Mayor Dwight C. Jones joined City Council Vice President Ellen Robertson and Director of Richmond Public Library Harriet Henderson in a ribbon cutting ceremony today to reopen the newly renovated Hull Street Library at 1400 Hull Street. Mayor Jones stated that, “So many of us depend on libraries and the vital programs offered to youth and adults are immeasurable. It is imperative that we invest in our future by upgrading our infrastructure and enhancing the opportunities for future generations by building new schools and renovating our libraries. Libraries are critical resources of education and improvements such as those performed to the Hull Street Library are a priority.” New library features include lighting, carpet and paint, furniture, computers, PC reservation station, meeting room with audio and visual system, and a teen selection area. Renovations to the Hull Street Library began during the winter of 2010. The library was originally constructed in 1987. Mayor Jones...

City Chief Administrative Officer Byron Marshall today issued the following statement regarding the discrimination complaint filed by several Department of Public Utilities (DPU) employees: "In March of this year, the City received a formal complaint filed by multiple DPU employees. This matter required a thorough and comprehensive investigation, dating back multiple years addressing a complexity of issues. The City invested the time necessary to ensure that the proper due diligence was undertaken. At this juncture, the internal investigation has been completed. A report and recommendations from the investigation have been provided to the Director of DPU. We anticipate that the director will take the necessary action, based on the findings and recommendations, within the next week. "The City operates under a stringent policy against discrimination and has zero-tolerance for any acts of harassment committed by or against an employee. However, the City cannot comment on a...

~City building first fire station in more than 20 years~ Mayor Dwight Jones joined State Senator Henry Marsh, Chief Administrative Officer Byron Marshall and Fire Chief Robert Creecy today in breaking ground on a new Fire Station No. 17 in the city’s Southside. “We want this and every city fire station to be part of your neighborhood. Fire protection is a community interest, and this fire station is going to be a community station, a gathering place for the community,” said Mayor Jones. “I’ve stated on numerous occasions that I want Richmond to grow by design and not by default. Within the past year, we have broken ground on two new schools with two more to come, agreed to build a new City Justice Center, and now we are building a new fire station.” Funding for the new fire station includes $1.4 million from the City’s Capital Improvement Plan and an additional $3.5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The new 3-bay, single story facility will have 11,35...

The City’s East End Vision Charrette was recently awarded the 2011 Public Outreach and Engagement Award during the American Planning Association Virginia Chapter’s annual conference in Wintergreen, Virginia. The East End Vision Charrette was formed by a unique public/private partnership of the City of Richmond, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital in the spring of 2010 to engage in a dynamic community planning process. The Awards Committee noted the effort of the East End Vision Charrette as it engaged a diverse group of community members, along with the success of drawing a large number of participants to the events as admirable and worthy of recognition. Additionally, the effort garnered an impressive amount of media coverage, bringing the planning process to the attention of as many potential participants as possible. “This award is a positive indication of our collaborated efforts to revitalize our city’s East End,” said Ma...

~City Council scheduled to vote today~ Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Sheriff C.T. Woody today urged approval of the Richmond City Jail Project which is scheduled for a vote before City Council tonight. Addressing many of the concerns that have been raised, Mayor Jones went through each item one by one and gave the Administration's response. Key in this matter is the degree of flexibility allowed in the state-established PPEA (Public Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act) process. Mayor Jones emphasized that PPEAs are competitive negotiation procurements and are more flexible than a competitive sealed bidding procurement. Richard Sliwoski, Director of General Services for the Commonwealth of Virginia explained that, "The PPEA process was set up specifically to be outside of the public procurement act. We want the private sector to bring its creativity and experience to address public needs. There is nothing that prevents a public entity from re-evaluating a req...

The City of Richmond responded today to allegations concerning a Department of Social Services employee and the intake process utilized for Medicaid benefits. An undercover video released on yesterday raised what the City Administration has called "serious concerns" and the City will be joining forces with the Attorney General's office for the Commonwealth of Virginia to conduct a review of this matter. "At the departmental level, personnel actions have been taken and will remain in effect until this investigation is complete," said Chief Administrative Officer Byron Marshall. "More broadly, we will be working closely with the Attorney General to review this matter to determine the validity of the information and what, if any, other controls may need to be implemented. Additionally, other Departments that will be working with us as a part of our own investigation include the Department of Information Technology and the Richmond Police Department....

The city of Richmond and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities is committed to helping our youth stay healthy this summer. In partnership with the USDA Summer Meals for Kids (SM4K) Program, the city is proud to offer this FREE program that provides children and teens (up to 18 years old) nutritious breakfasts and lunches during the summer months. Even if your child does not participate in the department's summer camps, your child can still participate in the USDA Summer Meals for Kids Program. Breakfast is served 9 to 10 a.m., lunch from Noon to 1 p.m, and some suppers. The Kids Eat Free program, now through September 2, is serving food at over 120 locations, including community centers, playgrounds, and other locations within and outside of Richmond. All meals locations are below. For more information, call 646-5752. Kids Eat Free Summer Program Meals Locations