note on the Trinity Family Life Center, a 29,000-square-foot multipurpose building located on Dill Road, nearly two miles northwest of the main sanctuary at 2811 Fendall Ave. On its attractively designed website, the center lists the Trinity Village Child Development Center among its services. The development center, designed for children ages 2½ to 12 years of age, “promotes spiritual, social, and cognitive development,” to expose youngsters to a world of learning through play and exploration as well as a structured classroom setting.” Other programs and services include a wellness center, venue rental, motherhood and co-parenting classes and various “cafes” to help empower and energize young people and others in the community. Although Rev. James considers building and opening the center in 2009 as a highlight of his tenure, paying off the $3 million debt is more of a struggle than he and other congregational leaders expected. It will be several years until the center’s last payment is made, he said. Though known for his optimistic approach, he no longer is certain that he will be Trinity’s pastor when the center’s mortgage is burned. However, when he decides to retire, Rev. James can point to a career of which he can be proud. Ticking off a list of accomplishments through the years, he includes a successful, yearslong campaign to get the lay leadership and congregation to
its founding in 1906, knows as new investment, renovation that the time is approaching and soaring home prices have when he finally will speak the attracted newcomers who are word “retire.” less interested in joining a pre“My father led a Chicago dominantly Black church. church for 52 years,” he said A major chunk of the in an interview as he and the congregation prepared to mark Trinity’s 117th birthday. “I have no plans to match his 5106 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 longevity.” 804-276-2740 • 804-276-6535 (fax) Rev. James actually began www.BRBCONLINE.org “mulling the idea of retirement” “BACK IN afterSERVICE” he turned 70 and after the “Please come and join us” ur doorsdeath are open again of his first wife, Mary P. Every Sunday @ 11:00 am. ery Sunday @in 11:00 am. 2020. James, December Live Streaming Every Sunday At: e Streaming Every Sunday One reason forAt: staying, said BRBConline.org or YouTube(Broad Rock Baptist Church) g or YouTube (Broad Rock Baptist Church) Rev. James, who has since Bible Study online and in person “MAKEremarried, IT HAPPEN” is to help steady Wednesday 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. the church’s finances. Trinity, which is among Pastor Kevin Cook Richmond’s larger North Side
Broad Rock Baptist Church
“MAKE IT HAPPEN”
Triumphant
Baptist Church 2003 Lamb Avenue Richmond, VA 23222 Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622
Trinity Family Life Center
accept female deacons. Today, he also has a female minister, the Rev. Wendy Bullock, as the No. 2 at the church as well as the minister of Christian education. Rev. James is a past president of the Virginia Baptist State Convention, served on the boards of Richmond Virginia Seminary, the University of Lynchburg and was an officer of the National Congress of Christian Education. He also has served as an adjunct professor at several universities, including the seminary at Virginia Union University where he earned his master’s of divinity degree. He has honorary doctorates from McKinley Theological Seminary in Jackson, Miss. and Baltimore Seminary and College in Maryland. The scion of a family that has produced multiple ministers, Rev. James was born in San Antonio and grew up in Chicago, where he was determined to follow in his father’s footsteps into ministry. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology at North Park College and Seminary
in Chicago before coming to Richmond to take graduate courses at VUU where an uncle, Dr. Allix B. James, served as president. Rev. James said he was still at student when he was called to lead his first church, Calvary Baptist in Kilmarnock. Before assuming leadership at Trinity in 1980, he served simultaneously as pastor of
Tabernacle Baptist Church in Petersburg and Pleasant Grove Baptist in Prince George County. If and when he steps down at Trinity, he wants to continue to minister at a rural church similar to Calvary or Pleasant Grove, he said, recalling the warm embrace both churches gave him as a young part-time minister.
High notes Five choirs and The Herbert Sisters quartet will take part in a gala public celebration of Trinity Baptist Church’s 117th birthday 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in the 1,000-seat sanctuary at 2811 Fendall Ave. in North Side, it has been announced. Along with the singing sisters, the featured groups will include the First African Baptist Church Mass Choir, the Rock Hill Baptist Church Mass Choir, the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church Mass Choir, the St. Paul Baptist Church Male Chorus and Virginia Union University’s Gospel Choir. Minister Latonia T. Dean Thomas will serve as the worship leader for the event that is open to the public, according to the church that was launched in 1906. The production will precede the anniversary celebration that will take place during Trinity’s 10 a.m. worship service Sunday, Dec. 3.
Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church
1408 W. Leigh Street · Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 358—6403
Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor
“Your Home In God’s Kingdom”
St. Peter Baptist Church
Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor
Worship Opportunities Sunday Worship Opportunities: 10 A.M. [In-person and Livestream] Sunday Church School Opportunities: Adults [In-person] at 8:30 A.M. Children [Virtual] online via our website.
OPEN FOR IN PERSON WORSHIP Morning Worship - 11 am Conference Calls are still available at: ( 503) 300-6860 PIN: 273149 Facebook@:triumphantbaptist
Bible Study Opportunities: Noon [In-person] 7 P.M. [Virtual]; Please contact the church office for directives. 2040 Mountain Road • Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Office 804-262-0230 • Fax 804-262-4651 • www.stpeterbaptist.net
Riverview Baptist Church Sundays Sunday School - 9:30 A.M. Worship Service - 11 A.M.
The Rev. Sylvester T. Smith, Ph.D., Pastor “There’s A Place for You”
Via Conference Call (202) 926-1127 Pin 572890# In Person Sunday Service also on FACEBOOK and YouTube 2604 Idlewood Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 • www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. John E. Johnson, Jr., Interim Minister 1858
The People’s Church 216 W. Leigh St., Richmond, Va. 23220 Tel: 804-643-3366 Fax: 804-643-3367 (PDLO ṘFH#HEHQH]HUUYD RUJ ZHE HEHQH]HUUYD RUJ
Sunday Church School • 9am (Zoom)
Sunday Morning Worship • 11am (in-person and livestream on YouTube)
Wednesday Bible Study • 7pm (Zoom)
Good Shepherd Baptist Church
1127 North 28th Street, Richmond, VA 23223-6624 • Office: (804) 644-1402
Antioch Baptist Church
Join us at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday for in-person worship service or Live-stream on YouTube (Good Shepherd Baptist Church RVA).
“Redeeming God’s People for Gods Purpose”
1384 New Market Road, Richmond, Virginia 23231 | 804-222-8835
SERVICES
7M\XL &ETXMWX 'LYVGL 8LIQI 1SFMPM^MRK *SV 1MRMWXV] 6IJVIWLMRK 8LI 3PH ERH )QIVKMRK 8LI 2I[ A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone
We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! Come worship with us! Back Inside Sundays Join us for 10:00 AM Worship Service
Please visit our website Ebenezer Baptist Church Richmond, VA for updates http://www. ebenezerrva.org
Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus
Live on Facebook @ 4ixth #aptist $IVSDI 37" Live on Youtube @4#$ 37" Or by visiting our website www.sixthbaptistchurch.org
Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor
400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220
(near Byrd Park)
(804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Facebook Fax (804) 359-3798 `VeaUON]aV`aPUb_PU_cN www.sixthbaptistchurch.org
SUNDAY WORSHIP HOUR – 10:00 A.M. CHILDREN’S CHURCH & BUS MINISTRY AVAILABLE SUNDAY SCHOOL (FOR ALL AGES) – 9:00 A.M. TUESDAY MID-DAY BIBLE STUDY – 12 NOON DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR WEDNESDAY MID-WEEK PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY – 7:00 P.M. A MISSION BASED CHURCH FAMILY EXCITING MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS & SENIOR ADULTS BIBLE REVELATION TEACHING DIVERSE MUSIC MINISTRY LOVING, CARING ENVIRONMENT
Richmond Free Press
November 30-December 2, 2023 B5
Legal Notice City of Richmond, Virginia PUBLIC Notice Proposed City Charter Amendments Pursuant to section 15.2202 of the Code of Virginia, notice is hereby given to all interested persons that the City Council of the City of Richmond will hold a public hearing on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following resolution: Resolution No. 2023-R057 To request the Richmond delegation to the General Assembly of Virginia to introduce and support the enactment of legislation to amend various sections within chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 5A, 5B, 6, 13, 17, and 18 of the Charter of the City of Richmond; to repeal various sections within chapters 2, 6, 17, and 20 of the Charter of the City of Richmond; and to add a new section numbered 2.09 to the Charter of the City of Richmond, to revise and update the Charter of the City of Richmond. Patrons – Ms. Lynch and Vice President Nye Approved as to form and legality by the City Attorney BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND: That, in accordance with section 15.2-202 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, the Richmond delegation to the General Assembly of Virginia is hereby requested to introduce and support the enactment of legislation to amend various sections within chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 5A 5B, 6, 13, 17, and 18 of the Charter of the City of Richmond; repeal various sections within chapters 2, 6, 17, and 20 of the Charter of the City of Richmond; and to add a new section numbered 2.09 to the Charter of the City of Richmond, to revise and update the Charter of the City of Richmond, as set forth in the document entitled “Requests of the City of Richmond for City Charter Amendments during the 2024 Session of the General Assembly of Virginia,” a copy of which is attached to and made a part of this resolution. Requests of the City of Richmond for City Charter Amendments during the 2024 Session of the General Assembly of Virginia Amended Sections: § 2.01. General grant of powers. The city shall have and may exercise all of the powers [which are now or may hereafter be conferred upon or delegated to cities under the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth and all other powers pertinent to the conduct of a city government the exercise of which is not expressly prohibited by the said Constitution and laws and which in the opinion of the council are necessary or desirable to promote the general welfare of the city and the safety, health, peace, good order, comfort, convenience and morals of its inhabitants, as fully and completely as though such powers were specifically enumerated in this charter, and no enumeration of particular powers in this charter shall be held to be exclusive but shall be held to be in addition to this general grant of powers] set forth in sections 15.21100 through 15.2-1133 of the Code of Virginia as in force January 1, 2024, and as hereafter amended. Such powers are hereby conferred upon and vested in the city, for the conduct of city government and to promote the general welfare of the city and its residents. In addition thereto, the city shall have and may exercise all other powers which are now or may hereafter be conferred upon or delegated to independent cities under the Constitution or the laws of the Commonwealth, as fully and completely as though such powers were specifically enumerated in this charter, and no enumerations of particular powers in this charter shall be held to be exclusive but shall be held to be in addition to this general grant of powers. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to section 2.01 more clearly align the City’s powers with the powers granted to cities under general law, while retaining the powers conferred upon the City in the Charter. § 2.02. Financial powers. In addition to the powers granted by other sections of this charter, the city shall have power: (a) To raise annually by taxes and assessments in the city such sums of money as the council shall deem necessary to pay the debts and defray the expenses of the city, in such manner as the council shall deem expedient, provided that such taxes and assessments are not prohibited by the laws of the Commonwealth. In addition to, but not as a limitation upon, this general grant of power the city shall, when not prohibited by the laws of the Commonwealth, have power to levy and collect ad valorem taxes on real estate and tangible personal Continued on next column
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property and machinery and tools, to levy and collect taxes for admission to or other charge for any public amusement, entertainment, performance, exhibition, sport or athletic event in the city, which taxes may be added to and collected with the price of such admission or other charge; to levy on and collect taxes from purchasers of any public utility service and from subscribers to franchised cable antenna television service used within the city, which taxes may be added to and collected with the bills rendered purchasers of such service; to require licenses, prohibit the conduct of any business or profession without such a license, require taxes to be paid on such licenses in respect of all businesses and professions which cannot, in the opinion of the council be reached by the ad valorem system; and to require licenses of owners of vehicles of all kinds for the privilege of using the streets, alleys and other public places in the city, require taxes to be paid on such licenses and prohibit the use of streets, alleys, and other public places in the city without such licenses; provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall be construed as permitting the city to levy and collect directly or indirectly a tax on payrolls. (b) [To borrow money for the purposes and in the manner provided by Chapter 7B of this charter. (c) To make appropriations, subject to the limitations imposed by this charter, for the support of the city government, and any other purposes not prohibited by this charter and by the laws of the Commonwealth. (d)] To appropriate, without being bound by other provisions of this charter, funds for the purpose of meeting a public emergency threatening the lives, health or property of the inhabitants of the city, provided that any such appropriation shall require at least seven affirmative votes in the council and that the ordinance making such appropriation shall contain a clear statement of the nature and extent of the emergency. [(e) To accept or refuse gifts, donations, bequests or grants from any source for any purpose related to the powers and duties of the city government. (f) To provide, or aid in the support of, public libraries and public schools.] [(g)] (c) To grant financial aid [to military units organized in the city in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth, and] to charitable or benevolent institutions and corporations, including those established for scientific, literary or musical purposes or the encouragement of agriculture and the mechanical arts, whose functions further the public purposes of the city. [(h)] (d) To establish a system of pensions for injured, retired or superannuated city officers and employees, members of the police and fire departments, teachers and other employees of the school board, judges, clerks, deputy clerks, bailiffs and other employees of the municipal courts, and to establish a fund or funds for the payment of such pensions by making appropriations out of the treasury of the city, by levying a special tax for the benefit of such fund or funds, by requiring contributions payable from time to time from such officers or employees, or by any combination of these methods or by any other method not prohibited by law, provided that the total annual payments into such fund or funds shall be sufficient on sound actuarial principles to provide for the pensions to be paid therefrom; and provided further, that the benefits accrued or accruing to any person under such system shall not be subject to execution, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other process whatsoever nor shall any assignment of such benefits be enforceable in any court. [(i)] (e) To provide for the control and management of the fiscal affairs of the city, and prescribe and require the adoption and keeping of such books, records, accounts and systems of accounting by the departments, boards, commissions, courts or other agencies of the city government provided for by this charter or otherwise by law as may be necessary to give full and true accounts of the affairs, resources and revenues of the city and the handling, use and disposal thereof. EXPLANATION: The powers set forth in subsections (b), (c), (e), and (f) of section 2.02 are conferred upon localities by the Constitution of Virginia and the Code of Virginia. More specifically, the powers set forth in subsection (b) are authorized by Article VII, § 7 of the Constitution of Virginia and Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1105. The powers set forth in subsection (c) are authorized by Article VII, § 7 of the Constitution of Virginia. Subsection (e) is covered by section 15.21108 of the Code of Virginia. The powers prescribed in subsection (f) are already either authorized or required by sections 42.1-33 and 22.1-88 of the
Code of Virginia and Article VIII, § 2 of the Constitution of Virginia. The amendment to subsection (g) of section 2.02 is made in recognition of the fact that section 15.21112 of the Code of Virginia authorizes a city to grant financial aid to military units. Accordingly, removal of the said subsections and text would eliminate the duplication of powers that are already granted to localities under the aforementioned laws of the Commonwealth.
