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Councilor Andreas Addison

Andreas.addison@rva.gov

Whitney Brown, Council Liaison

804-646-5935

whitney.brown@rva.gov

July 8, 2024 Newsletter 

Hello First District neighbors!

We hope everyone had a joyous and safe 4th of July holiday! As we return from the celebrations, we look forward to continuing our shared commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community. Let's carry the spirit of unity and pride into our daily lives and work together to make Richmond an even better place for all. Here's to a fantastic second half of the year filled with opportunities and wonderful moments.



In this newsletter, we provide updates on the following:

• Council Updates
• First District Summer Social, July 26th at the VMFA
• City Agency Updates
• Civic Association Updates
• Community links, events, and more

Council Review-- 06/10 to Present

The following meetings were held:

Formal Council Meetings

• On Monday, June 24, 2024, Council held its formal meeting. You can view the agenda, action summary, and meeting recording here. 

Council Committee Meetings

• The Education and Human Services Committee met on June 13, 2024. You can view the agenda, action summary, and meeting recording here. 
• The Land Use, Housing, and Transportation Committee met on June 18, 2024. You can view the agenda, action summary, and meeting recording here. 
• The Finance and Economic Development Committee met on June 20, 2024. You can view the agenda, action summary, and meeting recording here. 
• The Public Safety Committee met on June 25, 2024. You can view the agenda, action summary, and meeting recording here. 
• The Governmental Operations Committee met on June 26, 2024. You can view the agenda, action summary, and meeting recording here. 
• The Organizational Development Committee met on July 1, 2024. You can view the agenda, action summary, and meeting recording here. 

Upcoming Council and Council Committee Meetings

• The Education and Human Services Committee will meet on June 11, 2024. You can view the agenda here.
• The Land Use, Housing, and Transportation Committee will meet on July 16, 2024. You can view the agenda here.
• The Finance and Economic Development Committee will meet on July 18, 2024. You can view the agenda here.
• Council will hold a formal and informal meeting on July 22, 2024. You can view the full agenda here.
• The Governmental Operations Committee will meet on July 24, 2024. You can view the agenda here.

HOW TO ATTEND A COUNCIL MEETING

You can access all Council meetings and agendas by visiting this website.



Remember, you can always attend council meetings in person or virtually. One of the best ways to stay informed and engaged is by attending Council meetings. I strongly encourage you to express your requests/concerns to all of Council and Administration, and you may do so in any of the following ways: 

• Speaking in-person: To speak in person at the meeting, you simply need to attend the meeting and line up at the lectern when the public comment section begins. Please keep in mind that not all meetings have public comment sections (like work sessions, for example). Additionally, to discuss issues not on the agenda for the business meeting, you must schedule your appearance with the Office of the City Clerk no later than 10 AM on the date of the meeting. Each speaker is generally allotted three minutes to make their comments. For more details regarding in-person public comment, please visit Richmond City Council Meeting Guide | Richmond (rva.gov).

• Speaking virtually at either meeting: To speak virtually at the meeting, you need to sign up by contacting the City Clerk's Office at (804) 646-7955 and selecting Option 3. Sign-ups must be received by 10 a.m. on the day of the meeting.

• Providing written comments: Written comments may be provided via email to CityClerksOffice@rva.gov and must be received by 10 a.m. on the day of the meeting. Just so you know – written comments received by the deadline will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

First District Summer Social

Date: Friday, July 26 from 5:30PM - 7:30PM

Location: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd)

*You will find us by the Kona Ice Truck near the Main Entrance*                           

Free; no tickets or registration required but we would appreciate RSVPs at this link.

Join us in the Robins Sculpture Garden for our First District Social, in collaboration with the @vmfamuseum. This outdoor event will feature DJ Nobe, so get ready to dance!

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and prepare to relax! The VMFA will have beer, wine, and snacks available for purchase. A limited number of Free Kona Ice will be available to guests who attend, courtesy of the First District!

(In case of rain, the event will move to the Cochrane Atrium)

Eviction Assistance

The Richmond Public Library and the Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) have launched a partnership to help renters facing potential eviction.

