2005-10-17 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

445 Mr. Lynch said he appreciates the work Virginia First Cities does, especially with education and the focus on the need for funding at risk kids and transportation. REPORT: THOMAS JEFFERSON PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM Mr. David Blount, Legislative Liaison with the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, reviewed the proposed legislative program which focuses on: transportation; local revenue authority; public education funding; Comprehensive Services Act funding; public safety; and land use and growth management. He said language has been added in the continuing concern section supporting affordable home ownership. He said TJPDC' s annual legislative lunch will be held on November 29th. Ms. Hamilton asked whether restoring voting rights to felons, especially non- violent felons, should be included in the packet. Mr. Lynch said he agrees, but suggested that it be done as part of the City's legislative program. Mr. Blount said that he can take this suggestion to the other localities to see if they will agree to include it in the packet. Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati about noise, Mr. Blount said the proposal was an outgrowth of legislation affecting Green County. Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati about legislation to benefit wounded war veterans on disability income, Mr. Blount said legislative staff had legal concerns. On motion by Mr. Lynch, seconded by Ms. Hamilton, the TJPDC Legislative Program was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Mr. Caravati, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch. Noes: Mr. Schilling. Dr. Brown asked if Council agreed to include Ms. Hamilton's suggestion about restoration of voting rights in the TJPDC packet, and the majority of Council said yes. REPORT: CITY'S LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM Ms. Lisa Kelley, Deputy City Attorney, said that given the uncertainty of who the City's legislators will be, it is suggested that the Legislative Program focus on a small number of issues. Mr. Caravati asked that we wait until November to vote on the City's legislative program. Ms. Kelley said that if Council wants to seek a Charter amendment the latest date to submit it is the first day of the General Assembly session, but it needs to be to legislative staff by mid December. She noted that Council needs to hold a public hearing on Charter amendments. Mr. Lynch said he agrees with Ms. Hamilton about including restoration of voting rights, and also would like to carry over some things from last year, including funding formulas for at-risk kids, and transportation, especially regarding funding and expanding the 50/50 match programs and giving us more flexibility. Dr. Brown stressed that it is recommended that we have a more focused list. The majority of Council agreed with moving forward with the affordable housing program authority Charter amendment. Ms. Hamilton said that the other Charter amendment, establishing election districts for school board elections, needs more thought.