2004-12-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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WHEREAS, on November 9, 2004, following notice given in accordance with § 15.2-2204 of the Virginia Code, the Planning Commission and City Council conducted a joint public hearing with regard to the proposed Revised Chapter 3; and WHEREAS, on November 9, 2004 the Planning Commission recommended the proposed Revised Chapter 3 to Council for approval, and the Director of Neighborhood Development Services, who serves as Secretary of the Planning Commission, has certified a copy of the proposed Revised Chapter 3 to Council for its consideration; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Charlottesville, that the Comprehensive Plan is hereby amended as recommended by the Planning Commission, to substitute the Revised Chapter 3 as the new text of Chapter 3 of the Comprehensive Plan. PUBLIC HEARING/RESOLUTION: VIRGINIA DISCOVERY MUSEUM LEASE APPROVAL Mr. Craig Brown, City Attorney, explained that the City acquired the building to house the Virginia Discovery Museum in 1990 and it has been occupied by them since then. He said they are requesting a new five-year lease in advance of a major fund raising campaign as they feel that having a long-term lease will be helpful in these efforts. Mr. Brown said that the current fair market rent is estimated to be $7,585 a month. He said that staff recommends renewal of the lease. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Margaret Rose, 126 Falcon Drive, President of the Virginia Discovery Museum Board of Director and parent of two small children, said that this is the 15th year of operation of the Museum and it is visited by over 40,000 people each year, and 1,000 City school children who visit it during field trips. She asked for Council's support of the lease. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Lynch made a motion to approve the lease as recommended and Mr. Caravati seconded the motion. Mr. Schilling said his experiences at the Museum have been great and he feels it is a well-run organization. He said his concern is that the current subsidy is close to $90,000 a year and he feels it would be better to look at all similar situations in total. He said he cannot support the extension of the lease and does not feel this is the best way to do it. Mr. Caravati asked if this means Mr. Caravati would support including this amount in the budget, and Mr. Schilling said he would support a line item in the budget of $91,200 for the next five years. Mr. O'Connell noted that this would increase the City's budget by that amount, but said that if that is a priority of Council he can put it in the budget. Mr. Lynch said he had asked for and received a spreadsheet showing rents subsidized by the City and said that Mr. Schilling's idea is no different than what we are doing now. He said he feels it is important to document and track these rent subsidizes. Mr. Lynch said he will support the lease as the Museum is an economic and education driver. Ms. Hamilton asked why a five-year versus three-year lease is recommended. She said we are facing tough economic times and she wants to be clear about what we are doing and why. She asked if reducing the lease to three years would affect their fund raising.