This program provides guided assistance to patrons using VPLC’s new online Eviction Defense Center. During July and August, librarians and VPLC staff will be available at the Main Library at the following times to assist renters who need help getting online, navigating the Eviction Defense Center, or printing forms to take to court. Here are the dates and times assistance is available:

• Mondays: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Wednesday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Thursday: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• 
  

Please visit this link for more information and future updates

Extreme Heat Resources

If you or someone you know needs to stay cool, the City of Richmond offers cooling stations with water and air conditioning at:

• Department of Social Services at Marshall Plaza
• 900 E. Marshall St., Suite 160
• Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., until Labor Day
• Department of Social Services Southside Plaza
• 4100 Hull Street Rd.
• Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., until Labor Day
• Richmond City Hall
• 900 E Broad St.
• Sundays and City holidays, until Inclement Weather Shelter opens

On days when the temperature reaches 92 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, The Salvation Army Central Virginia Inclement Weather Shelter at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue will open, with 100 walk-up beds available. The cooling center entrance is located at the back of the building, which faces Sledd Street and the U.S. Post Office.

Its hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until temperatures cool to under 92 degrees. The shelter will stay open overnight in the event that the temperature remains 92 degrees or higher at 9 p.m., according to the city.

All Richmond Public Libraries will serve as cooling stations during b business hours.



Civilian Review Board -- apply here!

Richmond City Council is now accepting applications for four (4) Council-appointed seats on the Civilian Review Board. All members of the Commission must be city residents. Members will serve three-year terms and will play a vital role in reviewing, investigating, and making recommendations to City Council, the Mayor, and the Chief of Police on specific internal investigations to ensure accuracy, completeness, and impartiality. Board members can expect to attend one to two monthly meetings, participate in seven weeks of training, attend community events, and have a dedication to justice, fairness and community engagement. Click here to view Ord. 2022-261, the legislation that established the Civilian Review Board. Apply here 

Contact the Office of the City Clerk at 804-646-7955, option 3, if you experience trouble with this form. If you would prefer to download an application click here. Applications may be submitted via email at cityclerksoffice@rva.gov, or fax at 804-646-7736, or by mail or in-person at 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200.  

Questions about the application process or about the Civilian Review Board can be directed to the CRB Manager, Joseph Lowery (joeseph.lowery@rva.gov)

Commission and Board Vacancies

Richmond City Council appoints members to 50+ boards and commissions, which are made up of local and regional government/non-government boards, commissions, committees, and task forces. Each focuses on different topics and responsibilities such as advising Council, creating policy, or governing.

Would you like to actively take part in creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, and play?

Review the list of First District vacancies (and citywide vacancies) for opportunities to serve your community as a member of a board or commission here.

Department of Public Works

Windsor Farms Repaving

As the gas line renewal project comes to an end, paving operations in Windsor Farms have commenced. The process involves milling the existing streets followed by paving, which is expected to continue for approximately 30 days, weather permitting.

For specifics on which roads will be resurfaced, please use this link: Windsor Farm – Gas Main Renewal Project | Richmond (rva.gov)

Richmond Police Department

Summer is here and we are getting closer to National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6, 2024!

Please be sure to visit th link below to register your event and discover some helpful ideas on how to make the most of your NNO event!

https://www.rva.gov/police/national-night-out

Department of Public Utilities

Lead Free Water - Take the survey!

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities is developing an interactive map that shows information on water service line pipe materials across the City – and your help is needed! This map is being developed to meet a federal mandate focused on eliminating the risk of lead in drinking water across the country. To be clear -- the city's water is completely safe to drink!

Visit the City of Richmond Water Pipe Identification Survey for details on how to submit your identification results and photo for your property. If you believe you have a lead service line and want more information related to replacement, or if you just want to learn more about lead service lines, you can visit the website.

Thank you for your dedication and assistance in helping us identify and remove lead service lines throughout the City. Together, let’s get the lead out.

Having Poor Drainage Issues?

The First District Office tends to receive concerns about residents with poor drainage on their personal property. Unfortunately, if it is on the personal side of the property, there is little we can do to assist but I am happy to share a resource we learned about recently! The Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) is an urban cost-share program that provides financial incentives and technical and educational assistance to property owners installing eligible Best Management Practices (BMPs) in Virginia’s participating Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). These practices can be installed in areas of your yard where problems like erosion, poor drainage, or poor vegetation occur. Qualified sites shall be used for residential, commercial, or recreational purposes with a proposed practice that addresses a need.

Windsor Farms Repaving

Windsor Farms is still due for repaving, however, there is currently a gas line renewal project still being completed. The anticipated date for completion is July 2024. We know this has been a long wait and we share your frustration. We look forward to receiving more updates as the project nears completion and getting Windsor Farms paved! For more info on the project, please visit this link.

