2003-03-17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL CHAMBER - March 17, 2003 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Schilling. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS : POISON PREVENTION PROCLAMATION; VIRGINIA FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK PROCLAMATION Mr. Cox presented the Poison Prevention Month Proclamation and the Virginia Festival of the Book Proclamation. PUBLIC Mr. Derek VanderLinde, 713 Palatine Avenue, spoke in opposition to the proposed transit center downtown and ea st end mall improvements. Mr. VanderLinde th said no traffic study has been done and closing of 7 Street will remove access to the Virginia Discovery Museum and post office as well as handicapped parking. Mr. VanderLinde said it is a misuse of public land and funds. Mr. John Pfaltz, said that he attended the meeting regarding the Route 29 interchange study, and expressed concern that it will force the destruction of several small City businesses. Mr. Pfaltz said that if Council agrees to the plan then t hey should be prepared to say what they are going to give up to make up for the loss of revenue. Mr. Peter Kleeman, 407 Hedge Street, requested that Council speak with Neighborhood Development Services about the traffic calming program process. He said it seems the process is not followed and there should have been an annual review. Mr. Charles Kabbash, owner of property downtown, urged Council to raise the meals tax to equal the rate in Albemarle County. Mr. Cox announced that the proposed code revi sions have been deferred. Council agreed to advertise for a public hearing on the rezoning of Burgess Lane for the next meeting. PUBLIC HEARING : ANNUAL TAX RATE Mr. O'Connell said that the real estate tax rate is proposed to be lowered by two cents. The public hearing was opened, but as there were no speakers, the public hearing was closed. PUBLIC HEARING : CITY MANAGER'S PROPOSED FY 03 - 04 BUDGET Mr. O'Connell gave an overview of the proposed FY 03 - 04 budget. Ms. Judy Mueller, Director of Pu blic Works, said that the total cost to the City for refuse collection and disposal will increase, and the tipping fee is increasing 10%. Ms. Mueller said that funds are needed for recycling as the program loses money, and for a 30 - year cleanup at the Ivy Landfill, which is expected to cost $7 million in the next three years. Mr. Tim Longo, Chief of Police, said that five additional community police officers are proposed to be added and funded with the revenue from the proposed increase in vehicle decals. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Pat Smith, Director of Offender Aid and Restoration, said that the State has eliminated PAPAS funds, and requested $24,000 from the City to match federal funds.