NORFOLK, VIRGINIA

 

ACTION OF THE COUNCIL

 

TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2006 – 7:30 P.M.

 

Prayer offered by Senior Pastor Michael G. Blankenship, Norfolk Apostolic Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

President Fraim moved to excuse Mrs. Hester for her absence from today’s meeting.  

 

                   Motion adopted.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

President Fraim moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting.

 

                   Motion adopted.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING

 

A Resolution entitled, "A Resolution certifying a closed meeting of the Council of the City of Norfolk in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act," was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

ACTION:   The Resolution as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

No:    None.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

PH-1                              JOINT PUBLIC HEARING with the City Planning Commission, scheduled this day pursuant to action of the Council on March 7, 2006, under the State law, public notice having been inserted in the local press by the City Clerk to hear comments to amend the General Plan of Norfolk, 1992, 1) to establish the land use and development direction for an area to be called East Beach Harbor, 2) to create a new zoning district and 3) to amend the Official Zoning Map of the City of Norfolk.

 

                   City Planning Commissioners present:  Keela Boose, Lisa Chandler, Kerry Lynch, Christine E. Smith, Syble B. Stone, Mark B. Warlick, Barbara Ellen Zoby (chairwoman).

 

                   Ray W. King, 999 Waterside Drive, spoke on behalf of the applicant.

 

                   Ellis W. James, 2021 Kenlake Place, voiced concern about the location of the property as it related to drainage, and the housing mixture and affordability.

 

                   Jason Dodd, 5226 Powhatan Avenue, and John Harris, Jr., 3840 Bay Oaks Place, spoke in support of the project.

 

 

ACTION:                      The Planning Commission unanimously adopted a motion to approve the amendment to the General Plan of Norfolk, 1992, as introduced and read by the City Clerk.

 

                   Yes:   Boose, Chandler, Lynch, Smith, Stone, Warlick, and Zoby.

 

                   No:    None.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                      Thereupon, an Ordinance entitled, “an Ordinance to amend the General Plan of Norfolk, 1992, SO AS TO amend the East Ocean View Neighborhood Plan and to change the land use designation for properties on the south side of Pretty Lake Avenue and east of Shore Drive from Commercial/Office And Education/Open Space/etc. to mixed uses,” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

ACTION:   The Ordinance as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

PH-1A                            An Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance to amend Chapter 10 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Norfolk, 1992, SO AS TO create the East Beach Harbor Special Purpose District (EBH),” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

ACTION:   The Ordinance as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

PH-1B                            An Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance to rezone properties located on the south side of Pretty Lake Avenue and East of shore Drive from I-4 (Waterfront Industrial) to east Beach Harbor (EBH),” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

ACTION:   The Ordinance as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

PH-2                              PUBLIC HEARING scheduled this day under the State law, public notice having been inserted in the local press by the City Clerk to hear comment on the sale of City-owned property to, 152, LLC, known as Lot 56 on Brambleton Avenue.

 

                   Rodney Jordan, 512 W. 35th Street, urged Council to provide the opportunity for young working families to live in the downtown area.

 

                   Daniel Montague, 4605 Krick Street, questioned why the property was sold for a low price. 

 

                   William Groom, 521 Graydon Avenue, urged Council not to approve the sale of the property unless the developer provides the minimum number of affordable housing units as required under the mandatory inclusionary zoning provision.

 

                   Andrew Wallach, 545 Mayflower Road, commented about the low selling price of the land and stated that units should be reserved for low- and middle-income residents.

 

                                      Thereupon, an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance approving an agreement for the sale and defining the development of certain city-owned property located in Norfolk at the southwest corner of Brambleton Avenue and York Street (know as Lot 560 to 152 LLC (formerly Kotarides Developers, LLC), and authorizing the conveyance of the property and the terms specifying the development thereof,” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

ACTION:   The Ordinance as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

C-1                                 Letter from the City Manager recommending a public hearing be held to hear comments on the application of Foundation to Support Animal Protection, for an exemption from real property taxes on property located at 308 W. Freemason Street.

 

ACTION:   City Clerk authorized to advertise for a public hearing on April 18, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

 

 

 

 

C-2                                 Letter from the City Manager presenting recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the application of Claremont Clifton to change the zoning from R-8 (One-Family) district to R-9 (One Family) district on property located in the 2400 Block of Cromwell Drive.

