2004-08-02 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

31 would be more appropriate to advertise the property to the community. He said it was advertised only to City employees who have computer access, and he feels that is fundamentally unfair. He said he thinks it is a beautiful house and is way undervalued. He said the current tenant got the house only because she was first to respond. He said he would like to see the rent adjusted and in the future everyone be given a chance to rent the property. Dr. Brown asked if there is a reason the property is not rented at fair market, and Mr. Svetz said the property was assessed at this amount last year and it allows the City to capture the rent without an accounts payable/receivable. He said the tenant must mow the lawn and rake leaves. Ms. Hamilton said she has no problem having a City employee live in the house and wished that more City employees lived in the City. She noted that some of the comparable rents provided by Mr. Schilling are in highly desirable areas while the assessments in the Pen Park area have been flat. She said it may be that $950 - $1000 is more desirable, but noted that she has to pay $120 a month for lawn service. Mr. Lynch said that while this rent may be lower than the market rate, people are making a killing renting to people who are trying to make ends meet and he is not sure the City should be making a killing too. He said it does not bother him to give a City employee a break on the property. Mr. Schilling made a motion to approve the lease at $1,000 a month, but the motion died for lack of a second. On motion by Mr. Lynch, seconded by Ms. Hamilton, the ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE APPROVING LEASE AGREEMENT FOR PEN PARK TENANT HOUSE," with a rate of $850 a month, was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. Responding to a question from Dr. Brown, Mr. O'Connell said that he is authorized to renew the lease for four years, and the rent could be adjusted during that time period. ORDINANCE: Closing Castalia Street (2nd reading) Mr. O'Connell said that the applicant is out of town and has asked that this item be deferred. REPORT: TRAFFIC SAFETY WORK GROUP Mr. Len Schoppa, a member of the Traffic Safety Work Group which was established in April of 2004, said the group was formed because it was felt it would be helpful to bring City employees together with residents to look at traffic safety issues. He said the initial focus of the group was on pedestrian safety. He said there has been a trend of increased accidents involving pedestrians and a growing concern that it is not safe enough to walk in the City. He said the pedestrian safety campaign will initially target three intersections: Emmet Street and Ivy Road; mid-block of Cherry Avenue in front of Tonsler Park; and Market Street and 9th Street, N.E. He said that following community education campaigns at these locations there will be stepped up enforcement. Mr. Schopps said the group will continue to work in the fall, with an emphasis on infrastructure improvements, including signage. Mr. Caravati suggested that participation from someone from U. Va. administration and Police Department be included on the group. He suggested that the aid of VDOT be solicited as well. Mr. Lynch said he appreciates the work of the group and feels it is a good report. He said that having "no right turn on red" when a pedestrian is in the intersection, which is used in Alexandria, be considered. Mr. Lynch said he feels there is no need to advertise radar locations and hopes there will not be a need to advertise these