In addition to the powers granted by other sections of this charter, the city shall have power to adopt ordinances, not in conflict with this charter or prohibited by the general laws of the Commonwealth, for the preservation of the safety, health, peace, good order, comfort, convenience, morals and welfare of its inhabitants, and among such powers, but not in limitation thereof, the city shall have power: (a) To provide for the prevention of vice, immorality, vagrancy and drunkenness; prevention and quelling of riots; disturbances and disorderly assemblages; suppression of houses of ill fame and gambling places; prevention of lewd and disorderly conduct or exhibitions; and prevention of conduct in the streets dangerous to the public. (b) [ To r e g u l a t e t h e construction, maintenance and repair of buildings and other structures and the plumbing, electrical, heating, elevator, escalator, boiler, unfired pressure vessel, and air conditioning installations therein, for the purpose of preventing fire and other dangers to life and health. (c)] To p r o v i d e f o r t h e protection of the city’s property, real and personal, and prevention of the pollution of the city’s water supply, and the regulation of use of parks, playgrounds, playfields, recreational facilities, landings, docks, wharves, canals, airports and other public property, whether located within or without the city. For the purpose of enforcing such regulations all city property wherever located shall be under the police jurisdiction of the city. Any member of the police force of the city or employee thereof appointed as a special policeman shall have power to make arrests for violation of any ordinance, rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this section and the district court, criminal division, shall have jurisdiction in all cases arising thereunder within the city and the district court of the county wherein the offense occurs shall have jurisdiction of all cases arising thereunder without the city. [(d)] (c) To g r a n t o r authorize the issuance of permits under such terms and conditions as the council may impose for the use of streets, alleys and other public places of the city by railroads, street railways, buses, taxicabs and other vehicles for hire; prescribe the location in, under or over, and grant permits for the use of, streets, alleys and other public places for the maintenance and operation of tracks, poles, wires, cables, pipes, conduits, bridges, subways, vaults, areas and cellars; require tracks, poles, wires, cables, pipes, conduits and bridges to be altered, removed or relocated either permanently or temporarily; charge and collect compensation for the privileges so granted; and prohibit such use of the streets, alleys and other public places of the city, and no such use shall be made of the streets, alleys, or other public places of the city without the consent of the council. [(e) T o p r e v e n t a n y obstruction of or encroachment over, under or in any street, alley, sidewalk or other public place; provide penalties for maintaining any such obstruction or encroachment; remove the same and charge the cost thereof to the owner or owners, occupant or occupants of the property so obstructing or encroaching, and collect the sum charged in any manner provided by law for the collection of taxes; require the owner or owners or the occupant or occupants of the property so obstructing or encroaching to remove the same; pending such removal charge the owner or owners of the property so obstructing or encroaching compensation for the use of such portion of the street, alley, sidewalk or other public place obstructed or encroached upon the equivalent of what would be the tax upon the land so occupied if it were owned by the owner or owners of the property so obstructing or encroaching, and, if such removal shall not be made within the time ordered, impose penalties for each and every day that such obstruction or encroachment is allowed to continue thereafter; authorize encroachments upon streets, alleys, sidewalks or other public places, subject to such terms and conditions as the council may prescribe, but such authorization shall
not relieve the owner or owners, occupant or occupants of the property encroaching, of any liability for negligence on account of such encroachment; and recover possession of any street, alley, sidewalk or other public place or any other property of the city by suit or action in ejectment. (f) To prescribe the route and grade of any railroad laid in the city, regulate the operation of locomotives and cars, and exclude such locomotives and cars from the city; provided, no contract between the city and the corporation operating such locomotives or cars is violated by such action. (g) To r e g u l a t e t h e operation of motor vehicles and exercise control over traffic in the streets of the city and provide penalties for the violation of such regulations; provided, that ordinances or administrative regulations adopted by virtue of this subsection shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code of Virginia. All fines imposed for the violation of such ordinances and regulations shall be paid into the city treasury. (h) To regulate, in the interest of public health, the production, preparation, distribution, sale and possession of milk, other beverages and foods for human consumption, and the places in which they are produced, prepared, distributed, sold, served or stored; regulate the construction, installation, maintenance and condition of all water and sewer pipes, connections, toilets, water closets and plumbing fixtures of all kinds; regulate the construction and use of septic tanks and dry closets, where sewers are not available, and the sanitation of swimming pools and lakes; provide for the removal of night soil, and charge and collect compensation for the removal thereof; compel the use of sewers, the connection of abutting premises therewith, and the installation in such premises of suitable sanitary facilities; regulate or prohibit connections to and use of sewers; provide for the quarantine of any person afflicted with a contagious or infectious disease, and for the removal of such person to a hospital or ward specially designated for contagious or infectious diseases; inspect and prescribe reasonable rules and regulations, in the interest of public health, with respect to private hospitals, sanatoria, convalescent homes, clinics and other private institutions, homes and facilities for the care of the sick, of children, the aged and the destitute; and make and enforce all regulations necessary to preserve and promote public health and sanitation and protect the inhabitants of the city from contagious, infectious or other diseases. (i) To regulate cemeteries and burials therein, prescribe the records to be kept by the owners of such cemeteries, and prohibit all burials except in a public burying ground. [(j)] (d) To regulate or prohibit the exercise of any dangerous, offensive or unhealthful business, trade or employment, and the transportation of any offensive or dangerous substance. [(k) To regulate the light, ventilation, sanitation and use or occupancy of buildings heretofore or hereafter constructed, altered, remodeled or improved, and the sanitation of the premises surrounding the same. (l) To regulate the emission of smoke or the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of fuel burning equipment, internal combustion engines or any other equipment or source of air pollution. (m) To compel the removal of weeds from private and public property and snow from sidewalks; the covering or removal of offensive, unwholesome, unsanitary or unhealthy substances allowed to accumulate in or on any place or premises; the filling in to the street level of the portion of any lot adjacent to a street where the difference in level between the lot and the street constitutes a danger to life and limb; the raising or draining of grounds subject to be covered by stagnant water; the razing or repair of all unsafe, dangerous or unsanitary public or private buildings, walls or structures which constitute a menace to the health and safety of the occupants thereof or the public; and to compel the abatement or removal of any and all other nuisances whatsoever including the removal of inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicles or parts thereof from public or private property. If after such reasonable notice as the council may prescribe by ordinance the owner or owners, occupant or occupants of the property or premises affected by the provisions of this subsection shall fail to abate or obviate the condition or nuisance, the city may do so and charge and collect the cost thereof from the owner or owners, occupant or occupants of the property affected in any manner provided by law for the collection of taxes. (n) To regulate or prohibit the manufacture, storage, transportation, possession and use of explosive or inflammable substances
and the use of exhibition of fireworks and discharge of firearms.] [(o)] (e) To regulate or prohibit the making of fires in the streets, alleys and other public places in the city and to regulate the making of fires on private property. [(p)] (f) To r e g u l a t e or prohibit the running at large and the keeping of animals and fowl and provide for the impounding and confiscation of any such animal or fowl found at large or kept in violation of such regulations. [(q) To prevent cruelty to and abuse of animals. (r) To regulate the sale of goods, wares or merchandise at auction; regulate the conduct of and prescribe the number of pawnshops and dealers in secondhand goods, wares and merchandise; regulate or prohibit the peddling or hawking of any article for sale on the streets of the city; prevent fraud or deceit in the sale of goods, wares and merchandise; require the weighing, measuring, gauging and inspection of goods, wares and merchandise offered for sale; require weights and measures to be sealed and subject to inspection; and provide for the appointment of a sealer and one or more weightmasters who shall perform such duties and functions as may be prescribed by ordinance.]
for their perpetual care and establish the rates to be charged for the digging of graves, construction of vaults and other services. (e)] To establish, maintain and operate, within or without the city, a jail for the confinement of prisoners, ordered or sentenced to be confined therein, and a jail farm; and compel able-bodied prisoners confined in the jail to work on such farm, with the approval of the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond. Any lockup physically located within the City of Richmond, whether in the Safety, Health and Welfare Building of the City of Richmond or elsewhere, shall be deemed a part of and included within the city jail facility for the purposes of supervision, administration, staffing and all other aspects germane to the operation of the city jail. [(f)] (c) To acquire, in the manner provided in Chapter 18 of this charter, areas, properties, lands or any estate or interest therein, located within the city’s old and historic districts which, in the opinion of the council, should be acquired, preserved and maintained for use, observation, education, pleasure and welfare of the people, or to preserve the character of the old and historic district in which such property is located; provide for their renovation, preservation, maintenance, management and control as places of old and historic interest by the department of the city government or by a board, commission or agency specially established by ordinance for the purpose; charge or authorize the charging of compensation for the use thereof or admission thereto; lease or sell to a 501(c)(3) organization, subject to such regulations as may be established by ordinance, any such area, property, lands or estate or interest therein so acquired upon the condition that the old and historic character of the area, property or lands shall be restored and preserved and maintained; or to enter into contracts with any person, firm or corporation for the management, preservation, maintenance or operation of any such area, property, lands or estate or interest therein so acquired as a place of old and historic interest, provided, the city shall not use the right of condemnation under this paragraph unless the historic value of such area, property, lands or estate or interest therein are about to be destroyed, including destruction through lack of maintenance. [(g) To establish and collect such fees, including a charge for expenses incurred in auditing reports, accounts and any records of organizations operating bingo games and raffles under the permissive provisions of Section 18.2335 of the Code of Virginia [now Code of Virginia, § 18.2-340.15 et seq.] and admitting to record the annual report of such organization, as may be determined by the council to be reasonable for the rendering of special services.]
gender neutral language. § 3.04. Vacancies in office of [councilman] council member or mayor. A. Vacancies in the office of [councilman] council member, from whatever cause arising, shall be filled in accordance with general law applicable to interim appointments and special elections, provided that, any provision in the general law to the contrary notwithstanding, a special election may be called to fill any such vacancy if the vacancy occurs more than one year prior to the expiration of the full term of the office to be filled. B. A vacancy in the office of mayor shall be filled by special election conducted according to the rules herein provided for the general election and held within 60 days, but no sooner than 30 days, from the date of the vacancy. Any runoff, should one be necessary, shall be held on the first Tuesday after the fifth day following the date that voting machines used in the special election may be unsealed pursuant to § 24.2-659 of the Code of Virginia [Code of Virginia, § 24.2-659] or the third Tuesday following the special election, whichever is later. However, if the date by which either the special election or possible runoff election for the office of mayor must be conducted should fall within 60 days prior to a primary election or general election, then the special or runoff election shall be held on the same day as the primary or general election, if allowed by general law, or, if not allowed by general law, then the special election shall be held on the first Tuesday after the fifth day following the date that voting machines used in the primary or general election may be unsealed pursuant to § 24.2-659 of the Code of Virginia [Code of Virginia, § 24.2-659]. Any runoff that may be necessary shall be held on the first Tuesday after the fifth day following the date that the voting machines used in the special election may be unsealed pursuant to § 24.2-659 of the Code of Virginia [Code of Virginia, § 24.2-659] or the third Tuesday following the special election, whichever is later. The president of the council shall serve as acting mayor until a successor is elected. C. T h e p r o c e d u r e s and deadlines for voter registration, applying for an absentee ballot, and casting an absentee ballot for any runoff election as may be necessary after a special election for mayor shall be as provided in Chapters 4 (§ 24.2-400 et seq.), 4.1 (§ 24.2-451 et seq.), and 7 (§ 24.2-700 et seq.) of Title 24.2 of the Code of Virginia [Code of Virginia, §§ 24.2-400 et seq., 24.2-451 et seq. and 24.2-700 et seq.) for general elections. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to the title and subsection (A) of section 3.04 replace gender specific language with gender neutral language.
