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10 free under circumstances remotely comparable to the Kasters’ request – and even that conveyance involved a parcel less than one third the size of the parcel the Kasters want. One tenuously similar conve yance out of 11 hardly represents a compelling precedent. It is also worth noting that, while Mr. Brown initially recommended conveying the 1250 square feet to the Kasters without consideration in his memo for the November 3 meeting, he makes no such rec ommendation in the more recent and thorough memo he prepared for the November 17 meeting. The Kasters are asking the city to give them $3750 worth of land for free – land that the Kasters intend to sell to whomever purchase their house. The city can cho ose to use the proceeds from the sale of its own land to fill holes in the city budget and provide useful city services to the public, or the city can choose to let the Kasters pocket the proceeds. I respectfully urge the council to act in the public int erest by selling the 1250 square feet of city - owned land to the Kasters for $3750 and using the proceeds to benefit the public. Sincerely, John Schochet 713 Madison Ave." Mr. Caravati said that reading of such a letter has never been done while he h as been on Council and he feels it is totally out of tradition. He said this land conveyance is very comparable to others Council has done, and noted that Mr. Schilling did not vote against these in the past. He said if the property is not conveyed, the City will maintain liability for it. He said conveyance will maintain the character of the corner. Mr. Cox said this reflects the policy Council has acted on in the past and he supports the conveyance. Ms. Richards, referring to a comment in Mr. Scho chet's letter, said that the sales price for the property will not increase and the current owners will not be pocketing the money if there was a charge for the land. Mr. Lynch said he supports the City's policy of conveying the property for no considera tion when it cures a defect or for the enjoyment of the property. He said the difference here is that this did not come before Council until the sale was pending which he feels makes it commercial. Ms. Richards substitute motion was approved by the foll owing vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Ms. Richards. Noes: Mr. Lynch and Mr. Schilling. The ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE CONVEYANCE OF A PORTION OF THE CASTALIA STREET RIGHT - OF - WAY TO JEFFREY AND KAREN KASTER," as amended by the su bstitute motion, was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Ms. Richards. Noes: Mr. Lynch and Mr. Schilling. REPORT : LONG TERM FINANCIAL PLAN Ms. Katie Bullard, outgoing Budget Manager, presented the long term financial plan f or the City, including current financial trends, future forecasts, and upcoming budgetary issues for Council. Because of the lateness of the hour, it was agreed that the budget guidelines would be brought back to Council at the next meeting for approva l. Mr. Caravati said he would like more information on various fund balances. Mr. Schilling said he would like the comparative tax rate of various cities in Virginia juxtaposed against the cost of living and average price of a home in those localities.