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196 <br /> <br />Discussion re: <br />NAACP Request for <br />a Ward Study Comm. <br /> <br /> Mr. Buck remarked that the legislation for library systems is <br /> mandating that 20% of the budget go for the acquisition of new books <br /> and there is some effort to get that percentage reduced. He asked if <br /> there was a possibility of having that legislation changed to reduce <br /> the percentage. <br /> <br /> Mr. Michie answered that he was under the impression that the <br /> State Library Board set the percentage, ~then it becomes a question of <br /> whether the General Assembly will interfere with the State Library <br /> Board. <br /> <br /> Mr. Buck mentioned a proposal that state agencies be subject to <br /> the same zoning ordinances, building codes and comprehensive plan <br /> with which any private~individual must comply and urged the delegates <br /> to support that effort. <br /> <br /> Mr. Michie replied that last year a resolution was introduced <br /> saying that State agencies will go through the planning process. He <br /> stated that a resolution is not a statute and the resolution did not <br /> say that they must abide by the results and he does not know whether <br /> the General Assembly would go further than that. <br /> <br /> The City Manager stated that it is his understanding that there <br />will be a bill introduced to make some changes in the Unemployment <br />Compensation Law, particularZy as it applies to local units of <br />government. He stated as the law is now written when a claim is <br />filed only the last employer becomes liable and the cost of the program <br />is based on experience and if only the last employer is responsible <br />he bears all the cost. He requested when this legislation is discussed <br />that the representatives take a look at it. <br /> <br /> The Mayor thanked Mr. Murray and Mr. Michie for taking the time <br />to come and listen. <br /> <br /> The Mayor reported that after discussing the NAACP request for <br /> <br />a ward system for election Of Council members he felt the best thing <br />for this Council was to not do anything because the timing involved <br />in instituting such a system. He. stated that nothing could be done <br />until after the 198Q census is completed because of the information <br />needed about population of the wards, then the Council would have to <br />consider legislation and make application to the legislature for this <br />change. He recommended that this matter be deferred for now, because <br />it it stayed in committee too long it would not get very far and <br />a committee could be appointed closer to the time that the relevant <br />information is available. <br /> <br /> Dr. William Harris addressed the Council and stated that at this <br />time the Council has an excellent opportunity to work with a citizen <br />group. He stated the NAACP proposal did not call for an exclusive <br />working arrangement with itself and the Council,but asked that <br />neighborhood association representatives, the City Council and the <br />City Administration, along with the NAACP be involved with the study <br />committee. He stated his experience as a researcher warns it is not <br />very wise to say wait for the appropriate time to do research. He <br />stated he can't think what would be accomplished the next few monnhs <br />would be negated by finding of the census and any kind of redistricting <br />that has to be done. He thinks the study opportunity would afford <br /> <br /> <br />