 

ACTION:   City Clerk authorized to advertise for a public hearing on April 18, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

REGULAR AGENDA

 

R-1                                 Letter from the City Manager and an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance approving an agreement with the Commonwealth of Virginia,  Department of Transportation, for the development and administration of the Thole Street Raised Refuge Island Safety Improvement Project, and appropriating, and authorizing the expenditure of, the sum of $125,800.00 from the Virginia Department of Transportation Safety Improvement Program Funds, if and when made available by the Department of Transportation, for the preliminary engineering and construction of the Thole Street Raised Refuge Island Project,” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

ACTION:   The Ordinance as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

                  

R-2                                 Letter from the City Manager and an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance approving an agreement with the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Transportation, for the development and administration of the Liberty Street Raised Refuge Island Safety Improvement Project, and appropriating, and authorizing the expenditure of, the sum of $84,700.00 from the Virginia Department of Transportation Safety Improvement Program Funds, if and when made available by the Department of Transportation, for the preliminary engineering and construction of the Liberty Street Refuge Island Project,” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

ACTION:   The Ordinance as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

R-3                                 Letter from the City Manager and an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance requesting the Virginia Department of Transportation to establish a congestion mitigation and air quality project for the City of Norfolk’s Advance Traffic Management System,” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

ACTION:   The Ordinance as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

R-4                                 Letter from the City Manager and an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance requesting the Virginia Department of Transportation to establish projects for improvement of rail/highway grade crossings on Indian River Road, Park Avenue, Lafayette Boulevard, Norview Avenue, Llewellyn Avenue, Little Creek Road, Olney Road, Granby Street, Thole Street, and Princess Anne Road; and authorizing the expenditure of the sum of $3,500.00 for these projects from funds heretofore appropriated,” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

ACTION:   The Ordinance as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R-5                                 Letter from the City Manager and a Resolution entitled, “A Resolution requesting the Virginia Department of Transportation to accept certain additional city streets for municipal assistance payments and to remove some streets from the eligible list pursuant to Section 33.1-41.1, Code of Virginia 1950, as amended,” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

                   Alton Robinson, 735 W. 35th Street, commented streets in Park Place have been omitted.

 

ACTION:   The Resolution as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

R-6                                 Letter from the City Manager and an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance approving the acceptance of $21,185.00 in funds from Nextel Communications of the Mid-Atlantic, Inc. (“Nextel”) to reimburse the City of Norfolk for its cost to reconfigure the 800 MHz band in accordance with its frequency reconfiguration agreement with Nextel pursuant to orders of the Federal Communication Commission,” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

ACTION:   The Ordinance as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

R-7                                 Letter from the City Manager and a Resolution entitled, “A Resolution adopting the Titustown Commercial Area into the City’s Aesthetic Improvement Matching Grant Program,” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

ACTION:   The Resolution as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

R-8                                 Letter from the City Manager and an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance granting a Downtown Development Certificate for an addition to the Parrish House of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church,” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

ACTION:   The Ordinance as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

R-9                                 Letter from the City Manager and an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance granting a Special Exception to permit the operation of an eating and drinking establishment on property located at 2019 Colley Avenue,” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

                   James Rogers, 1443 Kilmer Lane, opposed the project due to inadequate parking.

 

ACTION:   The Ordinance as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

R-10                               Letter from the City Manager and an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance granting a Special Exception to operate an entertainment establishment on property located at 3574 North Military Highway,” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

                   Al Bassett, 1605 Modoc Avenue, proponent, was present but did not speak.

 

                   Ellis James, 2021 Kenlake Place, urged Council to retain the present hours of operation.

 

ACTION:   Continued one week (April 4, 2006).

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

 

 

R-11                               Letter from the City Manager and an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance granting a Special Exception to permit operation of an electronic changeable copy sign on property located at 1901 East Ocean View Avenue,” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

                   Don Price, 147 E. Evans Street, was present to answer questions.

 

ACTION:   The Ordinance as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    Winn.

 

R-12                               Letter from the City Manager and an Ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance approving a Lease Termination Agreement between Harry Laibstain and B. Leonard Laibstain, individually and as general partners, t/a Virginia Furniture Company, and the City of Norfolk, and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Lease Termination Agreement on behalf of the City,” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

ACTION:   The Ordinance as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

R-13                               A Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of appreciation of the Council of the City of Norfolk to City Assessor Wayne N. Trout on the occasion of his retirement from the city,” was introduced in writing and read by its title.

 

ACTION:   The Resolution as introduced was adopted, effective March 28, 2006.

 

                   Yes:   Burfoot, Riddick, Williams, Winn, Wright, and Fraim.

 

                   No:    None.

 

 

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

1.      Walter Dickerson, 954 Philpotts Road, thanked Council for the Norview Recreation Center.

 

2.      The following persons spoke in opposition to the addition of a light-rail walk-up station and a ground-level station in the Ingleside neighborhood:  Peter Nixon, 664 Ingleside Road; Phillip Hawkins, Jr., 3597 Mississippi Avenue; Dianne Elliott, 3593 Westminister Avenue; Alfonso Merlo, 3556 Westminister Avenue.

 

3.      Daniel Montague, 4605 Krick Street, urged Council to let the voters decide if there is to be a light-rail project in the city of Norfolk.

 

4.      Roscoe Calloway, 1503 Conoga Street, asked Council to ensure that the Berkley and Campostella areas have adequate funding from the Housing Authority’s budget.

 

5.      Candice Sessoms, 1416 Ann Street, sought Council’s help in resolving a contractor (repair issue) in the new home she purchased.

 

6.      Alton Robinson, 735 W. 35th Street, commented about community affairs.