and mayors of cities of the Commonwealth for the regular meetings of the council for which such members are engaged in the duties of the council. The council, by resolution, may also grant annually to its members additional compensation for standing committees or other meetings of the council for which such members are engaged in the duties of the council. The council may, by resolution, fix annually an additional sum to be paid to the president and the vice-president of the council, notwithstanding the maximum salary limits imposed by the general laws of the Commonwealth. The members of the council, subject to the approval of the council, may also be allowed their reasonable actual expenses incurred in representing the city. No member of the council shall during the term of which he/ she was elected and one year thereafter be appointed to any office of profit under the government of the city. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to section 4.01 authorize compensation to individual council members as may be set by the Council by resolution as compensation for attending meetings of the Council, in addition to the sums permitted by the general laws of the Commonwealth. In addition, the amendments authorize the Council to fix an additional sum to be paid to the President and Vice President of the Council, notwithstanding the limitations of section 15.2-1414.6 of the Code of Virginia. § 4.03. President of the council. [At the time of the council’s January organizational meeting, the council shall elect from among its members a president of the council to preside at council meetings for a one-year term; however, beginning January 1, 2007, the] The president of the council shall serve a twoyear term. Should a vacancy occur in the office of mayor, the president of the council will become acting mayor until a successor is elected to fill out the remainder of the unexpired term in accordance with § 3.04. An acting mayor shall have the same powers and responsibilities as the elected mayor. In addition, notwithstanding the provisions of § 3.01.1, any acting mayor shall retain his or her City Council position, including the right to vote.
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§ 2.04. Power to make regulations for the preservation of the safety, health, peace, good order, comfort, convenience, morals and welfare of the city and its inhabitants.
EXPLANATION: The powers set forth in the subsections deleted from section 2.04 are provided for under the general laws of the Commonwealth. In particular, the authority conferred in subsections (b) and (k) of section 2.04 are granted and regulated by the Uniform Statewide Building Code. The powers provided for in subsection (e) of 2.04 are set forth in sections 15.22009, 15.2-2010, and 15.22011 of the Code of Virginia. Subsection (f) of section 2.04 is preempted by the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10501(b)(1) and the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act of 1995. The subject matter addressed in subsection (g) of section 2.04 is covered under Chapter 13 of Title46.2 of the Code of Virginia. With regard to subsection (h) of section 2.04, its subject matter is addressed in the general laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia: section 15.2-1109 of the Code of Virginia authorizes a city to regulate the production, storage, and sale of milk and food products, and section 15.2-1110 of the Code of Virginia authorizes a city to regulate swimming pools, lakes and other bodies of water; the Virginia Department of Health oversees the production and distribution of milk and foods, the construction and use of septic systems, matters involving the quarantine of individuals, and the operation of private hospitals; and the Uniform Statewide Building Code regulates the construction and maintenance of plumbing fixtures and toilets. The power granted in subsection (i) of section 2.04 is set forth in section 15.2-1111 of the Code of Virginia. Subsection (l) of section 2.04 is covered by section 15.2-1116 and Chapter 13 of Title 10.1 of the Code of Virginia. With regard to subsection (m) of section 2.04, sections 15.2900, 15.2-901, 15.2-906, and 15.2-1115 of the Code of Virginia authorize cities to deal with nuisances. Cities are authorized to regulate the subject matter addressed in subsection (n) of section 2.04 pursuant to sections 15.2-915 and 15.2-1113 of the Code of Virginia and matters involving the use of explosive or inflammable substances are also regulated by the Uniform Statewide Fire Code. The powers set out in subsection (q) of section 2.04 are addressed specifically in section 3.2-6543 of the Code of Virginia and in Title 3.2 of the Code of Virginia in general. Subsection (r) of section 2.04 is addressed in various provisions of general law, including, but not limited to, sections 15.2-913, 15.21114, 54.1-4001, 54.1-4003, and 59.1-201 of the Code of Virginia. In light of the preceding, removal of the said subsections would eliminate the duplication of powers that are already granted to localities under the aforementioned laws and regulations of the Commonwealth or that are otherwise preempted by federal law. § 2.05. Miscellaneous powers. The city shall also have power: (a) To establish, maintain and operate public employment bureaus, public markets and public baths. (b) [To establish, maintain and operate, within and without the city, public hospitals, sanatoria, convalescent homes, clinics and other public institutions, homes and facilities for the care of the sick, of children, the aged and the destitute. (c) To provide care for the poor and have all the powers and duties conferred and imposed on cities by the laws of the Commonwealth relating to public assistance. (d) To e s t a b l i s h , o w n , maintain and operate, within and without the city, cemeteries for the interment of the dead, fix the price at which graves and lots therein shall be sold, make contracts
§ 3.01. Election of councilmen; nomination of candidates. A. At the time of the November general election in 2004, and every second year thereafter, there shall be held a general city election at which shall be elected by the qualified voters of the city one member of council from each of the nine election districts in the city, the voters residing in each such district to elect one member for said district for terms of two years from the first day of January following their election. However, beginning with the elections to be held in 2008, and subject to approval by referendum as called for by this act, council members shall be elected for a term of four years. B. No primary election shall be held for the nomination of candidates for the office of [councilman] council member, and candidates shall be nominated only by petition. C. Each council member elected in accordance with this section shall reside in the election district from which such member was elected throughout the member’s term on the council. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendment in subsection (B) of section 3.01 replaces gender specific language with
§ 3.04.1. Removal of council member or mayor and forfeiture of office. A. In addition to being subject to the procedure set forth in § 24.2-233 of the Code of Virginia [Code of Virginia, § 24.2-233], any member of the council may be removed by the council for malfeasance in office or neglect of duty or for a failure to comply with the residency requirement set forth in § 3.01. The member shall be entitled to notice and hearing. It shall be the duty of the council, at the request of the person sought to be removed, to subpoena witnesses whose testimony would be pertinent to the matter in hand. From the decision of the council an appeal shall lie to the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, Division 1. B. The mayor may be removed following the procedure set forth in § 24.2-233 of the Code of Virginia [Code of Virginia, § 24.2-233] applicable to constitutional officers; provided, however, that the petition must be signed by a number of registered voters in each council district equal to at least ten percent of the total number of votes cast in the last general election for mayor in each respective council district. C. The mayor or any member of council who shall be convicted by a final judgment of any court from which no appeal has been taken or which has been affirmed by a court of last resort on a charge involving moral turpitude[,] or any felony[, or any misdemeanor involving possession of marijuana or any controlled substances,] shall forfeit his/her office. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e revisions to subsection (C) of section 3.04.1 remove archaic language and align this provision with the general laws of the Commonwealth with regard to the possession of marijuana. § 4.01. Composition; compensation; appointment of members to office of profit. The council shall consist of nine members elected as provided in Chapter 3. Compensation of members of council shall be fixed in accordance with [and within] the [limits prescribed in] general laws of the Commonwealth for pay and expenses of councils
E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to section 4.03 change the term of the President of the Council from a two-year term to a one-year term. § 4.06. Rules of procedure. The council shall have power, subject to the provisions of this charter, to adopt its own rules of procedure. Such rules shall provide for the time and place of holding regular meetings of the council which shall be not less frequently than once in each month; however, the council shall not be required to hold a regular meeting in the month of August. They shall also provide for the calling of special meetings by the mayor or any three members of the council, and shall prescribe the method of giving notice thereof, provided that the notice of each special meeting shall contain a statement of the specific item or items of business to be transacted and no other business shall be transacted at such meeting except by the unanimous consent of all the members of the council. T h e c o u n c i l ’s r u l e s o f procedure are designed and adopted for the benefit and convenience of the council. The purpose of such rules of procedure is to help the council conduct its affairs in a timely and efficient manner. The rules of procedure incorporate the general principles of parliamentary procedure found in Robert’s Rules of Order and applicable laws of the Commonwealth. The rules of procedure do not create substantive rights for third parties or participants in proceedings before the council. Further, the council reserves the right to suspend or amend the rules of procedure whenever a majority of the council decides to do so. The failure of the council to strictly comply with its rules of procedure shall not invalidate any action of the council. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to section 4.06 clarify the purpose and effect of the Council’s Rules of Procedure. § 4.07. Voting. No ordinance, resolution, motion or vote shall be adopted by the council except at a meeting open to the public and, except motions to adjourn, to fix the time and place of adjournment, and other motions of a purely procedural nature, unless it shall have received the affirmative votes of at least five members. All voting except on procedural motions shall be by roll call or by electronic means and the ayes and noes shall be recorded in the journal. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendment to section 4.07 authorizes the Council to vote electronically. § 4.09. Ordinances, form. Every ordinance except the annual appropriation ordinances and an ordinance
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EXPLANATION: The powers set forth in subsections (b), (c), (d), and (g) of section 2.05 are authorized under the laws of the Commonwealth. Subsection (b) mirrors the powers granted to localities as set forth in section 15.2-1119 of the Code of Virginia. Article 2 of Title 63.2 of the Code of Virginia addresses the powers set forth in subsection (c). Subsection (d)’s powers are also authorized under section 15.2-1121 of the Code of Virginia. The Virginia Charitable Gaming Commission regulates the powers prescribed in subsection (g). Accordingly, removal of the said subsections would eliminate the duplication of powers that are already granted to localities under the aforementioned laws of the Commonwealth or that are otherwise governed by the general laws of the Commonwealth.
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codifying ordinances shall be confined to a single subject which shall be clearly expressed in its title. [All ordinances shall be introduced in typewritten or printed form or a combination of both.] Ordinances introduced to the council may be made available by electronic means, provided that one or more printed copies of each ordinance shall be furnished to the City Clerk for public inspection. All ordinances which repeal or amend existing ordinances shall set forth in full the section or subsection to be repealed or amended and, if it is to be amended, shall indicate matter to be omitted by enclosing the same in brackets, striking through the matter to be omitted, or by both such brackets and striking through and indicating new matter by underscoring. When [printed or] published prior to enactment the same indications of omitted and new matter shall be used except that strikeout type may be substituted for brackets and italics for underscoring. The enacting clause of all ordinances shall be: “The City of Richmond hereby ordains.” Unless another date is specified therein and except as otherwise provided in this charter an ordinance shall take effect on the tenth day following its passage. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to section 4.09 removes the requirement that ordinances be printed and, instead, authorizes the council to make ordinances available by electronic means. § 4.10. Procedure for passing ordinances. An ordinance may be introduced by any member or committee of the council or by the mayor at any regular meeting of the council or at any special meeting. Upon introduction a time, not less than seven days after such introduction, and place shall be set at which the council or a committee thereof will hold a public hearing on such ordinance, provided that the council may reject any ordinance on first reading without a hearing thereon by vote of six members. The hearing may be held separately or in connection with a regular or special meeting of the council and may be adjourned from time to time. It shall be the duty of the city clerk to cause to be printed in a newspaper published or in general circulation in the city, not later than the fifth day before the public hearing on the proposed ordinance, a notice containing the time and place of the hearing and the title of the proposed ordinance. It shall also be his/her duty, not later than the fifth day before the public hearing, to cause its full text to be printed or otherwise reproduced, as the council may by resolution direct, in sufficient numbers to supply copies to those who individually request them, or, if the council shall so order, to cause the same to be printed as a paid advertisement in a newspaper published or in general circulation in the city. It shall further be his/ her duty to place a copy of the ordinance, printed or in electronic format, in a file provided each member of the council for this purpose. A proposed ordinance, unless it is an emergency ordinance, shall be finally passed at a meeting of the council following the introduction of the ordinance and after the conclusion of the public hearing thereon. If an ordinance, other than an emergency ordinance, is amended as to its substance, it shall not be passed until it shall be reprinted, reproduced or published as amended, and a hearing shall be set and advertised and all proceedings had as in the case of a newly introduced ordinance. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to section 4.10 authorize the City Clerk to place a copy of ordinances in a file provided for each member of the Council in either printed or electronic format, as opposed to in just printed format. § 4.13. Record and publication of ordinances. Every ordinance after passage shall be given a serial number and shall be retained by the clerk in a permanent file kept for that purpose and the clerk shall maintain a permanent card or similar index. Within one year after the first Tuesday in September, 1948, there shall be prepared under the direction of the city attorney, who is hereby authorized to employ such assistance as he/she deems necessary for the purpose, a codification of all ordinances in force. Such codification shall be passed by the council as a single ordinance and without prior publication. Upon its passage it shall be published in bound or loose-leaf form, or by electronic means. This codification, to be known and cited officially as the city code, shall be furnished to city officers and shall be sold to the public at a price to be fixed by the council. A similar codification shall be prepared, passed, published and distributed, as above provided, at least every five years. It shall be the duty of the city clerk to cause all ordinances adopted to be printed as promptly as possible after their adoption in substantially the same style and format as the codification of ordinances and sold at such prices as the Council
may establish. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to section 4.13 authorize the Council to publish the City Code by electronic means, in addition to in bound or loose-leaf form. § 4.15. Removal of members of boards and commissions; f o r f e i t u r e o f o ff i c e o r employment for certain convictions. A. Any member of a board or commission appointed by the council for a specified term may be removed by the council but only for malfeasance in office or neglect of duty. He/she shall be entitled to notice and hearing. It shall be the duty of the council, at the request of the person sought to be removed, to subpoena witnesses whose testimony would be pertinent to the matter in hand. From the decision of the council an appeal shall lie to the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, Division I. B. Any officer, appointee of the council or employee of the city who shall be convicted by a final judgment of any court from which no appeal has been taken or which has been affirmed by a court of last resort on a charge involving moral turpitude or any felony [or any misdemeanor involving possession of marijuana or any controlled substances] shall forfeit his/her office or employment. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e revisions to subsection (B) of section 4.15 remove archaic language and align this provision with the general laws of the Commonwealth with regard to the possession of marijuana.
