2003-09-15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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9 Ms. Richards said one of the biggest issues with the new zoning ordinance is the University zoning concept, and said she would not have supported it if she thought it would have a negative impact. She said enforcement of the three - person rule a nd permit parking are important parts of the package. She said she would like to move forward with the house banking program, and concentrate more housing on high density corridors and lure renters away from single family homes. She agreed that outcome m easures are needed, and we need to discuss how to do this. She said that the Jefferson Area Board for Aging has interesting housing recommendations regarding housing for the elderly. She said she is glad that Martha Jefferson House's nursing facility wil l be allowed by right. She asked that Mr. Tolbert be a liaison with JABA. Mr. Cox thanked the Charlottesville community for taking this big step. He said he thinks it is a compelling vision and he looks forward to seeing it unfold. REPORT/APPROVAL : BI KE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN Mr. O'Connell explained that having a Bike and Pedestrian Plan allows the City to seek outside funding. He said changes have been made after Council's review last spring. Mr. Tolbert reviewed the process and project goals for the Plan. He said the plan has been revised to include an executive summary that provides details on what the plan contains and what the primary emphasis is. Priorities have been reviewed to include a specific set of lower cost recommendations and revis ions to the larger scale projects to break them into fundable increments. He said the Plan has the support of trails groups and the biking community. Mr. Tolbert said the intent is to focus on building one quality block rather than one mile average. Mr . Lynch thanked staff and the committee who worked on the Plan. He said it has come a long way on on - road projects, and he hopes we can continue to expand streets where dual bike lanes will fit. He said he has some reservations about the Plan, and disagr ees that it is more important to do one block great rather than one mile average because he does not think that is where the community's priority is. He said the Plan calls for too much concrete rather than asphalt. He said he is looking for quantity. Mr. Cox said he has a question about oversight to assure things are getting done, and Mr. Tolbert said that staff positions are shifting and it will be part of one staff member's duties to deal with the Bike and Pedestrian Plan. Mr. Schilling said he had many concerns when he saw the Plan last spring, but now can support it. He agreed about the over use of concrete and also with the quantity versus quality statement. Mr. Schilling said his greatest concern with the Plan once it is approved is how to mai ntain and fund it. He said his priority will be to make sure existing City infrastructure is maintained. On motion by Ms. Richards, seconded by Mr. Caravati, Council approved the Bike and Pedestrian Plan by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Schilling. Noes: None. ORDINANCE : SNOW REMOVAL CODE AMENDMENTS Mr. O'Connell said that the City's snow removal ordinance was reviewed as a result of last year's heavy snows. He said the existing requirement that sno w be removed from sidewalks within six hours is unrealistic. He said staff recommend that the deadline be extended to 24 hours and an additional 24 hours after a warning before a penalty. Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati, Ms. Renee Knake, Assi stant City Attorney, said that the penalty is a Class I misdemeanor which allows a fine up to $2,500 or 12 months in jail. Responding to a question from Mr. Schilling, Ms. Knake said the warnings and summons to General District Court will likely be giv en by Community Service Officers.