[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6533837,"mediaKeyId","3657009-6732a05411f7aa14f57788f95bdfcc8d","parentId",3657009,"title","Resident tells council recent water problems reflect years of neglected investment, calls for accountability","audioSeconds",125,"startMs",822954,"endMs",948345,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3657009-6732a05411f7aa14f57788f95bdfcc8d&start=822&end=948","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3657009-6732a05411f7aa14f57788f95bdfcc8d/thumbnail_822954.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6533837/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Resident-tells-council-recent-water-problems-reflect-years-of-neglected-investment-calls-for-accountability","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533837-8a1d09363009f325c93588472e627a88/orig.mp4?Expires=1770789196&Signature=AVI0MOzRuyNL0tFlaLe95wBNVKTX8TTir4oE3vHcU1neuHI2TSy15cfpJ-hQck9BbSKLSrv~Vl4I9O39uEnFJ9K0RosYfmapK9eEmaIZPgscN4H405ZxHEOmf6k-LsKm26o6j6ASmI3GIJRCXPxg~V2Fw7UQXNj9cAd1bxExDDYSCQXfxoFB1M64h~eIEpe1LuO4KJ79ZsJa3FUnK0ACRISR3gSVFWcvXKEhptLjDyDFI3BKehHwHzD05tqKtT9ZoA0gEceaYPQSPLMl~X6XgMVdllL61orWtiutoOYSZ6amaoMDX7JX0oPs3LZKR6LlmpaIExPcaxHIbS-iMUmFwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Richmond City","date","2025-06-04T00:00:00Z","article","During the public comment period, Richmond resident Andre Tolaris told the City Council that repeated boil-water notices and unreliable drinking water reflect decades of neglect and operational failure by the Department of Public Utilities.

“This is not just an inconvenience. This is a failure of leadership,” Tolaris said. He urged council members to hold the department accountable for unanswered complaints and perceived operational dysfunction and to ensure the DPU has the talent, manpower and management discipline to execute needed repairs and planning.

Tolaris rejected the notion that additional funding alone will fix the problem, arguing the department needs competence and accountability to spend money effectively: “If the department of public utilities doesn't have the talent, the manpower, or the operational discipline to execute, then you can throw as much money at this crisis as you want. It won't matter.”

The comment framed water reliability as a core municipal responsibility affecting families, businesses and institutions. The council did not take formal action on water policy during the meeting; no DPU representative made a presentation during the public-comment segment. Council members later scheduled committee-level discussions about related public works matters at subsequent meetings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Richmond City - Richmond City Council Formal Meeting - June 2, 2025 (May 27th Rescheduled Meeting) - Jun 04, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A resident gave an extended public comment blaming decades of neglect for repeated boil-water notices and urged the council to ensure Department of Public Utilities (DPU) competence and accountability rather than rely solely on funding.","taxTitle","Richmond City (Independent City), Virginia","taxId",5755,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6533842,"Renters and housing advocates urge Richmond to adopt proactive rental inspection ordinance",194,974074,1168340,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3657009-6732a05411f7aa14f57788f95bdfcc8d&start=974&end=1168","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3657009-6732a05411f7aa14f57788f95bdfcc8d/thumbnail_974074.jpg","/articles/6533842/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Renters-and-housing-advocates-urge-Richmond-to-adopt-proactive-rental-inspection-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533842-1cabed79cf74fe96af7c235fcaf06762/orig.mp4?Expires=1770789196&Signature=Kb8c7pX8LXu2NNmVyfabG5evhyOFZXp~PYwRu~ztqCUMhCBQX9vW4OhAz~zbmAmmCtu~8XmmC5pmPKrL1utRfPntYbzT6hvjLgoOJbyAnmclE84bpQrLXM0U6JrW7O0HPv0hNfT6hLD~Qd74reRwgcdDTOWibpnhPLZGLuBFvWqprmYGMOpmN2NspeLc0xw~5ksSeXs~5h~5Krhla7D7Vr07bJi252L0aW9TZBSnkmiqhdWq2DOggnTruaWZxCTwB6fr5eX-jLYLN3Dy~QTl83N6UJ6BwZTQfmb9Z3dUtiIy7wjXnObxwkRzhNSeNOFsNgt3M4gCEDZ8cAHcI7vz2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public comment period of Monday’s Richmond City Council meeting, renters and housing advocates urged the council to implement a proactive rental inspection ordinance.