remove assistants or any other employees as shall be authorized by the council and to authorize any assistant or special counsel to perform any of the duties imposed upon him/her in this charter or under general law. The city attorney may represent personally or through one of [his] the city attorney’s assistants any number of city officials, departments, commissions, boards, or agencies that are parties to the same transaction or that are parties in the same civil or administrative proceeding and may represent multiple interests within the same department, commission, board, or agency. In matters where the city attorney determines that [he] the city attorney is unable to render legal services to the mayor, chief administrative officer, or city departments or agencies under the supervision of the chief administrative officer due to a conflict of interests, the mayor, after receiving notice of such conflict, may employ special counsel to render such legal services as may be necessary for such matter.
for the current fiscal year and the actual expenditures for the next preceding fiscal year. (2) An itemized statement of the taxes to be levied and of the estimated revenues of the city from all other sources for the ensuing fiscal year, with comparative statements in parallel columns of the taxes and other revenues for the current and next preceding fiscal years, and of the increases or decreases estimated or proposed. (3) A capital budget. (4) Such other information as may be required by the council. (b) The mayor shall make copies of the budget required by subsection (a) of this section available for distribution in electronic format after its submission to the council and on the city’s website. A public hearing on the budget shall be held by the council before final action thereon. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to section 6.02 outline the items that are to be included in the Mayor’s annual budget submission to the Council and further provide that the Mayor shall make copies of the annual budget available in electronic format. § 6.05. Balanced budget required. For any fund, the total of proposed expenditures shall not exceed the total of estimated [income] revenues plus carried forward fund balance. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to section 6.05 clarify that, for funds of the City, proposed expenditures shall not exceed estimated revenues. § 6.10. Action by council on budget generally. After the conclusion of the public hearing, the council may insert new items of expenditure or may increase, decrease or strike out items of expenditure in the budget, except that no item of expenditure for debt service or required to be included by this charter or other provision of law shall be reduced or stricken out. The council shall not alter the estimates of [receipts] revenue contained in the said budget except to correct omissions or mathematical errors, and it shall not cause the total of expenditures as recommended by the mayor to be increased without a public hearing on such increase, which shall be held not less than five days after notice thereof has been printed in a newspaper published or in general circulation in the city. The council shall in no event adopt a budget in which the total of expenditures exceeds the [receipts] revenue, estimated as provided in § 6.04, unless at the same time it adopts measures for providing additional revenue in the ensuing fiscal year sufficient to make up this difference. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to section 6.10 clarify that the Council shall not alter or adopt a budget that exceeds the estimated revenue. § 6.12. Effective date of budget; certification and availability of copies thereof. Upon final adoption, the budget shall be in effect for the ensuing fiscal year. A copy of such budget as finally adopted shall be certified by the city clerk. Copies of the budget[, capital program and appropriation and revenue ordinances] shall be [public records and shall be] made available [to the public at suitable places in the city] for distribution in electronic format after its submission to the council and on the city’s website. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to section 6.12 prescribe that the annual budget shall be made available for distribution in electronic format and on the City’s website. § 6.16. Amendments after adoption. (a) A t a n y t i m e w i t h i n the fiscal year, upon the recommendation of the mayor and certification of the director of finance that there remain sufficient funds not theretofore allotted for a specific purpose, the council may, by not less than six affirmative votes, allot all or part of the funds appropriated to an account designated “Reserve for Contingencies” as authorized in § 15.2-2505 of the Code of Virginia [Code of Virginia, § 15.2-2505] for a designated program or project and authorize expenditure of the funds so allotted. (b) If at any time during the fiscal year the mayor certifies that there are available for appropriation revenues in excess of those estimated in the budget, the city council may by not less than six affirmative votes, and only upon the recommendation of the mayor, make supplemental appropriations for the year up to the amount of such excess. (c) If at any time during the fiscal year it appears probable to the mayor that the revenue or fund balances available will be insufficient to finance the expenditures for which appropriations have been authorized, the mayor shall report to the city council without delay, indicating the estimated amount of the deficit, any [remedial] action taken by the mayor and recommendations as to any other steps to be taken. The council shall then take such further action as it
deems necessary to prevent or reduce any deficit, and for that purpose it may by ordinance reduce one or more appropriations. (d) [At any time during the fiscal year, at the request of the mayor, the city council may by ordinance adopted by not less than six affirmative votes transfer part of or all of the unencumbered appropriation balance from one department or major organizational unit to the appropriation for other departments or major organizational units. (e)] No appropriation for debt service may be reduced or transferred, and no appropriation may be reduced below any amount required by law to be appropriated or by more than the amount of the unencumbered balance thereof. The supplemental and emergency appropriations and reduction or transfer of appropriations authorized by this section may be made effective immediately upon adoption. EXPLANATION: Subsection (c) of section 6.16 requires the Mayor to report to the Council when it appears probable that fund balances will not be sufficient to finance expenditures and further requires the Mayor to detail any “remedial” action the Mayor has taken accordingly. The amendments to this subsection remove the word “remedial” to broaden the scope of actions on which the Mayor must report and thereby removes any ambiguity as it relates to that term. Currently, subsection (d) of section 6.16 permits the Council, at the request of the Mayor, to transfer unencumbered funds between City departments or major organizational units. Thus, in order to transfer unencumbered funds between departments or units within the City, one or more ordinances would be required. The proposed amendment to section 6.16 removes subsection (d) in its entirety to permit such transfers to take place in accordance with the general laws of the Commonwealth. § 6.19. Capital budget. [At the same time he/she submits the current expense budgets, the mayor shall submit to the council a program which he/she shall previously have submitted to the city planning commission of proposed capital improvement projects for the ensuing fiscal year and for the four fiscal years thereafter, with his/her recommendations as to the means of financing the improvements proposed for the ensuing fiscal year. The council shall have power to accept with or without amendments or reject the proposed program and proposed means of financing for the ensuing fiscal year; and may from time to time during the fiscal year amend by ordinance adopted by at least six affirmative votes the program previously adopted by it or the means of financing the whole or any part thereof or both, provided that the amendment shall have been recommended by the mayor and shall have been submitted to the city planning commission for review and such additional funds as may be required to finance the cost of the improvements are available. The council shall adopt a capital budget prior to the beginning of the fiscal year in which the budget is to take effect.] No appropriation provided for a capital improvement purpose defined in the capital budget shall lapse until the purpose for which the appropriation was made shall have been accomplished or abandoned, provided the council shall have the power to transfer at any time any appropriation or any unencumbered part thereof from one purpose to another on the recommendation of the mayor. The [mayor] chief administrative officer or the designee thereof may transfer the balance remaining to the credit of any completed project to an incompleted project for the purpose of completing such project, provided the projects have been approved in the adoption of a capital budget or budgets. If no such transfers are made, the balances remaining to the credit of completed or abandoned purposes and projects shall be available for appropriation and allocation in a subsequent capital budget or budgets. Any project shall be deemed to have been abandoned if three fiscal years elapse without any expenditure from or encumbrance of the funds provided therefor. The council shall have the power at any time to abandon or to reduce the scope of any project in a capital budget to the extent that funds appropriated therefor are unexpended and unencumbered. EXPLANATION: Section 6.19 requires the Mayor to annually submit a capital budget program and recommendations for financing the same for the ensuing fiscal year and for the four fiscal years thereafter to the City Planning Commission and to the Council. In addition, section 6.19 provides that the Mayor may transfer the balance remaining to the credit of any completed project to an incompleted project. The proposed changes to this section would remove the requirement that the Mayor annually submit a capital budget program to the Council and authorize the City’s Chief Administrative
Officer, not the Mayor, to make transfers between completed projects and projects that are incomplete. § 6.20. Certification of funds[; penalties for violation]. [Except as otherwise provided in § 13.06 of this charter, no payment shall be made and no obligation incurred by or on behalf of the city or the school board except in accordance with an appropriation duly made and no payment shall be made from or obligation incurred against any allotment or appropriation unless the director of finance or his designee shall first certify that there is a sufficient unexpended and unencumbered balance in such allotment or appropriation to meet the same. Every expenditure or obligation authorized or incurred in violation of the provisions of this charter shall be void. Every payment made in violation of the provisions of this charter shall be deemed illegal and every official who shall knowingly authorize or make such payment or knowingly take part therein and every person who shall knowingly receive such payment or any part thereof shall be jointly and severally liable to the city for the full amount so paid or received. If any officer, member of a board or commission, or employee of the city or of the school board, shall knowingly incur any obligation or shall authorize or make any expenditure in violation of the provisions of this charter or knowingly take part therein such action may be cause for his/her removal. Nothing in this section contained, however, shall prevent the making of contracts of lease or for services providing for the payment of funds at a time beyond the fiscal year in which such contracts are made, provided the nature of such transactions will reasonably require, in the opinion of the council, the making of such contracts.] No contract, agreement or other obligation involving the expenditure of money shall be entered into nor shall any ordinance, resolution or order for the expenditure of money be passed by the Council or be authorized by any officer of the city, unless the director of finance shall first certify to the Council or to the proper officer, as the case may be, that the money required for such contract, agreement, obligation or expenditure is in the city treasury to the credit of the fund from which it is to be drawn, and not appropriated for any other purpose, which certificate shall be filed and preserved. The sum so certified shall not thereafter be considered unencumbered, until the city is discharged from the contract, agreement or obligation.
character and extent of slum clearance, housing and neighborhood rehabilitation projects, including the demolition, repair or vacation of substandard, unsafe or unsanitary buildings. (d) A general plan for the control and routing of railways, streetcar lines, bus lines and all other vehicular traffic. (e) The general location, character and extent of areas beyond the corporate limits of the city to be annexed thereto. (f) For purposes of this chapter, the term “master plan” means “comprehensive plan” as that term is used in Chapter 22 of Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia.
