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On motion by Mr. Caravati, seconded by Ms. Hamilton, the Annual Budget <br />Appropriation was offered and carried over to the April 12th meeting for consideration. <br /> <br />APPROPRIATION: APPROVING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK <br />GRANT/HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES MADE EQUAL FUNDING AND PROGRAMS <br /> <br /> Ms. Missy Creasy, Planner in Neighborhood Development Services, explained <br />that Council and the Planning Commission held a joint public hearing last month. She <br />asked for Council approval of the proposed CDBG program and appropriation, which is <br />contingent on receipt of CDBG funds. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Hamilton, Ms. Creasy said that funds were <br />not received for Weed and Seed last year and the program was supported by CDBG <br />funds. She said the City reapplied and received Weed and Seed funds, but has to provide <br />a $50,000 match to receive $250,000. She said that the CDBG Task Force would like to <br />discuss this issue with Council. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch noted that Council previously discussed selecting a target <br />neighborhood, but there was no consensus at that time. He said there is a significant need <br />in public housing and he wondered if Council could designate the Housing Authority as <br />the priority neighborhood. He said we could do it now or look into whether we can do it. <br /> <br /> Ms. Creasy said that Westhaven is in the l0th and Page neighborhood. She said <br />that typically Council comes up with objectives in August about how they would like the <br />Task Force to focus their deliberations. She said she would like to get more feedback and <br />do more research to see how Mr. Lynch's suggestion could be framed since Westhaven <br />itself is not a target neighborhood. She suggested that this item be brought back in <br />August for discussion. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton supported bringing this suggestion back in August as she thinks <br />there are kinks that need to be ironed out. She said she would support a public/private <br />effort regarding Westhaven, but does not want the City to lead this effort. She said <br />Council can recommend priorities. She said she would like to see more of a plan before <br />money is given. <br /> <br /> Ms. Creasy said the Housing Authority would need to be informed about what <br />projects would be eligible for CDBG funds. She noted that the funds would also have to <br />be used within a certain period of time. <br /> <br /> On motion by Mr. Caravati, seconded by Ms. Hamilton, the CDBG/HOME plan <br />approval and appropriation was offered and carried over to the next meeting for <br />consideration. <br /> <br />PUBLIC <br /> <br />There were no matters by the public. <br /> <br />COUNCIL REPORTS <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati reminded Council about the Besancon art exhibit at U. Va. Art <br />Museum. He said the Mayor of Besancon will be here. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton said we may soon be seeing fruit from the Poggio a Caiano, Italy <br />sister city relationship. She said work has begun on a possible student exchange. She <br />said there will also be a travel agent exchange in May. <br /> <br /> Mr. Schilling, a member of the Weed and Seed Task Force, said that at the <br />meeting last week the Task Force voted to fund scholarships for two Charlottesville High <br />School students to go to a one week leadership camp this summer. He said they hope to <br />grow the program in the future. He said one condition is that the students share their <br />experience with others. He suggested that the students come to a Council meeting in the <br />fall to discuss their experience. <br /> <br /> <br />