10-19-2001 Regional SummitBOARD OF SUPERVISORS
REGIONAL SUMMIT MINUTES
October 19, 2001
Supervisors in Attendance:
Mrs. Renny Bush Humphrey, Chairman
Mr. Kelly E. Miller, Vice Chrm.
Mr. Edward B. Barber
Mr. J. L. McHale, III
Supervisor Absent:
Mr. Arthur S. Warren
Mr. Lane B. Ramsey
County Administrator
Staff in Attendance:
Colonel Carl R. Baker,
Police Department
Ms. Marilyn Cole, Asst.
County Administrator
Ms. Mary Ann Curtin, Dir.
Intergovtl. Relations
Mr. Bradford S. Hammer,
Dep. Co. Admin.,
Human Services
Mr. Wendell Roberts,
Asst. County Attorney
Mr. James J. L. Stegmaier,
Deputy Co. Admin.,
Management Services
Mr. M. D. Stith, Jr.,
Deputy Co. Admin.,
Community Development
City of Richmond Council Members:
Mr
Mr
Ms
Mr
Mr
Mr
Mr
Rudolph C. McCollum, Jr., Mayor
Joseph E. Brooks, Vice Mayor
Gwen C. Hedgepeth
W. Randolph Johnson
G. Manoli Loupassi
Delores L. McQuinn
William Pantele
Council Members Absent:
Sa'ad E1-Amin
Reva M. Trammell
Dr. Calvin D. Jamison
City Manager
Ms. Margaret Edmunds, Dep.
City Clerk
Mr. C. Michael Evans, Dir.
of Human Services
Mr. William Harrell, Dep.
City Manager
Ms. Kelly Harris, Asst. to
the City Manager for
Intergovtl. Relations
Ms. Edna Keys-Chavis
City Clerk
Mr. Emmett Logue, Mgt.
Analyst
Colonel Jerry Oliver,
Police Chief
Ms. Billie Winzor, Special
Asst. to City Manager
Hanover County Board Members:
Mr. Jackson T. Ward, Chairman
Mr. John Gordon, Jr., Vice Chrm.
Mr. Timothy E. Ernst
Mr. Charles D. McGhee
Mr. Elton J. Wade, Sr.
Hanover Supervisors Absent:
Thomas F. Giles, Jr.
Aubrey M. Stanley, Jr.
Mr. Richard Johnson
County Administrator
Ms. Marilyn Blake, Asst.
County Administrator
Colonel V. Stuart Cook,
Sheriff
Mr. Rhu Harris, Deputy
County Administrator
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Henrico County Board Members:
Mr. Richard W. Glover, Chairman
Mr. James B. Donati, Vice Chrm.
Mr. David A. Kaechele
Ms. Patricia S. O'Bannon
Mr. Frank Thornton
Mr. Virgil Hazelett
County Manager
Mr George Drumwright, Dep.
County Manager
Ms Coral Gills, Public
Information Director
Ms Angela Harper, Dep.
County Manager
Mr Harvey Hinson, Dep.
County Manager
Mr Barry Lawrence, Asst.
to the County Manager
Lt Col. Doug Middleton,
Police Department
Ms Linda Robinson,
Legislative Liaison
Col. Henry W. Stanley, Jr.,
Police Chief
Mr. John Vithoukas, Dir.,
Office of Budget & Mgmt.
Others Present:
Mr. Bill Baxter, President,
Retail Merchants Association
Mr. Dick Beadles, Founder and
Board Member, Virginia High
Speed Rail Development Committee
Mr. Jack Berry, President and CEO,
Rich. Metro. Convention and
Visitors Bureau
Mr. Leo J. Bevon, Director,
Va. Dept. of Rail and Public
Transportation
Mr. Paul Fischer, Dir., Richmond
Reg. Planning Dist. Commission
The Honorable John H. Hager,
Lt. Governor, Commonwealth
of Virginia
Mr. Ken Johnson, Chrm., Richmond
Metro Cony. & Visitors Bureau
Mr. Jon Mathiasen, President and
CEO, Richmond Intl. Airport
Mr. George Peyton, Retail
Merchants Association
Ms. Dorothy Schrag, Chair, Maggie
L. Walker Governor's School
Mr. Paul Tiscornia, Dir., Maggie
L. Walker Governor's School Board
and Member, Hanover School Board
Mr. Greg Wingfield, President,
Greater Richmond Partnership
Other Interested Persons
Facilitators:
Mr. George Flanagan, L.E.D., Incorporated
Ms. Rita Ricks, Mirror Enterprise
The Council of the City of Richmond, and the Board of
Supervisors from the Counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and
Henrico, convened for a Regional S~mnit on Friday, October 19,
2001 at 8:15 a.m. at the Greater ]Richmond Convention Center
located at 5tn and Broad Streets in the Jr. Ballroom on the
First Floor.
