2007-12-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL CHAMBER – December 3, 2007 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Dr. Brown, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Norris, Mr. Taliaferro. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Taliaferro said he will bring up the Emergency Medical Services Committee report during other business. Mr. Taliaferro announced the Toy Lift on Friday, and said Councilors are invited to participate. Mr. Norris said that there will be a Rivanna Solid Waste community meeting th regarding the Solid Waste Strategic Plan on December 4. Mr. Norris said he will bring up a proposed clean energy resolution during other business. PUBLIC Mr. Bob Stroh, 1412 Kenwood Lane, Co-chair of the Downtown Business Association, said that the DBA voted overwhelmingly in support of security cameras. He said he cannot imagine any item of more importance to the DBA membership, and asked for Council’s support. Mr. Henry Hackett, 1102 Pinehurst Court, owner of Henry’s Restaurant on the downtown mall, supported security cameras, and asked that Council give the Police Chief the equipment he needs to work with. He said we need to make senior citizens feel safe after dark. Mr. Charles Schoolcraft, 501 Orange Street, an employee of Henry’s, said that families want to feel safe on the downtown mall. He said cameras should help deter problems. Mr. Rod Gentry of Union Bank and Trust on the downtown mall, encouraged Council to support cameras on the downtown mall. He said they will be a valuable tool. He said cameras have been used in his bank for years. He said they help people feel safe. He noted that the Police Department cannot hire enough police now. Ms. Jennifer Ward, 1701 Bruce Avenue, urged Council to do whatever it can to stop the destruction of the Compton House as it is one of the gems and landmarks of the neighborhood. She said she thinks the building can be preserved and still develop on the property. She said local designation could be put on the property. Mr. David Repass, 227 E. Jefferson Street, said the primary duty of government is to provide for the security of its citizens. He listed crimes that have occurred in the downtown area in the past three months. He said cameras are an efficient way to cover this area. He said they might free up police officers, and noted that we cannot fill existing vacancies. He said the expense will be a one time cost of $300,000. He asked Council to take the advise of an experienced Police Chief and Commonwealth’s Attorney. Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, President of North Downtown Residents Association, said she was recently refused admission to a meeting regarding historic resources and the McIntire Park interchange. She said that recycling is sometimes picked up by Waste Management trucks with other trash. She said most downtown residents who have contacted her do not support cameras. She said if businesses support the cameras they should pay for them. She invited people to attend the public hearing on the mall crossing.