Danielle Smith, a renter who said she lives in Northside in Council member Gibson’s district, described a childhood experience in which black mold forced her family from their home and said a proactive inspection regime could prevent similar hazards. Smith said she has seven years of experience in housing services and policy research and provided council members with written comments in advance.

“Perhaps a code inspector would have seen some of the warning signs that moisture and toxins were accumulating in the walls,” Smith said, urging council to consider permitting or inspection mechanisms that would prevent hazards from becoming irreparable.

Will (Will) Ryan, speaking as a renter and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, also voiced support for rental inspection districts and argued the city could reallocate funds away from landlords who benefit from gentrification and toward community priorities.

Both speakers said they had submitted their comments to council in advance and offered to work with staff and council as any proposal moves through the legislative process. No ordinance was before the council on Monday regarding rental inspections, and council members did not take formal action on the topic during the meeting.","Two public commenters, including a housing services advocate with professional experience, urged the council to pursue a proactive rental inspection ordinance to protect tenants from hazards such as mold and unsafe conditions.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6533847,"Council approves appointments, consent agenda and two expedited resolutions including interim inspector general",303,5921985,6225094,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3657009-6732a05411f7aa14f57788f95bdfcc8d&start=5921&end=6225","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3657009-6732a05411f7aa14f57788f95bdfcc8d/thumbnail_5921985.jpg","/articles/6533847/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Council-approves-appointments-consent-agenda-and-two-expedited-resolutions-including-interim-inspector-general","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533847-ef92b3dc0761967cf6db3bc71ab21f61/orig.mp4?Expires=1770789196&Signature=jJTdl7OqEMF~V8g79WxgbnehRYLiJ4S5y921NtJmGulH4jKYzk7T6deRyq-onSe9pWXvlRw2s4t4GlAZbS5unbAgntwyWcIfdTPhyRlLrd85ZLrYYkTcXevOdh2MFdN1VeYe9xhHsTwQAcqhKk87lawWrguGRxkCJCNoxEC2ohLS23dYHcLjJeE~B6dMrAbNJqwRtcyXXeKaGhke45K9RAsApzvqndGvze7ZFA2vwPLpR8EAFaVj5XxgNnSIa2vs94Eyc6J9VG4pkWQTYRouyFuLEWSsc0BLmqd9XitfG33ruVadNy5PvTWHOPJMftyK9auYUBo0kNE1-5KePQ47Gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Richmond City Council on Monday approved a set of board appointment recommendations, adopted a multi-item consent agenda, and passed two expedited resolutions to appoint a council liaison and an interim inspector general.

At the start of the meeting, the council voted to approve board appointment recommendations transmitted from the Environment, Housing and Sustainability standing committee. The motion to approve the packet passed by recorded roll call votes.

The council then adopted its consent agenda, which included a list of ordinances and resolutions across several items. During the public hearing on the consent agenda, Latrice Gregory — a city contractor and cleaner — urged the council to prioritize living-wage action for contracted janitors and security guards rather than a study. After public comment, the council voted to adopt the consent agenda.

On expedited consideration, the council appointed Kimberly Kahl as a council liaison and voted to name Foster Curtis as interim inspector general to oversee work in the office while the council searches for permanent leadership. The resolutions were expedited, placed before the council for public hearing (no public speakers on those items), and adopted by recorded vote.

The council also approved minutes from the May 12 informal and formal meetings and considered several ordinance amendments that were continued for later meetings.