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CALLED TO ORDER
The Honorable Mayor of the City of Richmond, Rudolph C.
McCollum Jr., called the meeting to order and presided. Mayor
McCollum, serving as host, welcomed members of Richmond City
Council, and the Supervisors from the Counties of Chesterfield,
Hanover, and Henrico.
Following Mayor McCollum's remarks, The Honorable Renny B.
Humphrey, Chairwoman, Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors,
suggested that the participants introduce themselves and tell
the group something personal about their life. In addition the
Honorable Jackson T. Ward, Chairman, Hanover County, and
Richard W. Glover, Chairman, Henrico County, addressed the
group.
GROUND RULES
Mr. Flanagan, Co-Facilitator, reviewed the ground rules that
would govern the Summit. Mr. Flanagan distributed a hand out
that indicated that the Work Sessions would be broken into
three categories: Presentation, Questions and Answers, and
Discussion. He encouraged the participants to abide by the
rules, which would give everyone an opportunity to participate
in the discussions.
REGIONAL SUCCESSES STATUS REPORT
Dr. Calvin D. Jamison, City Manager, City of Richmond,
introduced the Honorable John H. Hager, Lieutenant Governor,
State of Virginia, whom he said was instrumental in the Region
receiving $10 billion to begin the building of the Convention
Center. The City Manager stated that the Lieutenant Governor
would provide a brief presentation regarding the Greater
Richmond Convention Center.
Greater Richmond Convention Center
Lieutenant Governor Hager stated that the Greater Richmond
Convention Center is the largest regional partnership to date.
He indicated that the project will have a $90 million annual
impact, create 1,000 new jobs and attract national and
international groups to the City. Mr. Hager added that the
facility will have:
· State of the art conferencing facilities
· A Theater
High meeting room to Exhibit Hall Ratio
Adjacent entertainment, retail, dining opportunities
headquarter hotel
unique setting
Lieutenant Governor Hager reported that the Exhibition Hall
will have 180,000 square feet of meeting space and, as to size,
it ranks number 59 out of 83 cities. According to Mr. Hager,
several prestigious groups have registered to use the
Convention Center in the very near future, that include:
2003 - National Defense Industrial Association
· 2004 - National Science Teachers Association
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· 2007 - National Association of Counties
· 2008 - International City & County Management Association
In addition, he indicated that the Robin Hood Road Visitors
Center will relocate to the expanded Center at 3rd and Marshall
Streets by this winter of 2001.
In summary, Lieutenant Governor Hager stated that the Greater
Richmond Convention Center is a success that the region can be
proud of, and that the City and County Managers, with the
support of the elected officials, should be commended for
seeing the project through to completion.
Regional Communication System/Crime Initiatives
Carl Baker, Police Chief, Chesterfield County, accompanied by
Police Chiefs Jerry A. Oliver, City' of Richmond, and Henry W.
Stanley, Jr., Henrico County, as well as V. Stuart Cook,
Sheriff, Hanover County, discussed the regional efforts and
successes achieved in the communication systems and crime
initiatives.
Chief Baker provided a list of regional efforts that included:
Central Virginia Chiefs of Police - meet quarterly to
discuss common issues and coordinate investigations on
major crimes
Metro Street Crimes Group - exchange/share information on
crime trends, patterns, and career criminals
Regional Narcotics Group - exchange/share information on
drug trends and drug trafficking
Enhancing coamLunications with diverse coam%unities -
coordinating efforts to effectively communicate with the
Spanish and Asian communities
Chief Baker indicated that the current issues throughout the
Region are:
Hanover County is not compatible to the Regional Radio
System
· Zoning requirement for Radio coverage
· Unknown impact of domestic terrorism
· Decreasing revenues
· Recruitment
A staged video illustrated how the new radio system will
operate between the City of Richmond, and the Counties of
Chesterfield and Henrico. Lt. Col. Middleton shared the video
with the group.
