City Council Meeting   7/21/2025

Councillor Sniff, we're waiting on Councillor Payne to be able to invite you into the meeting.

Thank you.

There he is.

You need a second to get logged in?

You can start.

Ms. Thomas, will you call the roll please?

Councilor Payne?

Here.

Vice Mayor Pinkston?

Here.

Councilor Snook has requested to join the meeting electronically and Mayor Wade announced that he would be absent because of travel.

Councillor, can you hear us, Lloyd?

I'm presently in Bazy, Virginia on vacation.

Okay, are our participants in the meeting room able to hear Councillor Snook?

Yes.

I think you just said that, but could you say it again?

I'm in Basie, Virginia, on vacation with my wife.

I would move.

Second.

OK. All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Was that pink lemonade I saw earlier?

Yes, it was.

Please cast your votes, which I think we do on

We won't be able to vote if everyone's not logged in, so we'll do voice votes.

Lloyd, you're not able to log in?

I don't know how I would do so remotely.

Do you need a roll call or just a voice vote?

We have three electronically and then Lloyd said yes, so we're good to go.

It's not popping up.

Well, we can do a voice if you all want to.

Whatever you're comfortable with, Madam Clerk.

Voice vote for everything.

We're still getting used to this electronic voting system.

And finally, the city council business meeting will begin at 6.30.

So thank you.

So Karen Davis, which is our Assistant Director of Transit for Operations, Barry

You want to raise your hand, Karen?

Good afternoon.

Well, since then, you know, we've been- How many operators do we have now again?

We'll be able to get them into service.

So really to implement that SOP, that system optimization plan that was envisioned back in May 2022, really at this point we believe would require 90 operators.

And that's for the same amount of coverage as the original 82 we're estimated to provide?

And then similarly with the cost there, it'd be that $31.69 split here with a total cost of around $16.9 million with this 82 operator constraint.

So, by the way, this is

So we're at $15,800 today.

$15,800?

OK. Total cost is what you're referring to with that number.

$15,800.

And that cost is around $22.5 million.

This is just operating costs.

But we do have like 40 some in our inventory right now, right?

35 vehicles at peak means we would have a spare ratio of only five.

Well, what is best practice for spares?

Because 20% for us, if we're missing four or five buses, is problematic for a system that's only running 40 vehicles at a time.

Thank you.

And then you can also see the trolley there as well as blue because we're able to restore that to 15-minute frequencies both weekdays and Saturdays.

So, sorry, do we have 1030 now and we would extend to 11, or do we not have 1030 now?

At 10, there's one route that ends at around 6 o'clock or so, I believe, so there's some inconsistency there, so we're able to get everything more on a consistent evening service span.

Okay, I'm seeing the difference between the two slides now.

Again, we have that consistency as well as far as the end of service time as well on all days a week.

Correct.

Before I do, maybe any more questions about what I've shown so far?

When we met with the folks at Impact in April, the commitment they were asking for was

And it's 108 to get the full model where we have service seven days a week again.

Thank you.

So that's really where the additional bodies are coming from.

Okay, thank you.

But then those numbers back off with Scenarios 2 a little bit and back off further with Scenario 3 where you can see like the least, the Scenario 3A is the least of all these scenarios there with 111 operators and 23 million in annual cost.

All the support systems around it need to also beef up.

I'm sorry, you've said this probably three times, but what is the difference between the top of the chart and the bottom of the chart?

So when the buses are in at midnight, they have from midnight till 5.30 in the morning to do additional maintenance work, preventative maintenance or repairs to get it ready for service that next morning.

So that, if we were to go with the lower option there, that would give us more

So we don't have a mechanic on staff after 5.30 today.

Just want a picture.

We're almost there.

Do we include cost for additional buses in your revised operating budget?

Expansion means we're expanding our model, adding more service.

And then the operating expenses in line with what you saw with the revenue hours.

