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5 <br /> <br />REPORT <br />: LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE FOR THOMAS JEFFERSON PLANNING <br />DISTRICT COMMISSION <br />REPORT <br />: LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE FOR CITY <br /> <br /> Mr. David Blount, Legisl ative Liaison with the Thomas Jefferson Planning <br />District Commission, asked for Council's approval of the legislative package. He said the <br />primary focus this year is on budget issues and on preserving state funding. The six <br />priority areas are: Standards of Quality Funding; Comprehensive Services Act; Public <br />Safety; Transportation; Tax Structure and Reform; and Land Use and Growth <br />Management. Mr. Blount reviewed changes made by other localities since the draft was <br />sent to Council. <br /> <br /> Ms. Lisa Kelley, Depu ty City Attorney, explained that it was thought best to focus <br />legislators on action items in this year's City legislative package. She explained that the <br />package includes a request for a charter amendment for the Airport Authority and a <br />request to add a C ity resident to the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia. <br />Other main items include attention to unfunded mandates; telecommunication taxes; a <br />statement regarding continuing long range planning and revenues for transportation. <br /> <br /> Mr. Schilling sa id he would like a copy of the Virginia Municipal League's <br />legislative report. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said Council may want to consider including the First Cities <br />legislative requests. He said that a request regarding land use requirements for the <br />University is still being negotiated. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she feels the language should be strengthened about the State <br />not shifting more cost to localities. Ms. Richards said this will be a policy question <br />Council will have to deal with in the budget. <br /> Mr. Cox asked h ow we can track other localities' bills we might want to support, <br />and Mr. Blount said he frequently passes along this type of information to the City <br />Attorney's office. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said that allowing the Council to hold advisory referenda may be a useful <br />too l and asked if Council supports requesting this charter change. <br /> <br /> Ms. Kelley noted that a public hearing and notice requirements are required for <br />any charter change and the time is limited to do this in time for the deadline. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said that in princ iple he thinks it is a good idea, but he does not really <br />know the ramifications and has not had time to think it through. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she is not prepared to vote on this and move it forward at this <br />time. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said he feels it is too late to push this through this year. Mr. Caravati <br />said Council already has some flexibility to hold referenda on ordinances. <br /> <br /> There was inadequate support to put a public hearing for a charter change <br />allowing advisory referenda on the next agenda. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he understands that Council elections can now be moved to odd <br />years, and he asked whether Council terms are lengthened or shorted if this is approved. <br /> <br /> Ms. Kelley said she will provide that information to Council. <br /> <br />Mr. Cox said he would like to rein sert those areas stricken in the TJPDC <br />legislative package regarding affordable housing. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch made a motion to approve the TJPDC legislative package, with the <br />affordable housing statement reinserted, and Ms. Richards seconded the motion. <br />