Department of Finance

Tax Relief Program

Our tax relief program grants real estate tax relief to the city’s most vulnerable residents, our older adults (age 65+), and those with permanent disabilities who meet the program qualifications. For more information, please view this document.

Department of Parks and Recreation

Parks Master Plan

/Do you want to get involved with the Parks Master Plan? You can apply today to be a member of the Steering Committee for the Master Plan. The application deadline is July 12th at 11:59pm.

Here what's to expect moving forward:

1. To date, Parks and Rec has been doing internal preparatory work and data collection including assessments of each PRCF property, development of the PRCF Ambassadors program for enhanced engagement, promotion, and outreach regarding the master plan development, and vetting of the Public Engagement Plan.
2. The first week of July a public facing website - Richmondinspire.com - will go live.
3. In September and December, two community workshops will be held in each Council District.
4. At the end of Summer and again in Fall, surveys will be released; Stakeholder groups will be finalized; and separate workshop sessions for stakeholder groups will be organized.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Planning & Development Review

Code Refresh

In anticipation of the upcoming zoning ordinance rewrite, "Code Refresh", the Planning Department is hosting a series of educational webinars for residents to learn more about the basics of zoning.

You can learn more about the process and attend meetings by visiting this website.

Richmond Public Libraries

Did you know every Richmond Public Library has sensory kits? Sensory kits help individuals manage sensory overload. When someone experiences sensory overload, their brain becomes overwhelmed by stimulation in their environment, such as sights, lights, smells, or sounds. This overstimulation can be very stressful for some and can lead to meltdowns. The Sensory Kit contains tools to help the person calm down during these challenging times. The kits are available at the circulation desk to check out during your visit.

Main Library

• Please join us Saturday, July 13 at 2pm for A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Mrs. Maggie Lena Walker: A Woman for All Seasons, presented by Elvatrice Parker Belsches, who has been recognized by the National Park Service for her work related to Mrs. Walker. Visit here to register for the event.
• Join Richmond City Early Intervention’s at the Main Library auditorium July 15 from 10-11:15am for an enriching playgroup experience tailored for families with children aged 0-5 years old. Discover a welcoming environment where little ones can explore, learn, and make new friends along with their parents. With activities designed to stimulate young minds and foster social interaction.
• Register and join us for the Lunch and Learn - Estate Planning Legal Workshop on July 17 from 12-1pm. Take a break, learn, and have lunch on us! Part 2 of a summer series, Richmond Public Law Library is hosting an educational workshop focused on Estate Planning. Should you make a will or a trust? What’s the difference between a Medical POA and a General POA? Learn the basics of wills, trusts, and estate planning. The RPL Law Librarian will also show patrons how to find examples of wills, power of attorney, and other legal forms using Lexis, Westlaw, Gale Forms and other legal research tools accessible for free at the Richmond Public Law Library. Call if you have any dietary restrictions.
• Come by any time July 12 between 11am and 4pm for Game On! Stop in for retro fun playing board games with your family. Games will be all day so come for a bit - or stay for the long haul! New or classic games -it's all up to you!

Belmont Branch Library

• On Saturday, July 13, come out to visit Teeny Tiny Farm from 2-3pm. You will be delighted to meet a mini cow, mini horse, mini goats, mini pigs and even a mini alpaca!
• Senior Book Club is scheduled July 17 from 10:15am-12:15pm. A reminder that you must be 55+, call the branch with any questions!
• Think you're the best speller in Richmond? Come on down July 22 from 6:30-7:30pm to enter our Adult Spelling Bee! You can play solo or bring a team of friends (up to 4 people). No cell phones or other devices allowed during play! Who will win the gift card to Charm School RVA’s Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt?? Registration is required, so grab your friends and register here.

West End Branch Library

• Get out of the heat with Movie Matinees @ West End Branch Library “Playing with Fire” (2019-rated PG) July 10 from 2-5pm. Snacks provided (you may bring a beverage).
• On July 16 from 4-5pm join us and plan your next Adventure in a Virginia State Park! Chat with a Ranger about local wildlife and ways we can keep our parks beautiful. Discover what our state parks have to offer with a fun, nature-based activity in your library. Great for ages 4 and up!
• Calling all tweens and teens who LOVE art! Join us Friday July 19 from 11am-1pm to learn about different mediums and create weekly projects. Learn about watercolor painting, yarn art, construction, clay and more! Come to one or come to all BUT registration is required. For ages 12-18.

