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Mr. Lynch asked about increasing caseloads and increases in TANF, food stamps and Medicaid and about whether we have an upward change in the trends and a longer term problem. Mr. Cox said the increases are a continuation of a trend since 2001 and is consistent with the rest of the state and many places in the country. He said there is no evidence that poverty levels are increasing, but there are many more people living in the community who are eligible for programs. Mr. Cox said the increase in Medicaid may result from the fact that people come in to apply for the federal children' s health insurance program and find out that they are eligible for other programs. He said some of the increase is due to welfare reform. Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati, said that even with the decline in caseloads, Charlottesville still likely leads the state in foster care per capita. He attributed the decline to increasing prevention efforts. He said three social workers work on foster care prevention with at-risk families, and 80% of the children they serve did not go into foster care. Mr. Lynch asked if affordable child care is done in conjunction with the Housing Authority or workforce development programs. Mr. Cox said the child care program that was referred to is a federal program and federal regulations restrict it to working families and it is not available to use to go to school. He said there is another program for that and they do work with others on that. Mr. Caravati asked if it is possible to get additional funds for prevention from the state, and Mr. Cox said that is doubtful. He said the foster care prevention program is funded 100% by federal funds and there is no local cost. He said additional funds could be gotten with a 50/50 match. REPORT: MEADOWCREEK PARKWAY RFP, STEERING COMMITTEE AND PROGRAMMING RESOLUTION Dr. Brown said that no action is being requested tonight on this or the Hillsdale Drive project, but it is an opportunity for Council to bring up issues and to discuss the composition of the advisory committee in generalities. He recommended that the committee be limited to about 12 people and include representatives from affected neighborhoods, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, Will Rieley, emergency services, Chamber of Commerce, 5Cs, the Rivanna Trails Foundation, staff from Parks, Neighborhood Development Services, and VDOT, and perhaps the City's environmental coordinator. Mr. Lynch questioned the need for a 5Cs member as it is really a question of design, not an economic interest. He said he thinks a CHART representative and at least one landscape architect in addition to Will Rieley should be included. He said someone from heavy construction would be great, but he would not hold out for that. Mr. Schilling said he thinks the 5Cs recommendation is a good one as this is a City/County project and their role could be helpful. Mr. Caravati said that perhaps a County representative and a County Planning Commission representative would be good. He said he is not sure Mr. Rieley should be a voting member but instead should be ex-officio. He said he thinks the committee should have an odd number of members. He said an urban planner and/or landscape architect would be good. He said it is important that the interchange be right and fit in with the Parkway and not be a VDOT creation. He suggested that the committee's scope include all three parts of the project (the City portion, County portion, and the interchange). Mr. Lynch said he would favor bringing in the 5Cs if the scope is broadened. He suggested including a City Planning Commissioner, and said he is not concerned with there being an even number of members.