2005-06-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Lynch said he continues to have concern that we are setting an artificially low lease price. He said the price is a quarter of what businesses pay for the sides of the mall. He said he feels no less than $6 a foot would be appropriate. Ms. Hamilton said this is a hybrid type of business somewhere between permanent businesses and vendors. Ms. Lisa Kelley, Deputy City Attorney, said that vendors pay about $125 per year. Dr. Brown noted that this business will have no heat, lights or bathrooms, and said he thinks it will be an asset to the mall. The ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE LEASE OF APPROXIMATELY 300 SQUARE FEET OF REAL PROPERTY ON THE DOWNTOWN MALL IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO SECOND STREET, WEST, FOR USE AS A NEWSSTAND," which was offered at the May 16th meeting, was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Mr. Caravati, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Schilling. Noes: Mr. Lynch. PUBLIC Mr. Derek Vanderlinde, 713 Palatine Avenue, spoke against the Transit Center. He said he was sorry that Ms. Hamilton went with the status quo. He said he knew the project would be well over budget. He said he wants to hear about future overruns. He said downtown businesses should pay for crossing of the mall. COUNCIL REPORTS Mr. Lynch said he attended a Virginia Municipal League meeting and other localities expressed interest in having a gas tax to help deal with transportation issues. He said he is not sure what legislative action would be taken. Mr. O'Connell said there will be a meeting on June 30th to discuss local options for funding. OTHER BUSINESS Dr. Brown said he attended the press conference announcing the opening of the amphitheater on July 31 st, to be preceded by a free opening on July 27th. He said he thinks it will be a great thing for the City and he commended Coran Capshaw for making it happen. Mr. Lynch asked, referring to Mr. Vanderlinde's comments, if staff is confident that this is the last appropriation for the Transit Center. He asked if the contractor is bound to this cost and the time line. He said staff will do everything possible to stay on time. He said contingencies are built into the budget and he will get Council updates. Mr. O'Connell acknowledged the training being done with first line employees in the Treasurer's office. He said that new utility bills will go out as a result of the July 5th go-live date for CityLink, and employees are working long hours to do the project. Mr. O'Connell said he has just returned from a working trip to Bulgaria, and passed along a formal invitation to the Mayor to attend a major celebration in May. On motion by Mr. Caravati, seconded by Mr. Lynch, Council voted (Ayes: Dr. Brown, Mr. Caravati, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch. Noes: None. Absent for the vote: Mr. Schilling) to meet in closed session for discussion and consideration of appointments to City boards and commissions as authorized by Section 2.2-371 i(A)(1) of the Virginia