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382 Regarding the easy rider grant, Ms. Hamilton asked how flexible it is and could it be used to sponsor student poetry contests that help market transit as is done in other communities. Ms. Mueller said the grant is very flexible. The public hearing was opened, but as there were no speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Lynch moved the appropriation and said he appreciates the preparation that went into the report. He said he is interested in the potential for automatic vehicle locators to work with the Intelligent Traffic System (signal synchronization). He said he does not think that is contemplated now, but he would like to get information about how it could integrate with the ITS process so staff can understand where buses are and if they are on schedule. He said he would like to see this made a priority. Mr. Caravati seconded the motion and the appropriation of $2,074,605.90 for transit grants was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. PUBLIC HEARING: PRIORITY AND GOAL SETTING FOR FY 07 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT Mr. Jim Tolbert, Director of Neighborhood Development Services said Council is required to hold a public hearing, talk about priorities and goal setting for FY 06-07, and determine broad program areas for funding. He said these recommendations will go to the Community Development Block Grant Task Force as well as potential applicants for funding. He said they will help guide the Task Force's process. He said last year's priorities were: workforce development, economic development, home ownership, homeowner rehabilitation, and rental rehabilitation, and 15% was designated for administration and planning and 15% for social programs. He said he is confident that we will be back on level funding levels. He said a key issue is if Council wants to get back on the cycle for target neighborhoods, and, if so, the next neighborhood would be Fifeville, but Council could also designate one of the others or could designated the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority as has been discussed previously. He said another issue is whether to commit funds for administrative costs for the Weed and Seed Program. He said Council needs to determine priorities; provide guidance on target neighborhood allocation; the level of funding for administration and planning and social programs, and whether to fund Weed and Seed. The public hearing was opened. Mr. Overton McGee, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, said he appreciates previous CDBG funding for affordable housing. He said homeownership is out of reach for many and he hopes Council will continue to provide these funds. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Lynch proposed keeping the previous priorities. Ms. Hamilton said she does not necessary think we should keep the same priorities. She said Council has talked about the importance of school achievement and asked if that could be included. She noted that homeownership and homeowner rehabilitation have been priorities for eight years, and the City has done tremendous work in making people aware of opportunities and changing the character of some neighborhoods. She said she would like to see more emphasis on affordable housing and rental rehabilitation, areas the market is not taking care of. Mr. Lynch agreed about adding an education component to the priorities, which is one of the reasons why he thinks workforce development should stay as a top priority. He said he thinks that is something we need to do more of, and should take the additional step to look at education and closing the achievement gap.