EXPLANATION: Section 5.04 provides that the Chief Administrative Officer shall have the power to assign employees of the City to the performance of duties in another agency of the City on a temporary basis. The amendments to this section authorize the Chief Administrative Office to make such assignments on a permanent basis. § 5A.03. Personnel rules and regulations. The council, upon receiving any recommendations submitted to it by the [mayor] chief administrative officer, shall establish a personnel system for the city administrative officials and employees. Such system shall be based on merit and professional ability and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, sex, age, disabilities, political affiliation, [or] marital status, color, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military status. The personnel system shall consist of rules and regulations which provide for the general administration of personnel matters, a classification plan for employees, a uniform pay plan and a procedure for resolving grievances of employees as provided by general law for either local government or state government employees. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendment to section 5A.03 replacing the term “mayor” with “chief administrative officer” makes the City’s Chief Administrative Officer responsible for making recommendations to the Council concerning the personnel system for the City’s administrative officials and employees instead of the Mayor. Further amendments to section 5A.03 provide for additional protected classes to include all of the protected classes recognized under section 2.2-3900 of the Code of Virginia. § 5B.01. Retirement system established. The retirement system for the city employees hitherto established by ordinance shall continue in force and effect subject to the right of the council to amend or repeal the same as set forth in such ordinance. From and after July 1, 1978, the Board of Trustees of the Richmond Retirement System shall consist of seven members for terms of three years. Any
vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term. The mayor shall appoint two members; the council shall appoint five members, at least two of whom shall be [members of the classified service] employees of the city. Such members of the Board of Trustees of the Richmond Retirement System shall have the responsibility of the supervision of the administration of the retirement plan benefits, the determination of eligibility for the receipt of retirement benefits, the award of retirement benefits as authorized by ordinance of the City of Richmond, and such other duties as have heretofore been exercised by the Board of Trustees of the Richmond Retirement System other than fiduciary responsibilities concerning the management, control and investment of the financial resources of the Richmond Retirement System. The council of the City of Richmond may appoint and employ a corporation, vested with fiduciary powers under either the laws of the United States or the Commonwealth of Virginia, to be responsible for the investment of the funds of the Richmond Retirement System, which funds shall include any securities which may now or hereafter be part of the assets of such Richmond Retirement System. The director of finance shall be the disbursing officer for the payment of benefits awarded by the trustees of the Richmond Retirement System and as such shall perform such duties as may be required of the director of finance by ordinance but shall receive no additional compensation on account of such duties. [To administer the retirement plan, the council may provide for an executive director to be appointed, supervised and removed by the Board of Trustees of the Richmond Retirement System and for employees to be appointed, supervised and removed by the executive director.] EXPLANATION: Section 5B.01 currently provides, in part, that the Council shall appoint at least two members of the classified service to the Board of Trustees of the Richmond Retirement S y s t e m . H o w e v e r, t h e amendments to this section provide, in contrast, that the Council shall appoint at least two employees of the City to the Board, which employees may be from either the classified or the unclassified service. This change allows all employees of the City to be eligible for appointment to the Board. In addition, the amendments to section 5B.01 clarify that the Board shall have the responsibility of the supervision of retirement plan “benefits.” Lastly, section 5B.01 currently provides that the Executive Director of the retirement system is to be appointed, supervised, and removed by the Board. The amendments in this section, however, remove this last sentence of the section to allow the Executive Director of the Board to be selected in the manner permitted by the general laws of the Commonwealth. § 6.01. Fiscal and tax years. The fiscal year of the city shall begin on July 1 and shall end on June 30 of the succeeding year. The tax year for taxes levied on [real estate,] tangible personal property and machinery and tools shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 following, and the tax year for all other taxes shall be fixed by the council by ordinance. The rate of taxes levied on real estate shall be fixed as authorized in § 58.1-3321 of the Code of Virginia [Code of Virginia, § 58.1-3321]. The rates of all other taxes and levies, except on new sources of tax revenues, shall be fixed before the beginning of the tax year. EXPLANATION: Section 6.01 currently provides, in part, that the tax year for real estate taxes shall begin on January 1 and end on the following December 31. The changes to section 6.01 remove the reference to real estate taxes, which authorizes the Council to establish the tax year for real estate taxes by ordinance. § 6.02. Submission. [On a day to be fixed by the council, but in no case earlier than the second Monday of February or later than the seventh day of April in each year, the mayor shall submit to the council: (a) separate current expense budgets for the general operation of the city government, for the public schools and for each utility as defined in Chapter 13 of this charter; (b) a budget message; and (c) a capital budget.] (a) By no later than May 1 of each fiscal year and in the form as may be requested by the council, the mayor shall prepare and submit to the council an annual budget for the ensuing fiscal year, based upon detailed estimates furnished by the several departments and other divisions of the city government according to a classification determined appropriate by the mayor and as nearly uniform as possible. The annual budget shall include the following: (1) An itemized statement of recommended appropriations, with comparative statements in parallel columns showing estimates of the expenditures
EXPLANATION: Section 6.20 prohibits the expenditure of funds or the incurrence of an obligation in excess of funds appropriated and available for any such expenditure or obligation. The amendments to this section simplify the language and clarify the limitations on the expenditure of City funds. § 13.02. Functions. The department of public utilities shall be responsible for: (a) The operation of the water, wastewater, stormwater, gas, and electric utilities of the city[, including street lighting]; (b) The collection of all charges for the services of such utilities; and (c) Such other powers and duties as may be assigned to the department by ordinance. EXPLANATION: Section 13.02, in part, makes the City’s Department of Public Utilities responsible for street lighting. However, the amendments to subsection (a) of this section remove street lighting from the list of utilities for which the Department of Public Utilities is to be responsible and allow the City to address streetlighting in accordance with general law. § 17.01. Power to adopt master plan. In addition to the powers granted elsewhere in this charter the council shall have the power to adopt by ordinance a master plan for the physical development of the city to promote health, safety, morals, comfort, prosperity and general welfare. The master plan may include but shall not be limited to the following: (a) The general location, character and extent of all streets, highways, superhighways, freeways, avenues, boulevards, roads, lanes, alleys, walks, walkways, parks, parkways, squares, playfields, playgrounds, recreational facilities, stadia, arenas, swimming pools, waterways, harbors, water fronts, landings, wharves, docks, terminals, canals, airports and other public places or ways, and the removal, relocation, widening, narrowing, vacating, abandonment, change or use or extension thereof. (b) The general location, character and extent of all public buildings, schools and other public property and of utilities whether publicly or privately owned, off-street parking facilities, and the removal, relocation, vacating, abandonment, change of use, alteration or extension thereof. (c) The general location,
E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to section 17.01 add a new subsection (f) to clarify that the term “master plan” as used in Chapter 17 of the Charter means “comprehensive plan” as used in Chapter 22 of Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia. § 17.20. Powers of board of zoning appeals. The board shall have the following powers and it shall be its duty: (a) [To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination by the administrative officer in the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance. (b) To grant variations in the regulations when a property owner can show that his property was acquired in good faith and where by reason of the exceptional narrowness, shallowness or shape of a specific piece of property at the time of the effective date of the ordinance or where by reason of the exceptional topographical conditions or other extraordinary or exceptional situation the strict application of the terms of the ordinance actually prohibit or unreasonably restrict the use of the property, or where the board is satisfied, upon the evidence heard by it, the granting of such variations will alleviate a clearly demonstrable hardship approaching confiscation as distinguished from a special privilege or convenience sought by the owner, provided, however, that all variations granted shall be in harmony with the intended spirit and purpose of this chapter and the ordinance. (c)] To p e r m i t , w h e n reasonably necessary in the public interest, the use of land, or the construction or use of buildings or structures, in any district in which they are prohibited by the ordinance, by any agency of the city, county or Commonwealth or the United States, provided such construction or use shall adequately safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the occupants of the adjoining and surrounding property, shall not unreasonably impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property, shall not increase congestion in streets and shall not increase public danger from fire or otherwise affect public safety. [(d)] (b) To permit the following exceptions to the district regulations and restrictions, provided such exceptions shall by their design, construction and operation adequately safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the occupants of the adjoining and surrounding property, shall not unreasonably impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property, shall not increase congestion in streets and shall not increase public danger from fire or otherwise unreasonably affect public safety and shall not diminish or impair the established property values in surrounding areas: (1) Use of land or erection or use of a building or structure by a public service corporation for public utility purposes exclusively which the board finds to be reasonably necessary for the public convenience and welfare. (2) Use of land or construction or use of buildings and structures in any district in which they are prohibited by the ordinance, for cemetery purposes, airports or landing fields, greenhouses and nurseries and the extraction of raw materials from land, such as rock, gravel, sand and similar products. (3) Use of land in dwelling districts immediately adjoining or separated from business, commercial or industrial districts by alleys, or widths to be specified in the ordinance, for parking of vehicles of customers of business, commercial or industrial establishments, provided such use shall not extend more than the distance specified in the ordinance from the business, commercial or industrial district. (4) Use of buildings for dwelling purposes in districts specified in the ordinance for use for other purposes, where it can be shown that conditions in the specified districts are not detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of the inhabitants of such buildings and on condition that the buildings will be removed within a time specified in the ordinance. (5) R e c o n s t r u c t i o n o f buildings or structures that do not conform to the comprehensive zoning plan and regulations and restrictions prescribed for the district in which they are located, which have been
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§ 4.16. Powers of investigation. (a) The council, or any committee of members of the council when authorized by the council, shall have power to make such investigations relating to the municipal affairs of the city as it may deem necessary, and shall have power to investigate any or all departments, boards, commissions, offices and agencies of the city government and any officer or employee of the city, concerning the performance of their duties and functions and use of property of the city. The council shall have all investigative powers conferred upon governing bodies by the general laws of the Commonwealth, in addition to those enumerated in this charter. (b) The mayor, the chief administrative officer, the heads of all departments, all boards and commissions whose members are appointed by the council, the city auditor, and the inspector general shall have power to make such investigations in connection with the performance of their duties and functions as they may deem necessary, and shall have power to investigate any officer or employee appointed by them or pursuant to their authority concerning the performance of duty and use of property of the city. (c) The council, or any committee of members of the council when authorized by the council, the mayor, the chief administrative officer, the heads of departments, boards and commissions whose members are appointed by the council, the city auditor, and the inspector general, in an investigation held by any of them, may order the attendance of any person as a witness and the production by any person of all relevant books and papers. Any person, having been ordered to attend, or to produce such books and papers, who refuses or fails to obey such order, or who having attended, refuses or fails to answer any question relevant or pertinent to the matter under investigation shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $100.00 or imprisonment in jail not exceeding 30 days, either or both. Every such person shall have the right of appeal to the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, Division I. The investigating authority shall cause every person who violates the provisions of this section to be summoned before the general district court criminal division for trial. Witnesses shall be sworn by the person presiding at such investigation, and they shall be liable to prosecution or suit for damages for perjury for any false testimony given at such investigation. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendment to section 4.16 clarifies that the Council shall have all investigative powers conferred upon governing bodies under the general laws of the Commonwealth. § 4.17. City attorney. The city attorney shall be the chief legal advisor of the council, the mayor, the chief administrative officer and all departments, boards, commissions and agencies of the city in all matters affecting the interests of the city. The city attorney shall perform particular duties and functions as assigned by the council. The city attorney shall be appointed by the council, shall serve at its pleasure, and shall devote full time and attention to the representation of the city and the protection of its legal interests. The city attorney shall have the power to appoint and
E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to section 4.17 replace gender specific pronouns with gender neutral language. § 5.01.1. Chief administrative officer. The mayor shall appoint a chief administrative officer, subject to the advice and consent of a majority of the members of city council, who shall be chosen solely on the basis of his/her executive and administrative qualifications, with special reference to his/her actual experience in or knowledge of accepted practice with respect to the duties of his/her office. At the time of his/her appointment, the chief administrative officer need not be a resident of the city or the Commonwealth but he/she shall reside within the city during his/her tenure in office. The chief administrative officer shall be the head of the administrative departments and serve at the pleasure of the mayor. The mayor shall set the salary of the chief administrative officer subject to the approval of a majority of the members of city council. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendment to section 5.01.1 clarifies that the scope of the Chief Administrative Officer’s authority includes the administrative departments of the City. § 5.04. [Temporary transfer] Transfer of personnel between departments. The chief administrative officer shall have power, whenever the interests of the city require, irrespective of any other provisions of this charter, to assign employees of any department, bureau, office or agency, the head of which is appointed by the chief administrative officer, to the [temporary] performance of duties in another department, bureau, office or agency.
