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11 On motion by Ms. Hamilton, seconded by Mr. Lynch, the ordinance restricting truck traffic on Franklin Street was deferred until early 2007, and the recommendation as outlined by Ms. Tucker were approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: None. RESOLUTION : ENDORSING THOMAS JEFFERSON PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM RESOLUTION : ENDORSING CITY’S LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM Mr. David Blount, Legislative Liaison with the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, said that legislators have requested an earlier timetable for the regional legislative program. He said there is more focus on high priority items in the program, including transportation, local and state revenues, Comprehensive Services Act, public education, and land use and growth management. He said there is also an area of continuing concerns. Ms. Lisa Kelley, Deputy City Attorney, listed the draft legislative action items: sponsorship of a bill authorizing cities to establish different tax rates for residential and commercial properties; sponsorship of legislation for governmental affordable housing initiatives; sponsorship of legislation requiring physical fitness facilities to provide on- site automated external defibrillators; sponsorship of legislation to prohibit operation of toy vehicles on public highway; and sponsorship of legislation that would allow the restoration of voting rights to a greater number of persons disqualified due to felony convictions. She said also included by reference is support for the legislative programs of Virginia First Cities, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, Commission on Children and Families, and Virginia Municipal League and for transportation funding. Mr. Norris said there are dramatically different approaches between the Planning District’s legislative program and the City’s, wide ranging versus specific bills. He asked how the TJPDC’s program translates into specific legislation. Mr. Blount said that localities, not the TJPDC tend to request that specific bills be introduced. Dr. Brown noted that Mr. Blount keeps track of legislation that touches on items in the City’s packet and notifies us. Ms. Hamilton asked why the wine distribution issue under economic development is not under the action plan, and Mr. Blount said it is not a broad issue. Ms. Hamilton said we might want to consider adding that to the City’s legislative program. Mr. Taliaferro said he supports and applauds the idea of requiring defibrillators, but also thinks we need to have them in City and school facilities. He said we should lead by example. Mr. Lynch agreed. Mr. Norris said it is unrealistic to think that all five of the City’s items will be given equal attention, and he suggested that we prioritize and decide which ones to run with. Mr. Lynch said he believes that the General Assembly puts more stock in comments made by interested citizens than Councilors when considering legislation. Referring to the TJPDC legislative program, Mr. Lynch said we have had the same transportation policy for five years and that has not worked out so well. He said there is movement and discussion in the General Assembly about kicking it back to localities. He said the question is should we change out tact, and said if the State is not going to provide the funds, they should give us the ability to do that.