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Mr. Lynch agreed that it would be difficult to hold up the project, but he said he <br />does not appreciate the cost overrun. He said if it is not finished on time Council needs <br />to be in the loop. He said he hopes there are no additional delays. He said as we look at <br />the cost, especially the high architectural costs, we need to change the way we design <br />things, and should take this project as a lesson learned. <br /> <br /> The appropriation was offered and carried over to the next meeting for <br />consideration. <br /> <br />APPROPRIATION: $400,000 - TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS (STATE FUNDS) <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert explained that flexible funds for transit were provided starting in <br />2003, but funds for 2003 and 2004 were not drawn down. He said these funds are <br />uncommitted, but need to be used for transit related activities. He said staff recommend <br />appropriating the funds and deciding after the transit work session how to use them. He <br />noted that 2005 funds have already been appropriated. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati asked if he is correct that the funds cannot be expended without a <br />Council vote, and Mr. Tolbert said yes. <br /> <br /> The $400,000 appropriation for Transit Improvements was moved by Mr. <br />Caravati, seconded by Mr. Lynch, and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. <br /> <br />REPORT: STRATEGIC PLAN PROCESS UPDATE <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert reviewed a chart laying out the proposed Strategic Planning process. <br />He said that the Planning Commission would like to meet again with Council to finalize <br />the vision and guidelines. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he would like to fit in more emphasis on the economic <br />development piece, including workforce development. He said that the School's <br />Strategic Plan will also have a big impact. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said we need to greatly simplify the legend. He said thought needs <br />to also be given to how Council's annual retreat will fit in with this process. He said we <br />need to make sure the public understands the need for economic development. He said <br />we should reach out to the community for those with expertise to help with planning. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said he would like to see us have a City vision out of the <br />Council/Planning Commission work session. He said we have not spent time talking <br />about who should be on the Task Force, how many members there should be, and what <br />expertise we are looking for. He said we will need to advertise and recruit for members. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati asked that staff suggest a list of membership categories, and <br />suggested that U. Va. administration, the Chamber of Commerce, and Schools be <br />included. <br /> <br /> Ms. Hamilton said she would like the Task Force to be "lean and mean." She said <br />she wants them to be as flexible as possible to make it easier for them to meet. She <br />suggested that there be a small central committee that brings in other people at different <br />times. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he is not convinced we need to have a Task Force, and suggested <br />that the Planning Commission and Council could do the work. He said the Strategic Plan <br />will set the direction for the whole City. <br /> <br /> Dr. Brown said that a member of the Planning Commission and Council could <br />serve on the Task Force. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said that this process goes beyond what the Planning Commission <br />normally does, and he feels they need help. <br /> <br /> <br />