Votes recorded on the expedited items and minutes show general concurrence from the full council; the interim inspector general appointment generated some pointed remarks during discussion from Council Member Trammell, who criticized prior handling of the IG office but the council voted to approve the interim appointment. The administration indicated the acting interim would receive the IG salary for the interim period and that there were no special one-time increases beyond standard acting pay adjustments.","Council approved board appointment recommendations, adopted the consent agenda, appointed Kimberly Kahl as council liaison and named Foster Curtis interim inspector general; minutes from May 12 were also approved.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6533849,"Council continues debate on photo speed monitoring resolution; asks administration for implementation details",1692,1840950,3533365,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3657009-6732a05411f7aa14f57788f95bdfcc8d&start=1840&end=3533","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3657009-6732a05411f7aa14f57788f95bdfcc8d/thumbnail_1840950.jpg","/articles/6533849/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Council-continues-debate-on-photo-speed-monitoring-resolution-asks-administration-for-implementation-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533849-d2100e3b3363edd4f603ac9a688415de/orig.mp4?Expires=1770789196&Signature=TwR-AlrkyTMGgoVo17qhDZ6NUYNOdrGclwCz8GO6WuTK~dcuPxfzU-B842Sw4GCtaKfk9mNPFsl-pU-XyF8qyaTd~rCV71E~AxiZnAnhPH5sNsE4oXLNbh4e78rNozKs9wS9-4bQJRQ0oLZm1KKpZRz4gIZRlBoK~MvE571xae68j9LFtVo~pAIWY5sTB0EbAIGOe53BGUz06cryhnoDfx22R-UlOlu9rp4ucTHoQ8wXE9Si~NosG5ASQLQwqQK-D290y45k1G-IWE4qq8GjuxdNFMAzChmIfYrFEkYnnzaXH2HR~LCk1RBzuiVJQ7WaeGK4unnh42XhoFV3p5ZKrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richmond City Council on Monday considered Resolution 2024 R041, which expresses support for studying and installing photo speed monitoring devices at specified high-risk intersections and asks the chief administrative officer to identify additional locations and increase deployment.

Councilmembers and members of the public voiced support for automated enforcement as part of a multi-faceted approach to reducing speeding and traffic fatalities, but several councilmembers asked the administration for an implementation plan that includes equity analysis, costs and prioritization.

Councilmember Lynch, the paper’s lead patron, said the council’s endorsement is intended to keep the city focused on implementation rather than letting a completed study “sit on a shelf.” Lynch noted that enabling legislation passed in the 2024 General Assembly allows localities to place cameras within 1,000 feet of a school zone where a traffic fatality has occurred.

“I believe that our citizens and our community members…are begging us to do more in traffic safety and traffic safety infrastructure,” Lynch said, urging the council’s support to press the administration to move from study to installation.

Several members, including Councilmember Jones and Councilmember Robertson, said the administration had already compiled a study identifying priority locations and that the council should get a full presentation on the study’s findings, expected costs, timelines and how revenue or fines are administered before giving final approval for installations. Councilmember Jones asked for evidence of the current cameras’ effectiveness and an equity review to avoid concentrating enforcement in particular neighborhoods.

Public testimony included support from Momin Khan, a resident of the Fifth District; Khan said passing the resolution would signal continued commitment to the city’s Vision Zero goal and keep momentum for safer streets.

After discussion, Councilmember Robertson moved to amend and continue the resolution so that the council could receive the administration’s implementation briefing and incorporate members’ amendments; the motion to continue the item to the June 9 council meeting passed on a recorded vote.

