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56 was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Richards, Mr. Toscano. Noes: None. WHEREAS, in 1996 the City filed suit against Driller's Services, Inc. and Charlottesville Truck Repair, Inc. ("Defendants"), to recover the City's costs to repair the Locust Avenue Bridge over Route 250 after a track owned by Driller's Services, Inc. struck the bridge in July of 1994; and WHEREAS, to avoid the cost of trial, the Defendants have agreed to settle the case for $295,000.00, and counsel for the City recommends acceptance; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Charlottesville hereby: (i) agrees to and does accept the aforesaid settlement, (ii) authorizes the City Manager to sign a release and any other documents related to the settlement, and (iii) directs the City Attorney to take appropriate steps to effect a final settlement. The meeting was adjourned. Presiden/ '- COUNCIL CHAMBER - March 1, 1999 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Richards, Mr. Toscano. RECOGNITIONS/AWARDS: PROCLAIMING "GEORGE WASHINGTON YEAR" Ms. Daugherty presented the proclamation proclaiming George Washington Year to Mr. Steve Bredin, representing the Sons of the American Revolution. Ms. Daugherty introduced Mr. Aubrey Watts, the City's new Director of Economic Development PUBLIC Mr. Tom Hill, 1719 Mason Lane, said that the City's natural gas rates seem way out of line in the face of record low gasoline prices. Mr. Hill said he feels this places an onerous burden on lower income residents, and he urged Council to consider a different strategy for purchasing gas, adding that he does not feel the City is using the market forces to its advantage. Mr. Jerry Stevens, owner of Vivian's on the downtown mall, objected to Rapture Restaurant's plan to place a caf6 in from of his business. Mr. Stevens said he feels the caf6 will be too close and, if canopies are used, they will block the view of his storefront. Mr. Stevens also said that the open area for the public will be lost under the plan. Mr. Larry Engle, owner of Central Virginia Jewelry and Coin, next door to Bizou Restaurant, said that a number of things are happenings on the mall in that area: tape is peeling at the street crossing, planters block pedestrian flow, the kiosk is an eyesore and the fountain and phone often do not work. Mr. Engle said these problems are made worse by the construction at Wachovia. Mr. Engle said he agrees with 80% of Bizou's caf6 plan, but feels it wilt block the pedestrian flow and visibility to his business. Mr. Engle said he feels the City should remove the kiosk to allow Bizou to have more consistent space, and the planters should be removed. Mr. Scott Fenesy, owner of Blue Whale Books, expressed agreement with Mr. Engle, noting that the plan for Bizou's caf6 is almost acceptable, and requested that the permit be delayed until the next meeting so that details can be worked out. Mr. Fenesy supported removing the kiosk and modifying the planters on the comer.