So anyway, I just, some initial thoughts to that, but I think that's the most important slide, because all this comes down to how much money do we as city council actually allocate for these goals.

So basically up until the dashed line there, that takes us up to the 30-minute model and beyond that is what are the other options, the 1A's and 1B's and so on?

So we'll just kind of do an introduction about that and then bring Greg up.

OK.

Yes.

Thank you.

So if there's any questions, but otherwise, thank you so much.

Questions?

No, the largest one you answered was did it apply to paratransit services, but you answered that.

Microtransit was excluded because the circular predates microtransit.

Is that an area where it depends on where those changes occur?

Whereas you get into trouble when it's like, oh, we're going to invest in one route exclusively at the detriment of others.

But obviously, we've had in the past routes that have different frequencies and still do today.

Yes.

Natalie?

Carlin, were you going to say something?

We don't want to favor one over the other because we are actually hurting the system because we are making it infrequent for a lot of folks who may want to use the system to get out to other places in that network.

And two, the concern with 15-minute routes is that we're currently positioned right now that may require not holding harmless some other routes in terms of the practical impact.

Thank you.

Sorry.

Approximately is fine.

It doesn't have to be specific numbers, but like basic percentages for both operations and infrastructure.

So that goes out at $15.8 million.

And then once we have 30 minute service and then we reduce some down to 15 minute service, how is that not required to be spread throughout all of the other ones as well if we're using the same reasoning?

So that's why we're trying to do what we're doing.

Demand, which again, chicken and egg problem, but still would keep maybe not as frequent for now while we improve the rest of them first.

It really does.

So my question to Greg was, based on your scenario, let's say we focus all of our energy and put the majority of our service on the five, six, seven, or the five and the seven, which is what you just asked for.

Or five, six, seven, yeah.

If we're asked by the Feds why we did what we did, and the answer to that would be because the board just wanted to see it.

Because it's serving our lowest income and our frequent ridership as a priority and then building again building the the ridership up then gives us finances to increase the others so it's kind of just prioritizing that the time frame that we have to get the biggest ROI.

We actually consolidated routes to do the highest frequency corridors, but nothing around it was worse than what it was before.

I guess, is it possible, I don't know if we're going to get this solved now.

And then the kind of second part of my question was the equity application of if they're all 30 and then some are 15, how is that not a concern using the same guidelines?

We'll still be able to increase the numbers because the ridership will warrant showing that we need it.

The fact that it's 30 minutes is a number that we've picked, but it could have been 60, it could have been 45, it could have been something as long as they were all the same number.

And that 30 would be an improvement over where we are today.

That's the number we are picking.

Yes, that's the number we're picking.

Okay, but we could theoretically, you know, don't want to retreat back to 60 minute service, but that could be a standard we say we have and then we're going to collect data from that.

That's also potential for a complaint with the FDA that we've made their system work.

Are we pulling from?

That means somebody trying to get to work is now inconvenienced.

And that gets reflected accurately on the live updates, right?

It does.

It's not ghost buses riding around.

That's correct.

The racial composition of planning and advisory bodies, are we meeting those standards?

We don't, technically our advisory body right now is not up and running, so we're fine for now.

Say that again?

So there's nothing to comply with at this point in time.

But how's staffing going for school buses?

Ms. Davis?

How's it going?

I think we got two or three interviews that are coming up fairly soon.

So if you're out there and want to apply to be a bus driver?

There'll be a full bus wrap on a transit bus.

All right, thank you.

Did you have questions?

Are we making enough progress on hiring more bus drivers so that we can get past that being the limiting factor?

So the next iteration would be council be authorizing additional positions, authorizing and funding additional positions so we can expand our model.

Are those part of the 66?

I'm really going to tell him to make sure that the extra board reflects three more bodies so we can hopefully cover the mishaps.

Do we think that the market is improving or that our position in the market is improving so that it will no longer be that limiting factor?

All you do is be willing to come in and be a driver and we will get you ready to do so.