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damaged by explosion, fire, act of God or the public enemy, to the extent of more than 60 percent of their assessed taxable value, when the board finds some compelling public necessity for a continuance of the use and such continuance is not primarily to continue a monopoly, provided that nothing herein shall relieve the owner of any such building or structure from obtaining the approval of such reconstruction by the council or any department or officer of the city when such approval is required by any law or ordinance. [(e)] (c) To modify the interpretation and application of the provisions of the ordinance where the street layout actually on the ground varies from the street layout as shown on the map fixing the districts and their boundaries adopted with and as a part of the ordinance. EXPLANATION: The powers set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of section 17.20 are covered in section 15.22309 of the Code of Virginia. Accordingly, removal of the said subsections would eliminate the duplication of powers that are already granted to localities under the aforementioned state code provision. § 18.02. Eminent domain. The city is hereby authorized to acquire by condemnation proceedings lands, buildings, structures and personal property or any interest, right, easement or estate therein, of any person or corporation, whenever in the opinion of the council a public necessity exists therefor, which shall be expressed in the resolution or ordinance directing such acquisition, whether or not any corporation owning the same be authorized to exercise the power of eminent domain or whether or not such lands, buildings, structures or personal property or interest, right, easement or estate has already been devoted to a public use, and whenever the city cannot agree on terms of purchase or settlement with the owners of the subject of such acquisition because of incapacity of such owner, or because of the inability to agree on the compensation to be paid or other terms of settlement or purchase, or because the owner or some one of the owners is a nonresident of the Commonwealth and cannot with reasonable diligence be found in the Commonwealth or is unknown. [Such proceedings may be instituted in the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, Divisions I or II, if the subject to be acquired is located within the city, or, if it is not located within the city, in the circuit court of the county in which it is located. If the subject is situated partly within the city and partly within any county the circuit court of such county shall have concurrent jurisdiction in such condemnation proceedings with the circuit court of the city. The judge or the court exercising such concurrent jurisdiction shall appoint five disinterested freeholders any or all of whom reside either in the county or city, any three of whom may act as commissioners, as provided by law.] In the exercise of its eminent domain authority, the city shall have all of the applicable powers and shall follow all of the applicable procedures and requirements set forth in Title 25.1, sections 15.2-1901 through 15.2-1907.1, and section 1-219.1 of the Code of Virginia, which eminent domain powers are hereby conferred on and vested in the city. In addition thereto, the city shall have all other eminent domain powers which are now or may hereafter be conferred upon or delegated to cities of the first class under the Constitution or laws of the Commonwealth, as fully and completely as though such powers were specifically enumerated in this charter and no enumerations of powers in this charter shall be held to be exclusive but shall be held to
be in addition to this general grant of powers.
shall make and certify a copy of the petition, exhibits filed therewith, and orders, and deliver or transmit the same to the clerk of the court in which deeds are admitted to record, who shall record the same in his/her deed book and index them in the name of the person or persons who had the property before and in the name of the city, for which he/she shall receive the same fees prescribed for recording a deed, which shall be paid by the city. If the city and the owner of property so taken or damaged agree upon compensation therefor, upon filing such agreement in writing in the clerk’s office of such court, the court shall make such distribution of such funds as to it may seem right, having due regard to the interest of all persons therein whether such interest be vested, contingent or otherwise, and to enable the court or judge to make a proper distribution of such money it may in its discretion direct inquiries to be taken by a special commissioner in order to ascertain what persons are entitled to such funds and in what proportions and may direct what notice shall be given to the making of such inquiries by such special commissioner. [If the city and the owner cannot agree upon the compensation for the property taken or damaged, if any, upon the filing of a memorandum in the clerk’s office of said court to that effect, signed by either the city or the owner, the court shall appoint commissioners provided for in §§ 25.1-220 and 25.1-226-25.1-230 of the Code of Virginia [Code of Virginia, §§ 25.1-220 and 25.1-226—25.1-230] or as provided for in § 18.02, and all proceedings thereafter shall be had as provided in Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) of Title 25.1 of the Code of Virginia [Code of Virginia, § 25.1-200 et seq.] insofar as they are then applicable and are not inconsistent with the provisions of this and the preceding section, and the court shall order the deposit in bank to the credit of the court of such additional funds as appear to be necessary to cover the award of the commissioners or shall order the return to the city of such funds deposited that are not necessary to compensate such owners for property taken or damaged. T he c om m is s io n e rs s o appointed shall not consider improvements placed upon the property by the city subsequent to its taking nor the value thereof nor the enhancement of the value of said property by said improvements in making their award.] E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to section 18.03 would allow the City to follow the general laws of the Commonwealth with regard to the order of publication for eminent domain matters and the procedures to be followed when the City and a property owner cannot agree on issues of just compensation for the property that is being acquired by the City.
more than one year not to violate the ordinance for the breach of which he/she has been convicted. From any fine or confinement imposed, an appeal shall lie as in cases of misdemeanor. Whenever any fine or penalty shall be imposed but not paid, the court trying the case may, unless an appeal be forthwith taken, issue a writ of fieri facias for the collection of the amount due, returnable within 60 days from its issuance. The city is hereby expressly authorized and empowered to institute and maintain a suit or suits to restrain by injunction the violation of any ordinance legally adopted by it, notwithstanding such ordinance may provide penalties for its violation.]
EXPLANATION: Section 17.15 allows 20 percent of the property owners in an area to protest certain zoning changes and provides that if such a protest is filed, the proposed changes shall not take place unless seven members of the Council vote in favor of the change. However, section 4.07 of the Charter provides that ordinances may be adopted by the affirmative vote of at least five members of the Council. The proposal here is to remove section 17.15 in its entirety to allow zoning decisions to be made by a majority vote of the Council pursuant to section 4.07 of the Charter. [§ 17.19. Appeals to board of zoning appeals. Appeals to the board may be taken by any person aggrieved, or by any officer, department, board, commission or agency of the city affected, by any decision of the administrative officer designated by the council to administer and enforce the ordinance dividing the city into districts and regulating and restricting the use of land, buildings and structures therein. Appeals shall be taken within such reasonable time as shall be prescribed by the board by general rule, by filing with the said administrative officer and with the board a notice of appeal specifying the grounds thereof. The administrative officer shall forthwith transmit to the board all the papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed from was taken. An appeal stays all proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed from unless the administrative officer from whose decision the appeal is taken certifies to the board that by reason of the facts stated in the certificate a stay would in his/ her opinion cause imminent peril to life or property. In such case proceedings shall not be stayed otherwise than by a restraining order which may be granted by the board or by a court of record on application and on notice to the administrative officer and on due cause shown. The board shall fix a reasonable time for the hearing of the appeal, give public notice thereof as well as due notice to the parties in interest and decide the issue within a reasonable time. At the hearing, any party may appear in person, by agent or by attorney and shall be given an opportunity to be heard. The board may prescribe a fee to be paid whenever an appeal is taken which shall be paid into the city treasury.] EXPLANATION: The subject matter addressed in section 17.19 is governed by section 15.2-2311 of the Code of Virginia. By removing section 17.19, as proposed here, appeals to the Board of Zoning Appeals would be governed by section 15.2-2311 of the Code of Virginia.
may, upon the affirmative vote of three members, reconsider any decision made and, upon such consideration, render a decision by formal resolution. Every decision of the board shall be based upon a finding of fact based on sworn testimony which finding of fact shall be reduced to writing and preserved among its records.] EXPLANATION: The subject matter addressed in section 17.21 is covered by section 15.2-2312 of the Code of Virginia. By removing section 17.21, as proposed here, the form and scope of decisions of the Board of Zoning Appeals would be governed by section 15.2-2312 of the Code of Virginia.
When by the provisions of this charter or the Constitution and general laws of the Commonwealth the city is authorized to pass ordinances on any subject, the council may provide suitable penalties for the violation of any such ordinances, including ordinances effective outside the city as provided in this charter. No such penalty shall exceed the maximum fine permitted under state law for a violation of a Class 1 misdemeanor or confinement for 12 months or both. Upon conviction for violation of any ordinance, the court trying the case may require bond of the person so convicted with proper security in the penalty of not more than $2,000.00, conditioned to keep the peace and be of good behavior and especially for the period of not
EXPLANATION: The powers prescribed in section 2.06 are covered in sections 15.21429, 15.2-1430, 15.2-1431, and 15.2-1432 of the Code of Virginia. Accordingly, removal of section 2.06, as proposed here, would eliminate the duplication of powers that are already granted to localities under the aforementioned laws of the Commonwealth. [§ 6.06. The budget message. The budget message shall contain the recommendations of the mayor concerning the fiscal policy of the city, a description of the important features of the budget plan, an explanation of all salient changes in each budget submitted, as to estimated receipts and recommended expenditures as compared with the current fiscal year and the last preceding fiscal year, and a summary of the proposed budgets showing comparisons similar to those required by § 6.04 above.] EXPLANATION: The City proposes to delete section 6.06 as the Mayor ’s recommendations with regard to the annual budget are, of necessity, included in the budget ordinances introduced by the Mayor annually in accordance with section 6.02. [§ 6.07. Appropriation and additional tax ordinances. At the same time that he/ she submits the budget, the mayor shall introduce in the council any appropriation ordinance required. The appropriation ordinance shall be based on the budget but need not be itemized further than by departments unless required by the council. At the same time, the mayor shall also introduce any ordinance or ordinances altering the tax rate on real estate and tangible personal property or levying a new tax or altering the rate of any other tax necessary to balance the budget as hereinbefore provided. The hearing on the budget plan as a whole, as provided in § 6.09, shall constitute the hearing on all ordinances referred to in this section, and the appropriation ordinances for each utility.] EXPLANATION: The City proposes to delete section 6.07 as any ordinances necessary to appropriate funds or set forth or alter a tax rate are, of necessity, included in the Mayor ’s budget submission required by section 6.02. [§ 6.08. Distribution of copies of budget message and budgets. The mayor shall cause the budget message to be printed, mimeographed or otherwise reproduced for general distribution at the time of its submission to the council and sufficient copies of the general fund, school and utility budgets to be made to supply copies to each member of the council and each newspaper published or in general circulation in the city and two copies to be deposited in the office of the city clerk where they shall be open to public inspection during regular business hours.] EXPLANATION: Section 6.08 prescribes the manner in which the Mayor shall cause the budget message to be produced for general distribution.
Those requirements are now addressed in the amendments to section 6.02. Thus, section 6.08 can be deleted as proposed here. [§ 6.15:3. School buildings and infrastructure modernization. (a) Not later than January 1, 2019, the mayor shall formally present to the city council a fully funded plan to modernize the city’s K-12 educational infrastructure consistent with national standards or inform city council such a plan is not feasible. In fulfilling the duties herein, the mayor shall consult with the school board and city council, consider cost savings available in state or federal law, and further provide an opportunity for public participation. (b) Such fully funded plan required in subsection (a) shall not be based on the passage of new or increased taxes for that purpose. (c) Nothing herein shall alter powers previously given to the school board. (d) Once the mayor has complied with subsection (a), the city council shall have 90 days to take such action as it deems appropriate.] EXPLANATION: Section 6.15:3 prescribes that certain requirements for the modernization of school buildings and infrastructure must be met by no later than January 1, 2019, and further requires that the Council take action on the Mayor’s plan for such modernization within 90 days after the submission of that plan. Because the requirements set forth in this section have been met and the associated deadlines have long passed, this section 6.15:3 may be deleted. [§ 17.12. Considerations to be observed in adoption and alteration of zoning regulations. The regulations and restrictions shall be enacted with reasonable consideration, among other things, of the character of each district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses and with a view of conserving the value of land, buildings and structures and encouraging the most appropriate use thereof throughout the city. Upon the enactment of the ordinance dividing the city into districts and regulating and restricting the use of land, buildings and structures therein in accordance with a comprehensive zoning plan no land, building or structure shall be changed from one district to another unless the change is in accord with the interest and purpose of this section and will not be contrary to the comprehensive zoning plan and the enumerated factors upon which it is based and the regulations and restrictions applicable to the districts involved in the change.] EXPLANATION: Section 17.12 provides that zoning decisions must be in accord with the provisions of and not contrary to the comprehensive zoning plan. However, by deleting this section in its entirety, as proposed here, the Council may make zoning decisions as it deems appropriate, which is consistent with the powers exercised by other localities within the Commonwealth. [§ 17.15. Effect of protest by 20 percent of the owners of property. If a protest is filed with the city clerk against such amendment, supplement or repeal, signed and acknowledged before a person authorized to administer oaths, by the owners of 20 percent or more of the total area of the lots included in such proposed change or of the total area of the lots outside of the proposed change any point in which is within 150 feet of the boundary of such area, the council shall not adopt the ordinance making such amendment, supplement or repeal, by less than seven affirmative votes.]
city unnecessary. Whenever the general law requires the posting of a bond, with or without surety, as a condition precedent to the exercise of any right, the city, without giving such bond, may exercise such right, provided all other conditions precedent are complied with, and no officer shall fail or refuse to act because the city has not filed or executed the bond that might otherwise be required, and the city shall be bound to the same extent that it would have been bound had the bond been given. This exemption from the requirement of posting a bond shall also apply in cases involving a city employee and to whom liability coverage has been granted by the city.] EXPLANATION: The subject matter addressed in section 20.11 is covered in section 15.2-1126 of the Code of Vi r g i n i a . A c c o r d i n g l y, removal of section 20.11, as proposed here, would eliminate the duplication of powers that are already granted to localities under the aforementioned statute. New Section: § 2.09. Powers relating to housing and community development. (a) In addition to the powers granted by other sections of this charter and any other provision of the general laws of the Commonwealth, the city shall have the power: (1) To make grants and loans of funds to low- or moderate-income persons to aid in the purchase of any land, building, dwelling, or dwelling unit in the city; and to offer real estate tax deferral to low- or moderate-income persons who own any land, building, dwelling, or dwelling unit within the city. The city shall offer private lending institutions the opportunity to participate in local loan programs established pursuant to this subsection; and (2) To make grants of funds to owners of dwellings or dwelling units in the city for the purpose of subsidizing, in part, the rental payments due and owing to any such owner by a low- or moderateincome person. (b) For purposes of this section, the phrase “lowor moderate-income persons” shall have the same meaning as the phrase “persons and families of low and moderate income” as that phrase is used in the Virginia Housing Development Authority Act and shall be applied using the income guidelines issued by the Virginia Housing Development Authority for use in its single-family mortgage loan program. (c) In addition to being able to exercise the abovementioned powers with city funds, the city is authorized to participate in any state or federal program related thereto and to use state, federal, or private funds in the exercise of such powers. (d) The expenditure of any public funds as authorized in this section is hereby declared to be in furtherance of a public purpose. E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e proposed new section 2.09 authorizes the City to administer a housing and community development program for individuals of low- or moderate income and for owners of dwellings or dwelling units in the city of Richmond.