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School
Dorothy Schrag, Chair, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School Board
and a Member of Hanover School Board, presented a video that
gave a snapshot of the transformation of the Maggie Walker
Building to the Governor's School from its beginning to its
completion. Ms. Schrag thanked the localities for working
together and making Maggie L. Walker Governor's School a
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success. She pointed out that the Governor' School began in
1991 as a regional effort and was housed at Thomas Jefferson
High School. Other information discussed by Ms. Schrag
included:
What is the Governor's School?
Regional magnate school serving 580 students from 12
localities
Funded jointly by localities and the Department of
Education
· Operated by a Regional School Board
· Comprehensive High School
· Focus on Government and International Studies
Ms. Schrag reported that Chesterfield County has 200 students
at the School; Hanover County has 44; Henrico County has 114
and that the City of Richmond has 159 students. She added that
the regional price tag for the renovation of the school totaled
$6,580,242.00. She stated that Chesterfield County contributes
$2,325,175.00; Hanover County contributes $511,538.00; Henrico
County contributes $1,325,350.00; and that the City of Richmond
contributes $1,709,003.00.
According to Paul Tiscornia, Director of the Governor's School,
additional funding for the project came from three sources:
· Public Funding
$6,580,242.00
· Capital Campaign $7,424,732.00
· Tax Credits
$7,800,000.00
Mr. Tiscornia provided a brief history of the Governor's
School, as well as pointed out the renovation highlights of the
project, which included:
Brief History
The idea of a Governor's School was originally conceived
by four localities
Was established in 1991
· Housed for 10 years in leased space at TJ High School
Presently teaches 580 students
800 students apply for 150 slots each school year
Partnership
Partnership includes a Regional School Board, a Renovation
Foundation, and a Limited Partnership
· Restored 140,000 square feet
12,000 square feet added to enlarge gym and provide a
student commons
· New mechanical and plumbing
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· Original windows, trim and doors restored
· Ceiling heights maintained
· Auditorium gutted and original finishes replicated
· New flooring
Design Principles
· Community friendly
· Technology integration and flexibility
· Space flexibility
· Professional collegial
· Focus on learning
· Leadership
Educational Highlights
·
·
· Emphasis on geography, histo:~y,
global economics and trade
Class of 2000 - Highlights
13 National Merit finalists
45 Advanced Placement scholars
Average SAT - 1348 (VA1009)
95% scored 3 or better on AP's
·
·
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·
·
·
In
Offers 190+ honors level courses
Emphasis on integrated study
Offers 19 advanced placement and 23 VCU dual enrollment
courses
All students must take 2 of 10 possible languages
government, cultures,
130 students contributed 30,000 community service hours
98% attended 4 year colleges
$5,340,550.00 in scholarships ($42,081 per student)
conclusion, Mr. Tiscornia thanked the localities for
supporting the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School.
Following the presentation, the participants asked the
following questions:
·
What is the maximum number of students allowed to attend
the School
· What are the criteria for attelnding the school
· Is there community interaction
· Is there community outreach
Following discussion, Mayor McCollum recommended that the
Elected Officials, staff, and others present, should schedule
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a tour of the School. Ms. Schrag invited the participants to
the formal dedication on November 11th at 2:00 p.m.
Airport Expansion
Jon Mathiasen, President and CEO, Richmond International
Airport, reviewed the successes achieved by the Airport. Mr.
Mathiasen provided the following information:
· New annual record for total passengers in 2000 - 2,687,44
total passengers
· October 2000 was first month ever with more than 250,000
passengers
· Two new regional jet maintenance facilities located at the
Airport
· Southwest Airlines announces intent to provide service
from Richmond International Airport
Mr. Mathiasen pointed out that current improvement projects are
underway and progressing towards completion. He indicated that
the projects include the:
· rental car garage
· ten gate expansion
· south parking garage
In addition to the construction, he added that the Airport will
be looking at new security elements to compliment the design of
the Airport.
Following comments and questions,
Mathiasen for the presentation.
City of Richmond Councilwoman
Chesterfield Supervisor Edward B.
seated.
Mayor McCollum thanked Mr.
Gwen C. Hedgepeth, and
Barber arrived and were
PROJECTS
Touri sm
City Manager Jamison, Chairman of the Virginia Tourism
Corporation, informed the group that the 2002 tourism goals for
Virginia are to become the:
· Fastest growing destination state by 2007
7th in domestic traveler spending by 2007 - $26 Billion
5th in domestic traveler spending by 2012 - $41 Billion
Dr. Jamison indicated that the long-range vision for Virginia
is to become number one in hospitality, history, racing, and
African-American Heritage; as well as being known as a world
class golf destination, and a regional meeting and convention
destination. According to Dr. Jamison, other long-range
visions include Virginia being in the top five among states as
a tourism destination, a location for film production, and the
East Coast center for cruise lines.
Jack Berry, President and CEO, Richmond Metropolitan Convention
and Visitors Bureau, provided a comprehensive overview of the
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successes accomplished in regional tourism. Mr. Berry pointed
out that 2000 was a record year flor area hotel room sales,
which totaled approximately $184,000.000. He stated that the
Richmond area is the second most visited destination in
northern Virginia due to hotel inventory.
Mr. Berry discussed the travel trends prior to the September
11th event, as well as the projections following the event. He
stated that prior to September 11th, travel trends indicated:
declining demand from business travel
· more likely to mix pleasure with business
· growing demand from both meetings & conventions
· shorter vacations
· planned more impulsively
· taken more frequently
· closer to home
· by families and singles
Mr. Berry discussed the nationwide travel trends following the
September 11th event and the impact it had on revenue per hotel
room, as well as the impact on the hotel occupancy rate. He
added that locally, the impact of the event included:
· Hotel Lay Offs
· Air service reduced 107 flights to 88 flights per day
· Weekend business is very stron~l, due to shorter get-aways
· Attraction Attendees off 16%
Mr. Berry pointed out that this Spring the Tourism Bureau will
conduct an advertising campaign that will focus on bringing
local travelers into the Richmond metro area. He thanked the
jurisdictions for the increase in the advertising budget, which
will be used to fund the community-wide Branding Initiative.
Mr. Berry stated that Mr. David Martin was hired to coordinate
the initiative and RightMinds, Incorporated is the advertising
agency for the project. According to Mr. Berry more than
100,000 vehicles cross the James River Bridge (I-95) each day.
He indicated that this is the untapped market that the
advertising campaign will try to capture. Mr. Berry said that
the Branding Partners include the Greater Richmond Chamber of
Commerce, the Greater Richmond Partnership, and the Retail
Merchants Association of Greater Richmond. He indicated that
additional information would be provided later during the
afternoon at 1:00 P.M. at the Branding Presentation and News
Conference.
Mr. Berry discussed the Hospitality Training Program offered by
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, which focuses on
training frontline staff for hotels and restaurants; and the
Hospitality & Travel Internship Program that is offered at
Virginia Union University and Virginia State University, which
prepares minority persons for management positions.
Mr. Berry reported that Richmond does very well in the film
industry. According to Mr. Berry, last year's impact to the
State was $60 million, and that the metro area received half of
that amount.
Mr. Berry pointed out the following major attractions and
highlights in the following localities:
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Chesterfield
3,246 jobs
$205 million spent by visitors in 1999
· Henricus Historical Park and new conference center
· $1 million in improvements
· Magnolia Grange
· Pocahontas State Park Amphitheatre
· Relationship with Petersburg
· 24% increase in hotel inventory from 1997
Hanover
· $115 million spent by visitors in 1999
· 1,835 jobs
· Paramount's Kings Dominion on track for record year in
revenue
· Paramount's Kings Dominion - 2 million plus visitors per
year
· Hanover Tavern - $1.7 million in renovation
· 61% increase in hotel inventory from 1997
Henrico
· $366 million spent by visitors in 1999
· 6,436 jobs
· NASCAR twice a year
· Over $70 million spent each NASCAR weekend
· Three Lakes Nature Center #5 in attendance at 245,496
· Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens #6 in attendance at 177,202
· Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center
· 62% increase in hotel inventory from 1997
Richmog~
· $403 million spent by visitors in 1999
6,143 jobs
· Library of Virginia $43 million
· Virginia Historical Society & Museum $7 million
· Maymont Nature Center $12.5 million
· Canal Walk $49 million
· Science Musuem of Virginia $18 Million
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In conclusion,
would include:
Greater Richmond Convention Center $162.5 million
Tredegar Civil War Visitor Center $3 million
Siegel Center
Sports Backers Stadium
Greater Richmond Convention Center
Mr. Berry indicated that
future initiatives
An International Air Show - April 2003 - hosted by Newport
News
· High Speed Rail
Construction of a new Federal Courts Building between 7th
and Broad Streets
Construction of a hotel - across from the Marriott Hotel
(the old Miller & Rhoads Building)
· Airport Expansion
Following comments, Mayor McCollum thanked Mr. Berry for the
presentation.
STATE REGULATORY ADVOCACY
Richard R. Johnson, County Administrator, Hanover County, and
Marilyn Blake, Assistant County Administrator, Hanover County,
provided a brief history of the State Regulatory Advocacy and
an overview of the present involvement of the local governments
with the Capital Region Caucus. Mr. Johnson stated that
recommendations will be made to more effectively advocate on a
regional level.
Mr. Johnson reported that in the early 90's a group of local
Government Elected officials and local legislative liaisons met
and established the Regional Legislative Program. He stated
that for several years the Regional Legislative Program was
adopted by the four jurisdictions. According to Mr. Johnson,
the group met regularly and established the Central Virginia
Caucus. He indicated that the Caucus communicated with the
Virginia General Assembly members and committees on issues that
were important to the region. However, Mr. Johnson informed
the attendees that the four jurisdictions no longer create a
regional legislative program.
Ms. Blake reported that the Legislative Liaisons from the four
jurisdictions set the agenda for the Caucus meetings and brief
the Caucus on regional issues. She said that every year, prior
to the start of the General Assembly, the Liaisons present
their local jurisdiction's legislative programs and regional
issues are highlighted. She informed the group that the
Capital Region Caucus meets weekly during the General Assembly
session and bi-monthly when they are out of session. Ms. Blake
stated that the Caucus has grown in its effectiveness over the
years, although its attendance tends to be small and
inconsistent. Therefore, Ms. Blake requested that the Local
Elected Official assist the Liaisons as follows:
· Attend the Caucus meetings
· Call and encourage the legislators to attend the Caucus
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· Host a social event
· Adopt a Regional Legislative Program, as well as look at
long range programs and issues
· Rely on Liaisons as a resource
· Adopt joint resolutions that are important to the region
· Visit newly-elected legislators
· Lobby with Liaisons at the General Assembly
In summary, Mr. Johnson encouraged the officials to consider
implementation of the recommendations.
The following resolution was read and adopted by the four
jurisdictions by consensus:
LOCALITIES IN THE RICHMOND METROPOLITAN AREA CONDEMN THE
COWARDLY ACTIONS OF TERRORISTS AND SUPPORT THE PRESIDENT
OF THE UNITED STATES TO FIND THE PERPETRATORS
TO BRING THEM TO JUSTICE
WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, the United States of
America was suddenly and brutally attacked by terrorists; and
WHEREAS, these terrorists hijacked and destroyed four
civilian aircraft, crashing two of them into the towers of the
World Trade Center in New York City, and a third into the
Pentagon outside Washington, DC; and
WHEREAS, thousands of innocent Americans were killed and
injured as a result of these attacks, including the passengers
and crew of the four aircraft, workers in the World Trade
Center and in the Pentagon, rescue workers and bystanders; and
WHEREAS, these cowardly acts were by far the deadliest
terrorist attacks ever launched against the United States, and,
by targeting symbols of American strength and success, clearly
were intended to intimidate our nation and weaken its resolve;
and
WHEREAS, a.lthou~gh'these~'hOrrific events'have affected all
Americans, it is important that we carry on with the regular
activities of our lives; and
WHEREAS, terrorism cannot be allowed to break the spirit
of the American people, and the best way to show these cowards
that they have truly failed is for the people of the United
States and their counties to stand tall and proud.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the city of Richmond
and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico condemn
the cowardly and deadly actions of these terrorists and support
the President of the United States, as he works with his
national security team to defend against additional attacks,
and find the perpetrators to bring them to justice.
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that our four localities who
routinely come together at times of distress through
comprehensive mutual aid agreements, are committed to working
together to ensure that the Central Virginia region is as
prepared as it can be to react and respond to acts of terrorism
or other emergencies.
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AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that our four localities
honor the heroic acts of the fallen police officers,
firefighters and EMTs in New York City and all public safety
officers who are selflessly attempting rescue of the injured,
and recommend to our citizens to support relief efforts by
giving blood at the nearest available blood donation center and
keeping our nation in their prayers.
Mayor McCollum indicated that the resolution would be sent to
President Bush.
LUNCH AND REGIONAL BRANDING PRESENTATION AND NEWS CONFERENCE
Following lunch, the Local Officials attended the Regional
Branding Presentation and News Conference.
Councilman G. Manoli Loupassi arrived during the Branding
Ceremony.
Following the Branding Presentation and News Conference, the
Officials and other participants, returned to the Ballroom to
continue discussion on the Agenda items.
PROJECTS CONTINUED
Tran spor ta ti on
Light Rail to Airport
Leo J. Bevon, Director, Virginia Department of Rail and Public
Transportation, discussed the Region's vision to provide light
rail service from Chesterfield County to the Richmond
International Airport. Mr. Bevon stated the proposed route
will begin at the Old Dominion Historic Railroad Site located
in Chesterfield County, travel to Main Street Station in
Richmond, and end at the Airport. He indicated that the route
is an existing rail line, however, several improvements are
needed to make the project work. Mr. Bevon described the type
of rail cars that will be used, the proposed schedule that will
be offered to the commuters, the proposed design of the
stations and facilities, and the process for purchasing tickets
to ride the train. He stated that the train will hold
approximately 125 passengers and will have the ability to
expand as services are increased.
According to Mr. Bevon, t'he imProvements needed will total
approximately $34 million, and are .calculated as follows:
· Bristol Rail - $10.75 million
· Chesterfield to Downtown - $4.75 million
· Downtown to RIC Airport Station - $5.2 million
· Three Trainsets - $13.2 million
In conclusion, Mr. Bevon informed the attendees that the
Department of Rail has not performed an analysis on the cost to
run the train, nor has it done a passenger forecast. He stated
that the study focused on the needed improvements.
Following discussion, Mayor McCollum thanked Mr. Bevon for the
information.
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High Speed Rail
Dick Beadles, Founder and Board Member, Virginia High Speed
Rail Development Committee, provided an update on the
initiative to develop high speed rail along the east coast
corridor. Mr. Beadles presented a map that illustrated
existing and future high speed and commuter rails routes. He
also discussed the components of a successful High Speed Rail
Development Program in the U.S.
There was discussion regarding the adoption of a resolution
supporting High Speed Rail. It was agreed that each locality
would adopt the draft resolution prepared at the meeting and
the resolution would be shared with federal and state
legislators/officials.
Regional Taxi Cab Program
Jack Berry, President and CEO, Richmond Metropolitan Convention
and Visitors Bureau, addressed the attendees regarding the taxi
cab service in the region. Mr. Berry said he had surveyed
several of his peers in the convention and visitors bureau
industry to find out ~hat are the key successes in Taxis?" Mr.
Berry jokingly said that his counterparts are looking for the
same answers. However, Mr. Berry stated that the following
information was received:
Indianapolis (12th largest city) - had a 392 taxi license
cap
· Baltimore - only 1,151 taxi permits are issued
Jacksonville
Division of
pick-up
- 3 companies, 500 cabs, headed by the
Parking, airport has only one company for
Chesterfield - had one cab company, none registered at
this time
· Henrico - 47 companies, 100-115 cabs
· Richmond, 9 companies, 91 taxis, 169 drivers
Mr. Berry said that the local challenge is that there are so
many independent cab companies, it is very difficult to provide
uniform regulations and control. However, he pointed out that
there is conforming legislation in Chesterfield, Henrico and in
Richmond, that addresses rates, age, mileage, dress code, an
annual customer service orientation, and an the number of cabs
permitted.
