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2 <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown recognized Ms. Mildred Spicer who has headed up the Therapeutic <br />Recreation Program for 25 years, and noted that she was recently chosen by the Daily <br />Progress as one of their "Distinguished Dozen." <br /> <br />PUBLIC <br /> <br /> Mr. Charles Weber, 601 Locust Avenue, said that Council's real estate tax policy <br />is hurting people and people feel powerless. Referring to the Elections Study Task Force, <br />he asked how Council will address changes that need to be made. He recommended that <br />Council return the report to the Task Force and ask that they provide recommendations. <br /> <br /> Mr. Karl Ackerman, 1611 E. Market Street, asked that the pre-school program be <br />expanded to address the needs of all at-risk children. He cited research that supports the <br />success of these pre-school programs. <br /> <br /> Mr. Peter Kleeman, 407 Hedge Street, expressed concern about the commercial <br />crossing allowed on the downtown mall at 5th Street and the addition of commercial <br />parking. He expressed concern that no fee is required for a permit and that the decision <br />to allow this was made administratively by two staff members with no public <br />involvement or notice. He said he is not sure these changes are in line with the recent <br />parking ordinance adopted by Council that requires a public notice period for parking <br />changes. He recommended that changes be made by Council or an ordinance to bring it <br />in line with other issues brought to the City. <br /> <br /> Mr. Walt Heinecke, 1521 Amherst Street, expressed concern about who is holding <br />the School Board accountable and said it may be time for an elected School Board. He <br />noted that Councilors recently expressed concern about too much testing, poor morale, <br />reduction in the Book Buddies program, and racial accusations. He said there has been <br />no substantive response from the School Board. He said a bill is being introduced in the <br />General Assembly that would allow exemptions to the No Child Left Behind Act. He <br />urged parents to keep their children home on Flanagan testing days. He said Council <br />should exercise accountability with the School Board. <br /> <br /> Mr. Stratton Salidas, 110 Kent Terrace, said that development can occur for <br />people or for cars and there are different implications of each for how we live. He said <br />government has an enormous role in this. He said the bulk of money is still going to <br />roads. <br /> <br /> Ms. Meredith Richards, 1621 Trailridge Road, asked Council to send a letter to <br />the Governor and Secretary of Transportation about a proposal that would eliminate the <br />northern route, including Charlottesville, from the TransDominion Express demonstration <br />project. She said the letter asks that endorsement be withheld until a full scale cost <br />analysis can be done. <br /> <br />CONSENT AGENDA <br /> <br /> Mr. Schilling removed the appropriation for the U. Va. funded housing inspector <br />from the consent agenda. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati removed the ordinance rezoning the corner of Palatine and Avon <br />Street from the consent agenda. <br /> <br /> On motion by Mr. Lynch, seconded by Ms. Hamilton, the following consent <br />agenda items were approved, with the minutes of December 6th amended by Mr. <br />Schilling. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Mr. Caravati, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Schilling. <br />Noes: None. <br /> <br />a. Minutes of November 30 and December 6 <br /> <br />b. APPROPRIATION: $15,000 - Highway Safety Initiatives Grant (2nd reading) <br /> <br /> <br />