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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Thursday, December 14, 2006 AT 5:00 p.m. IN THE Basement Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Work Session on Vision Themes: “Quality Housing Opportunities for All” and “Economic Sustainability” BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY Jeanne Cox BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM – December 14, 2006 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Dr. Brown, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. Councilors discussed the Vision Theme statements, and the proposed strategies, initiatives, goals and action plan/schedule for them. “Quality Housing Opportunities for All” Councilors indicated they were comfortable with the statement for housing. Mr. Lynch suggested adding strategies saying 1) something specific about the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority, such as maintaining the level of commitment for CRHA with Community Development Block Grant funds, and 2) supporting legislation initiatives for more equitable taxation of property. Dr. Brown said he would prefer to include a general statement that we want State allowed tools. Mr. Lynch suggested saying we should focus on the existing housing stock we have with CRHA, and Mr. Norris suggested saying we should focus on improving all existing housing, including CRHA and Section 8. Strategy I: Homeowner tax relief and rent relief programs with a dedicated source of revenue Mr. Norris said that the Housing Task Force is not recommending the second initiative, but rather is recommending that it be expanded so the lower income residents get the greater rebate ($500 for household incomes under $25,000). Mr. Taliaferro questioned whether we should raise the cap of $238,000 on the value of the eligible property. He said he also thinks we need to take a look at our commercial assessments as he thinks they are too low. He said he would like doing that better than doing differential taxes. Dr. Brown said he is more interested in more relief than raising the level. Dr. Brown suggested having staff explore more relief at the lower level and increasing the value and come back with budget recommendations. Mr. Lynch said he thinks of this as more of a low and middle income program, and he is not sure he agrees with the $25,000 cap on income. Mr. Norris said he is open to the idea of a deferral program, but said few cities are finding it successful. Ms. Hamilton said people are concerned about passing on debt to their heirs.