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5 Mr. Gecker said that the project is not feasible without tax credits, and he said that can be added to the agreement. Mr. Lynch said he would like assurances that the use will be in accordance with the Task Force’s recommendations. Mr. Gecker said that Council controls the use of the property through rezoning. He said the Partners are not able to tell what end uses will be, but he said they will be consistent with the Task Force’s guidelines. The public hearing was opened. th Ms. Lelia Edloe Brown, 316 8 Street, N.W. said she attended elementary school and high school at Jefferson. She said she was co-chair of the Jefferson School Task Force, and is a member of the Jefferson School Alumni Association. She said Jefferson School has been underutilized for four to five years, and asked that Council complete the conveyance to Jefferson Partners. Mr. Blair Hawkins, 614 Rockcreek Road, discussed the history of Jefferson School, at its current location and earlier schools at different sites. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Taliaferro said he would like to respond to Mr. Lynch’s comments. He said he understands the concern about giving up control. He said he is a member of Jefferson Partners and Council has to trust in the group. He said the members are committed to the project. He said this has been discussed for years and the Jefferson School Alumni would like to see it completed while they are still alive to see it. He said Jefferson School is part of the history and culture of Vinegar Hill, and it is time we move forward with it. Mr. Lynch said he appreciates Mr. Taliaferro’s response. He said he would like to see the project move forward. He said his concern is to have the right entity in place before transferring this valuable asset. He said there are great members, but there is the question of making sure the entity is a viable entity. He said he does not think we are ready yet. He said the bylaws and articles of incorporation are not in place yet, and we would be, in effect, giving the building to 12 individuals. He said he wants to see assurances that people will hold the building in public trust for perpetuity. He said it is a self appointing board and there will be turnover. He said Council has a moral and fiduciary responsibility. He said we need to make sure there is continuity. He said “just trust us” is not enough. Ms. Hamilton said it is built in to have those documents before closing on the property. She said the long term is a different issue. Mr. Lynch said the issue of successors is important. He said other than the integrity of the 12 individuals there is nothing to prevent them taking the building. He said he wants it in writing that it will remain a public asset or a quasi public asset. Ms. Hamilton noted that it took Council 12 months to appoint members to the Partners. She asked what is to say Council will ever convey the building. Mr. Norris concurred with Mr. Taliaferro’s comments. He said he has confidence in the process and the Partnership and thinks they will do the right thing. Dr. Brown agreed with Mr. Norris’ comments. On motion by Mr. Norris, seconded by Mr. Taliaferro, the ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN OPTION AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE AND JEFFERSON SCHOOL REHABILITATION ASSOCIATES, L.P. FOR THE JEFFERSON SCHOOL PROJECT PROPERTY” was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration.