Richmond City Council Formal Meeting - June 8, 2026

The Richmond City Council held a formal meeting on June 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM (presumed). The meeting covered public comments, consent agenda items, and several regular agenda items including real estate sales, a tax deferral program, and a change to E911 call routing. Key outcomes included the adoption of a consent agenda with amendments, approval of property sales for a major south side development, a new real estate tax deferral program, and a mandate to reroute emergency medical calls to the Richmond Ambulance Authority.

Consent Calendar

• Appointments: Approved by unanimous vote (9-0) as recommended by standing committees.
• Amendments to Agenda: Several items were continued or moved from consent to regular agenda (e.g., Items 5, 6, 13, 14, 19, 22, 23, 24). The amended agenda was adopted 9-0.
• Consent Agenda Adoption: The consent agenda (Items 1–4, 7–12, 14, 18) was adopted by a vote of 9-0 after public hearing and council discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Martin Gary (Shaco Arts and Culture Corporation) spoke in support of establishing the Shaco District as an official arts and culture district, asking for council support. President Newbill noted the task force was already considering the matter.
• Mark Ohlinger (resident of Oakwood Avenue) spoke in opposition to consent agenda Item 8 (Mosby South redevelopment preliminary plan), arguing the plan has too many units, too little green space, inadequate community outreach, and vague affordable housing commitments.
• Thomas Courtney (First District resident and landlord) spoke in favor of Item 3 (sidewalk snow/ice removal ordinance update), supporting it as a reasonable clarification that holds large institutional landowners accountable.
• Al Hutchinson, Charlene Hinton, Warren Goldsboro, Diane Cottman, and Mary Richardson spoke in favor of Item 2 (street renaming for James “Jimmy” Lee Bracey), sharing personal stories of Coach Bracey’s mentorship and positive impact. Council members also expressed support.

Discussion Items

• Mosby Court South Redevelopment (Consent Agenda Item 8): Councilwoman Gibson questioned whether the preliminary plan aligns with the city’s master plan and raised concerns about green space and tree canopy. Planning Director Kevin Vonk explained the plan sets a framework for future detailed plans, and the city does not have minimum parking requirements but financing agencies do. He noted the plan is likely over-parked but designed to allow future conversion of parking to green space. Councilwoman Robertson emphasized that the plan provides mixed-income opportunities and received community support from public housing residents. The consent agenda was adopted 9-0.
• Sidewalk Snow/Ice Removal Ordinance (Consent Agenda Item 3): Councilwoman Trammell initially expressed strong opposition, citing burdens on seniors and disabled residents. Vice President Jordan clarified the ordinance changes it from a criminal to a civil penalty (max $100), includes flexibility during emergencies, and has carve-outs for seniors and disabled. Trammell withdrew her opposition and voted aye.
• Commerce Road Property Sale (Items 15–17): Angie Rogers (Economic Development) presented the plan to accept a quitclaim deed from the school board, declare surplus, and sell two parcels to City Central LLC for a total of $7.3 million to facilitate a large mixed-use development with over 3,000 rental units and nearly 1,000 for-sale units, including affordable units. Councilwoman Gibson opposed, arguing the city is bypassing its own surplus law (Section 8-60) and that similar past deals shortchanged schools. The three ordinances were adopted 8-1 (Gibson voting no).
• Real Estate Tax Deferral Program (Item 20): Councilwoman Abu Baker presented this as an anti-displacement tool ahead of a tax assessment unfreeze. The ordinance adds a deferral program for certain real estate taxes under state code. Passed unanimously (9-0).
• E911 Call Routing to Richmond Ambulance Authority (Item 21): Councilwoman Trammell introduced the ordinance requiring the Department of Emergency Communications to route E911 medical calls to RAA. She cited data showing 29% non-compliance with call answering standards under DEC vs. 6% when RAA handled calls. Chip Decker (RAA CEO) supported, stating the change would improve response times. Councilwoman Gibson noted the data was alarming and that the city is currently out of compliance. Councilwoman Jones asked about critical events and outage handling. Vice President Jordan questioned why the earlier change to in-house dispatch failed and called for understanding root causes. Administration (Mr. Donald) supported the change but stressed the need for a thoughtful implementation plan and co-location to save costs. The ordinance passed 9-0, with a provision for phased implementation and a subsequent paper to address co-location.
• Amendments to Continued Items (Items 19 and 22): Item 19 (special use permit at 3219 Tuxedo Boulevard) was amended to modify number of dwellings and continued to June 22. Item 22 (collective bargaining procedures) was amended to further modify procedures and continued to June 22. Both motions passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Adopted (9-0) including the Mosby South redevelopment preliminary plan, sidewalk snow/ice ordinance update, and street renaming for James Bracey.
• Commerce Road Real Estate Transactions Approved (8-1): City will accept school board quitclaim deed, surplus, and sell to City Central LLC for $7.3 million for mixed-use development.
• Real Estate Tax Deferral Program Approved (9-0): New city code section enabling deferrals for eligible taxpayers.
• E911 Medical Call Routing Changed (9-0): DEC must route emergency medical calls to RAA; implementation to be phased with a follow-up paper on co-location.
• Two Items Amended and Continued: Item 19 (special use) and Item 22 (collective bargaining) continued to June 22, 2026 meeting.
• Meeting Adjourned after reports and announcements.