And what you're suggesting is that perhaps we may be becoming a little bit more attractive if those things have been going poorly elsewhere.

I don't know how you beat that.

always have an on-time performance 82% or however many of our flights arrive at the

Part of it is because we've been missing and pulling services that skews our on-time performance.

Because of the lack of drivers?

We'll work that out too.

Are we doing anything at all to think about things that haven't happened yet?

It's a matter of funding it and allowing us to allow it to take shape and put it in place.

Lloyd, did you have anything else?

I'm OK for now, thanks.

Anyway, that's just my observation.

I think we're at the close of this time and we have a closed session meeting motion, please, sir.

for discussion and consideration of prospective candidates to be appointed to the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

Is there a second?

Second.

Please cast your votes.

Yes.

Mr. Payne, could you please read us back in the closed session?

Is there a second?

Second.

Is everyone logged in to be able to do that?

Not yet.

Yes.

Yes.

Okay, we will begin the business meeting with a moment of silence.

Okay, thank you.

Any other announcements?

Two appointments to make to the CRHA Board, Lise Clavell.

Sorry.

For Boards and Commissions appointments, appointing Lise Covell and Gallette Rosenblith to the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board.

I don't think so.

That's a motion and then we need to vote on it.

Second.

Thank you.

And are we logged in?

And then we have Councilor Snook is with us remotely, obviously.

Kim Basile-Wood.

I'm not Kim, but I'll go first.

Am I three minutes up?

Yes, sir.

Okay, well, I've got another person.

Thank you.

But what we want to do is teach the children how to swim.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Okay, next up, I'm sorry, next up is Alicia Lenahan.

Thank you.

Emily Kingsley.

Another world is possible if we are brave enough to build it.

Malva Mengan

I don't have anything else to say.

Mr. Cox.

Here's the money.

Reverend Joyner.

Thank you.

Yes, please.

I urge you to spend some time working with local agencies that understand these changes and understand the services to figure out how the city is going to address the needs of those people who now are losing those services.

Who's next?

Can we just get back down?

Thanks.

There will be a chance at the end of the meeting to speak again if you'd like.

Ms. Thomas, would you please read the consent agenda?

$1,436,519, first of two readings.

Is there a motion to adopt the consent agenda?

I'll move to adopt the consent agenda.

Okay.

Second.

By voice.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Motion approved.

The motion passes to adopt the consent agenda.

Mr. Sanders, is there a report from the city manager's office?

That's where I mix it up.

And because of the volume of the annual, we decided to break it down into four different components, which I'd like Mr. Walker to discuss with you now, if you'd allow it.

It is enlightening and it fully displays the work of the board as well as the office.

And that's all we have, if you have any questions.

Lloyd?

I don't know if that makes sense but that's...

the board and I can say this again having done it for over two years now they don't know what they're asking for they don't know what to ask for the things that they want are not necessarily doable under the current structure but they are still doable under a different structure that makes more sense and so that's what I was hoping to relate to all of you through this annual report if you actually take the time to read it you'll see that there's a lot of recommendations to again almost immediately improve the situation

I don't know if you agree or disagree, but I feel like it's just coming to us in a moment where the PCOB really is at an inflection point in terms of what's going to happen going forward.

So it's important for us to do that, but for us to incorporate all of the parties that are going to be involved in this entire process to make sure everybody's on the same page

If we can figure this out and get it as a long lasting permanent institution, the value there is immense.

Do we have any other questions?

No, but thank you.

Thank you all for having us.

All right, you all take care.

So I just wanted to make sure I give you that context as to what's ahead and what's next.

We'll see that agenda soon I guess.

Yes, plan to release that by the end of the week.

And one of the things that's important about doing all of this ahead of time is that we're able to incorporate it into our budget and like you said bring our county partner involved in.

Along the way.

