2004-08-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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46 problems we are trying to solve here. He asked if there are groups of people under- represented and, if so, how. He said at that point we should talk about solutions. He asked that the Task Force look more at what is the problem. He said relative to other localities things are pretty good in Charlottesville. He said he would like to see examples of how to do better. He expressed concern about spending resources on a solution when we have not identified a problem. Mr. O'Brien said he is not an expert on what problems there might be. He said the time frame for the Task Force is very short and there is not time to say why we should explore directly elected the mayor and a ward system. Dr. Brown said his philosophy is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." He said the Task Force should not take us in a direction in which it is not clear we need to go. He said that when he thinks of a directly elected mayor he thinks of someone with more power, and we need to think about whether there is a problem with our current balance. He encouraged the Task Force to look at that. He said he heard in the spring that going to election by wards would make it easier for citizens to participate in City government, and he would like to see a more specific charge about can we make it easier for citizens to participate (including those running for Council), and if so, how. He said he would like to see the public meetings be an opportunity for the public to comment on problems, and he would like to draft solutions to problems. Mr. O'Brien said some of that is being discussed by the Task Force. Mr. Caravati said we should not be asking why not, but asking why. He said issues should be explored in their breadth. Ms. Hamilton said she is uneasy about the amount of money to be spent on the Task Force. Mr. Lynch echoed Ms. Hamilton's concerns about funding. He said a concern he heard more about during the election than going to a ward system was the restoration of voting rights for felons. He said we could spend the $5,000 to help them. Otherwise he said he is not sure what we will accomplish. Mr. Schilling said we need to be mindful that we need to let people know about the public meetings. Mr. Caravati asked about the cost of the proposed facilitators. Mr. Schilling noted that the facilitator for the Jefferson School Task Force far exceeded $100,000. He said the Task Force needs the best information possible. He said he would support providing $5,000 for advertising and a facilitator. Mr. Caravati seconded the motion. Dr. Brown said he supports funding for advertising and said there needs to be a plan for the facilitator. Mr. Lynch asked Mr. O'Brien if there is any ambiguity about the charge and whether it is clear enough or whether a motion is needed to make it more specific. Mr. O'Brien said he would like to have Council make a motion. He asked that Council also consider the request to extend the reporting time beyond October 18th. He said that if the charge is broadened the Task Force will need until at least November 15th. Ms. Hamilton said she supports extension of the reporting deadline anyway. Mr. Lynch made a motion that the charge focus on charge #4, specifically, are there demographic or geographic groups under-represented and, if so, how. He said he is more concerned about voters than Councilors.