In addition, Mr. Berry pointed out that the jurisdictions will
have to review the demand for additional cabs and cab companies
based on the proposed number of conventions that will be coming
to the area.
In summary, Mr. Berry presented the following recommendations:
· Expand the Capital Regional Taxicab Advisory Board;
· Establish a Code of Conduct Review
· Appoint a Taxi Czar
Explore policies in other cities
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Following much discussion,
information was needed and
resolved during the meeting.
it was agreed that additional
that the issues could not be
STATE REGULATION - PAYMKNT iN LIEU OF TAXES
Virgil R. Hazelett, County Manager, Henrico County, stated that
the City of Richmond has a disproportionate amount of State
owned property within its jurisdiction. Mr. Hazelett provided
information regarding the service charge paid by the
Commonwealth to the City of Richmond pursuant to Section 58.1-
3403 of the State Code. The information provided by Mr.
Hazelett reflected the following:
Section 58.1-3403 of the State Code allows localities to
charge the Commonwealth a "service charge" for State
owned property.
The State owned property must exceed 3.0 percent of the
total value of real property in a locality before this
charge may be assessed.
· Federal property is excluded.
The service charge may be assessed for "the purpose of
furnishing police and fire protection and for collection
and disposal of refuse."
The City of Richmond is the only locality in the Richmond
Metropolitan area in which State owned property exceeds
3.0% of the total real property value.
State owned property as a percentage of total property
value - Calendar year 2001:
Chesterfield County: 0.64%
Hanover County:
0.31%
Henrico County:
0.18%
Richmond City:
4.26%
The City of Richmond will bill the State nearly $3.0
million for providing police and fire protection and for
the collection and disposal of refuse in the current
fiscal year.
The effective Real Estate Tax irate for the State, in the
City of Richmond, is $0.69 - $0.79/$100. The actual City
Real Estate Tax Rate is $1.41/$100.
There are 10 State owned properties that will pay
$0.79/$100 because those properties receive refuse service
from the City.
The remaining properties will pay the service fee based on
a rate of $0.69/$100, which only includes police and fire
services.
There are 355 State owned properties in the City of
Richmond - valued over $521 million.
If the State paid the service fee based on the actual City
Real Estate tax rate, the City would receive $7.3 million
- or $4.3 million more than they currently receive.
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The City of Richmond has the highest amount of State owned
property in the region.
Based on the manner in which the current State Code (58.1-
3403) is written, the City does not receive the Real
Estate Tax revenue that would be generated from these
properties if they were not owned by the State.
The current State Code (58.1-3403) should be rewritten to
allow the City to charge a service fee which is more
closely related to the actual Real Estate Tax paid by City
residents and businesses.
Following the presentation, Mr. Hazelett asked the localities
if they would consider supporting the request to the General
Assembly to amend the State Code.
Mr. Hazelett discussed three alternatives for changing the
State Code, which included:
Change the State Code to include the word "taxable" in the
definition of real property - the service charge would
increase by nearly $0.8 million and the effective tax rate
would be between $0.884-$0.999/$100.
Change the State Code to allow for the service charge to
be based on "two-thirds" of the City's Real Estate tax
rate, the service charge would result in a payment of $4.8
million, or an increase of $1.8 million.
Change the State Code to allow for the service charge be
based on "three-quarters" of the City's Real Estate tax
rate, the service charge would result in a payment of $5.5
million, or an increase of $2.5 million.
Following much discussion, the Elected Officials from the three
counties indicated that they would discuss the issue with their
full boards regarding their willingness to support the proposal
to change the State Code to allow the City to charge a higher
real estate tax for State owned property.
Vice Mayor Brooks stated that the City is not prepared at this
time to make a decision on the proposal, and requested that the
City Manager provide the City Council additional information.
In summary, Mayor McCollum thanked Mr. Hazelett for the
presentation and stated that the City will contact the Counties
regarding the proposal.
FUTURE SUMMIT DISCUSSIONS - WRAP UP
It was the consensus of the Elected Officials to continue the
regional summits and some topics for discussion include:
Taxi-Cab Program
· Workforce One and Workforce Investment
· Tourism
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:45
p.m.
Renny ~ush Humphrey' /
Chairman ~'
lO/lS/Ol
01-816