Right, so it's not something we amend at the end and it all falls on us like we did last year.

yeah we gave you the affordable housing update the annual affordable housing update in April you got the transit update this evening and you're going to have a joint session with the school board on the fourth you'll hear about school facilities specifically because that's the big ticket item that I want you to be aware of so all three of those things we are leading you to the retreat where we're going to go deeper we're going to ask you to think long and hard and we're going to ask you to make decisions that's what I like to do

Will the discussion about housing include a component about the unhoused?

We're focusing globally on what it is that we put as our outlay to housing, and then you can get to talk about shifts in care.

That is it.

share the dates of the retreat and how people can access it.

I don't know if we're working to see if we can get to that point, but if not, it'll actually be recorded and then posted.

Okay, thank you.

We're now at the action items.

Ms. Hamel, you're going to present.

and so with that we also each bond has to be rated as you know we're triple-a bond rated we met with S&P today we'll be meeting with Moody's next week and we don't anticipate any troubles with our triple-a bond rating we've not gotten any questions so far and so with that I'll leave it with any questions you might have or for the public hearing okay any clarifying questions

Counsel, is there any discussion?

So I know this is procedural, but it's representing very significant investments we've made in schools, parks and rec, public transportation, and I think that's just worth highlighting.

So moved.

Second.

Okay, please cast your votes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Okay, the motion passes four to zero.

Your request passes four to zero inches.

New phone.

Mr. Williams, you will present.

At the public hearing we will ask that the funding be accepted and we be able to appropriate it.

Are there any clarifying questions?

When will the buses be delivered?

But all of the infrastructure to support the vehicles are being installed next week.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Mr. Williams.

Mr. Matt Alfelli will present.

With that, I can answer any questions.

Any clarifying questions?

No.

Lloyd?

I take it that process is basically on hold until we have certainty about where things are.

So we're still wanting to do that, but we're just doing the back end work so we can pick up once we have clarity.

So things are slowed down but not paralyzed because of the uncertainty.

We're just pausing, moving anything to the public-facing side to get some clarification.

Okay, any other clarifying questions?

Is there a motion to adopt this resolution?

I make a motion to adopt the attached resolution referring the 2024 development code zoning and subdivision ordinances to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation.

Yes.

Yes.

Thank you, sir.

Mr. Sanders will present.

It's just putting it in the right buckets.

Any questions?

Fundamentally different than a redevelopment manager and the role they played, is anyone fulfilling what that old role of the redevelopment manager was at this point?

I don't believe we're losing anything is what I'm saying.

Okay.

I see it too.

I'm good, I'm good for now.

Sasha.

Do we carry this to the next?

I think it's a single vote.

Because the budget's already been adopted, so we're just moving it.

So moved.

Yeah, so there's a motion to amend the FY 26 budget ordinance to provide the city manager authority to reallocate funds appropriate for the Office of Community Solutions.

Second.

Please cast your vote verbally.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Great.

These are the Rivanna Authorities Quarterly Report and the Sister Cities Commission Annual Report.

I don't know if anyone has any update on what it is.

Wants to go into more detail.

And then if there were a catastrophic failure, there's a chance for us to be able to do better at getting that information out.

I think it's just a clear example of there being proactive planning, preparing for extreme rain, extreme flooding events.

So the goal is to make sure that from an emergency management standpoint we're sharing information collaboratively, cooperatively as well.

I know that if we have follow-up questions, we can just ask those directly to the relevant folks.

I would say we probably should congratulate the Sister Cities team for their recent hosting of the group for France.

Long going, by the way.

Yeah, I think they have a couple more days.

Did you get a chance to use your French from years ago, Lloyd?

If folks have not heard them, they're really very entertaining.

Thank you.

OK. Come on up.

So I hope you'll seek that and be able to weigh it as you proceed in considering your transit options.

Anyone else?

All right, with no further business, is there a motion to adjourn?

So moved.

Okay, please cast your vote.

Yes.

Thank you, Mr. City Manager and Madam Clerk for an excellent meeting.