2003-02-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 leaders in the community. Mr. Nicholas Graber - Grace said the idea of democracy is important, and he feels local government need s to be the voice for citizens. Mr. Dan Milstein, 803 Rugby Road, speaking about the upcoming budget, said he feels property assessments should be brought up to the market rate as required by State law. Mr. Milstein also said there should be coordinatio n of traffic lights in the City. Ms. Virginia Germino, 502 Park Hill, said that Councilors should make decisions on the grounds of their own experiences, and said she feels the origin of the signatures on the petition is trivial. Mr. Paul Priest, a re sident of Albemarle County, said the resolution is in essence a resolution of support for the United Nations. Mr. Nick Johnson, 118 Robertson Avenue, supported the resolution opposing war in Iraq. Ms. Sarah Lanzman, a resident of Afton and member of th e Center for Peace and Justice, presented additional signatures in support of the resolution opposing war in Iraq. Mr. Andrew Holden, Woodfolk Drive, spoke in favor of the resolution opposing war in Iraq. He said that his cellmate when he was in jail fo r demonstrating for a living wage, became addicted to drugs and terrorized while he served in Vietnam, and he does not want that to happen to others. Mr. Spot Et Al, Woodfolk Drive, said the President has the power but not the right to go to war. He sai d Charlottesville would not be taking on the power over the federal government, and he feels it is well within their jurisdiction to approve the resolution. He said a lot of people oppose or have serious questions about a war with Iraq. PUBLIC HEARING : ADELPHIA CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE RENEWAL Mr. O'Connell said that the public hearing is being held as part of the consideration of the franchise renewal with Adelphia Cable. Ms. Renee Knake, Assistant City Attorney, said that the City has four standa rds to evaluate renewing the franchise agreement with Adelphia: 1) Has Adelphia substantially complied with the material terms of the existing franchise? 2) Has the quality of Adelphia's service been reasonable in light of community needs? 3) Does Adelphi a have the requisite financial, legal and technical ability to provide needed services? and 4) Will Adelphia's proposal meet future cable - related community needs and interests, taking into account the cost of meeting such needs and interests? Ms. Knake sa id the City cannot regulate rates or specific channels, but can regulate system update, term of franchise, franchise fees, customer service standards, and use of public right - of - way. The public hearing was opened. Mr. Ray Spears, 408 Carlton Road, said he has dealt with Public Access since 1993, and his dealings with Adelphia have been very good. He said he would like to make sure that we continue to have Public Access channels regardless of who gets the franchise. Mr. Spears said one of the best move s was to hire a full time manager for Public Access. Mr. Rick Gunning,121Cameron Lane, representing the Miller Center for Public Affairs, said that the Center depends on the availability of Public Access for its programming on national affairs. Mr. Gunn ing asked that in negotiations, that the City obtain necessary funding for current hours, plus evening and weekends hours, and also for equipment maintenance and purchase. Mr. Earl Smith, 946 Grady Avenue, #16, said rates have increased dramatically for commercial establishments with cable. He said restaurants will stop getting cable and