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E X P L A N AT I O N : T h e amendments to section 18.02 align the City’s eminent domain powers with the powers granted to localities of the Commonwealth, as set forth in section 1-219.1, sections 15.2-1901 through 15.2-1907.1, and Title 25.1 of the Code of Virginia. § 18.03. Alternative p r o c e d u r e s i n condemnation. The city may, in exercising the right of eminent domain conferred by the preceding section, make use of the procedure prescribed by the general law as modified by said section or may elect to proceed as hereinafter provided. In the latter event the resolution or ordinance directing acquisition of any property, as set forth in the preceding section, shall provide therein in a lump sum the total funds necessary to compensate the owners thereof for such property to be acquired or damaged. Upon the adoption of such resolution or ordinance the city may file a petition in the clerk’s office of a court enumerated in the preceding section, having jurisdiction of the subject, which shall be signed by the chief administrative officer and set forth the interest or estate to be taken in the property and the uses and purposes for which the property or the interest or estate therein is wanted, or when property is not to be taken but is likely to be damaged, the necessity for the work or improvement which will cause or is likely to cause such damage. There shall also be filed with the petition a plat of a survey of the property with a profile showing cuts and fills, trestles and bridges, if any, and a description of the property which, or an interest or estate in which, is sought to be taken or likely to be damaged and a memorandum showing names and residences of the owners of the property, if known, and showing also the quantity of property which, or an interest or estate in which, is sought to be taken or which will be or is likely to be damaged. There shall be filed also with said petition a notice directed to the owners of the property, if known, copies of which shall be served on such owners or tenants of the freehold of such property, if known. If the owner or tenant of the freehold be unknown or a nonresident of the Commonwealth or cannot with reasonable diligence be found in the Commonwealth, or if the residence of the owner or tenant be unknown, he/she may be proceeded against by order of publication [which order, however, need not be published more than once a week for two successive weeks and shall be posted at a main entrance to the courthouse]. The publication shall in all [other] respects conform to [§§ 8.01-316, 8.01-317 and 8.01-319] the requirements of the Code of Virginia [[Code of Virginia, §§ 8.01-316, 8.01-317 and 8.01-319]]. Upon the filing of said petition and the deposit of the funds provided by the council for the purpose in a bank to the credit of the court in such proceedings and the filing of a certificate of deposit therefor the interest or estate of the owner of such property shall terminate and the title to such property or the interest or estate to be taken in such property shall be vested absolutely in the city and such owner shall have such interest or estate in the funds so deposited as he/she had in the property taken or damaged and all liens by deed of trust, judgment or otherwise upon said property or estate shall be transferred to such funds and the city shall have the right to enter upon and take possession of such property for its uses and purposes and to construct its works or improvements. The clerk of the court in which such proceeding is instituted
Repealed Sections: [§ 2.06. Enforcement of regulations.
[§ 17.21. Form and scope of decisions by board of zoning appeals. In exercising the powers conferred upon it the board may reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify the order, requirement, decision or determination appealed from, and may make such order, requirement, decision or determination as should be made, and to that end shall have all the powers of the administrative officer charged by the ordinance with enforcement. The concurring affirmative vote of three members of the board shall be necessary to reverse any order, requirement, decision or determination of the administrative officer or to decide in favor of the applicant in any matter of which it has jurisdiction. The board shall act by formal resolution which shall set forth the reason for its decision and the vote of each member participating therein which shall be spread upon its records and shall be open to public inspection. The board
[§ 17.23. Procedure on appeal. Upon filing of the petition the court may cause a writ of certiorari to issue directed to the board, ordering it to produce within the time prescribed by the court, not less than ten days, the record of its action and documents considered by it in making the decision appealed from, which writ shall be served upon any member of the board. The issuance of the writ shall not stay proceedings upon the decision appealed from but the court may, on application, notice to the board and due cause shown, issue a restraining order. The board shall not be required to produce the original record and documents but it shall be sufficient to produce certified or sworn copies thereof or of such portions thereof as may be required by the writ. With the record and documents the board may concisely set forth in writing such other facts as may be pertinent and material to show the grounds of the decision appealed from, verified by affidavit.] EXPLANATION: The subject matter addressed in section 17.23 is covered by section 15.2-2314 of the Code of Virginia. By removing section 17.23, as proposed here, procedures on appeals would be governed by section 15.2-2314 of the Code of Virginia. [§ 17.24. Powers and duties of the court. The court shall review the record, documents and other matters produced by the board pursuant to the issuance of the writ and may reverse or modify the decision reviewed, in whole or in part, when it is satisfied that the decision of the board is contrary to law or that its decision is arbitrary and constitutes an abuse of discretion. Unless it is made to appear that the decision is contrary to law or is arbitrary and constitutes an abuse of discretion the court shall affirm the decision. If the court finds that the testimony of witnesses is necessary for a proper disposition of the matter it may hear evidence.] EXPLANATION: The subject matter addressed in section 17.24 is covered by section 15.2-2314 of the Code of Virginia. By removing section 17.24, as proposed here, procedures on appeals would be governed by section 15.2-2314 of the Code of Virginia. [§ 20.10. Courtrooms for courts of record and office space for constitutional officers. It shall be the duty of the city to provide suitable courtrooms for the courts of record of the city and suitable offices for the city treasurer and attorney for the Commonwealth.] EXPLANATION: The subject matter addressed in section 20.10 is covered in section 15.2-1638 and sections 15.21600 through 15.2-1637 of the Code of Virginia. Accordingly, removal of section 20.10, as proposed here, would eliminate the duplication of powers that are already granted to localities under the aforementioned laws of the Commonwealth. [§ 20.11. Posting of bonds by Continued on next column
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Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the December 11, 2023 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Copies of the full text of all ordinances and resolutions are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https://www.rva.gov/officecity-clerk, and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Candice D. Reid City Clerk
Richmond Free Press
B8 November 30-December 2, 2023
Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 1:30 p.m in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2023-340 To close, to public use and travel, an unimproved portion of West 20th Street located between Semmes Avenue and Sioux Falls Alley, consisting of 10,486 ± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-341 To rezone the property known as 415 Oliver Hill Way from the B-5 Central Business District (Conditional) to the B-5 Central Business District. Ordinance No. 2023-342 To authorize the special use of the property known as 220 North 20th Street for the purpose of up to five single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-343 To amend and reordain Ord. No. 2022-022, adopted Feb. 28, 2022, which authorized the special use of the property known as 1628 North 27th Street for the purpose of a singlefamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions, to provide for revised plans. Ordinance No. 2023-344 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1115 North 30th Street and 1117 North 30th Street for the purpose of two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-345 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1323 North 30th Street for the purpose of up to three single-family attached dwe11ings, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-346 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 901 North 36th Street and 909 North 36th Street for the purpose of up to ten single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-347 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 4605, 4623, 4625, and 4627 West Broad Street for the purpose of exceeding the inclined plane height and rear setback for a mixeduse building and live/work units, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-348 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2036 Broad Rock Boulevard for the purpose of two singlefamily detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-349 To authorize the special use of the property known as 5204 Campbell Avenue for the purpose of two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-350 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1823, 1825, and 1827 West Cary Street for the purpose of up to eight single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-351 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 6407 Midlothian Turnpike, 6413 Midlothian Turnpike, 6417 Midlothian Turnpike, and 6331 Old Warwick Road for the purpose of a multifamily development containing up to 122 dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-352 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1210 Westover Hills Boulevard for the purpose of a vocational school on the ground floor, upon certain terms and conditions. Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the December 11, 2023 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https://www.rva.gov/ office-city-clerk, and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Candice D. Reid City Clerk
City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2023-291 To install one speed table in the 1400 block of Drewry Street. Ordinance No. 2023-326 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $867,909.09 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services called the “FY2022 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Special Fund,” and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ FY2022 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Special Fund by $867,909.09, for the purpose of providing funding for two years of salary, benefits, and training for five new civilian fire prevention inspectors. Ordinance No. 2023-327 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $750,000.00 from the Virginia Resources Authority, and to amend the Fiscal Year 20232024 Water Utility Budget which appropriated the estimated receipts of the water utility, by increasing estimated receipt and the amount appropriated for the water utility by $750,000.00, for the purpose of funding the City’s lead service line replacement program for residential, school, and day care properties. Ordinance No. 2023-328 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $227,500.00 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia 9-1-1 Services Board, to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response called the “ F Y 2 4 9 11 S t a ff i n g Recognition Grant Special Fund,” and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 20232024 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response’s FY24 911 Staffing Recognition Grant Special Fund by $227,500.00, for the purpose of providing a one-time bonus to eligible employees of the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response. Ordinance No. 2023-329 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $130,000.00 from the National Fitness Campaign, to amend the Fiscal Year 20232024 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Office of the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services called the National Fitness Campaign Special Fund, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Office of the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services’ National Fitness Campaign Special Fund by $130,000.00, for the purpose of funding the installation of outdoor fitness courts at selected City-owned recreation facilities. Ordinance No. 2023-330 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $70,302.00 from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 20232024 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ State Fire Programs Special Fund by $70,302.00, for the purpose of Continued on next column
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providing funding for training, training centers, equipment, and protective clothing for firefighters. Ordinance No. 2023-331 To amend and reordain City Code § 8-544, concerning the Urban Forestry Commission, for the purpose of revising the composition, appointment process, and scope and timeline for preparation and submission of reports to Council. Ordinance No. 2023-332 To amend City Code § 12-11, concerning the deadline for submission of budget to Council, for the purpose of changing the deadline for submission of the budget from March 6 to March 27. Ordinance No. 2023-333 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Agreement between the City of Richmond, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and CSX Transportation, Inc., for the purpose of constructing a concrete surface crossing at the crossing for CSX Transportation, Inc.’s railroad tracks on Hopkins Road. Ordinance No. 2023-334 To designate the 2900 block of Northumberland Avenue in honor of the late Eleanor Redd Binford. Ordinance No. 2023-335 To designate the 400 block of East Ladies Mile Road in honor of the late Melvin L. Davis, Sr. Ordinance No. 2023-336 To designate the corner of West 12th Street and Hull Street in honor of the late August Moon. Ordinance No. 2023-337 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept a donation of a sculpture to be installed in the 4900 block of Government Road, a road mural to be installed at the intersection of National Street and Government Road, and maintenance and removal services, all valued at the total amount of approximately $65,000.00, from the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Inc. for the purpose of supporting the Greening Greater Fulton project. Ordinance No. 2023-338 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a First Amendment to Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority for the purpose of granting $52,000.00 to the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority to facilitate the installation of public art as part of the playground renovation at Hillside Court Apartments. Ordinance No. 2023-339 To amend City Code § 11102, concerning unlawful dumping, for the purpose of including a prohibition against dumping yard waste on public and private property. Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the December 11, 2023 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Candice D. Reid City Clerk
Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER OLIVIA PALLETT, Plaintiff v. ROBERT LINKONIS, JR., Defendant. Case No.: CL23003835-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 16th day of January, 2024 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667 Continued on next column