Subscribe to the RPL Newsletter

Museum District Association

Microgrants

The MDA is excited to fund microgrants to foster community building. So many of us go months or even years without knowing our immediate neighbors on the block. The goal of our microgrant program is to bring folks together, providing an opportunity for neighbors to make meaningful connections and foster a sense of community, block by block.

In our second grant round, we are able to fund ten grants of up to $200 each. All current MDA members are eligible to apply (click here to join or check your current membership status). Applications for this round of funding will close on July 15th, awardees will be notified via email by July 31st.

MDA Board Vacancies

The MDA currently has two positions available on the MDA board: Technology and Communications chairs. Technology maintains the Google Workspace (no experience required!), and Communications runs the social media accounts (it's fun!) and puts together this newsletter and other emails. Interested? Email us: inquiries@museumdistrict.org.

2024-25 Preschool & Kindergarten Enrollment – We're thrilled to offer preschool for eligible 3 and 4-year olds and kindergarten for all 5-year-olds living in Richmond. If you haven't had the opportunity to enroll or need assistance doing so, please join us on Thursday, July 11, from 9 am - 4:30 pm at Cardinal ES, for our preschool and kindergarten enrollment event. Please note: if your student is currently enrolled at an RPS preschool, they will still need to register for kindergarten. For more information, please email enrollrps@rvaschools.net.

Physical & Immunization Clinics – To start school on time, students must have all required immunizations. RPS Health Services, in partnership with VCU School of Nursing and Richmond Henrico Health District, will be offering free physical and immunization clinics to RPS families. Our last clinic of the summer will be held Thursday, July 11, from 1 - 4 pm at Broad Rock ES. To schedule an appointment, please visit their website or scan the QR code below with your phone's camera. Please don't delay! 

Upcoming Events

• First District Social @VMFA

Date: Friday, July 26 from 5:30PM - 7:30PM

Location: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd)

*You will find us by the Kona Ice Truck near the Main Entrance*                           

Free; no tickets or registration required but we would appreciate RSVPs at this link.

Join us in the Robins Sculpture Garden for our First District Social, in collaboration with the @vmfamuseum. This outdoor event will feature DJ Nobe, so get ready to dance!

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and prepare to relax! The VMFA will have beer, wine, and snacks available for purchase. A limited number of Free Kona Ice will be available to guests that attend, courtesy of the First District!

(In case of rain, the event will move to the Cochrane Atrium)

Additional City & District Updates

• Dominion Energy is offering no-cost energy assessments. A participating contractor will evaluate your home, identify energy-saving opportunities, and upgrade lighting free of charge. For more information, visit this link

• The Mayo Bridge replacement is a regional priority project that has been awarded funding through both the RRTPO and CVTA. The project scope originally included replacing the superstructure and keeping the existing substructure (piers). However, based on a structural and geotechnical analysis of the existing piers, the cost to reuse the existing piers has increased. 

VDOT has concluded that fully replacing the bridge would be in the public's best interest. Replacing the entire bridge provides the opportunity to review and potentially redefine the role of the bridge in our transportation system. 

VDOT has an open survey to share your thoughts on various elements of the project. Please review and share with your constituents and communities as appropriate.

• Richmond City Council appoints members to 50+ boards and commissions, which are made up of local and regional government/non-government boards, commissions, committees, and task forces. Each focuses on different topics and responsibilities such as advising Council, creating policy or governing. Would you like to actively take part in creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work and play? Review the list of First District vacancies (and citywide vacancies) for opportunities to serve your community as a member of a board or commission here.

Have a service request?

Use RVA 3-1-1.

If you have a non-emergency concern or request, please use RVA311 to report the issue. Issues such as potholes, broken sidewalks, damaged or missing signs, traffic/speed control requests, and fallen or dead tree limbs are some examples of what you are able to report in RVA311. You can use the RVA311 website, the RVA311 mobile app, or reach the RVA311 call center by dialing 3-1-1 or 804-646-7000 to submit a request.

Community Links, Events, and More

Happy to Serve!

Please contact me and Whitney Brown if you need any additional information or have other questions. We are happy to provide any support and assistance as needed. 

Sincerely,

Andreas Addison & Whitney Brown