The council did not adopt installations at Monday’s meeting; members asked the administration to bring back a presentation that summarizes the study findings, recommended priority sites, estimated costs and an equity analysis to guide siting and outreach.","Council debated Resolution 2024 R041, which supports studying and installing photo speed monitoring devices; council agreed to amend and continue the resolution to June 9 to allow administration presentation on data, equity analysis and implementation costs.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6533853,"Richmond adopts 5¢ disposable plastic bag fee, effective Jan. 1, 2026",34,3601235,3636135,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3657009-6732a05411f7aa14f57788f95bdfcc8d&start=3601&end=3636","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3657009-6732a05411f7aa14f57788f95bdfcc8d/thumbnail_3601235.jpg","/articles/6533853/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Richmond-adopts-5-disposable-plastic-bag-fee-effective-Jan-1-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533853-b3217d545dd448d037c2b54887fa8161/orig.mp4?Expires=1770789196&Signature=AqYT72vhwG6r-vcJwOzTLSdVMfvVHkLlUi-4Gxmer53RwqtSXhx8U73dKcGNFbyf9kvm7HhtfOIT~QAJZea~M~vXJUA7b9ZuSC62dC1K2aDkIK6qONepRge3i4hLvA9lIIuakQ-7S4MuAP6sdL2Ke1AdIH3uApaUjFxwTMR5FT1y-bi0W2xQi911saYsZ0gjsjaUFk2uPD7YfY-V2O7RfL1u~RW2Q30D34T5JDmF7XthctRcUVOLHfy~W8EBFgsaC8mal0dU9dftwChLJHbkOJTmXL06uKJP7pz2xw8-vQpnBY73afTF1GzXmbWF8ANxE-ZPMxWhJ3E0ICFN5gxzyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richmond City Council on Monday voted to adopt an ordinance imposing a 5¢ fee on disposable plastic bags distributed at grocery stores, drugstores and convenience stores, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Council members said the measure is intended to reduce litter and stormwater impacts while funding environmental cleanup and programs to distribute reusable bags to SNAP and WIC participants.

The ordinance requires a 5¢ charge per bag. Of that amount, 4¢ per bag will flow to the city and 1¢ per bag may be retained by the retailer, according to Laura Thomas, director of the Office of Sustainability.

“[The fee] is in an effort to help reduce chronic litter that we're seeing throughout the community, reduce the impact on our critical stormwater and water infrastructure, to help reduce capital maintenance costs, and to improve the overall environmental quality,” Thomas said in introducing the proposal. She told council staff would conduct outreach to businesses and the public during a six-month education period before the fee takes effect.

Thomas and staff estimated the program could generate roughly $400,000 in the first year and $100,000–$150,000 in subsequent years as bag use declines. State law limits city uses of the revenue; the ordinance directs funds to environmental cleanups, education and to provide reusable bags for SNAP and WIC recipients.

The ordinance also follows state-prescribed exemptions. It excludes prepackaged or bulk foods, prescription bags, durable thicker plastic bags (often used as reusable grocery bags) and bags sold in multipacks for trash or pet waste. The city will not administer the tax collection; retailers will report bag counts to the Virginia Department of Taxation, which will remit the city’s share.

The proposal drew support and concern during council debate and public comment. Steve Marzoff, chair of the Clean City Commission, and Ashley Coles, a commission member, testified in favor. Council member Trammell urged more help for seniors and residents who may be disproportionately affected by the charge. “Those 5¢ add up a whole lot, especially when they don't have it right now,” she said, describing calls from seniors worried about the added cost.

Thomas said the administration will conduct targeted outreach to small retailers and intends to distribute reusable bags to community members, noting the revenue earmarked for SNAP and WIC recipients must follow state rules. She told council the Office of Sustainability will commit operational funds to provide reusable bags to seniors and others who do not qualify under SNAP/WIC, and will work with Economic Development to reach small businesses.

Council members debated the regressive nature of flat fees but many argued behavior change and reduced infrastructure costs justify the measure. Councilman Breton said the approach taxes something the city wants less of and that other jurisdictions showed usage declines after similar fees were enacted.

The ordinance passed on a recorded vote: 8 in favor, 1 opposed (Council member Robertson). The council directed staff to return with outreach and implementation details, including a list of impacted retailers and a plan for distributing reusable bags to vulnerable residents.

The council adopted the ordinance as Ordinance No. 2025-599; the administration said it will publish implementation and outreach materials after passage.","The Richmond City Council voted 8–1 to approve an ordinance imposing a 5¢ fee on disposable bags at grocery, drug and convenience stores; revenue is limited by state law to environmental cleanup, litter reduction, education and reusable bags for SNAP and WIC recipients.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident tells council recent water problems reflect years of neglected investment, calls for accountability

Renters and housing advocates urge Richmond to adopt proactive rental inspection ordinance

Council approves appointments, consent agenda and two expedited resolutions including interim inspector general

Council continues debate on photo speed monitoring resolution; asks administration for implementation details

Richmond adopts 5¢ disposable plastic bag fee, effective Jan. 1, 2026