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VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JASMINE JOHNSON, Plaintiff v. ROHAN JOHNSON, Defendant. Case No.: CL23003836-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 16th day of January, 2024 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MIA HORNE, Plaintiff v. LEVELL HORNE, Defendant. Case No.: CL23003778-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 10th day of January, 2024 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ROBERT PRINCE, Plaintiff v. TOMESIA TUCKER, Defendant. Case No.: CL23003395-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 3rd day of January, 2024 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD GWENDOLYN P. DENT, Plaintiff, v. ANTHONY L. DENT Defendant. CASE NO.: 23-1918-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION TO: Anthony L. Dent 2401 Long Hill Court Midlothian, Virginia 23112 (804) 467-4827 DATE: October 25, 2023 The object of this suit is for Plaintiff to obtain a divorce a vinculo matrimonii from the Defendant, Anthony L. Dent, on the grounds of the parties having lived separate and apart, continuously and without interruption for more than one (1) year, and the parties having one (1) child born of this marriage, namely Bryson Carter Dent, born December 16, 2004, age 19, and emancipated; and an affidavit having been made and signed that due diligence has been used to ascertain the Defendant’s location and residence without success; and that his last known address is as indicated above; and accordingly, it is therefore ADJUDGED, ORDERED a n d D E CR E E D t h a t Defendant shall appear and protect his interests as he deems necessary within fifty (50) days from the date of entry of this Order; being December 8, 2023 at 8:30 A.M. An Extract, Teste: WENDY S. HUGHES, Clerk I ask for this: William D. Hamner, Esq. (VSB #17836) Lane & Hamner, P.C. 3520-A Courthouse Road North Chesterfield, Virginia 23236 (804) 912-1439; Fax: (804) 912-1439 Continued on next column
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Custody
COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, Defendants. Case No.: CL 23004114-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION Whereas, the object of the above-styled suit is to quiet title to action to quiet title as it pertains to that certain Abstract of Judgment (the “Judgment”) docketed as Instrument No. 17-010153 in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, Virginia, which Judgment is attached to that certain real property lying and being in the City of Richmond, Virginia, commonly known as 1803 ½ North 28th Street, and being identified as Tax Parcel Number E012-0427-011 (the “Property”). That Defendant Arrow Financial Services, LLC cannot be found, and that diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of the party to be served. It is therefore ORDERED that the said Arrow Financial Services, LLC and/or any parties claiming an interest in Judgment docketed as Instrument No. 17-010153 , appear on or before the 18th day of December, 2023, in the Clerk’s Office of this Court and do what is necessary to protect its interests. Entered: 11/3/2023 Keith Harvey, Esquire (VSB# 82199) Harvey & Driggs PLC 9464 Chamberlayne Road – Suite 200 Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116 Phone: (804) 977-3179 Email: kharvey@ harveydriggs.com Counsel for Plaintiffs
Osbourne Turnpike, thence leaving said School House Road N. 4 W. chains to a corner, then N. 85E. 114 feet to a corner, thence at right angle 2.65 chains to a corner on the said School House Road, thence along said School House Road in a westerly direction 114 feet to the point of beginning, and containing one half of once acre. William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson, as Co-Trustees under the William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson Revocable Declaration of Trust Dated November 6, 2007, and the unknown successors in interest to William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson, as Co-Trustees under the William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson Revocable Declaration of Trust Dated November 6, 2007, may have an interest in the property by a duly recorded lien, to wit: Deed of Trust from the William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson Revocable Declaration of Trust Dated November 6, 2007, dated September 10, 2014, recorded September 22, 2014 in the Clerk’s Office, Henrico County, Virginia. Affidavit having been made and filed that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the identities and/or locations of certain parties to be served, and that there are or may be persons whose names are unknown, interested in the subject matter of this suit; It is ORDERED that William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson, as Co-Trustees under the William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson Revocable Declaration of Trust Dated November 6, 2007, if then living or if dead, their assigns or successors in interest, and other unknown parties who have an interest in the subject matter of this suit, who are proceeded against as PARTIES UNKNOWN, appear before Court on or before January 5, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. to protect their interests, if any, in this suit. A Copy Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk I ask for this: Curtis D. Gordon, Esquire, V.S.B. #25325 Jason L. Shaber, Esquire, V.S.B. #96186 DANKOS, GORDON & TUCKER, P.C. 1360 E. Parham Road, Suite 200 Richmond, Virginia 23228 Telephone: (804) 377-7427 Facsimile: (804) 262-8088 Email: cgordon@ dankosgordon.com Email: jshaber@ dankosgordon.com Counsel for Plaintiff
RAUL NOVO, Respondent. Case No.: CL22003312-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION ONE OBJECT OF THIS CAUSE is to identify all client claims existing against the law practice of Raul Novo, and the identity of clients or creditors having an interest in and to funds held in the trust accounts of Raul Novo‘s law practice, now within the Receiver’s account. There may be clients or creditors who have such claims and interest whose identities are unknown; and UPON MOTION of the Receiver appointed in this cause pursuant to Section 54.13900.01, Code of Virginia, for this Order of Publication and the Court having deemed the same appropriate, it is ADJUDGED, ORDERED AND DECREED that any and all persons and entities who have a claim against the law practice of Raul Novo and/or interest in and to the funds held within the trust account of Raul Novo, deliver written notice of the same to Michael P. Tittermary, Receiver, 9097 Atlee Station Road, Suite 116, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116, by 5:00 p.m. on January 19, 2024 and complete under oath the claim affidavit form obtainable from the Receiver, whose telephone number is (804) 508-7300, and return said completed claim affidavit to the Receiver not later than January 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m., and Trial of all contested claims shall be held before the Henrico County Circuit Court 4309 E. Parham Road, Henrico, Virginia 23228. Only those who have timely filed a claim will receive any further notice of these proceedings. Any claim not proven by a preponderence of the evidence at that time shall be forever barred from recovery against the funds in the hands of the receiver. A Copy Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk I ASK FOR THIS: Michael P. Tittermary, Esquire (VSB# 79142) Tittermary Law, PLC 9097 Atlee Station Road, Suite 116 Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116 (804) 508-7300 (804) 508-7301 facsimile Receiver SEEN AND AGREED: Tenley Seli, Esquire (VSB# 39763) Assistant Bar Counsel Virginia State Bar 1111 East Main Street, Suite 700 Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 775-0546
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF MECKLENBURG IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION Bettye Wade (Plaintiff) vs. Christopher Hilliard (Defendant) 23-CVD-3743 To: Christopher Hilliard, TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Complaint for Child Custody. You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than January 4, 2024, and, upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. This the 14th day of November 2023. Jackson Williford N.C. State Bar No. 51796 Attorney for Plaintiff Williford Law 15720 Brixham Hill Avenue, Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28277 Tel. 704-656-0016 Fax 704-626-6197 Jackson@jawillifordlaw.com
PROPERTy Trustees’ Sale of 1713 East Main Street, Richmond, VA In execution of that certain deed of trust dated September 9, 2021 securing payment in the original principal amount of $900,000.00 recorded in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, VA as Instrument Number 210026304 (the “Deed of Trust”). Default having occurred in payment of the indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust, the undersigned Substitute Trustee, at the direction of the secured party will offer for sale at public auction at the main entrance to the building housing the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, VA at 400 N. 9th Street, Richmond, VA on DECEMBER 14, 2023 at 12:00 NOON. the property described in the referenced Deed of Trust located at the above addresses and more particularly described as follows: ALL that certain lot, piece or parcel of land, belonging, lying and being in the City of Richmond, Virginia, known as 1713 East Main Street, all as shown on a plat of survey by American Engineers, dated April 9, 1980, entitled “Survey and Map Showing Improvements Thereon of Nos. 1711 and 1713 East Main Street in Richmond, Virginia”, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of the property. BEING the same real estate conveyed by deed dated September 7, 2021, recorded September 13, 2021, in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court, City of Richmond, Virginia. TERMS OF SALE: CASH. A bidder’s deposit of $75,000.00 or 10% of the sale price, whichever is lower, in the form of cash or certified funds (payable to the Substitute Trustee) must be presented at the time of sale. The balance of the purchase price is due within fifteen (15) days of the date of sale, otherwise Purchaser’s deposit may be forfeited to the Substitute Trustee(s) to be disbursed in accordance with VA law. The Property and appurtenances thereto will be sold “as is” without warranty of any kind and subject to any and all judgments, liens, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, deeds of trust or other matters of record or not of record which may take priority over the referenced Deed of Trust. Time is of the essence. The sale is subject to post-sale confirmation by the secured party or the Substitute Trustee of the terms and acceptability of the sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser’s sole remedy will be the return of the deposit paid without interest and the Purchaser will have no further recourse against the Substitute Trustee, the secured party or the Trustee’s attorney. Additional Terms of Sale will be announced at the time of sale and will be set forth in the Trustee’s Memorandum of Foreclosure Sale to be executed by the successful bidder at the time of the sale. This is a communication from a debt collector and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Substitute Trustee; RVA Recovery, LLC,. Contact Stephen B. Wood at The Wood Law Firm, 6720 Patterson Ave., Suite D., Counsel for Trustee. TEL: (804) 873-0088.
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND THOMPSONMcMULLAN, P.C., Administrator of the Estate of Roosevelt Greene, Jr. Plaintiff, v. ANTHONY GREENE, MARVIN GREENE, DURWIN GREENE, LATICE GREENE, BARRY GREENE, and DEVIN GREENE Defendants. Case no.: CL23-856-JSM ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to compel the heirs-at-Iaw of Roosevelt Greene, Jr., who sold certain real estate known as 215 W. 31st Street within one year of the death of Roosevelt Greene, Jr. to make the proceeds of such sale available to the creditors of his estate, all in accordance with the provisions of Section 64.2-534 of the Code of Virginia. It appearing by affidavit filed according to law that diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of Devon Greene, of the heirs-at-law of Roosevelt Greene, Jr., for purposes of directing service of process in this action, it is ORDERED that the said Devon Greene, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear on or before December 15, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. in the Clerk’s Office of this Court and do what is necessary to protect his interest. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND ATD Green Contractors LLC & Joan Pride, Plaintiffs, v. Arrow Financial Services, LLC, a defunct limited liability company, Assignee of Washington Mutual Bank (Providian) PARTIES UNKNOWN: ANY AND ALL PERSONS OR ENTITIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THAT CERTAIN JUDGMENT DOCKETED AS INSTRUMENT NO. 17010153 IN THE CIRCUIT
VIRGINIA: IN THE HENRICO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT SHAMICA WINCKLER and DOMICA WINCKLER Plaintiffs, v. WILLIAM F. ROBINSON, CO-TRUSTEE UNDER THE WILLIAM F. ROBINSON AND JOAN K. ROBINSON REVOCABLE DECLARATION OF TRUST DATED NOVEMBER 6, 2007 and JOAN K. ROBINSON, CO-TRUSTEE UNDER THE WILLIAM F. ROBINSON AND JOAN K. ROBINSON REVOCABLE DECLARATION OF TRUST DATED NOVEMBER 6, 2007 and HUNTER R. WELLS, Esquire, Trustee and The Unknown successors in interest to William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson, as Co-Trustees under the William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson Revocable Declaration of Trust Dated November 6, 2007, if any and other persons who may have an interest in the subject matter of this suit, whose names are unknown and are included in the general description of “PARTIES UNKNOWN” Defendants. Case No.: CL23-7026 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to quiet the title for a certain parcel of real property situated in the County of Henrico, Virginia, being owned by Leonardo Reyes and Michael William Patterson more particularly described as follows: ALL that certain tract, piece or parcel of land, lying and being in the County of Henrico, about four miles from the City of Richmond, adjoining the old Osbourne School House property and bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a point on a road leading from the Osbourne Turnpike toward new Market Road, which road is known as the School House Road, at which point is 10.43 chains from said
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Notice VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HENRICO VIRGINIA STATE BAR, Petitioner, V. Continued on next column
This is public notice to all that I Michael Prince Hodges am declaring testimony under gods law to make sure that there are no mistakes, potential fraud or identity confusion that exists; to protect and preserve my proper name given at birth which is Michael Prince Hodges from the legal name MICHAEL PRINCE HODGES.
Thank you for your interest in applying for opportunities with The City of Richmond. To see what opportunities are available, please refer to our website at www.richmondgov.com. EOE M/F/D/V
Compliance Manager, Richmond, VA. Manage comprehensive compliance program for VCUHS in accordance w/Fed. (O1G, CMS, etc.) & State reqs, & VCUHS policies. Participate in creation & mgmt of annual Compliance work plan across all entities w/in VCUHS. Mng daily ops of compliance program, policy maintenance & dvlpmt. Monitor compliance activities. Mng compliance incidents. Mail resume to J. Fleming, VCU Health System Authority, 830 E. Main St., Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219.
Systems Quality Analyst SR, Richmond, VA. Analyze, research, & assess business reqs. to improve functionality/design of computer systems. Create end-to-end test plan and test case scripts. Create and use automated testing scripts and support technology systems testing. Reqs: Bachelor’s in Computer Science, IT or related field; 5 yrs experience in same or similar position, including 3 yrs testing complex workflows for backend system of record and testing end-to-end processes for websites, services, and dataflow and 1 yr in SQL/querying data and test automation framework and processes. May work from home. Mail resumes to W. McCauley, Allianz Partners, 9950 Mayland Dr., Richmond, VA 23233.
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